Results for "Cape+May+|+3+>+99"

Bonjour,

Je m'appelle Sylvain et avec ma femme Virginie on fait notre voyage de noce en Nouvelle Zélande du 10 novembre au 05 décembre 2004. On est en train de mettre au point notre parcours et on galère !!!

On a déjà loué le camping car. Alors on aurait besoin de votre aide pour nous guider sur les trucs à faire, à ne pas faire, les incontournables, bref tout ce qui peut nous aider. On atterit à Auckland, on repart de Christchurch, on a envie d'aller faire un petit tour du côté de "Bay of Islands" puis après on ne sait pas trop même si les guides (Lonely Planet, Petit Futé) proposent des circuits assez proches.

Si vous pouviez aussi nous donner vos impressions ce serait génial !

Merci d'avance !!!!

Sylvain & Virginie

Bonjour!

Je suis actuellement en pleine préparation d'un voyage en Namibie avec un départ prévu dans un peu plus d'un mois (option sur un vol sec déjà faite) et j'aurais souhaité avoir certains conseils et avis.

Le choix de parcours s'orienterait vers :

1 - une semaine dédiée au Khaudom Game Reserve, en passant par le Parc du Plateau de Waterberg (1jour) - organisée depuis la France au départ de Windhoek en 4x4 via une agence locale

2 - une semaine dans le Parc du Namib-Naukluft (sesriem) + (Keetmanshop-Luderitz ou Walvis Bay-Cap Cross), avec location d'un Toyota Tazz

Nous passerions la plupart des nuits en camping (budget existant mais pas très extensible).

Que pensez-vous des choix dans ce périple compte-tenu de sa courte durée (15 j)?

Conseillez-vous des sites à ne pas manquer sur ce parcours, ou à privilégier dans la durée?

Auriez-vous des contacts intéressants en terme de rapport qualité/prix pour l'organisation de la découverte du Khaudom Game Reserve?

Est-ce facile de voyager en Namibie pour deux jeunes femmes dans ces conditions?

Merci pour vos réponses.

A bientôt,

Lesgirls 😉

Bonjour,

Je serais en Australie du 07 janvier au 04 février 2005, j'arrive à Sydney et je repars de Cairns.

Quel itinéraire me conseillez vous avec les étapes à ne pas manquer entre ces deux villes ?

Quel moyen de locomotion utilisé au moins cher et où loger ? Bus + hôtels ou camping-car avec l'avantage d'avoir l'hébergement ?

Merci de vos conseils, je suis preneur de toutes infos.

Allo tout le monde!

Jaimerais bien partir pour lafrique durant lete prochain! Javais regarde pour le Kenya et la Tanzanie mais bref je suis ouverte a toute suggestion... Alors si vous avez des coups de foudre et des conseils faites moi en part sil vous plait!! Jaime bien entrer en contact avec les locaux, jadore les trek en nature et les belles plages, la plongee sous-marine etc...alors jattends vos reponses!! Merci !!

Bonjour à tous,

Nous partons (4 pers) 28 jours en Namibie et Botswana avec un toyota Condor (2*4) et des tentes (pas de lodges).

Je souhaiterai avoir vos avis sur l'itinéraire suivant: le cap ->springbock (AFS) Springbock->fish river canion fish river canion ->sesriem sesriem sesriem sesriem->solitaire solitaire->swakopmund swakopmund swakopmund->Capecross->Khorixas Khorixas->sesfontein sesfontein sesfontein->opuwo opuwo opuwo->okakuejo (etosha) okakuejo->halali(etosha) halali->Mokuti(etosha) Mokuti->epopafalls popafalls->maun Okavango et/ou moremi Okavango et/ou moremi Okavango et/ou moremi mun->Ghanzi ghanzi->windhoek windhoek->Keetmanshoop Keetmanshoop->Capetown Capetown Capetown CapetownMerci pour toutes vos remarques.....

Bonjour,

Je souhaite partir en AS au mois d'octobre ( en individuel) mais je suis un peu affolée par la très mauvaise réputation du pays en matière de sécurité.

On me dit que Jo'burg est la ville la plus dangereuse au monde et que la criminalité dans le pays est 4 fois supèrieure à celle des USA...Qu'en est-il réellement? Est ce vraiment risquer sa vie que de vouloir découvrir ce pays???

Merci d'avance pour vos conseils et expèriences..🙂

PS : je connais bien sûr les règles élémentaires de prudence ( pas de bijoux, pas d'appareil etc...)

Nous préparons notre voyage en Namibie et nous avons quelques questions en ce qui concerne les trajets en voiture. Quelqu'un peut-il nous indiquer le temps nécessaire pour les différents parcours suivants (avec une voiture standard):

avec une voiture standard: Windhoek-Etosha ; Windhoek-Waterberg

avec un 4x4 : Etosha-Khaudom

merci par avance !

Bien que j'entends déjà les défenseur du voyage léger venir me dire qu'un bagage à main est suffisant, je prends le risque de demander, grosso modo, combien pèsent vos sac-à-dos lors du départ ?

