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Travel tips for Québec / Toronto.
Hi everyone,
We’re planning to head to Québec on June 11th (departing from CDG) and return around July 3rd, leaving from Toronto—so about 3 weeks there, traveling by rental car.
We’re thinking of stopping in Ottawa to visit a friend.
We’d love to see the "must-see" spots, but not *too* many, along with nature, parks, some short hikes, canoeing, a seaplane ride, and wrapping up with Niagara Falls.
Do you think we can fit all that into the time we have?
What are the spots you’d recommend not missing along our route?
Is a short trip to Gaspésie at the start of our trip worth considering?
Anyway, as you’ve probably guessed, we’re still in the early planning stages and aren’t quite sure how to organize everything 🤪
Thanks in advance for your thoughts and advice!
Tips for a 3-week road trip from New York to Québec
Hi everyone,
It’s been a long time since I last asked for your help! After an amazing road trip in the American West in 2011, thanks to all of you, and another one in 2019 from HOUSTON to L.A., this time I’m tackling the East Coast. But I’m stuck on the planning. I’ve booked a round-trip flight to NYC for 3 weeks in August. Now I’m trying to fill in the days. 5 nights already booked in NYC (Monday to Saturday). Then I absolutely want to head down to WASHINGTON for 2 or 3 days. I wanted to do a loop: NYC, Washington, Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, Boston, and back to NYC. I think that’s too many miles for the loop from Washington to Québec and back to NYC in 2 weeks? Especially since the first week is already planned: NYC to WASHINGTON! On the way back from Washington, I’d like to stop in Strasburg, Lancaster, and Gettysburg. Given that I don’t want to take any domestic flights, since my wife really can’t handle them! Originally, I wanted to fly from NYC to DENVER/SLC to do the Yellowstone loop. We’re getting older and don’t have the stamina for that anymore :( Driving down from NYC to Washington, there’s Philadelphia, but that scares me a bit. Back in 2019, before COVID, I thought we were going to get shot in downtown DALLAS! I can’t figure out how to plan 3 weeks around NYC! Considering we didn’t really like San Francisco in 2011 either. Though after 3 weeks in paradise among the canyons, arriving in that big city and going from 40°C to 16°C was a shock :) We prefer nature over big cities. Thanks for your feedback! Cheers
It’s been a long time since I last asked for your help! After an amazing road trip in the American West in 2011, thanks to all of you, and another one in 2019 from HOUSTON to L.A., this time I’m tackling the East Coast. But I’m stuck on the planning. I’ve booked a round-trip flight to NYC for 3 weeks in August. Now I’m trying to fill in the days. 5 nights already booked in NYC (Monday to Saturday). Then I absolutely want to head down to WASHINGTON for 2 or 3 days. I wanted to do a loop: NYC, Washington, Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, Boston, and back to NYC. I think that’s too many miles for the loop from Washington to Québec and back to NYC in 2 weeks? Especially since the first week is already planned: NYC to WASHINGTON! On the way back from Washington, I’d like to stop in Strasburg, Lancaster, and Gettysburg. Given that I don’t want to take any domestic flights, since my wife really can’t handle them! Originally, I wanted to fly from NYC to DENVER/SLC to do the Yellowstone loop. We’re getting older and don’t have the stamina for that anymore :( Driving down from NYC to Washington, there’s Philadelphia, but that scares me a bit. Back in 2019, before COVID, I thought we were going to get shot in downtown DALLAS! I can’t figure out how to plan 3 weeks around NYC! Considering we didn’t really like San Francisco in 2011 either. Though after 3 weeks in paradise among the canyons, arriving in that big city and going from 40°C to 16°C was a shock :) We prefer nature over big cities. Thanks for your feedback! Cheers
Some practical info on Dakar and Saint Louis.
January 2025
We had to negotiate hard to get an official yellow taxi at the airport to go to Yene, one of the villages closest to the airport.
Exchange rate at the airport was bad: 630 XOF for 1 €.
Taxi fare: 15,000 XOF = 24 €.
It’s still quite far from the airport. The driver won’t know the place, so it’s better to have the location saved on a GPS like Organic Maps or similar.
La Résidence Keur Fleurie in Yene Hotel fleurie residence Address: Route de Toubab Dialaw Phone: +221 78 484 95 95 19,000 CFA (about 30 €) for two people per night. Dinner was a single dish for 5,000 CFA (very expensive for just one plate). Breakfast: 2,500 CFA. The place is in a very small fishing village. No restaurants, no bars. If you go there, you’ll have to eat and have breakfast on-site. There’s nothing to do in the area in the evening. The room and bathroom are nice, the beds are comfortable—one large and one small. The Wi-Fi barely works. There are mosquitoes. You’ll need to ask for towels, top sheets, and blankets if needed. To get back to the city, take bus 228 to the train station. You’ll need to go to the paved road and wait. Bus fare: 500 XOF. You arrive at Bargny station, and surprisingly, there’s a high-standard train—cleaner and more efficient than the best TER trains. It’s almost unreal. The cheap train takes you into Dakar. Just choose the station closest to your destination.
Apartment Villa Lumière Tel +221 77 710 91 79 Address: Scat Urbam (Hlm Grand Yoff) Rue Gy 178 in Dakar If you see this apartment on booking.com, **do not go**—it’s a dump. Don’t trust the photos, unless you’re into "roots"-style places, then it’s up to you. For one night without booking: 12,000 CFA for two people. One large bed, no Wi-Fi. It feels like walking into a squat. Once inside the apartment, it’s better, but everything is run-down. The guy is very nice, but this apartment has no business being on an online booking site!
Gorée Island There are several departures per day. Crossing takes half an hour. Price: 5,000 CFA.
To Saint Louis From Liberté 6, Demdick buses leave twice a day. They’re comfortable but often full, so book in advance. Price: 5,000 CFA, and it takes 5 hours to get there. First night at Chez Marie, found on Airbnb. It’s not on the island—it’s in the Balacos neighborhood, Rue BL 16 or 14, near Rue Modu Sow Ousmane. The house is nice and quiet. The hosts take great care of you. The room is good, with Wi-Fi, and breakfast is included in the price. Price for two people: 20,000 CFA (30 €).
Another hotel on the island: Hôtel du Palais. Rue Ababacar (Tel: (221) 33 961 17 72 / 78 137 47 07). 25,000 CFA (39 €) for two people without breakfast. It’s the cheapest we could find. It’s old-fashioned. In the bathroom, there’s no water pressure in the shower, though it’s hot. You’ll have to ask multiple times—or even harass them—to get top sheets, blankets if needed, and towels. The mattresses aren’t comfortable—one large bed and one small. Wi-Fi in the room. Prices in Saint Louis are very high, and the quality of the hotels really doesn’t justify such steep rates.
Restaurants: (in my opinion) One of the best is Le Fleuve Plus. Rue Blaise Diagne. The best: La Linguère, on the same street.
Shared taxi (7-seater) to Rosso, Senegal, to cross the border into Mauritania (the border is the Senegal River). Go to the garage (bus/taxi station). From there, only shared 7-seater taxis make the trip, and they only leave when full. In front of each spot, a sign indicates the taxi’s destination. It costs 2,500 CFA—if you’re lucky. Otherwise, they’ll charge you an extra 500 CFA for luggage. If you can, choose the seat next to the driver (by far the best). Ironically, you have to wear a seatbelt even though the taxi is a rolling wreck! Otherwise, pick the seats behind the driver and prioritize the window side. The back seats are very uncomfortable.
By contacting hotels directly, you won’t pay the booking.com fee, which can add up to several euros.
La Résidence Keur Fleurie in Yene Hotel fleurie residence Address: Route de Toubab Dialaw Phone: +221 78 484 95 95 19,000 CFA (about 30 €) for two people per night. Dinner was a single dish for 5,000 CFA (very expensive for just one plate). Breakfast: 2,500 CFA. The place is in a very small fishing village. No restaurants, no bars. If you go there, you’ll have to eat and have breakfast on-site. There’s nothing to do in the area in the evening. The room and bathroom are nice, the beds are comfortable—one large and one small. The Wi-Fi barely works. There are mosquitoes. You’ll need to ask for towels, top sheets, and blankets if needed. To get back to the city, take bus 228 to the train station. You’ll need to go to the paved road and wait. Bus fare: 500 XOF. You arrive at Bargny station, and surprisingly, there’s a high-standard train—cleaner and more efficient than the best TER trains. It’s almost unreal. The cheap train takes you into Dakar. Just choose the station closest to your destination.
Apartment Villa Lumière Tel +221 77 710 91 79 Address: Scat Urbam (Hlm Grand Yoff) Rue Gy 178 in Dakar If you see this apartment on booking.com, **do not go**—it’s a dump. Don’t trust the photos, unless you’re into "roots"-style places, then it’s up to you. For one night without booking: 12,000 CFA for two people. One large bed, no Wi-Fi. It feels like walking into a squat. Once inside the apartment, it’s better, but everything is run-down. The guy is very nice, but this apartment has no business being on an online booking site!
Gorée Island There are several departures per day. Crossing takes half an hour. Price: 5,000 CFA.
To Saint Louis From Liberté 6, Demdick buses leave twice a day. They’re comfortable but often full, so book in advance. Price: 5,000 CFA, and it takes 5 hours to get there. First night at Chez Marie, found on Airbnb. It’s not on the island—it’s in the Balacos neighborhood, Rue BL 16 or 14, near Rue Modu Sow Ousmane. The house is nice and quiet. The hosts take great care of you. The room is good, with Wi-Fi, and breakfast is included in the price. Price for two people: 20,000 CFA (30 €).
Another hotel on the island: Hôtel du Palais. Rue Ababacar (Tel: (221) 33 961 17 72 / 78 137 47 07). 25,000 CFA (39 €) for two people without breakfast. It’s the cheapest we could find. It’s old-fashioned. In the bathroom, there’s no water pressure in the shower, though it’s hot. You’ll have to ask multiple times—or even harass them—to get top sheets, blankets if needed, and towels. The mattresses aren’t comfortable—one large bed and one small. Wi-Fi in the room. Prices in Saint Louis are very high, and the quality of the hotels really doesn’t justify such steep rates.
Restaurants: (in my opinion) One of the best is Le Fleuve Plus. Rue Blaise Diagne. The best: La Linguère, on the same street.
