Results for "Sens+|+127+>+346"

Hello, In mid-November, we’ll be in Mindelo and Santo Antão. We’ve booked transportation with Kapverden Tours. One trip is from Porto Novo to Ponta do Sol, including the hike from Corda to Coculi. What’s the trail like? Then we’ll be staying in Ponta do Sol,

Here’s what we’re planning: A hike to Fontainhas—what’s the best direction, considering we’re not great with climbs? No problem with flat terrain or descents. Take an aluguer to Ribeira Grande and continue along the coastal road.

With the agency: An excursion to Cruzinha with a short walk. Return to Porto Novo via the path from Cova to… I’m not sure where yet, to pick up the car for Porto Novo, since we’ll be taking the ferry that evening. We’ll have a guide for this hike.

We’d love to spend a day in Tarrafal, but getting back requires a boat or taxi, and it’s really expensive!

We’re a couple, 78 and 76 years old. What do you think of this itinerary?

Je pensais que les gens qui visitaient moins de choses profitaient moins de leur voyage. J’avais tort. Avant, quand je partais quelques jours dans une ville, je voulais grave rentabiliser. Pas forcément financièrement. Plutôt dans le sens : j’ai fait le déplacement, je ne sais pas quand je reviendrai, donc autant en voir le maximum. J’enregistrais des restos, des points de vue, des petites rues, des musées. À chaque nouvelle vidéo, je rajoutais un endroit. À la fin, j’avais de quoi occuper deux semaines alors que je partais quatre jours mdrr Et honnêtement, je trouvais ça plutôt bien organisé. ( fin pas tant que ça enft ) C’est sur place que j’ai commencé à comprendre le problème. Je pouvais être dans un endroit magnifique et déjà regarder combien de temps il fallait pour rejoindre le suivant. On s’arrêtait boire quelque chose et je vérifiais l’heure. Si on restait plus longtemps quelque part, j’avais l’impression de prendre du retard. Ouais u retard.. Ce qui m’a surpris, c’est que les moments dont je me souviens le mieux étaient souvent ceux où on avait abandonné le programme. Un repas qui traîne. Une rue prise au hasard. Un banc avec une belle vue où on reste sans parler. Je sais que dit comme ça, ça fait un peu cliché. Mais sur le moment, j’avais vraiment besoin de le constater. J’ai essayé de changer un truc : garder quelques idées dans le même quartier, au lieu de traverser toute la ville pour relier des endroits vus sur mon téléphone. Pour préparer cette base, mon ami m'a montré une application qui s'appelle "Traverse" que je trouve m'a foie très pratique pour ce genre de soucis. Après ça. J’avais toujours un programme, je ne passais plus ma journée à essayer de le rattraper. ( ALLELUIA PUTAIN..) J’ai aussi dû accepter de rentrer sans avoir vu certains incontournables. Ça me travaillait un peu au début, surtout quand quelqu’un me disait : « Ah, t’es allé là-bas et t’as pas fait ça ? » Puis je me suis rendu compte que partager mon programme de trajet avec mes potes ou j'ai bien pris le temps d'apprécier le moment au lieu de mettre la tête n'importe ou c'étais pas si mal et que je reviendrai avec des destination différente la prochaine fois. Je pensais vraiment que les gens qui passaient tout un après-midi en terrasse dans une ville inconnue rataient quelque chose. Maintenant, je comprends beaucoup mieux. Et petite question qui m'intrigue vous arrivez à laisser tomber des endroits que vous aviez prévu de voir, sans avoir l’impression de gâcher une partie du voyage ?

Hello,

We’re planning a short trip at the end of July to explore the legendary mountains and valleys of the Bernese Oberland: round trip from Nancy (Swiss highway vignette planned), 2 nights in a room with a small kitchen in Adelboden, then 2 nights in a hotel at the Gletscherblick in Grindelwald, both with half-board included. Could you share some tips on the best road routes to take, as well as some walking hikes (we’re not as fit as we used to be, so nothing longer than 2-3 hours)? Maybe also 1 or 2 cable car rides—I was thinking of Oeschinensee Lake above Kandersteg and the First gondola above Grindelwald for better panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau... all while keeping it doable with our schedule. We’ve ruled out the "premium" trip up to the Jungfraujoch for this time. I’m also guessing that paying to access Wengen or Mürren only makes sense if we’re staying there for a few days, right? - Is the road through the narrow valley of the White Lütschine toward Lauterbrunnen and beyond still worth it in terms of views and scenery?