Par ailleur, je me demandais, au québec, jusqu'à combien de poids peut-on inscrire pour notre bagage dans l'avion ???

Je pars dans quelques jours et mon sac, bagage à main (DayBag) compris pèse en tout 30 lbs (13, 5 Kilos). Évidemment, dans l'avion je n'aurai pas à inscrire tout ce poids, puisque le DayBag rempli (4 à 5 lbs) fera le voayge avec moi en avion.

Donc juste pour une idée comme ça à savoir si je suis dans le "champ" je voulais avoir le poids moyens en voyage que vous trimballer sur votre dos.

Merci bien !

Salut à tous,

Devant le départ imminent de AFBE75 et bientôt celui de SIMBA, je viens vous parler d'un problème qui a l'air assez préoccupant et qui risque de devenir une des plus importantes catastrophes écologiques que l'Afrique est connu, et nos deux voyageurs seront les plus à mêmes de nous tenir au courant des dernières nouvelles connaissant leur passion pour ce pays.

Des premiers cas de tuberculose bovine ont été décelés ches les buffles noirs en 1990, transmise par les bovins domestiques, et la maladie étant longue à incuber, sans aucun symptôme apparent, on se retrouve maintenant avec plus des deux tiers de la population de buffles contaminés dans un parc comme le Kruger, ou toute la partie Sud du parc a été complétement isolée, et ou la partie Nord est sous haute surveillance et l'abattage de bovins malades fréquent.

Malheureusement, la maladie s'est propagée au Kafue en Zambie, Masai Mara au Kenya et Queen Elisabeth en Ouganda, fort dommageable pour ce pays qui avant le régime sanglant de Amin dada comptait les plus grands troupeaux au monde et essayait depuis de les reconstituer.

Autre conséquence catastrophique, les prédateurs du buffle tels que les lions et léopards sont également atteints, ainsi que les guépards, babouins et grands koudous. Mais la situation est catastrophique pour le lion dont prés de 90% de la population est atteinte.

Aucun vaccin n'est actuellement opérable et on essaye de confiner les animaux malades dans certaines parties des parcs, derrière des clotures électrifiées, ainsi que de procéder à l'élimination des animaux atteints. On essaye aussi de reconstituer une population saine à partir de femelles gravides à qui on enlève les petits pour les mettre en quarantaine et reconstituer dans quelques années une population saine.

On ne parle pas beaucoup de ce problème dans les médias, car inutile de vous dire les conséquences que celà auraient sur le tourisme, mais sachant que AFBE75 et SIMBA se trouveront au Kruger dans les mois qui viennent, il est bon de se pencher sur ce désastre afin que ceux ci nous ramènent des nouvelles conformes avec la réalité actuelle.

Merci et continuer de découvrir l'Afrique Australe,

Je projette de me rendre aux Etats Unis au mois de juin.Je dois aller environ 6 jours dans l'état du Maine et environ 5 jours à New York; il me restera environ 5 jours de libre à passer aux Etats Unis : que me conseillez-vous de visiter qui serait compatible avec les reste de mon voyage ? . Merci pour vos suggestions

Nous envisageons de visiter ce pays en aout ou septembre de cette année. Que faut il savoir sur ce pays? protection sanitaire, sécurité, endroits à visiter.... Peut on partir sac a dos ? tous les conseils sont les bienvenus.

bonjour à tous et à toutes!

je suis nouvelles sur le site alors je suis un peu intimidée😕

Mon ami et moi souhaiterions faire un voyage en Afrique du Sud, si possible en individuel, car nous ne sommes pas de grands admirateurs des compositeurs de symphonies pour flashs et chewing gums malaxés.😉

en fait, nous avons déjà éloboré une petite ébauche du circuit que nous aimerions réalisé. certains le trouveront surement très classique, mais bon, en même temps, c'est là où il y a le plus de sites à voir!!!

nous pensons faire un séjour de 15 jours, mais nous ne savons pas encore précisément la date (nous pensions au mois de Novembre, mois si tristounet et déprimant en France🙁, qu'il vaut mieux être ailleurs!)

voici, le détail de notre éventuelles feuille de route : quelques jours au parc kruger et éventuellement gouter à l'aventure d'un safari!😎 découverte du Blyde Canyon (avec si possible une randonnée pedestre, j'adore la marche! mon ami, moins, mais ça c'est secondaire) et de Pilgrim's rest nous avons pensé à visiter les grottes de sudwala, mais on doute un peu, est-ce réellement interessant? on pense faire une petite escale aux Victoria falls!!! grandes rivales de Niagara (j'aimerais voir la différence, car je vous avoue que Niagara, c'est quand même très goudron autour)😕 après on comptait se diriger directement au Sud : parc Tsitsikamma, route jardin, Knysna, Oudtshoorn... et puis finir sur Cape town, dont une agence de voyage m'a dit que c'était l'une des plus belles villes du monde! (c'est vrai?) grande amatrice de bons vins, il me serait impossible de ne pas faire la route des vins, car il faut bien avouer que l'Afrique du Sud à de quoi faire peur aux viticulteurs français.Voilà, en gros les destinations sur lesquelles nous avons porté notre attention. 😇