Shared taxi (7-seater) to Rosso, Senegal, to cross the border into Mauritania (the border is the Senegal River). Go to the garage (bus/taxi station). From there, only shared 7-seater taxis make the trip, and they only leave when full. In front of each spot, a sign indicates the taxi’s destination. It costs 2,500 CFA—if you’re lucky. Otherwise, they’ll charge you an extra 500 CFA for luggage. If you can, choose the seat next to the driver (by far the best). Ironically, you have to wear a seatbelt even though the taxi is a rolling wreck! Otherwise, pick the seats behind the driver and prioritize the window side. The back seats are very uncomfortable.
By contacting hotels directly, you won’t pay the booking.com fee, which can add up to several euros.
Feedback on Livingston-Cape Town itinerary (Africa)
My partner and I are planning a 21-day self-drive trip from Victoria Falls to Cape Town, flying from Montreal to Victoria Falls and renting a 4x4. I’d love to hear members’ thoughts on our itinerary and its feasibility, along with your recommendations for must-see spots, essential parks, lodges, etc.
Our ideal is to start our stay at the falls and head south to South Africa, finishing in Cape Town by the sea for two days of relaxation before returning to Canada. We’re big on photography, not so much on cities, and we usually book accommodations where we can prepare our own dinner. Is this itinerary too ambitious? I’ve read a lot of travel journals and sometimes it seems very doable, other times completely the opposite...
Proposed itinerary: 17 October: Montreal-Livingstone, Zambia (Z) 18-19 Oct.: Victoria Falls, Z 20 Oct.: Kasane, Botswana (BO) 21-22 Oct.: Chobe Park, BO 23 Oct.: Francistown, BO 24 Oct.: Khama Rhino Sanctuary, BO 25 Oct.: Palapye, BO 26 Oct.: Polokwane, South Africa (SA) 27 Oct.: Phalaborwa, SA 28-29 Oct.: Kruger Park, SA 30 Oct.: Malelane Gate, SA 31 Oct.: Winburg, SA 1 November: Bloemfontein, SA 2 November: Beaufort West, SA 3-5 November: Cape Town, SA
Our ideal is to start our stay at the falls and head south to South Africa, finishing in Cape Town by the sea for two days of relaxation before returning to Canada. We’re big on photography, not so much on cities, and we usually book accommodations where we can prepare our own dinner. Is this itinerary too ambitious? I’ve read a lot of travel journals and sometimes it seems very doable, other times completely the opposite...
Proposed itinerary: 17 October: Montreal-Livingstone, Zambia (Z) 18-19 Oct.: Victoria Falls, Z 20 Oct.: Kasane, Botswana (BO) 21-22 Oct.: Chobe Park, BO 23 Oct.: Francistown, BO 24 Oct.: Khama Rhino Sanctuary, BO 25 Oct.: Palapye, BO 26 Oct.: Polokwane, South Africa (SA) 27 Oct.: Phalaborwa, SA 28-29 Oct.: Kruger Park, SA 30 Oct.: Malelane Gate, SA 31 Oct.: Winburg, SA 1 November: Bloemfontein, SA 2 November: Beaufort West, SA 3-5 November: Cape Town, SA
Discover the 10 Must-See Spots in Sardinia
If you're dreaming of idyllic beaches and picturesque villages, you're in the right place! Known for its crystal-clear waters, millennia-old traditions, and preserved nature, Sardinia captivates travelers seeking a change of scenery. Here, you can enjoy a spectacular coastline, but also discover the authentic heart of the island, with its wild mountains and history-laden towns. Visiting Sardinia means taking the time to let yourself be lulled by the song of cicadas and the scent of the maquis. Escape to Sardinia with an all-inclusive stay at a 5-star hotel, allowing you to get away from it all.
To help you plan your itinerary, here’s an overview of ten must-see spots and a few off-the-beaten-path escapes.
Cagliari, the vibrant capital
Often the first point of contact with the island, Cagliari charms with its historic center, dominated by the medieval Castello district. Stroll through the narrow streets to reach the Santa Maria Cathedral, then climb up to the Saint-Remy Bastion, where the view of the city and the sea is well worth the effort. Be sure to visit the San Benedetto market, where stalls of cheeses, cured meats, and fish reflect Sardinia’s culinary diversity.
Villasimius, fine sand and turquoise waters
Less than an hour’s drive from Cagliari, the Villasimius area is famous for its dreamy beaches, including Porto Giunco and Simius Beach. The white sand contrasts beautifully with the crystal-clear blue of the sea—a postcard-perfect setting. Diving enthusiasts will be delighted, while hikers can explore Capo Carbonara, a protected area home to pink flamingos.
Costa Smeralda, the glamorous side of the island
Renowned for its prestigious seaside resorts, the Costa Smeralda attracts yachts and lively evenings. Porto Cervo, its iconic port, draws travelers from around the world. Don’t worry—if you venture a little off the beaten path, you’ll find small, wild coves and trails lined with umbrella pines. A stop at a local wine bar to taste a glass of vermentino is highly recommended, if only to admire the view.
The La Maddalena Archipelago, a marine gem
In the northeast, this national marine park comprises several islands with stunning beaches. La Maddalena, the main island, charms with its colorful houses and lively port. Offshore, wonders like Spargi Island or the famous Pink Beach of Budelli await visitors. It’s best to dedicate a full day—or more—to exploring this paradise by boat.
Alghero, the Catalan city
On the northwest coast, Alghero reveals a historic center encircled by ramparts, where the Catalan influence is still strong. Walk along the fortifications to watch the sunset, then sample the local cuisine, focused on seafood and wine. A short drive away, Neptune’s Grotto is a spectacular site: you can reach it via a staircase of 654 steps carved into the cliff or by boat for a more romantic approach.
Bosa, a painting under the open sky
Heading south along the coast from Alghero, you’ll reach Bosa, one of Sardinia’s most charming villages. Its colorful houses line the Temo River, overlooked by the Serravalle Castle. Wander the streets, admiring the vibrant facades, then settle into a small restaurant to taste the famous bottarga. The atmosphere is peaceful—this is la dolce vita.
The Piscinas Dunes, a desert by the sea
Head southwest to discover Piscinas, a natural site where sand dunes evoke a desert. Between sparse vegetation and turquoise sea, the contrast is simply stunning. The beaches, rarely crowded, offer a soothing tranquility. A perfect spot for lovers of wild landscapes, far from the hustle and bustle of seaside resorts.
Su Nuraxi di Barumini, a prehistoric relic
You can’t truly understand Sardinian history without mentioning the nuraghes, mysterious stone towers left by the Nuragic civilization. In Barumini, you can explore Su Nuraxi, the most famous, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its millennia-old architecture and vast complex make it a must-visit for anyone wanting to delve into the island’s past.
Orgosolo and the mountainous interior
To experience the deep soul of Sardinia, head to the Supramonte massif. Orgosolo, once a bandit hideout, is known for its mural paintings adorning house facades. These artworks tell the local history, social struggles, and Sardinian pride. The surrounding nature is breathtaking: forests, canyons, and panoramic views invite you to hike.
The Gulf of Orosei, dreamy coves
Finally, it’s hard to miss the beaches of the Gulf of Orosei. Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, and Cala Goloritzé are among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Accessible by boat or on foot, each reveals transparent waters perfect for diving. Time seems to stand still in these wild landscapes, immersing you in the charm of a preserved Sardinia. From its sandy beaches to its rugged mountains, the island offers a stunning array of scenery. Far beyond the Costa Smeralda, Sardinia is full of hidden corners where nature reigns supreme and traditions are still very much alive. Once there, let yourself be swept up by the Sardinian dolce vita, savor its generous cuisine, and soak in its legends.
Happy travels!
Crossing the Paraguay border by car to see Iguazu Falls (Argentina and Brazil)
Hi there,
I’m planning a road trip in a rental car in Paraguay. During this trip, I’d also like to cross the border to visit Iguazu Falls (both the Argentine and Brazilian sides), which are just a few kilometers from the Paraguayan border. The issue is that rental car agencies don’t allow crossing borders.
So my question is: is it easy, possible, and safe to leave the rental car for 2 or 3 days in Paraguay and cross the border from Ciudad del Este? What’s the best way to get around (bus, taxi)?
Thanks for your help
Family trip to Quebec: checking our itinerary
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
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
Review Request - 19-Day Quebec Road Trip
We’ve got our tickets—we’re leaving from August 5th to the 24th!
We’ve got a few hesitations about our itinerary, so we’re here to ask for tips and feedback. This forum has been a huge help for other trips.
Here’s our draft plan:
3 days - Montreal 2 or 3 days in Mauricie 3 days in Quebec City, including one day for Jacques-Cartier Park 2 days in Charlevoix 3 days in Saguenay Fjord 2 days in Tadoussac 2 days in Bas-Saint-Laurent 1 day to return to Montreal—our flight leaves at 11 PM
Maybe we’re being too ambitious? Should we cut some stops? We’d still like to avoid driving too much in one go this year. Thanks for your suggestions! Artlou
3 days - Montreal 2 or 3 days in Mauricie 3 days in Quebec City, including one day for Jacques-Cartier Park 2 days in Charlevoix 3 days in Saguenay Fjord 2 days in Tadoussac 2 days in Bas-Saint-Laurent 1 day to return to Montreal—our flight leaves at 11 PM
Maybe we’re being too ambitious? Should we cut some stops? We’d still like to avoid driving too much in one go this year. Thanks for your suggestions! Artlou
Planning an itinerary in the Mekong Delta
Hi,
We’ve planned a week in the delta, but sometimes I wonder if that’s not too much… We’ll be there in early February, and the idea is to take a taxi straight from Saigon Airport to Ben Tre. I’m counting on 3 nights to recover and adjust after the long trip. Then I was thinking of Sadec, Can Tho, Chau Doc, Ha Tien, and back to Saigon for 3 nights before a flight to Hoi An. We’ve got 6 weeks total, so we have a bit of time. After reading different travel stories, the destinations in the delta seem a bit repetitive—I keep seeing the same excursions. On the other hand, I also think having time is a chance to get to know the local life a little better. My question really comes down to this: for those of you who travel at a relaxed pace, do you have any tips? I’ve heard the floating markets aren’t that interesting anymore. Also, motorbikes aren’t our thing.
Thanks
Family boat trip from Manaus (Brazil) to Yurimaguas (Peru)
Hello,
As part of a 10-month trip to explore and discover South America, we’d like to start our journey in northern Brazil since the timing is perfect for traveling up the Amazon. We’re traveling as a family of five with three kids aged 6, 9, and 18.