On the way back, if we have a little time to explore Bern’s historic old town, what’s the best parking plan for a 1- or 2-hour stop?

Thanks in advance for your advice, fellow travelers familiar with this beautiful region! 😉

Hi, I’m posting this message not for myself but for my daughter. She doesn’t really have the time to do it and, to be honest, she’s not too hopeful either. If a female traveler is interested, I’ll of course pass along my daughter’s contact details.

The Message: I’m looking for a female travel companion for a 10-day trip around Southeast Asia in October 2026. I’ve already been to Cambodia and Myanmar, as well as some Thai islands. My first idea was to visit northern Thailand (around Chiang Mai), but I’m open to any other plans in Asia. I’ve traveled a lot with my parents or friends, but this time, no one’s available. I feel comfortable traveling alone, but from experience, I love being able to share those discovery moments with someone else. I’m a dynamic and sporty young woman, and a firefighter by profession. Don’t hesitate to get in touch! Alison

Hi everyone! I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site. After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!! I think there are, but I’d need more details!! I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too? Thanks so much!!! Laurence from Bayonne

Call for Applications – Humanitarian Missions & Professional Internships with AHTE-TOGO Are you a student, recent graduate, or simply passionate about solidarity work? The Humanitarian Association Terre d'Espoir of Togo (AHTE-TOGO) invites you to experience an unforgettable human and professional adventure in the heart of Togo. What we offer: Supervised professional internships in education, health, environment, communication, and community development. Hands-on humanitarian missions serving vulnerable populations: socio-educational activities, awareness campaigns, reforestation, support for women, children, and families in need. An enriching immersion within a committed association, in a caring and supportive environment. Areas of intervention:

· Education, academic support & literacy · Community health & prevention · Environment & sustainable development · Child protection & women's empowerment · Community development & youth integration

Why join AHTE-TOGO?

· Develop practical and meaningful human skills · Receive an internship or mission certificate · Contribute to a meaningful project with real impact · Join a community working for a more solidarity-driven world

Hi there, I’m looking for info about driving a vehicle in Tunisia. Is it complicated? Do I need an international driver’s permit? Thanks for your help

Hey everyone,

I just got back from a trip to Bolivia and wow—what a wake-up call. It’s not the easiest country, but it’s absolutely stunning.

I started with Isla del Sol, perfect for easing into the altitude at a relaxed pace. Try to stay in the northern part of the island—it’s quieter and the views are insane. And the trout there? Unreal. Quick tip: bring cash in small bills; they almost never have change, and cards are rarely accepted.

Next up, La Paz. The city’s pretty wild, built in every direction. I did a few hikes in the area, including the famous Charquini Lagoon (the blue lake) at over 5,000 m—let’s just say I struggled 😅 but it was so beautiful it was totally worth it.

After that, I headed to Sajama. It’s cool, especially for the hot springs, and I stayed in Tomarapi. But honestly, if you’re short on time, you can skip it without too many regrets.

The highlight of the trip: the Salar. I did it starting from Tupiza, and I *highly* recommend going Tupiza → Uyuni. Way less crowded at the start and the landscapes are super varied. For the tour, I used SplitYourGuide to find a group, and it worked out great. Super handy for splitting costs and meeting people.

I wrapped up in Sucre—this city is gorgeous, all white, with such a chill vibe. And the salteñas + ice cream? Next level 😋

Bottom line: Bolivia’s a bit rough around the edges, sometimes exhausting (shoutout to the altitude), but it’s 1000% worth it.

If you’ve got questions or need tips, I’m happy to help! Martin

I left my heart’s country eight days ago and returned to my adopted one—or was it the other way around? Scotland-Morvan, Morvan-Scotland, I’m not quite sure anymore.

After a quarter without dragging my slippers around here, even though I’d loudly declared I had no interest left in this site, here I am again!

