Results for "National+Gallery+|+9+>+228"

Hi there.

I’m planning to visit Bali at the end of September. I’d love to hear your tips on renting a scooter.

Is it possible to explore the island just using this mode of transport? Are gas stations easy to find? Do I need an international license? (It takes a long time to get one, and I don’t have it yet.) I’ll be staying in Ubud. Any rental places you’d recommend?

Thanks so much!!!

Hi everyone!

I’m heading to India and Nepal from September 6th to October 28th. I’ll arrive in Delhi and plan to stay there for 2 to 3 days to soak it all in before moving on. I’ve been traveling to India for 21 years and have visited 60% of the country. I’d love to share part of the journey with you—it’s way more fun with two or three people!

I’m considering entering Nepal overland (I’ve done it before, and it’s a great experience). Then, I’ll be trekking in Annapurna National Park for the third time! So, it’s open for pure bliss!

I’m not set on any particular destination in India—I’m open to all regions. I’ve got 7 weeks, so plenty of time! Looking forward to hearing from you if you’re up for an unforgettable adventure! We can already get in touch. See you soon!! Email: etre.yoga@gmail.com

Hi there, We were planning to spend a month in June exploring Croatia (Istria for 1 week, Plitvice Park, Zadar, Split, the islands, Dubrovnik…) and Montenegro, and we’ve already made good progress on our plans. But after reading the forum, we got a bit worried—there are so many negative reviews. Apparently, tourism has exploded, and Croatians are getting more and more fed up (which we totally get), becoming aggressive and disrespectful. The euro has sent prices skyrocketing, and scams of all kinds are popping up—even car vandalism is being mentioned!!

Here’s what we had in mind: Day 1: Our trip was supposed to start from Nice by car, with a stop in Verona to arrive in Croatia the next day. Days 2–6: First possible detour to visit Postojna Cave in Slovenia (or later from Rijeka... but I’ve heard border crossings can be super long!!!) and a 5-night stay in Rovinj (visiting Rovinj, Bale, Poreč, Grožnjan, and other small villages, Pula, maybe Cape Kamenjak, relaxing on beaches, possibly Cres Island). - Days 7–8: Head toward Rijeka and Plitvice Lakes National Park via the coastal road; 2 nights outside the park (given the prices!!!) and visit the park the next day. Do we need to book park entry way in advance for June? - Days 9–11 or 12: Leave for Zadar for 4 nights—one island (Dugi Otok, Pašman Island, Kornati Islands National Park, Silba, Molat, Olib, Premuda, Sakarun Bay, Veli Žal Beach, Iž Island, Ugljan Island), explore the city, and check out the surroundings. - Days 13–15: Head to Split, visit Šibenik, Split, and Trogir. - Days 16–17: Hvar Island. - Days 18–21 or 22: Head to Dubrovnik, explore the city, cross over to Korčula, Prapatno port at the start of the Pelješac Peninsula, via Ston, Mljet Island (Konavle and Cavtat port?).

- Then return to Split to catch the ferry to Ancona or head to Montenegro for 5–7 days.

If you’ve visited Croatia since 2023 (when it joined the Schengen Zone), we’d love to hear your thoughts on traveling there in June. Françoise

Hi there, I’m planning a trip to Rwanda with a focus on hiking and using local transport. Could anyone share or confirm the entrance fees for the national parks? - Volcanoes National Park: Is it possible to visit without the $1,500 gorilla trek? - Nyungwe Forest National Park - Akagera National Park: $100 per person per day + $40 for a car

Is there an entrance fee for the Congo Nile Trail? If anyone has great tips or recommendations for this trail and other hikes in the country, I’d love to hear them. Thanks so much!

If you dream of an extraordinary adventure, you’ve come to the right place! Argentina, this land at the end of the world, offers a unique change of scenery and the perfect opportunity to travel solo. With its spectacular landscapes, stretching from the ends of Tierra del Fuego to the high Andean plateaus, this vast country captivates both nature lovers and those passionate about authentic encounters. Here, the notions of borders and distance fade away: the glaciers of Patagonia, the Iguazu Falls in the heart of the tropical forest, wild steppes, and Andean villages nestled in colorful valleys. In Argentina, you quickly forget the passing of time, as the human experience and the beauty of the places leave their mark on every moment.



The perfect place to escape mass tourism

When traveling solo, there’s nothing like Argentina to get off the beaten path and avoid the crowds. Of course, some iconic spots like the Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate or Tierra del Fuego National Park in Ushuaia attract travelers from all over the world. However, the country’s vastness offers plenty of opportunities to find yourself almost alone in nature. A sunrise over the Andes, an afternoon riding with gauchos in the pampa, or a hike deep in Patagonia—these suspended moments happen far from the crowds.