Our plan is to leave from Manaus and reach Yurimaguas in Peru via the Amazon, mostly by boat. Since we have plenty of time, we can take breaks to explore the different stops along the way that are worth it. The idea is to eventually head to Colombia via Ecuador later on.
So far, we’ve identified the following stops: - Manaus - Tabatinga - Iquitos - Sumiria Reserve (we’d like to stay there for a week) - Yurimaguas.
We’re thinking of traveling in a cabin/hammock for the longest leg (Manaus to Tabatinga) and just in hammocks for the shorter trips (max 3 days).
I have a few questions: 1. From a safety perspective, is the area we’re planning to cross safe, considering we’ll be with our three kids, the youngest being 6? 2. Isn’t this route a bit too ambitious for our kids? 3. We’re considering adding the Santarém/Manaus leg. Is Santarém a city worth adding to the itinerary? 4. Among the planned stops, which ones deserve a special visit? 5. Do the boat trips always include meals on board, or should we be careful when booking? 6. What would be a reasonable estimate for the duration of this trip to fully enjoy it?
I’ve read quite a bit—like trying to board early to get the best hammock spots, and that travel times can vary depending on currents, stops, and potential technical issues. But that’s not a problem since we have all the time in the world! :)
We’d love to hear from anyone who’s traveled in this area before!
Thanks so much in advance for your help in planning our trip.
Rémy, Céline, Antoine, Sacha, and Paul
As part of a 10-month trip to explore and discover South America, we’d like to start our journey in northern Brazil since the timing is perfect for traveling up the Amazon. We’re traveling as a family of five with three kids aged 6, 9, and 18.
Our plan is to leave from Manaus and reach Yurimaguas in Peru via the Amazon, mostly by boat. Since we have plenty of time, we can take breaks to explore the different stops along the way that are worth it. The idea is to eventually head to Colombia via Ecuador later on.
So far, we’ve identified the following stops: - Manaus - Tabatinga - Iquitos - Sumiria Reserve (we’d like to stay there for a week) - Yurimaguas.
We’re thinking of traveling in a cabin/hammock for the longest leg (Manaus to Tabatinga) and just in hammocks for the shorter trips (max 3 days).
I have a few questions: 1. From a safety perspective, is the area we’re planning to cross safe, considering we’ll be with our three kids, the youngest being 6? 2. Isn’t this route a bit too ambitious for our kids? 3. We’re considering adding the Santarém/Manaus leg. Is Santarém a city worth adding to the itinerary? 4. Among the planned stops, which ones deserve a special visit? 5. Do the boat trips always include meals on board, or should we be careful when booking? 6. What would be a reasonable estimate for the duration of this trip to fully enjoy it?
I’ve read quite a bit—like trying to board early to get the best hammock spots, and that travel times can vary depending on currents, stops, and potential technical issues. But that’s not a problem since we have all the time in the world! :)
We’d love to hear from anyone who’s traveled in this area before!
Thanks so much in advance for your help in planning our trip.
Rémy, Céline, Antoine, Sacha, and Paul
Two weeks in Bangkok: your off-the-beaten-path suggestions
Hello,
After a lot of searching, exchanging ideas, and thinking it over, I’ve decided to go back to my original plan of spending two weeks in Bangkok. From January 19th to February 2nd. I’ll also take a quick trip for one night/two days to Ayutthaya (and return to Bangkok, where I’ll have kept the apartment I booked), and possibly the same for Kanchanaburi, depending on how I feel once I’m there—whether I find something more interesting in Bangkok or nearby.
The key word is: taking my time to take photos, observe, taste, savor (in every sense of the word), and most importantly, not rushing.
Beyond the must-see tourist spots, I’d love to wander around the city and maybe within a 40 to 50 km radius for a day trip to discover unusual and lesser-known streets, houses, temples, markets, gardens, and more.
I’ll also be spending two weeks in Chiang Mai and two weeks in Nan.
I’m open to any suggestions. Thank you so much!
Tips for our Québec itinerary
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
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
Halong Bay
What we commonly call "Halong Bay" is actually made up of three bays. From south to north:
- The small Lan Ha Bay, south and east of Cat Ba Island, inaccessible to large cruise junks because the channels aren’t deep enough for big boats—so it’s more intimate and, above all, cleaner;
- Halong Bay itself, north of Cat Ba, also very beautiful but crowded with tourists since it can accommodate large boats (up to 35 cabins), making it very dirty due to many Asian tourists—except for the Japanese—who throw everything into the water: cigarette butts, bags, empty cans, etc.; - The large Bai Tu Long Bay, north of Halong Bay, characterized by larger islands with beautiful beaches and fewer tourists since it ideally takes 3 days to explore all three bays. PRIORITIZE LAN HA BAY FOR 2 DAYS AND BAI TU LONG BAY FOR THREE. Some travelers want to visit the bay in just one day. Strongly discouraged ! In fact, you need to allow 7 to 8 hours for the round trip between Hanoi and the bay; adding boarding time, you’ll only spend a few hours on a boat and barely scratch the surface of the bay. Plus, one of the most magical moments of the cruise is waking up in the morning surrounded by limestone karsts. Two days/1 night on a junk is the minimum to enjoy the enchanting landscapes. AVOID cheap junks! There’s no secret: cheap = limited comfort, laughable food, and service that’s barely acceptable. Never forget this is a unique site in the world, so it’s worth visiting under the best conditions. Don’t confuse Halong Bay with the "terrestrial Halong Bay" in Ninh Binh (Tam Coc). The first is 110 km north of Hanoi, the second 100 km south, right in the Red River Delta. Both are magnificent, and it’s now possible to take a direct bus from one to the other. To visit the bays, you have two options: - Travel to Cat Ba Island or Halong City on your own and book a junk on-site. We don’t recommend this, as there are many issues—especially overcharging for foreign tourists in ground transport and shortened cruises, not to mention you don’t speak Vietnamese. You’ll end up paying at least the same price as through a Hanoi agency, likely more, since you’re at high risk of being ripped off. - Book an organized tour in Hanoi with a good agency. Given the complexity of traveling from Hanoi to Halong and renting a junk on-site, this is by far the easiest option, with countless possibilities—from private junks (more expensive but with huge advantages) to luxury, superior, and standard group junks. Benefits: with a good agency, you’ll have a hassle-free cruise with no scams, and everything is included in the price: round-trip transfers from your hotel to the boat, guide, junk, all meals, site entries, kayaking, etc.
When it comes to choosing a junk, there are also two options: A private junk is by far the best for many reasons: - You’re the only passengers on board - Smaller than group junks, a private junk can navigate channels inaccessible to large boats and stop at small beaches also off-limits to big vessels - Private junks can anchor wherever the captain chooses, so in a quiet little bay, whereas all large junks are required to spend the night in the same big bay by local police order - Better service and food Of course, these advantages come at a cost—but after all, Halong is a once-in-a-lifetime trip! For luxury private junks, I recommend Bhaya Cruises and Indochina Junks. For superior, one of the best is Oriental Sun (2 cabins/2 bathrooms), owned by the excellent agency Oriental Bridge Travel. Also excellent are the two Dai Duong junks—the 02 with 2 cabins and the 03 with 3.
Group junks range from Deluxe to Superior. Choose a medium-sized junk (8-12 cabins). Among the Deluxe, Bhaya Cruises and Indochina Junks are flawless. For Budget, the superior Swan, Cozy Boutique, and Ocean 7 are great.
Warning: While group junks can be booked once in Hanoi (except during peak season), private junks must be reserved well in advance, especially in high season.
To make your choice and booking easier, the best is to contact Oriental Bridge Travel, which, unlike other agencies that offer every junk imaginable (from the best to the worst), has carefully selected 2 or 3 in each category. Check their website and, in the menu, click all the "Halong" links from "Luxury Private Junks" to "Superior Group Junks."
TRANSPORT TO HALONG BAY
Cruise prices include round-trip transfers between Hanoi and Cat Ba City or Hon Gai. If you want to go to Halong on your own, there are three departure ports for cruises: Cat Ba Island (especially for Lan Ha Bay), Halong City/Bai Chay port (Lan Ha, Halong, and Bai Tu Long), and Cai Rong, which serves only Bai Tu Long Bay. From Hanoi: To Cat Ba, take the Hanoi-Haiphong bus and the Haiphong-Cat Ba speedboat (3-hour journey). This is the fastest option since the boat arrives directly in Cat Ba City. Buy a combined ticket for Hanoi-Haiphong + Haiphong-Cat Ba speedboat. For Halong City, there are frequent direct buses. From other cities: Direct buses from Haiphong or Cat Ba City to Ninh Binh and Sapa. WHERE TO STAY IN CAT BA? If you spend a night in Cat Ba (not essential), there are more and more hotels. Here are the ones I liked among those I’ve visited: 2-star: Cat Ba Dream Impeccable, with a large terrace overlooking Cat Ba Bay, and unbeatable prices: $15-20 for a single/double/twin, $30 for a large triple. The owner is a great cook. 3-star: Hung Long Harbour Brand new and spotless, overlooking Cat Ba Bay. Ask for rooms with a balcony (the suites have very large terraces). Great value for the quality! Single/double: Standard 65 $, Deluxe 80 $, Suite 100 $, extra person: 30 $ There are also several bungalow hotels on the beach: on Monkey Island (3 km from Cat Ba City), the Cat Ba Monkey Island Resort; another on a different island 5 km south of Cat Ba City, the Cat Ba Ocean Beach Resort; and a third, the Cat Ba Beach Resort. In the mountains inside the island, you can stay at the Cat Ba Suoi Goi Resort and the Cat Ba Whisper Bungalows. RESTAURANTS In Cat Ba City, I’ve tried quite a few restaurants—more bad than good. Two excellent floating restaurants in Cat Beo, especially the one on the left. WHAT TO DO? Beyond cruises, there are some interesting sites to visit on the island: · Visit the Cannon Fort: No one goes there, and everyone’s wrong! It’s not far, just behind Cat Ba City on Nui Ngoc Road, the street leading to Cat Beo. You climb to 177 m altitude at the top of a hill with a superb panoramic view of Halong and Lan An Bays. In 1942, the French installed an artillery fort with three 137 mm cannons controlling the passages in the bay; two remain, along with the casemates. It later became an anti-aircraft post during the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, the last time I went, the road was blocked. Still worth a try—great views from the climb. Entry: 50,000 dong, and it’s worth it! · The national park: It covers three-quarters of the island. You can simply stroll or go trekking, especially the 15 km to Viet Hai village. No animals in sight. Just before the park entrance, visit the Viet Hospital, a series of caves remarkably set up as a hospital during the Vietnam War (there was even a natural pool and a cinema room). · The beaches (Cat Cô): The three beautiful beaches in coves at the southern end of Cat Ba City’s esplanade are taken—the first by a children’s water park and the other two by a huge hotel complex.