My imagination never stays fallow for long. Just enough time for my inner land to rest. It gets overgrown with fresh nettles, the kind you can pick without getting stung. Then, it’s time to till the fragrant earth and let the story grow.

I hesitated over where to set this story. Maybe the Highlands, maybe the Hebrides, maybe the Orkney Islands, maybe the Shetland Islands. All of Scotland is myth—easy to embroider. But in the end, no. I’d almost be too afraid to bare my soul.

The story will take place at home. Simple, practical.

1)

This morning, I was up well before dawn, feeling a bit grumpy, but nothing a bowl of coffee won’t fix. I love my bowl, and no one dares take it. It’s porcelain, edged with intertwined blue flowers. On the bottom, it says "Revol." The factory has existed long before the Revolution. It was my great-grandmother’s bowl. She drank roasted barley from it during the war, then her Leroux chicory.

Last year, a little guy dropped it. My bowl broke into three pieces. A black anger vibrated deep inside me. The little boy was so upset, on the verge of tears. How could I scold him!

I picked up the three pieces and took Little Boy in my arms. His hair smelled of the light, sweet sweat of toddlers. A gentle hug that healed—his budding sorrow and my anger—everything vanished, and time carried on.

Today, my bowl is even prettier. Man fixed it using the traditional kintsugi technique, except he didn’t use gold powder or lacquer but superglue, and he delicately painted the cracks with woad blue. And my bowl is even more beautiful now.

I’m lingering, I can tell—it’s just that a story wraps itself in life, and life can’t be told in the snap of a finger. Life is long. Like in architecture, you start with a rough sketch, called a "sous-cul" (the initial pencil drawing), then you make a tracing, which is the work itself, the one you later carefully roll up in a wooden tube. Life is like that: you erase, you start over, you use the nub of the pencil until it’s tiny, but you keep going—dreaming, loving.

"Living is a full-time occupation, a unique adventure. Always a surprise and a wonder, which sometimes turns into astonishment. And, from time to time, happiness."*

Alright, enough digressing—this introduction is definitely too long. Tomorrow, I’ll get to the heart of the matter. (I hate that expression; it feels like I’m cutting into someone’s skin.)

*Jean d’Ormesson

2)

Hi there! We bought our tickets to Greece at the end of November 2025, and let’s just say the geopolitical climate has really taken a turn since then with the war started by the United States against Iran. Not to mention all the other conflicts happening around the world 😕... Anyway! Our flight from Montreal is on May 1st, and I was wondering how things are currently being experienced in Greece. We were planning to rent a car and had already booked accommodations on three Cyclades islands!! The oil shortage is also worrying us... If you could share some insights on this, that would be great!

Thanks!!

Hi there,

We're leaving at the end of June and will be driving the route between Buffalo and Cody. We’ve already booked our accommodations and a rodeo in Cody, but during the day, we’ll be driving between the two and I’m unsure about the itinerary. Which route do you think is the most pleasant, interesting, or scenic between: - The northern route via Highway 14 with Sheridan, Lowell, etc. - The southern route with Highways 16/20/14, passing by Loaf Mountain Overlook, Powder River Pass, Ten Sleep Canyon...

We’ll be in a car, so we should be able to drive on any road. Thanks for your input!

Laura

Hello,

Exploring the American West with others is more fun, and since I’ve already had a great experience traveling with companions, I’m doing it again.

The initial plan is to arrive in San Francisco, then head to Yosemite >> Death Valley >> Las Vegas >> Zion >> Bryce Canyon >> Moab >> Mesa Verde >> Monument Valley >> Page >> Grand Canyon and finish in Los Angeles (of course, this can be done in reverse depending on international flights).

Renting a car, keeping it cool and in good spirits. For accommodations, we’re open to youth hostels, motels, hotels, etc. (no preference).

A 3-week (or 4-week) road trip, doable between June 23 and September 22.

But everything can change based on everyone’s ideas and desires—as long as flights aren’t booked yet...

Have a great day, and looking forward to chatting about this destination!

Hi everyone, I’m here to get some advice on visiting KRUGER Park. From what I’ve gathered through my reading, I understand there are two ways to visit the park: - Independently with your own vehicle => Do you drive all day? - By booking with a professional => Safari early in the morning and late in the afternoon. But what do you do in between?