A country ideal for connecting with local communities

One of Argentina’s strengths is the warmth of its people. Deeply attached to their traditions and genuinely curious about visitors, Argentinians have a knack for breaking down barriers, whether linguistic or cultural. You might find yourself chatting in Spanish over a mate (the local herbal tea), joining an impromptu barbecue, or even trying a few tango steps in a milonga. Simply showing interest in their culture and history is often enough to start a conversation. With Argentinians’ innate sense of hospitality, you never feel alone, even as a solo traveler.

Meeting local communities: a unique human adventure

Traveling solo in Argentina also means encountering its diverse communities. Staying with a local family or in an estancia (an Argentine ranch) lets you dive into the daily lives of families who often live self-sufficiently. In the Northwest, for example, you can share the life of an Andean community and learn to cook delicious local specialties. In Bariloche, some stays even include discovering a Mapuche community, offering a chance to better understand their relationship with the land and the importance of their ancestral traditions.



Diverse experiences for an unforgettable trip

Argentina is a true playground for outdoor enthusiasts: hikes in the steppes, sailing on the Beagle Channel in Tierra del Fuego, whale watching in Puerto Madryn (from June to December), or exploring the Iguazu jungle to encounter its wildlife and flora. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, Argentina still has surprises in store. In the Salta region, the Quebrada de Humahuaca reveals mountains with seven colors that tell the geological history of the Andes. It’s a feast for the eyes!

Why not join a small group with Tierra Latina?

Traveling alone doesn’t mean you can’t share parts of your journey with other enthusiasts. That’s what Tierra Latina offers: small-group tours (between 2 and 12 people), designed to balance the freedom of traveling in a small group with the camaraderie of exchanges between travelers. Each itinerary is crafted to alternate highlights (like visiting must-sees: Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Perito Moreno…) with more intimate moments, far from mass tourism.

The focus is on authentic encounters and respect for local communities—that’s Tierra Latina’s signature. For example, in northwestern Argentina, Tierra Latina offers the chance to spend time in an Andean community to learn about traditional dish preparation during a cooking workshop. It’s an opportunity to exchange recipes and knowledge passed down through generations. The goal: to go beyond simple sightseeing and experience true moments of sharing.

In a small group, you quickly feel like part of a family of travelers, all united by the beauty of the landscapes. You also benefit from French-speaking guides who share their tips and anecdotes while leaving plenty of free time to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, you’ll find the perfect balance between independence and the comfort of being surrounded.



Human connections at the heart of the journey

At Tierra Latina, the goal is to put people at the center of the experience. Accommodations are chosen for their authentic character, often tested and approved by the team itself. Whether you’re staying with an Andean family in a small village in the Quebrada de Humahuaca or in an estancia in the heart of the Patagonian steppe, you’ll take part in local life and contribute to the economy of these sometimes isolated regions.

This responsible approach to travel helps minimize environmental impact while maintaining a privileged connection with those who make Argentina so rich: its people. You’ll leave with intense memories, marked by moments of sharing that are hard to replicate elsewhere. So, ready to pack your bags? Follow the guide and fly off to this fascinating country—you’ll only want one thing: to come back!

Hi there, Big travel year in Asia for me. I’m heading to Southeast Asia for a month in mid-July. The dates aren’t flexible since I’m going primarily for a wedding (Laos). So, I’ll start my trip in Laos for 4 days, then head off... where?

I’ve already done a trip exclusively in Laos a few years ago. I also visited Vietnam for the second time last year, so I’d love to explore something new. I was thinking of Cambodia (but only for Angkor) and northern Thailand, which I haven’t seen yet (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Phrae, Phayao, Pa Hin Ngam National Park), and wrapping up with a few nights in Koh Samui. My question is about the weather. From what I’ve seen, Koh Samui seems to be spared during this period. But for Angkor and northern Thailand, I’m not so sure—it feels like a gamble. And I’m really not in the mood for rainy vacations, since I already get enough gray skies where I live 😅.

So, I had another idea: after Laos, I could head to Bali (or another Indonesian island) where it’s supposedly the right season. The flight ticket price is exactly the same, including a one-way to Bali and the return from Bali (with a layover in Bangkok). For those who’ve traveled in July, what do you think? Is there a big risk in trying northern Thailand and Angkor?

Thanks in advance!

Hi there,

My daughter, wife, and I are starting to plan a two-week trip to Japan for... April 2026. My wife wants us to really treat ourselves, so we’re considering business class (we usually fly premium economy or even economy). Since we’re departing from Paris and want a direct flight, we have three options: JAL, ANA, or Air France.

I’ve flown Air France in business quite a bit for work, and I do find it very comfortable. But I wonder if I’m just defaulting to a national bias—maybe the other two airlines have advantages I’m not considering.

If I’m looking at criteria like: - Comfort (especially for sleeping) - Meals - Entertainment

Any advice? Personal experiences? Have any of the three airlines updated their business class on this route recently?

Thanks! !