juste une question : nous aimerions faire ce voyage par nos propres moyens sans participer à un voyage organisé, cependant nous avons pu lire ici où là (et notamment sur le site du ministère des affaires étrangères)qu'il était dangereux de circuler seuls ds le pays. Comment faire ?🤪

puceron

Nous comptons l'été prochain rejoindre le nord de la namibie (traversée du Botswana), le Kaokoland plus exactement. Cette région encore très sauvage n'est pas d'un accès très aisée et donc demande une grande autonomie. Ayant avec mon épouse une certaine expérience de l'Afrique, nous faisons ce voyage avec notre fille de 10 ans pour lui faire découvrir "autre chose". Cette région est exceptionnelle par sa faune, ses paysages mais surtout sa population locale, les Himbas. Ce périple va durer 3 semaines et le trajet va se découper en trois parties : 5 jours d'approche tranquille (traversé du Botswana), 10 jours dans le Kaokoland (essentiellement en bivouac), 5 jours de retour réadaptation vers johanesbourg @+

bonjour

nous partons en janvier pour un tour du monde commencant par l afrique australe: tanzanie, chute victoria, botswana, af du sud.

j aimerai savoir les choses a ne pas manquer en tanzanie et botswana et les conseils pour ne pas se ruiner car ce pays ont l air tres cher.

merci

Bonjour a tous!😉

Je souhaiterai partir en Australie de janvier a juillet 2004 mon projet n'es pas encore défini et je ne sais pas trop vers quelle ville m'orienter... on m'a dit qu'a Brisbane il pleuvait tt le temps... ??? vrai ou faux??? 🤪 Je cherche une ville dynamique et ou il est possible de trouver un job (meme si aparament c mission impossible la bas...) si vous avez des infos sur les coins sympa ou sur les possibilité d'emploi ou meme si vous voulez faire un bou de route avec moi... contactez moi!

Salut ! Je vais aller en Nouvelle Écosse la semaine prochaine, Y-a-t-il qqn qui peut m'aider avec les informations suivantes:

1) Quel est le plus court chemin de Montréal à Halifax. 2) Quel est le plus beau chemin?, vaut-il la peine de border la côte du N. Brunswick? 3) Qui connaît un camping au bord de la mer, de préférence coté sud est d'Halifax? 4) Qui connaît un camping près d'une plage? 5) Y-a-t-il des plages de sable (et avec des vagues, tanné des lacs) au sud d'Halifax?

Merci Eddie 😎

Hi everyone!

My trip to South Africa is getting closer (still 2 months to go 😏), and I’m diving back into my itinerary: from Saturday to the following Sunday around Cape Town, then from Sunday to the following Saturday in Kruger.

For Cape Town, the plan was to avoid changing accommodation every day (we’ll do enough of that in the second part) but still see different landscapes. I know, I’m missing out on a lot, but you’ve got to make choices, and after all this time, I know what I like—and especially what I don’t (or like less) 😉

Here’s the breakdown:

Arrival Saturday at 11 AM: heading to Hermanus (2 nights). The idea is to stroll along the cliff path in the afternoon, and possibly drive to the Klein River Lagoon. Sunday: Stony Point, then depending on time and weather, a hike in Kogelberg Nature Reserve or Fernkloof Nature Reserve (which seems less scenic but has shorter walks). Monday: drive to Franschhoek (1 night). If everything lines up, a hike in Jonkershoek NR and a visit to a wine estate. Tuesday: drive to Mountceder Lodge in the Cederberg (2 nights). I’m thinking of visiting the Stadsaal Caves and the elephant paintings, and maybe one of the hikes listed on the lodge’s site or Maltese Cross. Thursday: heading to Hout Bay for 3 nights. In no particular order: a classic day trip around the peninsula, half a day at Kirstenbosch Gardens, and half a day at Lion’s Head. Sunday: flight to Johannesburg.

My questions are mostly about (short) hikes: Has anyone here done hikes in Kogelberg, Fernkloof, or Jonkershoek? At Mountceder Lodge (Michel, if you’re reading this… 😉), has anyone tried the hikes (guided or not) offered by the lodge? There’s still half a day to fill when we’re in Hout Bay—any ideas (not necessarily hikes)?

Lastly, regarding safety: the French foreign ministry (always alarmist, but still) recommends hiking in groups. Is it really risky in broad daylight? (I’m not sure a group of two women counts as a "group"…)

Thanks in advance for your answers, ideas, and comments!

Off to Southern Africa again! This time, the trip wasn’t just about wildlife—it was also about the local cultures and the breathtaking landscapes Mother Nature has to offer. It was an emotional rollercoaster in every way, as you’ll see.