When it comes to accommodations, the options are: - Booking in one of the park’s camps, where the lodging is basic but functional - Booking in a private reserve, which is more comfortable but prohibitively expensive - Booking outside the park, which means entering the park every morning. But if you want to stay for 3 days, that doesn’t seem practical to me. Do you have any advice for accommodations?

To be honest, I’m really struggling to understand how it all works... Thanks to everyone for your help. Bidule 27

Hey everyone!

I’m diving into planning a trip I’ve dreamed of for a long time: crossing Africa from North to South solo, with a departure planned for October 2025 for about 8-9 months. I’m leaving from Paris with a starting budget of around 7,000 €, aiming to supplement it with work along the way.

My planned route: Senegal → Gambia → Sierra Leone/Liberia (if logistics work out) → Côte d'Ivoire → Ghana → Togo → Benin → Cameroon → Gabon → Kenya (Masai Mara) → Uganda (Bwindi gorillas) → Rwanda → Tanzania (Kili + Serengeti + Zanzibar) → Mozambique → Malawi → Zambia (Victoria Falls) → Botswana → Namibia → South Africa (Cape Town). Madagascar as a bonus if timing/budget allows from Mozambique.

I’m not a backpacking newbie—I’ve done several trips in Europe and I’m familiar with the lifestyle, hostels, local transport, etc. But Africa is my first big adventure on this continent, and I’ve got some very concrete questions I’d love feedback on from people who’ve been there.

🎭 My big dilemma: flexibility vs. pre-organized work

What matters most to me is NOT rushing through. If I feel good somewhere, I’ll stay longer. If a region doesn’t click, I’ll cut it short. That seems totally incompatible with having pre-booked work or volunteer gigs, yet I need that income to stretch my budget.

I’m torn between two approaches:

Option A: The mixed rhythm: 3-4 weeks of volunteering in a country (free accommodation, full immersion), then 1-2 countries in classic backpacker "vacation" mode, then another mission somewhere, etc. This gives a breathing rhythm and avoids burnout from non-stop volunteering.

Option B: The continuous flow: finding gigs as I go, from the previous country, contacting hosts 2-3 weeks in advance with a flexible date range. Keeping maximum spontaneity but never arriving anywhere without a safety net.

Have you tried either? What actually works on the ground in Africa?

🌍 What I’m really looking for in this trip

Not just the classic tourist spots. I want to see the country as it is—eating at local joints, taking local transport (bush taxis, minibuses, sept-places), staying with locals when possible. The big reserves and safaris are part of the plan (Masai Mara, Serengeti, Okavango), but just as much as hanging out in a residential neighborhood in Dakar, understanding how people really live.

Volunteering or work interests me for that reason too (not just for free lodging, but because it’s the deepest way to dive into a country). Working at a school in Ghana, a lodge in Kenya, a permaculture farm in Mozambique—I see it as an immersion that classic tourism can’t offer.

🎒 My concrete questions

About Workaway and Worldpackers: I’ve read a lot but would love on-the-ground feedback, especially for West and East Africa. Are hosts really flexible with dates for long-term travelers? Do the advertised gigs match reality? Are there alternative platforms you’d recommend for Africa specifically (I’ve heard of Help Exchange, WWOOF Africa, local networks…)?

About "off-platform" jobs: Is it really doable to find informal work on the spot (bars, restaurants, lodges) without prior contacts? In which countries/cities is this most accessible for a French speaker without a local work permit?

About logistics between countries: For those who’ve done the West Coast (Senegal → Ghana → Benin), how did you cross borders? Direct buses or local shared taxis at each border? And for the jump from Central Africa → Kenya, is a flight mandatory, or are there feasible overland routes?

About Madagascar: I’m considering adding it from Mozambique (flight Maputo or Beira → Tana). Those who’ve done it backpacker-style on a tight budget—is 3-4 weeks doable, or is it too short to be worth it?

I’m open to all tips, experiences, warnings, and pleasant surprises. And if you’ve got trusted local contacts (Workaway hosts, associations, community lodges), I’m all ears!