Hello,

I’m heading to Mongolia in August and September and I’m looking for a French-speaking guide who can accompany me to the Altai Mountains to stay with a nomadic or semi-nomadic family that would be willing to host me in exchange for work and money. Do you know anyone? Looking forward to your replies! Thanks, Emmanuelle

Ideas for things to see and do

I’m stuck in the airport on a layover, so here’s what I wish I’d known before I left! :)

When I arrived, I got scammed right away at the VODAFONE stand in the airport. They sold me a 20 GB SIM card for 10 €—cash only because their terminal wasn’t working—and it stopped working the next day… After that, I got an Orange SIM in town for 10 €, and it worked perfectly.

I’d booked my airport transfer online with B… for 7 €, but it’s even cheaper on the spot with Indrive—I paid 4 € for the return trip. Indrive helps you avoid getting ripped off, because scamming is basically the national sport here…

Naama Bay, along with Old Sharm, is the heart of the nightlife: a few bars with music and shisha, and tons of shops selling knockoffs. The beach is nice, but there aren’t any corals.

Watch out: the beaches are all paid, costing around 2 to 3 € each time, and you’ll be packed in like sardines on sun loungers that are all squished together! Only hotels have private beaches, often with a shuttle running once or twice a day. Good to know if you’re thinking of renting an apartment…

Another issue with apartments is the food—there’s not much variety in the small supermarkets.

There’s apparently a free beach in Hadaba, but I couldn’t find it. I did find Shark Bay, which is amazing… but it’s a bit far.

At first, I rented an apartment, but I ended up switching to all-inclusive stays at different hotels for the same price…

AVOID booking with STAYFORLONG!!! I booked an all-inclusive stay through them, and when I arrived, the hotel told me it was only half-board! I couldn’t get in touch with them at all… That site is a total scam.

In early February, it’s chilly at night but hot in the sun during the day. The pool water is pretty cold, but the sea is fine for swimming.

The corals are incredible! Take advantage of them!!!

That said, once you’re out of the water, there’s not much else to do…

Hi there, I’m heading to Los Angeles for 15 days in April with two 15-year-olds. We’ll spend one week in LA and then a week in Death Valley and Sequoia Park. Hotels and a car are already booked. I could use some advice on what clothes to pack and what activities to suggest. I’d love to show them the history of this state. Thanks!

Hi everyone,

The last time we saw the Dolomites—briefly—was back in 1982. Obviously, things have changed dramatically since then, as few Italian tourist spots are spared from crowds these days.

So, I have two questions:

1) When? Which period offers relatively good weather and moderate crowds? I was thinking October, but are the cable cars still running then? And what about accommodations?

2) Where? Which "must-see" spots should we skip? On the other hand, which places should we prioritize?

We’d like to do a few hikes—moderate in terms of time, distance, and elevation gain.

Thanks for your tips!

Hi there, I’m wondering about spending a week in Basilicata in southern Italy in mid-to-late March. Initially, I was talking about Puglia, but I realize that in my imagination it was actually Puglia—but no, it’s really the timeless charm of Basilicata that I want to discover.

We’d be leaving from Nice. Do any of you have any tips? People who’ve been there recently—how about transport? Accommodations? A possible itinerary? Maybe fly into Naples and rent a car? Thanks for your feedback!

Have a great day,

Barbara

Hi everyone,

We’re heading out as a family from July 2nd to 16th on a loop from Montreal to Montreal. We’re a couple with a little girl who’ll be turning 7 in July, plus my in-laws (one of whom uses a wheelchair).

Here’s our itinerary:

Wednesday, July 2: Arrival in Montreal in the early afternoon – picking up the car at the airport – exploring the city and overnight in Montreal Thursday, July 3: Montreal – overnight in Montreal Friday, July 4: Visit to Parc Omega – overnight in Saint-Jérôme Saturday, July 5: Heading to Trois-Rivières – visit to a sugar shack (Chez Dany? or another name?) – exploring the old town – overnight in Trois-Rivières Sunday, July 6: Shawinigan – Le Village du Bûcheron in Grandes-Piles? – black bear watching (probably not doable for wheelchair users, I think?!) – overnight in Trois-Rivières Monday, July 7: Heading to Chicoutimi – Saguenay – day at Lac Saint-Jean / Val-Jabert – overnight in Saguenay Tuesday, July 8: L’Anse-Saint-Jean – Saguenay Fjord National Park – overnight in Saguenay Wednesday, July 9: Tadoussac – exploring the area and the town – overnight in Tadoussac Thursday, July 10: Whale watching – Baie-Sainte-Catherine – overnight in Tadoussac Friday, July 11: La Malbaie – Baie-Saint-Paul – overnight on Île aux Coudres Saturday, July 12: Exploring the area? – overnight on Île aux Coudres Sunday, July 13: Montmorency Falls – overnight in Quebec City Monday, July 14: Quebec City – overnight in Quebec City Tuesday, July 15: Quebec City and return to Montreal – overnight in Beloeil Wednesday, July 16: Montreal – evening flight

We’ve booked our rooms to ensure a wheelchair-accessible room is available. When searching on Expedia or Booking, few hotels have rooms with a shower accessible for wheelchairs (so a real PMR room). However, these are cancelable, so if something really stands out, I’m all ears 😉.