- The small Lan Ha Bay, south and east of Cat Ba Island, inaccessible to large cruise junks because the channels aren’t deep enough for big boats—so it’s more intimate and, above all, cleaner;
- Halong Bay itself, north of Cat Ba, also very beautiful but crowded with tourists since it can accommodate large boats (up to 35 cabins), making it very dirty due to many Asian tourists—except for the Japanese—who throw everything into the water: cigarette butts, bags, empty cans, etc.; - The large Bai Tu Long Bay, north of Halong Bay, characterized by larger islands with beautiful beaches and fewer tourists since it ideally takes 3 days to explore all three bays. PRIORITIZE LAN HA BAY FOR 2 DAYS AND BAI TU LONG BAY FOR THREE. Some travelers want to visit the bay in just one day. Strongly discouraged ! In fact, you need to allow 7 to 8 hours for the round trip between Hanoi and the bay; adding boarding time, you’ll only spend a few hours on a boat and barely scratch the surface of the bay. Plus, one of the most magical moments of the cruise is waking up in the morning surrounded by limestone karsts. Two days/1 night on a junk is the minimum to enjoy the enchanting landscapes. AVOID cheap junks! There’s no secret: cheap = limited comfort, laughable food, and service that’s barely acceptable. Never forget this is a unique site in the world, so it’s worth visiting under the best conditions. Don’t confuse Halong Bay with the "terrestrial Halong Bay" in Ninh Binh (Tam Coc). The first is 110 km north of Hanoi, the second 100 km south, right in the Red River Delta. Both are magnificent, and it’s now possible to take a direct bus from one to the other. To visit the bays, you have two options: - Travel to Cat Ba Island or Halong City on your own and book a junk on-site. We don’t recommend this, as there are many issues—especially overcharging for foreign tourists in ground transport and shortened cruises, not to mention you don’t speak Vietnamese. You’ll end up paying at least the same price as through a Hanoi agency, likely more, since you’re at high risk of being ripped off. - Book an organized tour in Hanoi with a good agency. Given the complexity of traveling from Hanoi to Halong and renting a junk on-site, this is by far the easiest option, with countless possibilities—from private junks (more expensive but with huge advantages) to luxury, superior, and standard group junks. Benefits: with a good agency, you’ll have a hassle-free cruise with no scams, and everything is included in the price: round-trip transfers from your hotel to the boat, guide, junk, all meals, site entries, kayaking, etc.
When it comes to choosing a junk, there are also two options: A private junk is by far the best for many reasons: - You’re the only passengers on board - Smaller than group junks, a private junk can navigate channels inaccessible to large boats and stop at small beaches also off-limits to big vessels - Private junks can anchor wherever the captain chooses, so in a quiet little bay, whereas all large junks are required to spend the night in the same big bay by local police order - Better service and food Of course, these advantages come at a cost—but after all, Halong is a once-in-a-lifetime trip! For luxury private junks, I recommend Bhaya Cruises and Indochina Junks. For superior, one of the best is Oriental Sun (2 cabins/2 bathrooms), owned by the excellent agency Oriental Bridge Travel. Also excellent are the two Dai Duong junks—the 02 with 2 cabins and the 03 with 3.
Group junks range from Deluxe to Superior. Choose a medium-sized junk (8-12 cabins). Among the Deluxe, Bhaya Cruises and Indochina Junks are flawless. For Budget, the superior Swan, Cozy Boutique, and Ocean 7 are great.
Warning: While group junks can be booked once in Hanoi (except during peak season), private junks must be reserved well in advance, especially in high season.
To make your choice and booking easier, the best is to contact Oriental Bridge Travel, which, unlike other agencies that offer every junk imaginable (from the best to the worst), has carefully selected 2 or 3 in each category. Check their website and, in the menu, click all the "Halong" links from "Luxury Private Junks" to "Superior Group Junks."
TRANSPORT TO HALONG BAY
Cruise prices include round-trip transfers between Hanoi and Cat Ba City or Hon Gai. If you want to go to Halong on your own, there are three departure ports for cruises: Cat Ba Island (especially for Lan Ha Bay), Halong City/Bai Chay port (Lan Ha, Halong, and Bai Tu Long), and Cai Rong, which serves only Bai Tu Long Bay. From Hanoi: To Cat Ba, take the Hanoi-Haiphong bus and the Haiphong-Cat Ba speedboat (3-hour journey). This is the fastest option since the boat arrives directly in Cat Ba City. Buy a combined ticket for Hanoi-Haiphong + Haiphong-Cat Ba speedboat. For Halong City, there are frequent direct buses. From other cities: Direct buses from Haiphong or Cat Ba City to Ninh Binh and Sapa. WHERE TO STAY IN CAT BA? If you spend a night in Cat Ba (not essential), there are more and more hotels. Here are the ones I liked among those I’ve visited: 2-star: Cat Ba Dream Impeccable, with a large terrace overlooking Cat Ba Bay, and unbeatable prices: $15-20 for a single/double/twin, $30 for a large triple. The owner is a great cook. 3-star: Hung Long Harbour Brand new and spotless, overlooking Cat Ba Bay. Ask for rooms with a balcony (the suites have very large terraces). Great value for the quality! Single/double: Standard 65 $, Deluxe 80 $, Suite 100 $, extra person: 30 $ There are also several bungalow hotels on the beach: on Monkey Island (3 km from Cat Ba City), the Cat Ba Monkey Island Resort; another on a different island 5 km south of Cat Ba City, the Cat Ba Ocean Beach Resort; and a third, the Cat Ba Beach Resort. In the mountains inside the island, you can stay at the Cat Ba Suoi Goi Resort and the Cat Ba Whisper Bungalows. RESTAURANTS In Cat Ba City, I’ve tried quite a few restaurants—more bad than good. Two excellent floating restaurants in Cat Beo, especially the one on the left. WHAT TO DO? Beyond cruises, there are some interesting sites to visit on the island: · Visit the Cannon Fort: No one goes there, and everyone’s wrong! It’s not far, just behind Cat Ba City on Nui Ngoc Road, the street leading to Cat Beo. You climb to 177 m altitude at the top of a hill with a superb panoramic view of Halong and Lan An Bays. In 1942, the French installed an artillery fort with three 137 mm cannons controlling the passages in the bay; two remain, along with the casemates. It later became an anti-aircraft post during the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, the last time I went, the road was blocked. Still worth a try—great views from the climb. Entry: 50,000 dong, and it’s worth it! · The national park: It covers three-quarters of the island. You can simply stroll or go trekking, especially the 15 km to Viet Hai village. No animals in sight. Just before the park entrance, visit the Viet Hospital, a series of caves remarkably set up as a hospital during the Vietnam War (there was even a natural pool and a cinema room). · The beaches (Cat Cô): The three beautiful beaches in coves at the southern end of Cat Ba City’s esplanade are taken—the first by a children’s water park and the other two by a huge hotel complex.
Solo trip to Mongolia in winter
Hello, so happy to be back on the forum! I’m heading off alone in mid-January for 5 weeks in Mongolia. I’d love all your tips—transport, accommodation, you name it…
For the cold, I think I’m used to it since I used to travel in Siberia, but that’s over now.
Looking forward to hearing from you! M
For the cold, I think I’m used to it since I used to travel in Siberia, but that’s over now.
Looking forward to hearing from you! M
Romania with the wind in my face
Hi there,
In spring 2023, I headed to Romania by motorcycle. I’ve been going there for over 20 years—by car, bike, and plane—and I’ve really fallen for this country. I feel so at home there. The big difference this time? I had all the time in the world, no constraints at all.
I left the Paris region (IDF) and headed for the Sundgau, avoiding the motorways. I know a little hotel tucked away in the countryside there. The next day, I followed the Swiss border on a small road along the Lucelle River, which acts as the frontier. Around a bend, you cross to the other side and then back into France—kind of fun.
I crossed Switzerland via the motorway—I know the route well, so no sightseeing. I arrived in Austria, which I also know pretty well, and took the Arlberg Pass. It was deserted, everything was closed, and there was still snow.
The weather wasn’t great—it was raining—so I stopped for the night at a remote inn. Perfect for drying off! I set off in the rain the next morning and kept going. Gradually, the rain stopped. I took a detour through the Trentino-Alto Adige region and the Sella Pass. Up there, it was rain, snow, and a bit of black ice in a tunnel (wind + rain + sub-zero temps = skating rink).
I arrived in Burgenland to see the famous giant glass-and-metal grape cluster, the largest in Europe. The region is hilly, full of tiny roads, and covered in vineyards.
Burgenland
Then into Slovenia.
I stopped for the night at a winegrower’s B&B perched on a ridge straddling the Croatian border. The welcome was fantastic—I spent the evening with the owners and their friends who arrived later. The white wine was amazing! The next day, I hit the road again.
I headed for Vukovar, on the Danube, a symbol of resistance during the Balkan War. I found a really comfortable B&B by the river and stayed for two nights to explore. What a strange monument!
I visited the water tower, which you can go inside—it’s riddled with bullet holes. There’s an exhibition inside. I also checked out a museum of equipment used during the Balkan War. Since it’s in a barracks, it’s guarded. I asked if I could bring my motorcycle in, and a Croatian officer came to meet me and gave me permission, along with a sticker to put on the bike. I met some fellow bikers from Marseille riding beautiful vintage bikes.
I left Vukovar following the Danube toward Serbia. The rain caught up with me. The roads were busy, with construction causing mud everywhere and crazy truck drivers. At one point, I cut through the construction zone! I stopped for coffee in a village—it had a *Deliverance* vibe. Total silence when I walked in, and the owner gave me a suspicious look. Finally, the Romanian border... and the sun came out! The Romanian customs officer asked if I had anything to declare. "Yes—just happy to be back in Romania!" I stopped for the night at a *cabana* (mountain hut) lost in the forest. Chaos ensued—a tourist! So they rushed to get supplies, quench my thirst, give me a room, and then the owner took charge: țuică (plum brandy), omelette, beers... Everyone bent over backwards to make me happy.
I love these Romanian roads!