I’ve got tons of questions and I’m eager for any advice or experiences you can share!!

Hello everyone,

It’s something we often notice in this forum—and many others—this behavioral shift.

A long-time member, or even a new one, asks a question. They get one or more answers, some brief, some detailed, and then... nothing???

Not even a simple thank you!!!

From what I’ve gathered, if the answers don’t align with what they wanted to hear, it seems natural for the asker to just disappear!! 😕 Unless—(and I fear this is the case)—basic politeness is no longer part of our society????

Please forgive my little rant.

Wishing everyone all the best. Cheers,

Puma2A



...

Hi there,

I’ve been wanting to do this for several years, and this year’s the one. Next September, I’ll be trekking in Tusheti (Georgia), from Omalo to Shatili. Of course, I won’t be renting a vehicle that’d just sit unused. No problem getting to Pshaveli, but from there to Omalo, it’s a dirt road (still the case?) There must be some form of public transport since there are so many guesthouses, and not all travelers come in a 4x4. If any of you have been to Omalo, could you confirm that these shared transports exist and how often they run?

Eight months after our vacation in Croatia, Europcar took 1,611.25 € from us... yes, you read that right—1,611.25 €!! At first, we thought it was a credit card scam, but after a little investigation and the documents sent by the rental company (which had the wrong email address), it turned out the city of Dubrovnik had hit us with this huge fine. Following the GPS on June 9, 2025, we were simply heading to our accommodation with parking on Zagrebačka Street. This one-way, busy street has been off-limits to vehicles without a pass issued by local authorities since June 2, 2025. There’s a checkpoint at the entrance with license plate scanning, but the signs announcing the zone are in Croatian! Our landlord didn’t warn us and hadn’t registered our plate with the authorities, as recommended on the city’s website. The result? A prohibitive fine for both the vehicle and the driver. On top of that, the rules say you only have 8 days to appeal... super convenient when you’re on a road trip abroad and no one flags the issue when you return the car a few days later. This is a real blow for us, but more importantly, it’s a massive tourist scam set up by the city of Dubrovnik. 🙁

Hi there, I know there are similar topics here and elsewhere, but they’re a few years old, and I need an up-to-date answer to make sure I don’t throw over 1000 € out the window. Thanks for your patience.

I’m planning a trip from France to Alberta/British Columbia, and I’m unsure about which bank card to use for the security deposit with the rental company (I’m thinking of going with AVIS).

I contacted Avis Canada, and they told me a credit card is absolutely required. I asked my bank for a credit card (a *real* credit card), but they only offered me a deferred debit card.

My question: For a rental with Avis Canada, is a Gold International Mastercard deferred debit card usable for the security deposit needed to finalize the rental? Is the "CREDIT" label enough? (Some cards say "CREDIT" and others say "CARTE DE CREDIT"—seems minor, but it’s actually a big deal in how the card works.)

I’ve seen conflicting info everywhere I look... My bank says it’s *usually* okay (the deferred debit card), while Avis Canada insists it *must* be a credit card, not debit—even when I mention the deferred debit card.

I know the whole credit card concept is already confusing, and on top of that, some sites say a deferred debit card counts as a credit card, while others say it doesn’t.

Thanks to anyone who can share a recent experience! Have a great day

Hi there, I’m facing a pretty big and important dilemma—I moved to Argentina (Buenos Aires) when I was 20, and now, at 30, I’m coming back to France. I’m looking for a city to live in and build a life for the next several years. I’m a single guy, so that’s the context.

The thing is, I have quite a few strict criteria... First and foremost, I *need* a city that’s bustling with people everywhere—I really don’t like quiet, small countryside towns. Nightlife is super important to me, especially on weekends. It’s crucial that there’s a wide range of options for going out in the evening (mostly bars—I’m not really into nightclubs, but I’d like to be one day if possible). The social aspect is the *most* important thing (honestly, the *only* thing that matters to me). I don’t care at all about living conditions, safety, cleanliness, or whether things work smoothly. But I *do* need a place where people are generally "chill"—not cold, rigid, or overly professional, with social norms that don’t make my head spin. I know I’ll never find the same Latin vibe here in France, haha, but I’m trying to survive anyway.

