Results for "Passage+Gois+|+127"
92496 results found.
Travel Trends on the Horizon for 2030: What’s in Store for Us!
By 2030, the tourism sector is evolving with the rise of virtual agents, booking via social media, and the transformation of loyalty programs.
A recent study anticipates several major developments in the travel industry by 2030.
Virtual agents powered by artificial intelligence will become personalized assistants, capable of organizing trips based on travelers' individual preferences.
At the same time, social media will position itself as essential booking platforms, making it easier to purchase flight tickets directly through these channels.
Loyalty programs will also undergo a revolution thanks to NFTs, offering monetizable and diverse rewards.
Among the expected innovations are:
Fast and free Wi-Fi available on all flights The ability to explore your room in virtual reality before even arriving Eco-friendly accommodations featuring hanging gardens and green spaces 100% digitalized check-in and check-out, with no need to stop by the front desk Automatic refunds if the price of your ticket drops after purchase
A recent study anticipates several major developments in the travel industry by 2030.
Virtual agents powered by artificial intelligence will become personalized assistants, capable of organizing trips based on travelers' individual preferences.
At the same time, social media will position itself as essential booking platforms, making it easier to purchase flight tickets directly through these channels.
Loyalty programs will also undergo a revolution thanks to NFTs, offering monetizable and diverse rewards.
Among the expected innovations are:
Fast and free Wi-Fi available on all flights The ability to explore your room in virtual reality before even arriving Eco-friendly accommodations featuring hanging gardens and green spaces 100% digitalized check-in and check-out, with no need to stop by the front desk Automatic refunds if the price of your ticket drops after purchase
The North Cape by 4x4 in the Snow
Our trip lasted a month, from March 10 to April 10, 2024, and was done aboard our Land Rover Defender 110. For those interested, our 4x4 is equipped with mountain-approved 3PMFSF all-terrain tires (non-studded), a removable electric winch that can be attached to either the front or rear of the vehicle, two sand recovery boards, and we bring two pairs of snow chains. We sleep in our Land Rover, which is equipped with a diesel-powered independent heater, a small fridge, and has a layout that allows the dinette to be converted into a bed.
Starting from the Paris region, we crossed Belgium and Germany, took the ferry from Travemünde in northern Germany to Helsinki, followed the Russian border up to northern Finland, then headed into Norway all the way to the North Cape before returning via Norway, taking the ferry from Larvik in Norway to Hirtshals in Denmark, then passing through Germany and Belgium on our way back to France.
Tonight, March 10, 2024, we’ll be sleeping at our daughter’s place in the North.
Tuesday, March 11, we’ll cross Belgium and then enter Germany, where we’ll camp in Bremen.
Wednesday, March 12, we’ll have a quick visit to Bremen in the morning. We had planned to visit Lübeck, but some electrical issues with the car delayed us, so we head straight to the German port of Travemünde, where we’re set to embark at 11:30 PM to cross the Baltic Sea and arrive in Helsinki after 31 hours of sailing (one-way cabin ticket cost: 850 €—quite expensive since we booked last minute).
On the ferry, there are mostly semi-trucks and only a few campervans and passenger cars. The boat is quiet, and the Baltic Sea is calm.
About two hours before arriving in Helsinki, we hear noise along the hull. Surprise—looking out the porthole, we realize we’re sailing on frozen sea ice!
Thursday, March 14, we arrive at the port of Helsinki at 9:30 AM. Disembarking takes a while. As soon as we’re out, we head straight to Rastila Camping (cost: 27 €), about ten kilometers east of Helsinki. Then we go to a Land Rover garage to fix our headlight switch, which stopped working (a real hassle in Finland since you have to drive with low beams on at all times).
After the repair, we visit the stunning Temppeliaukio Church, which is built underground.
On our way back to the campsite, we stop at the supermarket for supplies. Prices are similar to France, except for imported products.
We settle into our snowy campsite spot.
Starting from the Paris region, we crossed Belgium and Germany, took the ferry from Travemünde in northern Germany to Helsinki, followed the Russian border up to northern Finland, then headed into Norway all the way to the North Cape before returning via Norway, taking the ferry from Larvik in Norway to Hirtshals in Denmark, then passing through Germany and Belgium on our way back to France.
Tonight, March 10, 2024, we’ll be sleeping at our daughter’s place in the North.
Tuesday, March 11, we’ll cross Belgium and then enter Germany, where we’ll camp in Bremen.
Wednesday, March 12, we’ll have a quick visit to Bremen in the morning. We had planned to visit Lübeck, but some electrical issues with the car delayed us, so we head straight to the German port of Travemünde, where we’re set to embark at 11:30 PM to cross the Baltic Sea and arrive in Helsinki after 31 hours of sailing (one-way cabin ticket cost: 850 €—quite expensive since we booked last minute).