I passed through Băile Herculane, which isn’t as beautiful as it once was—everything’s run-down. What are they waiting for to restore this *Mittel Europa*-style spa town that’s still active?
I stopped at the birthplace of Constantin Brâncuși.
Keep your eyes peeled on the roads!
Via the Jiu Valley, I arrived in Craiova to visit my in-laws. A few days of laughs and outings. I picked up my wife at the airport.
My favorite brand
We took a trip to Horezu, a village famous for its beautiful ceramics.
After those few days together, I dropped my wife off at the airport, and the next day, I set off for Dobrogea, a region split in two after the war with Bulgaria. The road was dull—flat as far as the eye could see—but the sun was out. I followed a military convoy of about fifty vehicles, with orders not to overtake. I stopped by the roadside for some homemade *ciorbă* (sour soup). That evening, I stopped in Călărași. The next day, I crossed the Danube by ferry. There are two ferries—one goes to Bulgaria, the other stays in Romania.
A priest on board came over to bless the motorcycle, the rider, and the ferry. I arrived on the other side with some traffic. Dobrogea
It’s like that all the way to the Bulgarian border—no restaurants, hotels, or gas stations, just old collective farms. And it’s the same in Bulgaria! I stopped at Adamclisi, site of a major battle in Moesia (now Dobrogea) in 101–102 BC, one of Trajan’s most important Dacian Wars.
An oasis in the agricultural steppe.
I arrived at the Bulgarian border.
A customs officer—built like a weightlifter, shaved head, thick neck, and as square as a truck—saw me take this photo and came over to ask me to delete it. I did... but I didn’t empty the trash! The weather turned stormy. I arrived in Balchik, a resort town where the last queen of Romania, Maria, used to vacation.
The Black Sea and the Bulgarian coast
The weather wasn’t great, so I headed back to Romania to follow the coastline. Constanța and its casino
Then came the seaside resorts—just as ugly as each other: Neptun, Mangalia, Eforie Nord, Eforie Sud. I stopped at a B&B near the Danube Delta, in some random village. The welcome was nice. The next day, I headed for Dunavățu de Jos, the last stretch of tarmac in Romania. After that, it’s the Danube Delta. The area is flat and sandy, with typical houses featuring reed roofs.
Now, I’m following the Ukrainian border. I passed the last active quarantine station in Europe. I came across a funeral procession—it’s customary to honk as you pass. If you’re on foot, you cross yourself. When I arrived in Galați, it was raining. I boarded the ferry in a downpour. On board, we were packed in like sardines. As soon as the ramp hit land, the drivers rushed out, revving their engines and honking. I let them go and exited calmly. I continued toward the Székely Land. These are Hungarians who, back in the day, were border guards for the king. They’ve kept their own script (it looks like runes), their flag, and their independence streak. For them, Romania is Hungarian, despite the Treaty of Sèvres in 1920. There are still clashes between Romanians and Székely Hungarians now and then. Since I speak a bit of Romanian, I used it—logical, since it’s the language there—and it put everyone in a good mood! Székely flag
I passed through Bicaz Chei, arriving via one of my favorite kinds of roads. During a break, a bear came to check me out from a distance.
Bicaz Chei
I arrived at the "Heart of Jesus" monument, built by public subscription to thank God for sparing the village from severe flooding.
Now, I’m heading west—next stop, Transylvania, with the in-laws. On the road
Roma house
Bozorka—a Hungarian specialty... 450 grams of meat!
I made it back to France without any issues, already thinking about my next trip. Actually, I just got back from one!
I left the Paris region (IDF) and headed for the Sundgau, avoiding the motorways. I know a little hotel tucked away in the countryside there. The next day, I followed the Swiss border on a small road along the Lucelle River, which acts as the frontier. Around a bend, you cross to the other side and then back into France—kind of fun.
I crossed Switzerland via the motorway—I know the route well, so no sightseeing. I arrived in Austria, which I also know pretty well, and took the Arlberg Pass. It was deserted, everything was closed, and there was still snow.
The weather wasn’t great—it was raining—so I stopped for the night at a remote inn. Perfect for drying off! I set off in the rain the next morning and kept going. Gradually, the rain stopped. I took a detour through the Trentino-Alto Adige region and the Sella Pass. Up there, it was rain, snow, and a bit of black ice in a tunnel (wind + rain + sub-zero temps = skating rink).
I arrived in Burgenland to see the famous giant glass-and-metal grape cluster, the largest in Europe. The region is hilly, full of tiny roads, and covered in vineyards.
Burgenland
Then into Slovenia.
I stopped for the night at a winegrower’s B&B perched on a ridge straddling the Croatian border. The welcome was fantastic—I spent the evening with the owners and their friends who arrived later. The white wine was amazing! The next day, I hit the road again.
I headed for Vukovar, on the Danube, a symbol of resistance during the Balkan War. I found a really comfortable B&B by the river and stayed for two nights to explore. What a strange monument!
I visited the water tower, which you can go inside—it’s riddled with bullet holes. There’s an exhibition inside. I also checked out a museum of equipment used during the Balkan War. Since it’s in a barracks, it’s guarded. I asked if I could bring my motorcycle in, and a Croatian officer came to meet me and gave me permission, along with a sticker to put on the bike. I met some fellow bikers from Marseille riding beautiful vintage bikes.
I left Vukovar following the Danube toward Serbia. The rain caught up with me. The roads were busy, with construction causing mud everywhere and crazy truck drivers. At one point, I cut through the construction zone! I stopped for coffee in a village—it had a *Deliverance* vibe. Total silence when I walked in, and the owner gave me a suspicious look. Finally, the Romanian border... and the sun came out! The Romanian customs officer asked if I had anything to declare. "Yes—just happy to be back in Romania!" I stopped for the night at a *cabana* (mountain hut) lost in the forest. Chaos ensued—a tourist! So they rushed to get supplies, quench my thirst, give me a room, and then the owner took charge: țuică (plum brandy), omelette, beers... Everyone bent over backwards to make me happy.
I love these Romanian roads!
I passed through Băile Herculane, which isn’t as beautiful as it once was—everything’s run-down. What are they waiting for to restore this *Mittel Europa*-style spa town that’s still active?
I stopped at the birthplace of Constantin Brâncuși.
Keep your eyes peeled on the roads!
Via the Jiu Valley, I arrived in Craiova to visit my in-laws. A few days of laughs and outings. I picked up my wife at the airport.
My favorite brand
We took a trip to Horezu, a village famous for its beautiful ceramics.
After those few days together, I dropped my wife off at the airport, and the next day, I set off for Dobrogea, a region split in two after the war with Bulgaria. The road was dull—flat as far as the eye could see—but the sun was out. I followed a military convoy of about fifty vehicles, with orders not to overtake. I stopped by the roadside for some homemade *ciorbă* (sour soup). That evening, I stopped in Călărași. The next day, I crossed the Danube by ferry. There are two ferries—one goes to Bulgaria, the other stays in Romania.
A priest on board came over to bless the motorcycle, the rider, and the ferry. I arrived on the other side with some traffic. Dobrogea
It’s like that all the way to the Bulgarian border—no restaurants, hotels, or gas stations, just old collective farms. And it’s the same in Bulgaria! I stopped at Adamclisi, site of a major battle in Moesia (now Dobrogea) in 101–102 BC, one of Trajan’s most important Dacian Wars.
An oasis in the agricultural steppe.
I arrived at the Bulgarian border.
A customs officer—built like a weightlifter, shaved head, thick neck, and as square as a truck—saw me take this photo and came over to ask me to delete it. I did... but I didn’t empty the trash! The weather turned stormy. I arrived in Balchik, a resort town where the last queen of Romania, Maria, used to vacation.
The Black Sea and the Bulgarian coast
The weather wasn’t great, so I headed back to Romania to follow the coastline. Constanța and its casino
Then came the seaside resorts—just as ugly as each other: Neptun, Mangalia, Eforie Nord, Eforie Sud. I stopped at a B&B near the Danube Delta, in some random village. The welcome was nice. The next day, I headed for Dunavățu de Jos, the last stretch of tarmac in Romania. After that, it’s the Danube Delta. The area is flat and sandy, with typical houses featuring reed roofs.
Now, I’m following the Ukrainian border. I passed the last active quarantine station in Europe. I came across a funeral procession—it’s customary to honk as you pass. If you’re on foot, you cross yourself. When I arrived in Galați, it was raining. I boarded the ferry in a downpour. On board, we were packed in like sardines. As soon as the ramp hit land, the drivers rushed out, revving their engines and honking. I let them go and exited calmly. I continued toward the Székely Land. These are Hungarians who, back in the day, were border guards for the king. They’ve kept their own script (it looks like runes), their flag, and their independence streak. For them, Romania is Hungarian, despite the Treaty of Sèvres in 1920. There are still clashes between Romanians and Székely Hungarians now and then. Since I speak a bit of Romanian, I used it—logical, since it’s the language there—and it put everyone in a good mood! Székely flag
I passed through Bicaz Chei, arriving via one of my favorite kinds of roads. During a break, a bear came to check me out from a distance.
Bicaz Chei
I arrived at the "Heart of Jesus" monument, built by public subscription to thank God for sparing the village from severe flooding.
Now, I’m heading west—next stop, Transylvania, with the in-laws. On the road
Roma house
Bozorka—a Hungarian specialty... 450 grams of meat!
I made it back to France without any issues, already thinking about my next trip. Actually, I just got back from one!
3 weeks between Boston and Quebec
Hi everyone,
We’ve been racking our brains for cool ideas/itineraries for our vacation since, whether due to tourist crowds or unsuitable weather in the destination country, summer options aren’t endless (especially since we’re always forced to take most of our vacation time in July/August)...
We thought about combining a short stretch of the U.S. East Coast with Montréal/Niagara Falls/Toronto. The lakes look really pretty, but we’re worried it might feel a bit too familiar, and time-wise, it could get tight (we’d rather not spend our whole trip on the road). Still, we’re also considering a road trip in Western Canada.
What do you think of the plan below? We can add two extra nights somewhere if needed.
Thanks so much in advance!
Have a great day!