We’ve booked our car through BSP Auto and we’re flying with Air Transat.

Thanks for any feedback and tips for the visits.

See you soon 🙂 Jennifer

Hi there,

We’re planning a family road trip (kids aged 10 and 15) over 23 days between San Francisco and Portland (Northern California and Oregon). It’ll be a loop. We want to take our time with hikes but also enjoy the cities to relax a bit (Portland / SF).

Here’s our itinerary—I’d love your thoughts on the places we’ve picked, suggestions for stops along the way, and whether this route is doable given the distances (especially Tahoe Lake to Crater Lake and Crater Lake to Portland):

Day 1: Arrive in San Francisco midday, head to Yosemite (3 nights). Day 1/2: Yosemite Valley / Glacier Point, etc. Day 3: Tioga Road with a stop at Mono Lake (1 night in Bridgeport). Day 4: Bodie in the morning, then drive to North Lake Tahoe (2 nights in North Lake Tahoe). Day 5: Lake Tahoe. Day 6: Long drive to Crater Lake via Burney Falls? (2 nights in Fort Klamath). Day 7: Crater Lake. Day 8: Drive to Portland via Bend (4 nights in Portland). Days 9–11: Portland + Columbia Gorge. Day 12: Portland to Newport via Highway 101: Cannon Beach/Tillamook (1 night in Newport). Day 13: Newport to Golden Beach via Florence/Oregon Dunes (1 night in Golden Beach). Day 14: Drive to Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park (3 nights near Crescent City). Days 15–16: Redwood National Park (Fern Canyon / Avenue of the Giants, etc.). Day 17: Drive along the coast via Eureka / Fort Bragg (1 night in Willits). Day 18: Drive to San Francisco via Napa Valley (5 nights in SF). Days 19–22: San Francisco. Day 23: Departure.

Everything’s booked but still flexible, so I can adjust if needed.

Thanks in advance!

So, on these rainy days, I’m finally getting around to writing a little travel journal about the Drakensberg.

The Dragon Mountains, known as uKhahlamba in Zulu and Maluti in Sotho or Tswana.

Roughly speaking, we can break it down into: * The far north in the Free State at Golden Gate NP (managed by Sanparks, while the rest is run by KZN Wildlife). * Royal Natal National Park with the Amphitheatre, Sentinel Peak, and its famous "hike" (which I won’t talk about since I’ve never been there—it’s still on my to-do list!). * Cathedral Peak and Didima * Monk's Cowl * Giant's Castle * Hihghmoor and Kamberg * Sani Pass (which I haven’t visited in ages and won’t cover here).

Highlands Mountain Retreat is the place to stay in Golden Gate if you can snag it. When the weather’s nice, the view is absolutely incredible—probably the most beautiful I’ve ever seen in South Africa!

Just a heads-up: it’s stunning but high up and cold, even *very* cold. The bungalows are cozy, and the little road leading there is charming. The park offers hikes ranging from easy to tough, but be warned—the maps are... not very clear or reliable, and we ended up on an endless, exhausting trek. There are plenty of animals (mostly antelopes, so not super diverse in terms of wildlife), hikes as mentioned... game drives on a paved road, and various walks. You feel remote but aren’t *that* far from civilization.

Hello, This isn’t our first trip to the USA, which explains why some "classic" spots are missing from this itinerary. Could you let me know if anything should be changed, and also share your best recommendations for where to stay and how many nights to spend in each place? We’re leaving in early September and will be there for 13 days, no kids. Thanks in advance for your feedback, tips, and great deals! Arrival in L.A. Joshua Tree Flagstaff Grand Canyon Bryce Canyon Zion Ntl. Park Las Vegas (stopover) Sequoia Ntl. Park San Simeon Santa Barbara (2 nights) L.A. airport

We're a family with two kids aged 15 and 12 planning to visit Malaysia and Borneo. We'd like to travel from 23/07/2025 to 20/08/2025, which is almost 4 full weeks on the ground. We've made good progress but would love some advice. We're planning a flight from Paris to Singapore.

Singapore – 2 days Malaysia: Malacca Kuala Lumpur Cameron Highlands Pulau Pangkor Taman Negara National Park Georgetown and Penang Island Perhentian Islands Other islands on the west coast Tioman

Borneo: Semporna Archipelago Turtle Island National Park Traditional village in Sarawak Gunung Mulu National Park Borneo jungles to see orangutans

Do you think this is doable or not?