We visited two countries: Zambia, known for its reserves, and Malawi, which is less well-known but absolutely worth a visit. Our flight landed in Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital, where our vehicle was waiting—though with a 3-hour delay. It was a 4x4 without the rooftop tent this time, since we stayed in lodges (prices are very reasonable in Malawi). Just a heads-up: don’t exchange money at the airport or banks—the official rate was 1,750 Malawian kwacha to $1. On the black market, the rate was between 3,000 and 3,500 kwacha, making the cost of living much cheaper.

With that out of the way, our first stop was South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. The first hiccup came at the Malawi-Zambia border: we were missing a document the rental company had forgotten. After some back-and-forth, they sent it via WhatsApp ($20 to get it validated by the police). But things got worse—the car’s chassis number was off by one digit from the registered one. I thought our trip was over before it even started! After what felt like forever, we got through with a "tip" of $200. Total border crossing time: 3 hours, costing nearly $400. We arrived in South Luangwa after dark.

Thankfully, the next day made up for it with an incredible day in the park (check out the photos).

We spent two full days in South Luangwa before heading to Katete for the Kulamba ceremony. Kulamba is an annual event held at the end of August, celebrating the Chewa people, who live across Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. The Chewa king attends, and representatives from neighboring nations bring offerings. Thousands gather for dances, speeches, and a massive market. There are few tourists, making it a truly authentic experience.

After a few days in Zambia, we returned to Malawi (the border crossing this time was smooth—just 45 minutes). Next stop: Lake Malawi. Lake Malawi covers over 20% of the country and stretches 580 km. It’s home to a family of fish called cichlids, some of which are endemic to the lake. I recommend taking a day trip from Cape Maclear for snorkeling and to watch the fishing eagles swoop down to catch fish.

We hit the road again to visit Liwonde Reserve, where we had a few surprises. The lodge was on the other side of the river that borders the park, and the elephants didn’t seem to care. On the way from reception to our rooms, elephants blocked our path, and one even charged just before the stairs leading to our treehouse-style rooms.

To top it off, monkeys ransacked our rooms, tearing through plastic bags for food. A mixed experience, but no real harm done. Next up: the mountains, specifically the Mulanje Massif. This is where Malawi’s tea is grown, and it’s also a great spot for day hikes or multi-day treks. The scenery is stunning, though sometimes the mist rolls in and hides it. After the mountains, we visited another reserve: Majete. The park is growing and now has more wildlife. We saw lions and even caught a fleeting glimpse of a leopard. And of course, the elephants got involved again—this time giving us a real scare. During the morning game drive with a guide, we stopped to watch a herd of elephants feeding. Everything was fine until, for some reason, a female got spooked—probably for her calf—and positioned herself in front of us on the track. After a few minutes, we thought the elephants would move on, but then a young one started provoking us. The problem? We had females and calves in front of us, but also two large adult males—one behind us and one to the side. We were trapped, and even our guide looked nervous. After what felt like an eternity (though it was only a few minutes), the herd finally moved on, freeing the track. That afternoon, we did a self-drive safari and—you guessed it—we had zero interest in running into elephants again. The next day, we headed back to Lilongwe for our flight home. It was a fantastic, varied trip with some intense moments (sometimes *too* intense). Malawi offers amazing opportunities for those who want more than just wildlife reserves.

Hi everyone,

With my girlfriend Christelle, we’ve chosen South Africa for our first trip to Southern Africa, focusing on safaris—after a long debate with a Cape Town/Kruger combo. But that would’ve meant cutting out St Lucia, which would’ve been harder to fit into another trip. And St Lucia—thanks to Michel and all those travel journals—we really wanted to go there.

So our 11-night itinerary ended up like this, mostly shaped by school holidays: - 3 nights in St Lucia - 1 night in Hluhluwe - 1 night at Mkhaya Game Reserve (Eswatini) - 1 night at Hlane Royal National Park (Eswatini) - 3 nights in Kruger (Berg en Dal / Satara / Tamboti) - 1 night at Shindzela Tented Camp in the Timbavati private reserve - 1 final night in Kruger at Lower Sabie

All of this in the off-season and rainy season, just a month after catastrophic floods that killed over 150 people and seriously damaged Kruger’s infrastructure.

I’ll jump straight to St Lucia and skip the loooong journey to get there (with a layover in Frankfurt, landing in Johannesburg, a domestic flight to Durban, and the rest by rental SUV—First Car Rental, perfect, no complaints).

To motivate readers—especially some familiar faces here—I’ll drop in a first photo.

Here we go—finally, the big day has arrived! A trip the whole family (my two kids, my husband, and me) had been looking forward to for so long. To keep it short, we left from Nice, arrived in Namibia on June 25, 2025, and left again on the 21st—four weeks later. We used an agency for all the camping reservations, activities, and the car rental. At least that side of things was taken care of. Michaël was our contact throughout the planning and the trip itself.

We spent our first night at Londiningi BB. A bit out of the city center but very quiet. The rooms were spacious and clean, and we could eat on-site that evening. Perfect for recovering from the flight.

Discover everything you can do during a three-week road trip between Sydney and Cairns on Australia’s east coast. All the steps for a memorable journey.