Day 1: Arrival in Boston – Night in Boston Day 2: Boston – Night in Boston Day 3: Boston – Night in Boston Day 4: Cambridge / Harvard – Night in Boston Day 5: Salem – Night in Boston Day 6: Newport – Night in Newport Day 7: Newport – Night in Newport Day 8: Cape Cod – Night in Cape Cod Day 9: Cape Cod – Night in Cape Cod Day 10: Flight to Toronto from Boston – Night in Toronto Day 11: Niagara Falls – Night in Toronto Day 12: Toronto-Ottawa – Night in Ottawa Day 13: Parc Omega – Night in Montréal Day 14: Montréal – Night in Montréal Day 15: Montréal – Night in Montréal Day 16: Montréal – Night in Montréal Day 17: Montréal – Night in Montréal
We’ve been racking our brains for cool ideas/itineraries for our vacation since, whether due to tourist crowds or unsuitable weather in the destination country, summer options aren’t endless (especially since we’re always forced to take most of our vacation time in July/August)...
We thought about combining a short stretch of the U.S. East Coast with Montréal/Niagara Falls/Toronto. The lakes look really pretty, but we’re worried it might feel a bit too familiar, and time-wise, it could get tight (we’d rather not spend our whole trip on the road). Still, we’re also considering a road trip in Western Canada.
What do you think of the plan below? We can add two extra nights somewhere if needed.
Thanks so much in advance!
Have a great day!
Day 1: Arrival in Boston – Night in Boston Day 2: Boston – Night in Boston Day 3: Boston – Night in Boston Day 4: Cambridge / Harvard – Night in Boston Day 5: Salem – Night in Boston Day 6: Newport – Night in Newport Day 7: Newport – Night in Newport Day 8: Cape Cod – Night in Cape Cod Day 9: Cape Cod – Night in Cape Cod Day 10: Flight to Toronto from Boston – Night in Toronto Day 11: Niagara Falls – Night in Toronto Day 12: Toronto-Ottawa – Night in Ottawa Day 13: Parc Omega – Night in Montréal Day 14: Montréal – Night in Montréal Day 15: Montréal – Night in Montréal Day 16: Montréal – Night in Montréal Day 17: Montréal – Night in Montréal
Wild Colombia off the tourist trail
Hi,
I'd love to know where we can observe wildlife, birds, and nature in Colombia... Like going on a hike without a guide, immersing ourselves in the forest, far from tourist spots. I want to avoid places that are specially set up, since you usually don’t see much there.
Thanks in advance!
Bernard
From Costa Rica to Suriname, a travel report
Hi everyone, I’m restarting my travel reports with my 2023 trip that took me from Costa Rica to Suriname over a month and a half.
First stop: Costa Rica. I arrived in late September in San José, a city I know well and never linger in. As soon as I got off the early-morning flight, I headed to the domestic airport—just a 5-minute walk away—to catch a 45-minute flight to Puerto Limón on the Caribbean coast. The 40-minute flight in a small Cessna was fun, especially since we landed on a tiny airstrip right by the sea—it felt like landing on the beach, which immediately set the mood. Plus, I wasn’t keen on enduring the 4–5-hour bus ride to Cahuita, especially since large sections of the road were under renovation. In Cahuita (where I’ve been going every year since 2015), I stayed at Kenaki Lodge on Playa Grande. It’s a great lodge, about a 45-minute walk from Cahuita’s center, but you’re just 50 meters from the beach and usually have it all to yourself. The lodge is run by Béa, a Frenchwoman, and depending on the season, you can help release baby turtles on the beach. The room was 55 €, very spacious, and you can use the outdoor kitchen. I’d recommend it for anyone looking for peace and quiet and a private beach.
After 5 days there, I flew to Cartagena but didn’t stay overnight. Instead, I headed straight to Rincón del Mar, a 3-hour bus ride from CTG. I’d mostly heard about it from a friend who lives there and runs El Ché, a beachfront restaurant. Rincón del Mar is a tiny seaside village, very peaceful, with a pretty nice beach. There are lots of small hotels and restaurants, and it’s a spot that’s likely to grow quickly in the coming years. Note: there’s no ATM there, so you’ll need to withdraw cash in San Onofre, about 30 minutes away by moto-taxi. The round trip costs around 25,000 COP. That’s also where you catch the bus to Cartagena. For accommodations, rooms were roughly 70,000–90,000 COP, with a so-so value for the price. As for things to do, I’d recommend the tour that takes you to watch the sunset in front of Bird Island, followed by a swim in a lagoon with bioluminescent plankton. The excursion (if I remember correctly) cost around 90,000 COP.
After a week in Rincón del Mar, I headed back to Cartagena and decided to fly to Yopal to visit the Río Meta. In Yopal, you’ll need to go to the bus terminal (10 minutes by taxi from the airport). From there, I took a bus to Orocué (50,000 COP) for about a 4-hour trip—it felt endless because the road was in terrible condition. Orocué is a tiny town on the banks of the Río Meta, but it has all the essentials (hotels, restaurants, ATMs). It’s lovely to stroll along the river at sunset. There are a few small bars, the area is very natural, the sunsets are stunning, and when there are distant storms, it’s just breathtaking. For lodging, I stayed at Hotel Brisas de San Miguel. It wasn’t bad—fan-cooled room for 70,000 COP. There were quite a few mosquitoes. I spent 3 days in Orocué. If you want to swim, head to the bridge (the only one), Cano San Miguel, and on the right, there’s a swimming spot. With the heat, it’s a great way to cool off.
From Orocué, I took a fast *lancha* (boat) up the Río Meta to Puerto Carreño, in the Vichada department at the far end of Colombia. This brings you to the majestic Orinoco River, right across from Venezuela. The boat ride is long—10 hours—and costs about 60 €. We left around 6 AM, with a few stops for bathroom breaks and meals along the way. But you *must* book your spot 1–2 days in advance. To do that, go to the small square above the dock—there’s a "navigation office" there. The trip was long but enjoyable. I never get tired of river journeys.
I was happy to finally arrive in Puerto Carreño, a small border town with Venezuela. No surprise that half the population was Venezuelan. In Puerto Carreño, I stayed at Hotel Delfines del Orinoco. The room was 80,000 COP, decent, with A/C, and the best part was the pool. I spent 2 nights there. One thing you *must* do—morning and evening—is hike to the top of Cerro de la Bandera (the *cerros* are huge rock formations typical of the Orinoco region, and there are many in the area). From the summit, you get amazing 360° views of the savanna and jungle. Sunrise is especially incredible. The trail is well-marked—from downtown Puerto Carreño, it takes about 20 minutes.
Next, I spent 3 nights at Rancho Barú. About an hour by boat from Puerto Carreño, you get off at Casuarito, and someone from the lodge picks you up by motorcycle for a 30-minute ride. The ranch is in the middle of the savanna, with a river/rapids beach just a 5-minute walk away. You can also fish—bites come quickly. For the lodge, one night (room or hammock) with shared bathrooms, three meals included, one excursion, plus the round-trip motorcycle ride costs 245,000 COP. An extra night without an excursion is around 100,000 COP, but you need to let the lodge know in advance so they can prepare enough food—there’s absolutely nothing for miles around.
After those 3 great days at the ranch, I took a canoe to cross into Venezuela, since Casuarito is right across from Puerto Ayacucho. The crossing costs 10,000 COP, but I got shaken down by Venezuelan immigration, who invented a violation and made me pay $40 USD. Puerto Ayacucho didn’t inspire me much. The city felt sketchy, with many hotels closed. Dealing with currency exchange was the hardest part—you *must* bring cash (USD or Colombian pesos), know the exchange rate, and find someone with enough money to exchange with you. It took me at least 2 hours. I stayed in a decent hotel downtown for $20 USD a night, but I’ll admit that going out at night—even in Puerto Ayacucho—felt pretty dodgy. All the buildings have bars on the windows, and there weren’t many people outside. I didn’t linger and found my plans to continue south too complicated. The next day, I took a bus across the country to the Brazilian border at Santa Elena de Uairén. The trip took a day and a night, with countless military checkpoints where they made everyone get off, unload all the luggage, etc. Not exactly a fun ride.
Photos: - 2 sunrises near the Orocué dock - Storm over the savanna at Rancho Barú - View of the savanna and Orinoco near Casuarito - Photo taken during the Río Meta boat trip
First stop: Costa Rica. I arrived in late September in San José, a city I know well and never linger in. As soon as I got off the early-morning flight, I headed to the domestic airport—just a 5-minute walk away—to catch a 45-minute flight to Puerto Limón on the Caribbean coast. The 40-minute flight in a small Cessna was fun, especially since we landed on a tiny airstrip right by the sea—it felt like landing on the beach, which immediately set the mood. Plus, I wasn’t keen on enduring the 4–5-hour bus ride to Cahuita, especially since large sections of the road were under renovation. In Cahuita (where I’ve been going every year since 2015), I stayed at Kenaki Lodge on Playa Grande. It’s a great lodge, about a 45-minute walk from Cahuita’s center, but you’re just 50 meters from the beach and usually have it all to yourself. The lodge is run by Béa, a Frenchwoman, and depending on the season, you can help release baby turtles on the beach. The room was 55 €, very spacious, and you can use the outdoor kitchen. I’d recommend it for anyone looking for peace and quiet and a private beach.
After 5 days there, I flew to Cartagena but didn’t stay overnight. Instead, I headed straight to Rincón del Mar, a 3-hour bus ride from CTG. I’d mostly heard about it from a friend who lives there and runs El Ché, a beachfront restaurant. Rincón del Mar is a tiny seaside village, very peaceful, with a pretty nice beach. There are lots of small hotels and restaurants, and it’s a spot that’s likely to grow quickly in the coming years. Note: there’s no ATM there, so you’ll need to withdraw cash in San Onofre, about 30 minutes away by moto-taxi. The round trip costs around 25,000 COP. That’s also where you catch the bus to Cartagena. For accommodations, rooms were roughly 70,000–90,000 COP, with a so-so value for the price. As for things to do, I’d recommend the tour that takes you to watch the sunset in front of Bird Island, followed by a swim in a lagoon with bioluminescent plankton. The excursion (if I remember correctly) cost around 90,000 COP.
After a week in Rincón del Mar, I headed back to Cartagena and decided to fly to Yopal to visit the Río Meta. In Yopal, you’ll need to go to the bus terminal (10 minutes by taxi from the airport). From there, I took a bus to Orocué (50,000 COP) for about a 4-hour trip—it felt endless because the road was in terrible condition. Orocué is a tiny town on the banks of the Río Meta, but it has all the essentials (hotels, restaurants, ATMs). It’s lovely to stroll along the river at sunset. There are a few small bars, the area is very natural, the sunsets are stunning, and when there are distant storms, it’s just breathtaking. For lodging, I stayed at Hotel Brisas de San Miguel. It wasn’t bad—fan-cooled room for 70,000 COP. There were quite a few mosquitoes. I spent 3 days in Orocué. If you want to swim, head to the bridge (the only one), Cano San Miguel, and on the right, there’s a swimming spot. With the heat, it’s a great way to cool off.