In France, I’ve always lived in Essonne (91), around Bures-sur-Yvette / Les Ulis / Gif / Orsay, etc. I *hate* it—way too quiet, empty streets, and zero activities that suit me. There’s not a single proper bar in any of the surrounding towns, just PMU tobacco shops, and nightlife is nonexistent.

I went to Hossegor once with friends—great vibe, nightlife, bars, beach, etc. But I’m guessing it’s *super* expensive to buy a place there, close to the action (and I’m not even sure if it’s a nice place to live overall).

When I came back to France, I spent 3 months in Paris because I thought it would obviously be the closest to what I was looking for. I still have horrible memories of it—it haunted me so much that I had to escape the capital in a hurry... And I was (I think?) in one of the best neighborhoods for my tastes: Belleville.

So here I am, going in circles because I don’t know enough about French cities. All my friends love quiet, small provincial towns or even living alone in the mountains.

A couple told me about Montreuil, but they were there a long time ago, so I don’t know what it’s like now. They said there was activity, that the city was pretty big, and that there was a good nightlife scene (bars, nightclubs, all kinds of outings), plus the metro (which would make it easy to get to Paris or for people to come to Montreuil from Paris).

So, for now, Montreuil is my only option, but I’m scared and would love other opinions (on Montreuil and other possibilities).

Sorry for the novel, but this is *really* important to me—my future depends on it, in a way ^^'

Thanks so much for reading and for any help you can give!

In 2026, traveling becomes a choice. While the same destinations are buckling under mass tourism, there are still preserved alternatives, often just a few hours away from the beaten path. This guide doesn’t ban any countries but suggests different practices and destinations that still breathe. Here are 8 experiences to reinvent for better travel this year.

1. Tanzania: Swap the jeep safari for a walking safari The classic: Setting off to see the "Big Five" and the vast savanna from a 4x4. Why rethink this: You don’t go to see wild animals just to end up in a traffic jam of Toyota Land Cruisers. The noise of engines and exhaust fumes stress the wildlife. Some observation points look like parking lots. The alternative: A walking safari in the Ngorongoro Highlands or the Serengeti, accompanied by Maasai guides. On foot, your senses sharpen: it’s an immersion that a car window blocks.

Practical tip: Opt for mobile bush camps rather than fixed lodges. Look into walking safaris that include bivouacs.

2. India: Skip Kerala’s houseboats for kayaking on secret lagoons The classic: Cruising the famous Backwaters in a houseboat. Why rethink this: Houseboats pollute and destroy the fragile ecosystem of the lagoons. Overcrowding in Alleppey drains the experience of its magic. Not to mention the noise of the engines. The alternative: Munroe Island or Valiyaparamba by canoe or kayak. These northern lagoons remain preserved. You can organize trips with local fishermen, spend a day with families from the area, and sleep in the heart of biodiversity instead of floating resorts.

Good to know: The famous Kettuvallams (houseboats) aren’t that old. Originally, they were rice transport barges. It was only in the 1990s that someone had the idea to add rooms. Authenticity is sometimes a marketing invention!

3. Portugal: Forget Lisbon and the Algarve for the Alentejo The classic: The charm of Lisbon’s azulejos and the golden beaches of the Algarve. Why rethink this: Lisbon is suffocating under Airbnbs, and the Algarve has become a forest of umbrellas and tourist complexes. The Portuguese soul is fading under mass tourism. The alternative: The Alentejo region, between Lisbon and the Algarve. Stay in a *Herdade* (traditional farm), taste amphora wine, and explore wild beaches where cliffs replace concrete. This is Portugal at a slower pace—the one with white villages and endless plains.

Good to know: The Alentejo is the world’s largest cork producer. Cork oaks are harvested only once every 9 years. It’s a region that sets its own rhythm, slow and respectful of nature.

4. Indonesia: Less Bali, more Sulawesi, Java, or Lombok The classic: Spirituality, rice terraces, and Bali’s beaches. Why rethink this: Between water shortages, "spiritual" traffic jams in Ubud, and beaches turned into clubs, Bali needs a break. The island is suffocating. The alternative: Sulawesi for the ancestral rites of the Toraja people, Java for the lunar volcanoes of the East and lost temples, or Lombok for a quieter version of Bali. You’ll rediscover Indonesia’s wild origins.