Thanks in advance for your replies

Hello,

Happy 2025, filled with wonderful travels! 🙂

We’re traveling as a family to South Africa for the first time in July (two parents and our four young adult children). We’ve planned a loop starting from Port Elizabeth for 13 days, followed by another loop from Johannesburg with 2 days at Blyde River Canyon and 5 days in Kruger NP.

We’re wondering about the Port Elizabeth loop. Here’s our initial idea: Day 1: Early arrival in Port Elizabeth, morning walk in Tsitsikamma NP, night at Storm River Rest Camp. Day 2: Continue visiting Tsitsikamma NP early in the morning, then Robberg Nature Reserve, night at Ebb and Flow Rest Camp. Day 3: Visit the Wilderness area, night at Ebb and Flow Rest Camp. Day 4: Drive to Hermanus. Several options: Bontebok NP or The Hoop and Cape Agulhas; night in Hermanus. Day 5: Coastal trail, boat trip (?), night in Cape Town. Day 6: Table Mountain, Bo-Kaap, Waterfront; night in Cape Town. Day 7: Cape Peninsula, night in Cape Town. Day 8: Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden, Matjiesfontein; night in the area. Day 9: AM: Karoo NP; night in Beaufort West. Day 10: Karoo NP; night in Beaufort West. Day 11: AM: Camdeboo NP; night in Graaff-Reinet. Day 12: Morning: Camdeboo NP; drive to Addo Elephant NP; visit depending on arrival time; night at Addo Elephant Rest Camp. Day 13: Addo Elephant NP; night in Port Elizabeth. Day 14: Early flight.

Does this seem balanced and suitable for July? It’s quite packed, but we’ve already had to skip quite a bit. Initially, would it be better to spend 2 nights in Tsitsikamma and just one in Wilderness? Or just one night at each to free up a day for something else?

For the car, is a minivan enough, or should we plan at least an SUV for the parks given the season?

Thanks in advance for your feedback. Have a great evening

Croatia

October 2024

Hi everyone, I wanted to share our family week in Croatia. Alex and I, with Apolline (6), Olympe (4), and Artémis (18 months).

Itinerary

Planning the itinerary was complicated, but in the end, I wouldn’t change a thing. Since we had a round-trip flight from Dubrovnik, I preferred to prioritize proximity, so we skipped Plitvice, which I’d really love to visit—but that’ll be for next time. We had time to... take our time, and it was really nice.

Day 1: Marseille-Dubrovnik flight. Night in Ston.

Day 2: Visit to Ston and Mali Ston. Ferry to Mljet. Night in Pomena (3 nights total).

Days 3 & 4: Walks in Mljet National Park and swimming.

Day 5: Return ferry. Visit to the Trsteno Arboretum. Night in Dubrovnik (3 nights total).

Day 6: Visit to Dubrovnik’s city walls and Old Town.

Day 7: Lokrum.

Day 8: Morning in Dubrovnik, then Cavtat and overnight flight back to Marseille.

Our visits

Ston area:

Ston village, small but charming. We walked the walls from Ston to Mali Ston. It’s a steep climb, but the views over Ston and then Mali Ston are stunning. Easy return by road, and we visited the fort. Stroller impossible on the walls.

Pratpano Beach before taking the ferry. A beautiful beach and our first swim!

Mljet

Everything is beautiful on Mljet—the villages, landscapes, beaches... There are plenty of hiking and biking trails of varying difficulty. We saw lots of bike rental shops (Pomena, Polače, at the dock for St. Mary’s...), with some bikes equipped with child seats (though no baby trailers). In Pomena, there’s a small national park office that provides maps, sells entry tickets, and gives info on possible routes. The trails are well-marked. The boat to St. Mary’s Island is included in the park entry fee.

On the first day, from Pomena, we were 20 minutes’ walk from the small saltwater lake and the dock for St. Mary’s Monastery. We visited the little island, but the monastery interior was closed. We swam in Malo Jezero Lake (but there are plenty of spots to swim in both lakes).

The next day, we did a big loop starting from Pomena, walking through the forest (with beautiful sea views) to Janik (across from the monastery), then returning along the shore paths for a swim. An easy hike with little elevation—Olympe did it without any problems. The route is clearly marked on the bike trail map from the park office.

On our last day before the 3 PM ferry, we swam and had a picnic on one of Saplunara’s gorgeous sandy beaches—we had the whole place to ourselves!

Trsteno Arboretum (30 minutes from Dubrovnik). A stunning botanical garden overlooking the sea, which we visited in the late afternoon. Stroller accessible.

Dubrovnik:

City walls. Very expensive, but worth it! Lets you see the whole Old Town and the port from above. Stroller impossible.

Old Town: lots of beautiful, narrow alleys where laundry dries between buildings. Stroller possible but not practical. We visited the two monasteries and the cathedral inside but skipped the Rector’s Palace and St. Lawrence Fort.