From Orocué, I took a fast *lancha* (boat) up the Río Meta to Puerto Carreño, in the Vichada department at the far end of Colombia. This brings you to the majestic Orinoco River, right across from Venezuela. The boat ride is long—10 hours—and costs about 60 €. We left around 6 AM, with a few stops for bathroom breaks and meals along the way. But you *must* book your spot 1–2 days in advance. To do that, go to the small square above the dock—there’s a "navigation office" there. The trip was long but enjoyable. I never get tired of river journeys.
I was happy to finally arrive in Puerto Carreño, a small border town with Venezuela. No surprise that half the population was Venezuelan. In Puerto Carreño, I stayed at Hotel Delfines del Orinoco. The room was 80,000 COP, decent, with A/C, and the best part was the pool. I spent 2 nights there. One thing you *must* do—morning and evening—is hike to the top of Cerro de la Bandera (the *cerros* are huge rock formations typical of the Orinoco region, and there are many in the area). From the summit, you get amazing 360° views of the savanna and jungle. Sunrise is especially incredible. The trail is well-marked—from downtown Puerto Carreño, it takes about 20 minutes.
Next, I spent 3 nights at Rancho Barú. About an hour by boat from Puerto Carreño, you get off at Casuarito, and someone from the lodge picks you up by motorcycle for a 30-minute ride. The ranch is in the middle of the savanna, with a river/rapids beach just a 5-minute walk away. You can also fish—bites come quickly. For the lodge, one night (room or hammock) with shared bathrooms, three meals included, one excursion, plus the round-trip motorcycle ride costs 245,000 COP. An extra night without an excursion is around 100,000 COP, but you need to let the lodge know in advance so they can prepare enough food—there’s absolutely nothing for miles around.
After those 3 great days at the ranch, I took a canoe to cross into Venezuela, since Casuarito is right across from Puerto Ayacucho. The crossing costs 10,000 COP, but I got shaken down by Venezuelan immigration, who invented a violation and made me pay $40 USD. Puerto Ayacucho didn’t inspire me much. The city felt sketchy, with many hotels closed. Dealing with currency exchange was the hardest part—you *must* bring cash (USD or Colombian pesos), know the exchange rate, and find someone with enough money to exchange with you. It took me at least 2 hours. I stayed in a decent hotel downtown for $20 USD a night, but I’ll admit that going out at night—even in Puerto Ayacucho—felt pretty dodgy. All the buildings have bars on the windows, and there weren’t many people outside. I didn’t linger and found my plans to continue south too complicated. The next day, I took a bus across the country to the Brazilian border at Santa Elena de Uairén. The trip took a day and a night, with countless military checkpoints where they made everyone get off, unload all the luggage, etc. Not exactly a fun ride.
Photos: - 2 sunrises near the Orocué dock - Storm over the savanna at Rancho Barú - View of the savanna and Orinoco near Casuarito - Photo taken during the Río Meta boat trip
Avis sur un circuit Ontario et Québec pour l'été 2021 English translation pending
bonjour à tous,
je commence à etablir un itineraire pour nos prochaines vacances d'ete. on partir vers mi-juillet. j'ai deja bien parcouru le forum mais il me reste des interrogations ou j'espere que vous pourrez nous conseiller. nous serons 2 famille avec nos enfants (4 adultes et 4 enfants 8,8,5,6 ans) . voici le circuit envisagé : (vol multidestination arrivee toront et retour montreal).
Jour 1 - Toronto
Jour 2 - Toronto (chute niagara)
Jour 3 - Toronto
Jour 4 - Toronto / Ottawa (449 km / 04h13)
Jour 5 - Ottawa
Jour 6 - Ottawa / Mauricie (370 km / 03h36)
Jour 7 - Mauricie / Québec (160 km / 2h00)
Jour 8 - Québec
Jour 9 - Québec / Tadoussac (216 km / 03h17)
Jour 10 - Tadoussac / Fjord du Saguenay (130 km / 2h00)
Jour 11 - Fjord du Saguenay
Jour 12 - Fjord du Saguenay / Charlevoix (190 km / 02h50)
Jour 13 - Charlevoix / Montréal (380 km / 04h00)
Jour 14 - Montréal
Jour 15 - Montréal
Jour 16 - Montreal
Jour 17 - retour montréal
mes questions sont :
-cet itineraire semble-t-il coherent et juste pour une premiere visite ? - tadoussac et fjord saguenay sont assez proches, vaut-il mieux loger à un seul endroit et silloner? si oui de quel cote? sinon vers quelle coin est-il conseille de loger pour les fjords ? - j'aurais aime voir le zoo de saint-felicien mais cela me semble complique sur notre itineraire, nous avons deja bcp de route ? une suggestion pour adapter l'itineraire ? - nous avions egalement pense louer un camping car de quebec et le remettre a montreal pour faire la partir nord de notre itineraire mais je ne trouve aucune location possible au depart de quebec et remise montreal. -autres suggestions/ conseils de votre part ?
merci à tous
belle journee
Debo
je commence à etablir un itineraire pour nos prochaines vacances d'ete. on partir vers mi-juillet. j'ai deja bien parcouru le forum mais il me reste des interrogations ou j'espere que vous pourrez nous conseiller. nous serons 2 famille avec nos enfants (4 adultes et 4 enfants 8,8,5,6 ans) . voici le circuit envisagé : (vol multidestination arrivee toront et retour montreal).
Jour 1 - Toronto
Jour 2 - Toronto (chute niagara)
Jour 3 - Toronto
Jour 4 - Toronto / Ottawa (449 km / 04h13)
Jour 5 - Ottawa
Jour 6 - Ottawa / Mauricie (370 km / 03h36)
Jour 7 - Mauricie / Québec (160 km / 2h00)
Jour 8 - Québec
Jour 9 - Québec / Tadoussac (216 km / 03h17)
Jour 10 - Tadoussac / Fjord du Saguenay (130 km / 2h00)
Jour 11 - Fjord du Saguenay
Jour 12 - Fjord du Saguenay / Charlevoix (190 km / 02h50)
Jour 13 - Charlevoix / Montréal (380 km / 04h00)
Jour 14 - Montréal
Jour 15 - Montréal
Jour 16 - Montreal
Jour 17 - retour montréal
mes questions sont :
-cet itineraire semble-t-il coherent et juste pour une premiere visite ? - tadoussac et fjord saguenay sont assez proches, vaut-il mieux loger à un seul endroit et silloner? si oui de quel cote? sinon vers quelle coin est-il conseille de loger pour les fjords ? - j'aurais aime voir le zoo de saint-felicien mais cela me semble complique sur notre itineraire, nous avons deja bcp de route ? une suggestion pour adapter l'itineraire ? - nous avions egalement pense louer un camping car de quebec et le remettre a montreal pour faire la partir nord de notre itineraire mais je ne trouve aucune location possible au depart de quebec et remise montreal. -autres suggestions/ conseils de votre part ?
merci à tous
belle journee
Debo
Des manifestations de plus en plus importantes en Thaïlande English translation pending
Hambourg-Vienne-Munich en vélo solo, malgré la covid English translation pending
Trop frustré de projets avortés et en manque de raids au long cours à cause de cette saloperie de virus, j'ai décidé de partir quand même. Ce sera donc la suite de ma transeuropéenne démarrée il y a un an à Oslo. Voir carnet Oslo - Hambourg.De plus en plus de cyclos-voyageurs English translation pending
Je suis actuellement en randonnée vélo de la haute Savoie à la presqu’île de giens et j’ai L’impression qu’ il y a beaucoup de voyageurs à vélo.
Beaucoup de jeunes notamment
Qu’en pensez-vous ?
Visites et hébergements à Prague English translation pending
Bonjour, normalement je devais aller à bran en Roumanie seul mais mon amie veut qu’on aille à Prague 2 nuits ou 3 nuits j’aimerai savoir y’a t’il une rue ou un boulevard ou quartier où tout est rassemblé pour visiter les principaux et on cherche un hôtel sympa avec une terrasse pour le petit-déjeuner toujours très central et bien sûr les cafés et les restaurants centraux aussi merci
Chemin du retour de la péninsule de Bruce (Ontario) vers Montréal (en camping-car) English translation pending
Bonjour,
Nous allons entamer notre premier voyage en camping car au mois d’août, alors pas besoin de vous dire que je suis très débutante dans l’exploration d’une Map pour me fabriquer un trajet !
J’aimerais vos idées ou conseils à propos du chemin de retour vers Montréal que nous pourrions prendre.
Pour aller nous irons deux nuits à sandbank, ensuite trois nuits à Niagara Falls. Je pensais ensuite, aller deux nuits à la péninsule de Bruce..
Pour finir, il nous reste deux nuits pour Calculer un chemin vers le bercail .... Montréal.
Nous sommes une jeune famille avec deux enfants de 4 et 6 ans.
Merci pour vos suggestions ( route, destinations, campings, attractions) sur la façon dont nous pourrions compléter notre périple.
Merci beaucoup pour vos réponses et bonne journée
Karine
Nous allons entamer notre premier voyage en camping car au mois d’août, alors pas besoin de vous dire que je suis très débutante dans l’exploration d’une Map pour me fabriquer un trajet !
J’aimerais vos idées ou conseils à propos du chemin de retour vers Montréal que nous pourrions prendre.
Pour aller nous irons deux nuits à sandbank, ensuite trois nuits à Niagara Falls. Je pensais ensuite, aller deux nuits à la péninsule de Bruce..
Pour finir, il nous reste deux nuits pour Calculer un chemin vers le bercail .... Montréal.
Nous sommes une jeune famille avec deux enfants de 4 et 6 ans.
Merci pour vos suggestions ( route, destinations, campings, attractions) sur la façon dont nous pourrions compléter notre périple.
Merci beaucoup pour vos réponses et bonne journée
Karine
Une semaine avec enfant de 2 ans en Gaspésie English translation pending
Bonjour à tous, et déjà merci pour ceux qui feront l'effort de lire et me renseigner.
J'habite la rive sud de Montréal et pendant nos congés fin juillet nous avons 1 semaine du lundi au dimanche pour visiter la Gaspésie. Évidemment j'ai conscience que c'est court mais c'est mieux que rien
Mes hôtels sont déjà programmé mais je n'ai pas vraiment organisé mes journées. C'est là que j'ai besoin de votre aide. Ma fille a deux ans, nos centres d'intérêt sont surtout, visite de beaux lieux, animaux, nature, plage, repos et découverte de lieux insolites.