Good to know: Bali is the only predominantly Hindu island in the world’s largest Muslim country. Exploring Java or Sulawesi reveals a cultural diversity that Bali’s tourist bubble often overshadows.

5. South Korea: Shorten Seoul for Gyeongju and Suncheon Bay The classic: Futuristic modernity and K-Culture in Seoul. Why rethink this: Seoul is experiencing the "Kyoto effect." Historic neighborhoods like Bukchon are closing streets to protect residents’ privacy from the influx of tourists in rented hanboks. The alternative: Gyeongju and Suncheon Bay in the authentic south. Between Gyeongju’s millennia-old temples (the ancient capital) and Suncheon’s biosphere reserve, you’ll discover the real Korea—without the lines.

Good to know: Gyeongju is often called "the museum without walls." You’ll find tumuli (royal tombs shaped like grassy hills) right in the middle of the modern city. Ancient history coexists with the present.

6. Thailand: Escape Bangkok and the southern islands for Isan The classic: Bangkok, then off to Phuket, Phi Phi, or Koh Samui. Why rethink this: The southern islands are suffocating: marine pollution, crowded beaches, authenticity diluted in standardized resorts. The experience feels more like Ibiza than traditional Thailand. The alternative: The Northeast (Isan), the unknown region. Forgotten Khmer temples, authentic villages, colorful local markets, and preserved nature in parks like Phu Kradueng. Few Westerners, lots of authenticity.

Good to know: Isan makes up a third of Thailand but receives less than 5% of tourists. Yet it’s the birthplace of authentic Thai cuisine and preserved traditions. Prices are also two to three times lower.

7. Peru: Skip Machu Picchu for Kuelap and northern Peru The classic: Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Why rethink this: Strict quotas, mandatory bookings months in advance, sky-high prices, and timed tourist flows. The experience has become administrative before it’s spiritual. The alternative: Northern Peru with Kuelap, the "Machu Picchu of the north" without the crowds. The Gocta Canyon, the Chachapoyas region, and lesser-known but equally fascinating pre-Inca cultures. The modern cable car makes access easy without the hordes.

Good to know: Kuelap is larger and older than Machu Picchu but receives 100 times fewer visitors. Its cyclopean walls reach 20 meters high, and the fortress remains shrouded in mystery.

8. Iceland: Ditch the Golden Circle for the northern fjords The classic: The Iceland tour via the Ring Road and the famous Golden Circle. Why rethink this: The Ring Road has become a single-file line of rental vans. Iconic sites (Golden Circle, Solheimasandur plane wreck, Reynisfjara Beach) are saturated, turning the quest for Icelandic solitude into a crowded parking lot experience. The alternative: The Tröllaskagi Peninsula and the northern fjords. Forget the clock to rediscover the Iceland of the sagas. This is the kingdom of mountains plunging into the sea, secret hot springs accessible only on foot, and fjords where silence reigns.

Good to know: In Iceland, you don’t "own" nature—you borrow it. Over 50% of Icelanders still believe in the existence of *Huldufólk* (the hidden people), elves who live in the rocks. To catch a glimpse of them, they say, you must leave the noise of Route 1’s engines and learn to listen to the silence of the fjords.

Hi there,

Does anyone know when I should buy flight tickets to Laos in July and return in August to get the best price?

Can you exchange euros in Laos?

Is it easy to get around Laos using public transportation?

Do I need to book accommodation in advance?

Can you go hiking without a guide?

Thanks in advance for your tips to help me prepare for my trip! Nolwenn

Hi there, We’re spending a week in Andalusia in April, starting with 2 days in Seville, then Córdoba, Granada, and Ronda. We’re thinking of renting a car the morning we leave Seville and returning it at the airport on the last day.

Do you know which downtown rental spot is the easiest for quickly getting out of the city? Or maybe it’s simpler to rent at the airport and leave the car in a parking lot for the first 2 days? Thanks in advance for your help!