3-week road trip between Sydney and Cairns: itinerary tips A three-week stay in Australia is the perfect amount of time to explore part of the country. Just a part, because the territory is so vast that you could spend months there without seeing it all. For a first trip to this Oceanic country, the route between Sydney and Cairns is a classic. It offers a glimpse of what makes so many travelers dream, with legendary beaches, vibrant cities, tropical forests, paradise islands, and the unmissable Great Barrier Reef. This route along the East Coast alternates between natural landscapes and urban atmosphere, scenic roads, and relaxing days. Here’s a realistic itinerary designed for three weeks, with balanced stops and time to enjoy without feeling rushed.

Days 1 to 3 – Sydney, first steps in Australia Even before setting foot on Australian soil, travelers must have a valid passport and a visa. Australia doesn’t mess around with entry formalities, so it’s best to take care of this in advance. To apply for a tourist visa, the site aus-visa.org guides travelers step by step. Once this formality is sorted, it’s time to focus on the most exciting part: the trip itself. Arriving in Sydney is often a memorable step. You discover one of Australia’s most iconic cities and immediately feel far from Europe. The first few days are for adjusting to the time difference while exploring the city’s landmarks. There’s the Opera House, of course, but also the Harbour Bridge, which dominates the bay and gives Sydney its instantly recognizable silhouette. During these three days in Sydney, you can head to Circular Quay to take a ferry to Manly, just for the pleasure of crossing the bay and admiring the city from the water. You can also walk along Bondi Beach or lay out your towel, depending on the time of year. The coastal walk between Bondi and Coogee offers a spectacular view of the Australian coast. Of course, you won’t want to miss strolling through The Rocks district to soak up the buzz of the capital of New South Wales.

Days 4 to 6 – From Sydney to Byron Bay, the road trip begins The road trip kicks off heading north. The Pacific Highway unfolds its kilometers between the ocean and eucalyptus forests. You quickly realize that driving in Australia is a unique experience. Sure, the distances are long, but the landscapes make every stretch enjoyable. A first stop in Port Macquarie or Coffs Harbour lets you rest while discovering wild beaches. Then comes Byron Bay, the beach town often described as Australia’s surfing and alternative lifestyle capital. After Sydney, the vibe slows down. You wake up early to watch the sunrise near the lighthouse, then spend your days swimming, trying surfing, and exploring the tropical hinterland. You can also hike in nearby national parks to discover hidden waterfalls in the heart of wild landscapes. You might plan to spend one night in Byron Bay before hitting the road again, but it’s so nice that you end up staying for three days.

Days 7 to 9 – Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, between modernity and nature Heading toward the Gold Coast, the contrast is striking again. Here, skyscrapers line the beach, and you stroll along wide avenues. The vibe is more urban. Surfers Paradise is another ideal stop for surfing. You can also enjoy a lively nightlife. Those who prefer tranquility can relax in Burleigh Heads, known for its beautiful beach and more local atmosphere. The hinterland also holds surprises. The lush forests of Springbrook National Park and its waterfalls remind you that Australia’s nature is everywhere, even near big cities. As you head up to the Sunshine Coast, we recommend stopping in Noosa to discover its elegant houses, peaceful beaches, and national park bordering the ocean. The coastal trails reveal exceptional marine landscapes. The locals’ hospitality is also remarkable.

Days 10 to 12 – Fraser Island, adventure on sand Get ready for a magical moment! From Hervey Bay, you board a ferry to Fraser Island—or K’gari—the world’s largest sand island. Once there, you drive a 4x4 on the beach and discover raw, almost surreal landscapes. Lake McKenzie, with its impressively clear water and dazzling white sand, remains one of the trip’s most memorable highlights. You swim, walk barefoot, observe dingoes from a distance, and feel a rare sense of isolation. It’s as if you’re far from civilization. After two intense days, you hit the road north again. The distances get longer, but the excitement grows as you approach the Whitsundays.

Days 13 to 15 – The Whitsundays, a giant postcard Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsundays, a group of islands 55 km off the coast of Queensland. The water turns turquoise, lush green islands emerge on the horizon, and the sand at Whitehaven Beach looks too white to be real. What to do in the archipelago? Well, snorkel for hours over the coral, swim in secluded coves, and spend peaceful evenings watching the sunset. For those who love discovering hidden spots, head to Cedar Creek Falls for a picnic and a refreshing swim. These days at sea often rank among travelers’ favorite moments. You’ll understand why once you’re there.

Days 16 to 18 – Mission Beach, the tropical break After the magical moments in the Whitsundays, Mission Beach offers a quieter pause. Here, you enjoy a long palm-fringed beach and an almost intimate atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot between Sydney and Cairns to take time to do nothing. That means walking along the water at sunrise, then exploring the surroundings between tropical forest and isolated backroads. Thrill-seekers, however, can skydive over the beach. It’s a uniquely Australian experience that offers plenty of wow moments. This stop marks the entry into North Queensland’s tropical region, where many more wonders await travelers.