Lokrum: deserves a full day. A beautiful walk circles the island, alternating between coves, historic buildings, and botanical gardens. We were short on time before the last boat left, but there are plenty of great spots to swim. You can’t do the full loop with a stroller, but I think the main sights near the dock are accessible.

Cavtat: a great surprise—I’d recommend it if, like us, you have a late flight. Just 15 minutes from the airport, it’s a charming seaside village with a lovely waterfront promenade (stroller-friendly), several swimming coves, and a cute center with things to see if you have extra time (museum, mausoleum, church...), plus restaurants, gelato shops, and boutiques...

Even though the girls walked a lot and enjoyed the walks, they *loved* swimming almost every day.

Transportation

Flight with Volotea. 1-hour delay on the way back.

Rental car with Goldcar. Office 100m outside the airport (it’s small, so about a 10-minute walk from arrivals). We were first in line, and luckily so—the employee was alone, and the queue behind us got really long, so budget extra time.

Don’t plan on driving in central Dubrovnik—the parking is outrageously expensive (over 5 €/hour near the walls), so book accommodation with parking and be ready for some walking.

Ferry: punctual. This time of year, we didn’t need to be at the dock more than 30 minutes before departure. Booked online.

Accommodation

I won’t talk about our place in Ston—it wasn’t very comfortable—or the one in Pomena, where we were really poorly received. But both locations were great for sightseeing. In Dubrovnik, we spent 3 nights at Natasa’s Airbnb (Apt Kalea), which was well-equipped, comfortable, and well-located—20 minutes’ walk from the center, with parking, a garden, and... a washing machine. All right across from a supermarket and a great bakery. For those with bigger budgets, the Art Deco Hilton in the center had me dreaming for 3 days!

Food

We didn’t eat out much because of the prices, but when we did, the food was great. The cuisine blends Italian and Slavic influences, so expect amazing seafood dishes, cuttlefish ink risotto, and big mixed grilled meats, not to mention pepper sauce. Despite the price, I’d recommend the restaurant in Mali Ston, *Kapetanova Kuća*. The food was great, and the service was friendly. If you have a late flight like we did, don’t hesitate to eat at the bistro almost across from the airport, *Pod Dubom*—good, affordable menu and a smiling waiter!

A great local picnic specialty: *burek*, a delicious savory pie (meat or cheese) you’ll find in bakeries or supermarkets. Also, good dry sheep’s cheese.

For picnics in Dubrovnik, I’d recommend the pine grove at St. Lawrence Fort or the benches above the port (at the end of Dominika Street). Both have amazing views.

Weather

We had beautiful weather—perfect for swimming *and* hiking. A light sweater for mornings and late afternoons, T-shirt and swimsuit during the day. In this part of Croatia, I’d say it’s comparable to southeastern France, so ideal for a fall break.

Gear

We like taking our stroller (Yoyo) for airport trips, but it wasn’t much use otherwise. If you have to choose, a baby carrier is better—between the cobblestones and hiking trails, it’s often the only way to carry a little one. We have the Deuter Pro hiking carrier, and Artémis loves it. We had high chairs in the few restaurants we went to, but not in our accommodations, so I brought a foldable fabric seat that fits on any chair. We had a crib in Ston and Pomena but not in Dubrovnik—Artémis slept on the floor on a folded duvet.

I invested in a Minimax *cabin-sized* suitcase for Apolline for this trip—she was so proud to have her first rolling suitcase! It turned out to be practical and seems sturdy. It let us take just one checked bag for all five of us for the first time.

Good and bad impressions

The swims in Mljet’s stunning, nearly empty nature.

Unfortunately, we felt unwelcome. The guidebook mentioned that Croatians can be standoffish at first, but we never got past that first impression. The constant feeling of being in the way—even though we weren’t there in peak season—was a bit unsettling. On the way back, I found out everyone I talked to (with or without kids) felt the same. Of course, it’s not universal—some people were polite, even warm (yes, really!).

No major issues, but a few things to note:

The car rental company only accepted debit cards, not credit cards. It was clearly stated in the contract, but I didn’t take it seriously. Luckily, Alexandre had a professional debit card, but *double-check yours before you go*.

For the car, despite the super-low rental price, you’ll have to add fees if you plan to take a ferry (50 to 80 € depending on the agency).

On Mljet, the only supermarket in Pomena was closed. We had to drive 10 minutes to Polače for basics. For diapers, we had to go even farther. I only saw formula for newborns in small supermarkets—maybe you can find more in Dubrovnik or at a pharmacy. I ended up using regular milk for Artémis.

Health

No issues, and no one got sick. We swam in very accessible spots given the girls’ ages, but if you’re eyeing a gorgeous little cove, watch out for sea urchins—we saw a lot!

Portable DVD players for the plane and car, but we barely used them. The girls watched cartoons in English on TV.

Kidizoom cameras.

A few toys for Artémis.