Amandine

Hello fellow travelers,

I’m considering a road trip (rental car) to explore the Canadian Rockies in September 2026, starting in Calgary and ending with about 10 days in Vancouver and the surrounding area. (Two weeks in the Rockies and a little under two weeks in Vancouver and nearby.)

I’d like to say that being a woman traveling alone doesn’t really bother me. That’s not the issue. Being a woman is just how it is, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon, but traveling solo is something I could fix by finding travel companions. However, I had a not-so-great experience in India with two girls who were total strangers at first and turned out to be quite annoying, so I’m a bit put off by the idea now.

My question is simple, assuming I do this trip alone: is it worth sticking *only* to driving? I have **zero** sense of direction—with a map, I’m hopeless. So, is it realistic to think, "With my GPS, I’ll just drive from Calgary to Vancouver and see what I see," since I don’t see myself hiking alone? I’m not easily scared, but I wouldn’t feel confident doing that solo. Unless all the sightseeing is done with a guide (but then, hello, the cost—my budget isn’t exactly overflowing).

What do you all think? Thanks for taking the time to read this. Take care and happy travels. Cheers, Régine

I have 5 months left to prepare for the most ambitious project of my life...

In 5 months, I’ll hit the road, heading to Nepal. Not by plane. Not by train. But by bike.

13,000 km, 18 countries crossed. Powered only by my legs, my will, and a dream.

This journey isn’t just a physical challenge. It’s:

🌍 A human and cultural adventure, meeting locals, landscapes, and traditions. 🌱 A meaningful project: discussing climate change and, above all, listening to those who experience it daily. 🔥 An inner quest, to push my limits and inspire others to step out of their comfort zones. A message of hope for self-discovery.

I have 20 weeks left to: ✅ Finalize my route ✅ Gather the budget and equipment ✅ Sort out the logistics ✅ And most importantly… find committed sponsors to bring this adventure to life.

Any help is welcome!

Hi there,

I’m planning a road trip for July 2026 in northern Florida. Could you let me know if my itinerary makes sense? Day 1: Orlando Day 2: Amelia Island Day 3: Amelia Island Day 4: Tallahassee Day 5: Panama City Beach Day 6: Panama City Beach (visit to Destin) Day 7: Crystal River (stop in Cedar Key on the way) Day 8: Crystal River Day 9: Anna Maria (stop in Clearwater) Day 10: Anna Maria (St. Pete) Day 11: Anna Maria Day 12: Orlando Day 13: Orlando Day 14: Orlando Day 15: Departure

Thanks in advance for your tips!

Hello,

I’m reaching out for your help because I’m struggling to figure out the best train and car route for a 25-night trip in Kyushu. Here are the cities I’d like to visit, along with my current itinerary, which doesn’t feel quite right. I’m also wondering where the best places to pick up and drop off the rental car would be. International flights from Osaka + the SL Hitoyoshi train ride are part of the plan.

Current (unsatisfactory) draft itinerary I’m trying to optimize: Day 1: Arrival in Osaka Day 2-3: 2 nights in Osaka Day 4: Osaka to Izumi (Kagoshima Prefecture) via overnight train to Izumi Day 5: Full day in Izumi, overnight in Izumi Day 6: Izumi to Hitoyoshi, stopping via Kumamoto (SL Hitoyoshi train) Day 7: Hitoyoshi Day 8: Ebino + overnight in Kobayashi or Takaharu Day 9: Cape Toi + overnight Day 10: Koshima + overnight near Obi or Miyazaki? Day 11: Nichinan Coast / Obi / Udo Jingu / Aoshima Day 12: Miyazaki Day 13: Aya + overnight in Miyazaki Day 14: Hyuga + overnight in Nobeoka Day 15: Around Nobeoka + overnight in Nobeoka Day 16: Shiiba + overnight in Shiiba Day 17: Shiiba + drive to Yamaga + overnight Day 18: Yamaga Day 19: Yamaga Day 20-22: Amakusa Day 23: Kumamoto Day 24: Kumamoto + overnight in Osaka Day 25: Departure for France

Does this seem balanced? Are there any ways to optimize travel times or the logical flow of the route? Where should I pick up and drop off the rental car?

Thanks in advance if anyone can help me think this through!