Days 19 to 21 – Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef, and the ancient rainforest Cairns is a city in Australia that’s loved for its lively markets, cafés, and beautiful beaches. It’s also the gateway to one of the world’s natural jewels: the Great Barrier Reef. A boat excursion lets you dive or snorkel over colorful reefs. Seeing the coral and fish in this crystal-clear water leaves a lasting impression. But you’ll also discover another wonder with the poetic name of Daintree Rainforest. It’s one of the oldest tropical forests on the planet. Walking under its dense canopy lets you feel the power of nature preserved in its original state. At Cape Tribulation, the forest meets the ocean in a spectacular setting. This end of the trip is packed with emotion.

Traveling from Sydney to Cairns in three weeks means exploring a contrasting and exotic Australia. You start in a dynamic metropolis, cross endless beaches, sail between paradise islands, and finish in an ancient tropical forest. Often, as soon as you’re back, you’re already thinking about returning.

Hi there,

I'm urgently planning a trip to Tunisia in November, backpacker-style (no agency, no guide or taxi, public transport, youth hostels or small hotels, local restaurants). I'm not interested in the beach, and I like to take my time at archaeological sites and museums (twice as long as the average visitor). I'm aiming for about two weeks, give or take.

First, I'm trying to roughly outline a route/schedule so I can book my flight as soon as possible (no desert in the south this time—I went there years ago and want to stay independent). I’ve sketched out the following itinerary, knowing that apparently, there are quite a few towns without budget-friendly hotels (even on Airbnb), which means I’ll be staying longer where they’re available. Three questions: 1. Does this seem reasonable overall (time spent in each city)? 2. Should I add other cities, maybe in the northwest? 3. For hotels, in November, is it better to scout options on booking sites first, then book on the spot for cheaper rates (no site commission + possible negotiation)? Also, are hotels not listed online and found randomly on-site much cheaper?

ROUGH ITINERARY (order to be confirmed)

TUNIS 5 days (cheap accommodations: 13 or 19 €) 2 days: Medina, souks, Bardo Museum, Royal Mausoleum of Tourbet El Bey, Zitouna Mosque (exterior) 1 day: Sidi Bou Said 1 day: Carthage 1 day: A-R Dougga (bus to Tebersouk 2h + taxi) – pack a picnic + option: hike to Zaghouan (750m+, 10km round trip) – worth it? Doable alone?

KAIROUAN 2 days (very expensive room: 40-50 €!) Great Mosque, Medina, Three Doors Mosque, medieval cemetery, Sidi Sahbi Mosque...

SOUSSE 3 days (room 15 €) 2 days: Medina, archaeological museum, Port El Kantaoui, the Ribat (fortress), Contemporary Art Museum Dar Am Taïeb, Dar Essid (17th-century traditional house) 1 day: A-R El Jem (60km away) + option: 1 day A-R Monastir? Worth it? + option: 1 day A-R Mahdia (or 2 days sleeping there)?

OPTIONS -> Gabes to mix things up? But is it easy to find cheap lodging and get around/visit alone? -> Other sights or stops to sleep: Sfax, El Kef, others? -> Kerkenna Islands (easy accommodation?)

Thanks for your thoughts and opinions on these options. Once I’ve adjusted the duration, I’ll book my tickets for early November! (By the way, do you think I should arrive and depart from two different airports?)

Hi everyone, We’ve just returned from a 3-week trip to South Africa: 2 weeks in Kruger Park, Manyeleti, and White River 5 days in Vilankulo 1 day in Johannesburg If you have any questions or are planning your trip, don’t hesitate! 🙂

Hi there! Here’s a quick review of my cruise on the REGAL PRINCESS. This was my 35th cruise and my second on the REGAL PRINCESS, which I first discovered in 2017 during a Caribbean cruise. A few months ago, we received an email from PRINCESS changing the itinerary—DUBLIN and EDINBURGH were replaced by two Scottish islands. We were a little disappointed, but since we’d never sailed around the UK, we didn’t really know any of the ports anyway. The itinerary was: SOUTHAMPTON AT SEA KIRKWALL INVERGORDON AT SEA STORNOWAY GLASGOW BELFAST AT SEA CORK AT SEA PORTLAND LE HAVRE SOUTHAMPTON

A 13-day/12-night cruise for 1350 € per person in a guaranteed deluxe balcony cabin. PRINCESS assigned us a balcony cabin on deck 8 with a large balcony. We ended up happy with our cabin, even though we’d initially preferred a higher deck. I’ll admit I hesitated to choose this cruise because of the weather—I love sunshine and good weather—but the desire to discover new ports won out, especially with the promise of heading to Corsica afterward to soak up some sun again 😉

On PRINCESS, as Catherine mentioned, there’s no card—everyone has a medallion! I loved this system, which unlocks your cabin door as you approach. It’s really well thought out!

We took the EUROSTAR from Lille to London, then a train from London to Southampton the day before. We stayed in a nice IHG hotel near the port.