Budget

We found Croatia expensive, and I imagine it’s even worse in summer. For restaurants, sightseeing, and groceries, expect to pay the same as—or more than—in France. On the other hand, flights were low-cost, and accommodations were reasonable. The rental car was almost a steal, even with the extra ferry fees.

Round-trip flight from Marseille: 583 €

Car for 8 days: 56 € (+50 € for ferry fees)

Accommodations (7 nights): 509 €

Sightseeing:

Mljet National Park entry: 15 €/adult for 2 days (boat to St. Mary’s included)

Arboretum: 10 €/adult

Dubrovnik walls: 35 €/adult

Ferry Pratpano-Mljet: 60 € round-trip

Hi, I’m traveling with a small group for a volunteer mission near Ban Wa Tabaek station (Thep Sathit) next February. What would you recommend visiting from this station for a weekend (leaving Friday afternoon, returning Sunday evening)? The idea is to get away a bit by taking the train (natural park, cultural visit, or something else). Thanks so much in advance for your tips and valuable advice! Muryel

Hi everyone,

We’re heading to the Pacific Northwest (USA) and Western Canada this summer. We’ve made some progress planning, but we still have a few questions.

Our trip is mostly nature-focused—hiking, wildlife spotting (ideally bears, orcas/whales, otters, etc.), mountains, forests—and a few days in cities, though we’re not big on museums.

We’re looking at flying into Seattle (cheaper than Vancouver), then renting a car and staying in Airbnbs.

A few years ago, we traveled through eastern Canada/USA (Halifax/Montréal/Boston/Halifax) and ended up driving *way* too much and switching accommodations too often. This time, we’d like to settle in a bit more.

Here’s our current plan:

- 2 nights in Seattle to avoid hitting the road right after the flight. One day for a quick city visit, then we’ll leave early after the second night. -> Heading to Olympic National Park from the south.

- 4 nights near Olympic National Park, likely around Forks. -> Then to Port Angeles and a ferry to Vancouver Island via Victoria (maybe 1 night there).

- 7 nights in Port Alberni, which seems like a central base for exploring Vancouver Island (Tofino, Pacific Rim, Cathedral Grove, etc.). We really want to enjoy the area without constantly packing and unpacking.

The issue is, that brings us to 13–14 nights, and we’d like to spend 2 in Vancouver.

We’re wondering if we should head farther north on the island and add a few more days, or reduce our stay in Port Alberni to explore the north as well.

After that, we’d have about a week left. We’re considering a detour near the Canadian Rockies, then slowly making our way back to Seattle via North Cascades National Park.

Anyway, we’d love your input on all this!

Thanks for your suggestions,

Emilie and Thomas

Hello, We’re a couple in our 70s planning to visit Québec this summer. We only do short hikes of about 6 km round trip. What do you think of our itinerary? Thanks so much for your advice! Day 1: FRANCE/MONTREAL Days 2 & 3: MONTREAL Day 4: MONTREAL/BAIE ST PAUL – 2 nights Day 5: BAIE ST PAUL Day 6: BAIE ST PAUL/La Malbaie/Port-au-Persil/BAIE STE CATHERINE – 2 nights Day 7: BAIE STE CATHERINE/TADOUSSAC/BAIE STE CATHERINE Day 8: BAIE STE CATHERINE/SACRÉ-CŒUR/LES BERGERONNES – 2 nights Day 9: LES BERGERONNES/ferry LES ESCOUMINS/BIC NATIONAL PARK – 2 nights in Rimouski Day 10: BIC NATIONAL PARK Day 11: BIC NATIONAL PARK/CARLETON-SUR-MER – 1 night Day 12: CARLETON-SUR-MER/PERCÉ – 2 nights Day 13: PERCÉ Day 14: PERCÉ/GASPÉ/CAP DES ROSIERS – 1 night

Visit Forillon Park

Day 15: CAP DES ROSIERS/GASPÉSIE PARK – 2 nights in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts Day 16: GASPÉSIE PARK Day 17: GASPÉSIE PARK/KAMOURASKA – 1 night Day 17: KAMOURASKA/QUÉBEC CITY Days 18 & 19: QUÉBEC CITY Day 20: QUÉBEC CITY/AIRPORT MONTREAL for France

Hi, We’re considering a discovery trip to Brazil in summer 2025 for a maximum of 3 weeks, transport included. Since the must-see sites are very far apart, we’ve selected the ones that seemed the most spectacular and have little or no equivalent elsewhere in the world. Here’s what we’re thinking: Outbound: 1 day Paris → São Paulo Iguaçu: 2 days Transfer: 1 day via São Paulo or Rio and São Luís Lençóis National Park: 3 days Transfer: 1 day via São Luís Salvador de Bahia: 2 days Transfer: 1 day via Rio Rio: 4 days Return: 1 day What do you think? I was thinking of adding a stop that’s easily accessible without flying from one of the places above. Ilha Grande? Tinharé Island? Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance for your tips! Virginie

Hi there, we’re heading to Mauritius in December-January. The question is: what should we visit first?