Pour le moment mon plan est le suivant : Jour 1 départ de Montréal vers Kamouraska pour passer la nuit pas vraiment organisé cette partie de route mais j'autais aimé faire une visite éclair dans le parc de la Jacques Cartier. Jour 2 kamourska - sainte anne des monts prévue journe au parc du bic et nuit à St Anne Matane Jour 3 saine Anne des monts - gaspe visite à notre aise des villages sur la route et en fin d'après midi possible qu'on aille au parc du forillon
Jour 4 gaspe - Chandler direction roche percé - île bonaventure j'aurais aimé faire dans la journée une croisière ou qqch de pas intense physique en journée soirée prévu à chandler à nova lumina
Jour 5 direction carleton sur mer possible journée au bioparc pour ma fille
jour 6 direction direction Rimouski début de journée plage où aller quoi voir autour jour 7 départ pour le domicile
Est-ce qu'il y a des lieux qu'ils faut absolument voir et faisable avec un enfant de 2 ans ?
Des bons plans pour les croisières ou point de vue rando facile ? Des spécialités culinaires à tester absolument ? des bonnes adresses ?
Merci beaucoup pour vos commentaires. Si j'avais eu plus de temps j'aurais certainement pris des nuitées supplémentaires.
Bonne soirée
Pour le moment mon plan est le suivant : Jour 1 départ de Montréal vers Kamouraska pour passer la nuit pas vraiment organisé cette partie de route mais j'autais aimé faire une visite éclair dans le parc de la Jacques Cartier. Jour 2 kamourska - sainte anne des monts prévue journe au parc du bic et nuit à St Anne Matane Jour 3 saine Anne des monts - gaspe visite à notre aise des villages sur la route et en fin d'après midi possible qu'on aille au parc du forillon
Jour 4 gaspe - Chandler direction roche percé - île bonaventure j'aurais aimé faire dans la journée une croisière ou qqch de pas intense physique en journée soirée prévu à chandler à nova lumina
Jour 5 direction carleton sur mer possible journée au bioparc pour ma fille
jour 6 direction direction Rimouski début de journée plage où aller quoi voir autour jour 7 départ pour le domicile
Est-ce qu'il y a des lieux qu'ils faut absolument voir et faisable avec un enfant de 2 ans ?
Des bons plans pour les croisières ou point de vue rando facile ? Des spécialités culinaires à tester absolument ? des bonnes adresses ?
Merci beaucoup pour vos commentaires. Si j'avais eu plus de temps j'aurais certainement pris des nuitées supplémentaires.
Bonne soirée
Vélo à l'île d'Orléans avec mon garçon de 6 ans English translation pending
Bonjour,
Je compte passer 2 ou 3 jours à Québec avec mon garçon de 6 ans et j'ai pensé aller faire un tour à l'île d'Orléans.
J'ai pensé louer des vélos et faire un des circuits, mais est-ce qu'il y en a un qui serait adapté pour un jeune enfant? Je ne suis pas très chaud à l'idée de faire di vélo sur l'accotement des routes avec un enfant de 6 ans.
Je suis aussi preneur pour toutes les idées de trucs à faire ou voir avec mon p'tit bonhomme! :)
Merci!
Je compte passer 2 ou 3 jours à Québec avec mon garçon de 6 ans et j'ai pensé aller faire un tour à l'île d'Orléans.
J'ai pensé louer des vélos et faire un des circuits, mais est-ce qu'il y en a un qui serait adapté pour un jeune enfant? Je ne suis pas très chaud à l'idée de faire di vélo sur l'accotement des routes avec un enfant de 6 ans.
Je suis aussi preneur pour toutes les idées de trucs à faire ou voir avec mon p'tit bonhomme! :)
Merci!
Voyage en Gambie en novembre 2020 English translation pending
Bonjour à tous,
Je prépare un séjour en Gambie en novembre 2020 et dans ce but, je recherche plein d'infos et de bons plans de voyageurs. Tout ce que vous pourrez me conseiller sur ce pays m'intéresse, que ce soit au niveau santé, hébergement, à voir/à faire, cuisine, sécurité etc.
En vous remerciant d'ores et déjà pour votre collaboration,
Nathalie
Le top 15 des lieux à voir au Brésil, et les vôtres? English translation pending
Tiens, voici un lien super intéressant pour les futurs voyageurs au Brésil, selon Adelaide :
Top-15-des-lieux-a-voir-au-bresil-avant-de-mourir
Et pour ceux qui sont déjà venus ?
Quels était vos lieux préférés au Brésil ?
Le bonjour tropical de Salvador da Bahia,
Ivan Bahia Guide
Enfin libres! Entre rivières, fleuves et canaux, à vélo au fil de l'eau entre Seine et Loire English translation pending
Une fois n'est pas coutume, un petit carnet d'une promenade près de chez moi...
La période de strict confinement est derrière nous. Un rayon de 100 kilomètres pour explorer, les longues sorties à vélo de nouveau autorisées, un lundi de Pentecôte qui nous offre un week-end prolongé... Il n'en fallait pas plus pour fêter à notre façon ce déconfinement ensoleillé. Avec Franckie, et Olivier, nous avons pédalé, campé et nagé, rejoins tous les soirs par JP et ses enfants pour dîner et festoyer. Récit de trois jours, 310 km à vélo, au fil de la Seine, du Loing, du canal du Loing, du canal d'Orléans, de la Loire et de l'Essonne. Un manifeste pour la liberté...
30/05/2020 Jour: 105 km
Départ de Corbeil-Essonnes, le long de la Seine.
Cette route, du moins sur les 40 premiers kilomètres, nous est très familière. Nous l'empruntons fréquemment lors de nos sorties dominicales. Aujourd'hui, c'est différent. Nos vélos sont chargés de tout le matériel de camping nécessaire pour passer des nuits sauvages au bord de l'eau. Aucune contrainte de temps, ce soir, personne ne nous attend. L'objectif est de rester au plus près des fleuves, rivières et canaux que nous allons longer. Les cinquante premiers kilomètres se font donc en bord de Seine. Nous suivons ses boucles avec minutie sur des pistes et chemins aménagés, au cœur d'un décor sauvage et dépaysant.
Les stigmates du confinement sont encore visibles: de la rubalise interdit l'accès aux berges. Stigmates ou héritage d'une histoire récente car l'interdiction n'est plus respectée. Le soleil et l'insouciance nous propulsent déjà dans le monde d'après.
Une jolie piste cyclable relie Morêt-sur-Loing à Montargis en longeant le canal du Loing. Nous la parcourons à vive allure, ce qui n'empêche pas Olivier de saluer tous les promeneurs et autres passants que nous croisons... Il va sans dire que nous adressons toutes nos excuses à tous les promeneurs qui se seraient sentis heurtés ou agressés par ces "bonjours" énergiques.
La période de strict confinement est derrière nous. Un rayon de 100 kilomètres pour explorer, les longues sorties à vélo de nouveau autorisées, un lundi de Pentecôte qui nous offre un week-end prolongé... Il n'en fallait pas plus pour fêter à notre façon ce déconfinement ensoleillé. Avec Franckie, et Olivier, nous avons pédalé, campé et nagé, rejoins tous les soirs par JP et ses enfants pour dîner et festoyer. Récit de trois jours, 310 km à vélo, au fil de la Seine, du Loing, du canal du Loing, du canal d'Orléans, de la Loire et de l'Essonne. Un manifeste pour la liberté...
30/05/2020 Jour: 105 km
Départ de Corbeil-Essonnes, le long de la Seine.
Cette route, du moins sur les 40 premiers kilomètres, nous est très familière. Nous l'empruntons fréquemment lors de nos sorties dominicales. Aujourd'hui, c'est différent. Nos vélos sont chargés de tout le matériel de camping nécessaire pour passer des nuits sauvages au bord de l'eau. Aucune contrainte de temps, ce soir, personne ne nous attend. L'objectif est de rester au plus près des fleuves, rivières et canaux que nous allons longer. Les cinquante premiers kilomètres se font donc en bord de Seine. Nous suivons ses boucles avec minutie sur des pistes et chemins aménagés, au cœur d'un décor sauvage et dépaysant.
Les stigmates du confinement sont encore visibles: de la rubalise interdit l'accès aux berges. Stigmates ou héritage d'une histoire récente car l'interdiction n'est plus respectée. Le soleil et l'insouciance nous propulsent déjà dans le monde d'après.
Une jolie piste cyclable relie Morêt-sur-Loing à Montargis en longeant le canal du Loing. Nous la parcourons à vive allure, ce qui n'empêche pas Olivier de saluer tous les promeneurs et autres passants que nous croisons... Il va sans dire que nous adressons toutes nos excuses à tous les promeneurs qui se seraient sentis heurtés ou agressés par ces "bonjours" énergiques.
Le tourisme de masse a fait son apparition à Horseshoe Bend English translation pending
Le tourisme de masse a fait son apparition à Horseshoe Bend
J'ai eu plaisir de visiter Horseshoe Bend en 2008 .Il y avait un petit parking en terre battu pour les voitures . Une petite pancarte indiquait la direction du site et il y avait peu de monde à franchir la colline pour arriver sur place et c’était gratuit. Maintenant très grand parking pour recevoir les cars du béton pour les gardes fou un nouveau chemin d’accès .Enfin l'etat sauvage du site a disparu en plein Gleen canyon . Le site se trouve sur Gleen Canyon mais le chemin d’Accès est privé donc payage.
https://www.arizona-dream.com/usa/blog-voyage-usa/travaux-horseshoe-bend/travaux-horseshoe-bend.php
J'ai eu plaisir de visiter Horseshoe Bend en 2008 .Il y avait un petit parking en terre battu pour les voitures . Une petite pancarte indiquait la direction du site et il y avait peu de monde à franchir la colline pour arriver sur place et c’était gratuit. Maintenant très grand parking pour recevoir les cars du béton pour les gardes fou un nouveau chemin d’accès .Enfin l'etat sauvage du site a disparu en plein Gleen canyon . Le site se trouve sur Gleen Canyon mais le chemin d’Accès est privé donc payage.
https://www.arizona-dream.com/usa/blog-voyage-usa/travaux-horseshoe-bend/travaux-horseshoe-bend.php