EMBARKATION It’s Friday, August 1st. After a good breakfast and a quick check-out, we realize our UBER app isn’t working in England ;(. We have to go back to reception to ask for a taxi because, even though the hotel is close to the port, the ship is still over 2 km away—hardly ideal with luggage! The problem is that many hotel guests also requested taxis... so we wait a good 30 minutes before ours arrives! We get to the REGAL PRINCESS pretty quickly but are shocked to see a huge line outside!!! We hadn’t seen that in over a decade! Not the best start! 🙁



TO BE CONTINUED!

From Southern Shikoku, between land and sea, to the blue waters of Miyakojima and finally Tokyo’s megacity

Hi everyone,

I have to admit, I really hesitated before deciding to write this travel journal... Writing one takes a lot of time and energy, and since this is my 4th trip, I wondered if it would actually interest anyone other than myself (both for the discovery and the writing). But after a few "Are you going to write a journal?" requests and especially the renewed pleasure from reading other travelers’ travel journals about Japan or elsewhere on this forum or elsewhere, I’ve decided to share this 4th installment in the Land of the Rising Sun here.

The itinerary: 27 full days, from late May to late June 2025, right in the middle of the rainy season, including:

-->13 days in Shikoku, from Kochi (Kochi Prefecture) to Matsuyama (Ehime Prefecture)



-->7 days in Miyakojima (Okinawa Prefecture)



-->7 days in Tokyo



The trip was decided on fairly last-minute this year, as usual.

I regularly check flight prices to track fluctuations for this destination, even without concrete plans. Finding a slightly cheaper direct flight (900 €) than what I’d seen in previous months (around 1,200–1,400 € on average) for a Paris-Tokyo route with Japanese airline ANA was too tempting to resist the urge to return to this enchanting country. After long hesitations between exploring the San’in region (Matsue, Tottori, Yamaguchi) and southern Shikoku, the decision was made—I took the plunge! The tickets are booked: Paris to Kochi with a layover in Tokyo, all with ANA, the airline I’d been dreaming of... for 1,120 € per person. Okay, it’s not cheap, but it’s still better than in 2023.

We leave in 2 weeks!! Now it’s just a matter of getting everything ready!

Intense work ahead in these 2 weeks to:

finalize a more precise itinerary and reach an agreement—yep, because even though we both love Japan, our preferences differ slightly, and we have to choose between exploring new places or taking time to revisit beloved spots... decide how much time to spend in each selected area without rushing while still exploring research places that might interest us and watch videos about Japan book accommodations: yes, it’s possible to do this on the spot as we go, but last year, we noticed that last-minute options were pretty expensive, so we’re booking ahead—even if it means keeping a few options open while we decide or see if better deals pop up later reserve rental cars order yen check the weather regularly and wonder if choosing the *tsuyu* (rainy season) was really a good idea—and whether we’ll be stuck in non-stop rain???

What a tough job, right? Traveling to Japan for a month—such a hard life! Despite this being my 4th trip, the excitement is just as intense as the first time.

The only small downside is that when we booked the flight tickets, there were only a few seats left, so we’re only sitting together on the international return flight. Plus, on the outbound flight, we’ve got the middle seats. Another lingering question: what French-language films will be available? According to the internet, the selection seems limited. Oh well, these are just minor details—it’s almost time to fly!

PS: I’ll be posting slowly and irregularly... so for those interested, be patient or maybe set an alert...

Hi there,

We’re back from our 3-week trip to South Africa in July. It was a family trip with our four grown-up kids (ages 18 to 25).

First off, I’d like to thank everyone on this forum for their great tips—they really helped us plan this trip!

The trip: We spent 15 days between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, then a week around Kruger (including Blyde River Canyon). We found South Africans to be welcoming and always ready to help. We never felt unsafe (just followed basic safety rules). The police are very visible, especially on the roads.

Logistics: We’d booked our accommodations in advance but made a few changes on the spot based on how we felt at the time. We rented two vehicles from Firefly (Hertz). No complaints—recent cars, quick returns, and the deposit wasn’t charged. We’d gotten our international driver’s permits... which stayed in France! Luckily, no one asked for them. Driving on the left wasn’t an issue (it wasn’t our first time). The roads we took were in good, even great, condition. Only a few tracks to lodges or parks were rough and required extra caution. Lots of pedestrians on the sides of roads, even highways. And plenty of very slow trucks. But they pull over to let you pass. It’s also common for cars to cross into the opposite lane to overtake, even with white lines. We took two domestic flights: one early in the morning (Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth) and one in the late afternoon (Cape Town to Johannesburg) to save time.

We had some highlights and a few disappointments—all part of the journey! More details coming soon.

February 9th is a pivotal day during my trip to Thailand. Up until this date, my focus had been on cities, temples, and other urban landmarks. Starting February 10th, I’ll finally leave the city behind for the outskirts—one town, one life, farther from tourism, more real, more authentic... Then comes the bucolic surroundings of Chiang Mai, nature, the countryside, the mountains.