Thanks for your tips!

JP

Hi everyone, My husband and I are planning to explore Ecuador in the coming year, and to make the most of the trip, we’d like to do it with a rental car. We already have a rough idea of the route we’d take, and I’m reaching out to the community to help us refine this journey. Here’s the plan: Day 1: Flight to Quito Days 2 and 3: Exploring Quito Days 4 and 5: Picking up the rental car and driving to Otavalo and Laguna Cuicocha Day 6: Drive to Papallacta via Cayambe to enjoy the hot springs in the evening Days 7 and 8: Drive to Lasso via Malachi – Excursions in Cotopaxi National Park. Laguna Limpiopungo Days 9 and 10: Laguna Quilotoa Day 11: Drive to Baños via Latacunga/Ambato to enjoy the hot springs in Baños Days 12 and 13: Hiking in the Chimborazo Reserve Day 14: Hiking in Sangay National Park Day 15: Drive to Guamote to arrive by late afternoon Day 16: Guamote market in the morning. Drive to Cañar in the afternoon Day 17: Guided tour of Ingapirca, then drive to Cuenca Day 18: Visit Cajas National Park early in the morning Day 19: Exploring Cuenca Day 20: Returning the rental car and flight to Quito or driving back to Quito (depending on cost) Day 21: Relaxing in Quito Day 22: Flight back to France

We won’t be doing any ascents—just hikes in the parks (we’re walkers, but we’re feeling our age and prefer to take it easy now!).

We’d love to hear your thoughts, critiques, or advice... Thanks in advance. Looking forward to reading your replies! martine

The reopening of the forum is great news—let's keep it going! I’m going to share a little story about this 12-day trip, which was my second-to-last journey and my most recent one in Africa for now.

I went to this country for one very specific reason: to see two endemic animal species. A little suspense… you’ll find out what they are soon if you don’t already know!

The country is poor, very poor even. And it hits you even harder when you arrive in the capital: a massive open-air construction site that gives an impression of prosperity. A lot of roads were built by the Chinese, but to be honest, they’re far from perfect… and I mean *far*!

When it comes to restaurants, it’s pretty much the same story. Most offer endless menus, but in reality, there aren’t many choices. Once, I was flat-out told: “No rice today!” Ordering a dish? It’s a real gamble! The food is *very* spicy—I’m warning you, it’s intense! There’s chili in almost everything, so it’s best to ask beforehand if you don’t want your mouth on fire. Actually, this was the first time I didn’t like the food in a country I visited. Had to happen eventually, right?

Their national dish? Injera. A large flatbread topped with sauces, vegetables, and meat. The taste is really unique—some love it, others… not so much.

Hi everyone, What great news to read that Voyage Forum is back up and running—I’m so happy! 🙂 I need some advice for a trip we’re planning in 2025: New Caledonia and Australia.

We’ll arrive in Australia on September 1, 2025, and the plan is to spend 2 nights in Melbourne to explore the city, then rent a car to drive from Melbourne to Sydney, where we’ll arrive on September 12. Unfortunately, we won’t have time for the Great Ocean Road

I’ve checked several blogs for this route and here’s the itinerary I’ve put together:

9/4: Melbourne to Philip Island (140 km) – 1 night 9/5: Philip Island to Wilsons Promontory National Park – 2 nights 9/7: Raymond Island (free ferry to cross a 200 m sea channel) – Lakes Entrance – 1 night 9/8: Drive to Narooma (stop at Quarry Beach) – 1 night at "Bodalla Park Forest Rest Area" 9/9: Batemans Bay – Pebbly Beach – Dolphin Point – Jervis Bay – 1 night (to be found) 9/10: Jervis Bay and surroundings – 1 night at Bendeela Picnic Area 9/11: Blue Mountains National Park (1 hour from Sydney) – 1 night (to be found) 9/12: Arrival in Sydney

I know we won’t be able to see everything, and this 9-day route is just a starting point. The goal is to avoid rushing—if we see a place we like, we’ll stop, even if it means seeing less. A vacation where we don’t watch the clock too much! 🙂 Does this route (a mix of several blogs where not all stops are noted) seem realistic or too ambitious? Are there certain spots that are more worth prioritizing over the ones I’ve listed? For example, in one of the blogs I read, travelers skipped Blue Mountains National Park because they chose another site (which I’ve forgotten 😎).

For accommodation, we’ll likely be camping (free or paid), so if you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them! 😎

Our arrival in Sydney on September 12 depends on my hope to participate in the marathon on September 15, 2025. After that, we’ll leave Sydney on September 17 for Ayers Rock.

Thanks in advance for your tips and ideas—it’s always tricky to plan a route from a distance when time is limited.

And long live this site, which I’ve missed so much since 2020! 😎🙂