This morning, I head to visit the ethnographic museum. I’d been told about another one, but it’s permanently closed. I wonder if it’s the same one that might have changed its name and location.

I thoroughly enjoy visiting this museum. At first, I’m a bit annoyed because the place is packed with noisy school groups blocking the display cases without even showing the slightest interest. But soon, their chaperones manage to lead them into another room, giving me some peace. They maintain this distance throughout the tour, allowing me to explore the museum in complete tranquility. I really appreciate their tact.

I’m amazed by the absolutely stunning fabric displays and the countless everyday objects, especially the very old pottery. There’s so much beautiful basketry and intricately carved wood. The statues are also incredible... After seeing all of them, I no longer feel like buying any from the shops.

On my way back, not far from my hotel, I discover a rather unique place that only serves one drink, which they’ve made their specialty: egg coffee! A pretty surprising novelty. I have to try it.



At the bottom of the cup, they pour a layer of milk, topped with a layer of liquid coffee, followed by a layer of egg yolk, and finally a top layer that turns out to be a mix of coffee and cocoa powder. It’s a cold drink that, in the end, doesn’t have much flavor, and the price is pretty steep for such a small cup. You’re paying for the exclusivity!

Later in the day, I venture once again into small alleys, something I love doing when exploring a new city—no specific goal, just wandering east of the city, outside the walls.



I encounter very few tourists there and discover unsuspected little shops overflowing with lovely items, much cheaper than what you find in the heart of the tourist district. Then I wander through the floors of Warorot Market. I discover another kind of temple there: the temple of good deals. I love finding clothes that are really original for locals, not the flood of shirts and pants that tourists love but no Thai would ever buy, which invade the shops in the "Historic Square." I stop in my tracks in front of a stall with beautiful shirts featuring stunning geometric patterns in elegant color combinations and very short sleeves. Hmm, these would be perfect for showing off my biceps, one of which is adorned with the magnificent Ganesh tattoo I got last year in Bali. "When you’ve got nice things, you’ve got to show them off!" he said. 😜🙏💪 I pick out two for 380 baht and negotiate them down to 300. But the seller won’t go any lower. I understand I’ve reached the limit of her commercial possibilities. Just as I’m leaving the shop, happy with my purchase, my ever-helpful inner voice, Petite Voix, suggests: - You didn’t try them on because you were too lazy to take off the one you’re wearing and also because of the sweat, but you could just put one on over the one you’re wearing. It’s light enough that it won’t bother you.

I go back to the two sellers, who burst out laughing when I ask to try them on. - Oh no, it’s way too small for you! It’s a women’s shirt! - But they don’t look particularly feminine in style! And I chose XXL... I put the shirt on, and of course, it won’t close. Then I notice the buttons are on the wrong side. That’s why the sleeves seemed so short!!! They put the shirts back on the rack and refund me without any fuss, commenting amid total hilarity: - Well, thank goodness you tried it on just as you were leaving the shop!

Since I don’t want to walk too much before tomorrow’s first Big Outing with the driver, I end my stroll with a visit to two very pretty temples recommended by Joël.



I’d rather not post more temple photos. But these ones smell like village and countryside...







I’ve never seen anything like Wat Ket Karam, so extravagant...





And I end my day with two other lesser-known temples: Wat Noung Kham, simple and finally free of gold and glitter,



and Wat Dap Phai, where an intimate ceremony is taking place at the end of the day.

Hi there,

I’ve blocked out 3 weeks at the end of March/beginning of April, arriving in Sydney and departing from Adelaide while following the coast.

Kangaroo Island is a bit of a question mark for me. If I go, I can dedicate 2.5 days to it. Is it worth the time and the cost? I’ve read plenty of travel journals highlighting the landscapes and wildlife, but I’m sure I’ll see plenty of that along my route anyway. I’m not factoring in the financial side (which isn’t negligible for KI), but I’d rather not be disappointed. What are the real added values of KI, especially since the island has been affected by fires? I’ve also come across people online calling it a tourist trap. For example, I ruled out Phillip Island because it felt too organized and structured. Sorry if I’m opening Pandora’s box here!

Thanks for your feedback.

Hi everyone, For those who’ve been following me... progress is being made! Anyway, just to recap for the others: I’m leaving Manyeleti (a private reserve) to do a self-drive safari in the main Kruger Park for 2 nights before heading to Blyde River Canyon (sharing all this so you can picture the route). So Satara seemed like a good base for the safari, except that you can only book accommodation in this non-private park through Sandparks to find a camp. Since Satara is fully booked, the only ones with availability for my dates are: Tamboti, Olifants, and Satara—wait, no, Satara’s full—so Letaba, sorry! Any thoughts on these camps? Because I can enter via Orpen and drive north (safari-style), which would let us explore, but: 1/ Too many km if we pick the farthest one, Letaba? If I leave Manyeleti (Honeyguide Mantobeni) after the morning safari, what time do I need to be at the camp by?

It’s all coming together—I just need to pick the camp based on distance, so thanks to all of you for your invaluable help! Dan