On the ferry, there are mostly semi-trucks and only a few campervans and passenger cars. The boat is quiet, and the Baltic Sea is calm.
About two hours before arriving in Helsinki, we hear noise along the hull. Surprise—looking out the porthole, we realize we’re sailing on frozen sea ice!
Thursday, March 14, we arrive at the port of Helsinki at 9:30 AM. Disembarking takes a while. As soon as we’re out, we head straight to Rastila Camping (cost: 27 €), about ten kilometers east of Helsinki. Then we go to a Land Rover garage to fix our headlight switch, which stopped working (a real hassle in Finland since you have to drive with low beams on at all times).
After the repair, we visit the stunning Temppeliaukio Church, which is built underground.
On our way back to the campsite, we stop at the supermarket for supplies. Prices are similar to France, except for imported products.
We settle into our snowy campsite spot.
Looking for companions for Manaslu Circuit trek in November 2025
Hi everyone. I’ve been dreaming of this trek since my first trip to Nepal: either joining an existing group (I’m 70, so the pace will be adjusted accordingly...), or organizing it myself with the same guide who accompanied me on the Annapurna Circuit and in Mustang (putting together a group of 2 or 3 people). Who’s interested??? Jules. Agnes
Connection at Lyon Part-Dieu
Hi there
I’m traveling from Geneva to Marseille in May and only have 18 minutes to change trains in Lyon. Do you think that’s doable?
Thanks and have a great day
I’m traveling from Geneva to Marseille in May and only have 18 minutes to change trains in Lyon. Do you think that’s doable?
Thanks and have a great day
Start of the maple water harvest in Quebec
Hi there,
Maybe you already use it in your recipes? Just to let you know that here in Quebec, the maple water harvest has started in several regions. The next step will be to boil this water to turn it into syrup. A sweet nectar, it works well in salad dressings, desserts, with salmon, and more. 😋
If you ever pass through here, don’t miss the chance to visit one of our wonderful sugar shacks. You can taste maple taffy on snow, among other things. 😄
Cheers! 👋
Maybe you already use it in your recipes? Just to let you know that here in Quebec, the maple water harvest has started in several regions. The next step will be to boil this water to turn it into syrup. A sweet nectar, it works well in salad dressings, desserts, with salmon, and more. 😋
If you ever pass through here, don’t miss the chance to visit one of our wonderful sugar shacks. You can taste maple taffy on snow, among other things. 😄
Cheers! 👋
Traveling to Mongolia in Winter: Practical Info and Experience Feedback
Hi everyone, here are some practical tips from my 5 weeks in Mongolia in February.
The famous Lonely Planet paper guide mostly gives wrong information—we often got let down.
From the airport to the city center (25 km), there are normally buses, but it’s not straightforward, especially for your return trip. Check with the tourism office on Genghis Khan Square.
If you need to stay more than 30 days, your hotel can request an extension for you online. Do this immediately because it can take time. At customs, you’ll get an extra stamp. Each day costs a very small fee, and no photo is needed.
I only travel by public transport. Don’t follow the paper guide, and remember there are buses running daily between Ulaanbaatar and Ölgii (and other routes).
The main issue is finding out the departure time and location. Insist strongly with your hotel—the bus might pass in the middle of the night. Locals have the drivers’ numbers and will let them know there are passengers to pick up. You pay on the bus.
From Karakorum Monastery, if you want to reach Arvaikheer via the mountains, the route is truly stunning. The postal service has a 6-seater van that leaves around 1 PM from the post office—ask around. This avoids going back to Ulaanbaatar. Plus, the van stops right in the center of Arvaikheer, next to a hotel that’s a really ugly red but has good rooms, great prices, and friendly staff.
The Black Market isn’t far, and neither are the city’s two museums.
The yurt camp next to the monastery is well-maintained, with very kind people. It gets too hot in winter, so you’ll have to sleep with the door open.
Ulaanbaatar There are two main long-distance bus stations: "Dragon Station." They’re far from the city center, so take a bus or a taxi—allow plenty of time to get there.
The city is constantly congested and polluted. Climate change is a very visible issue here.
To see a wrestling match in Ulaanbaatar, go directly to the "stadium" on Peace Avenue. Matches often take place at 11 AM, and tickets are sold on-site. Bus No. 1 goes there, among others.
For the Black Market, taking the bus is faster. You’ll find everything for daily life—fabrics, dishes, etc. But be careful: the "antique dealers" don’t provide authenticity papers, and you could get stopped at customs. Stick to the antique dealers in the city center.
I was really disappointed by the Lunar New Year—nothing happens outside, shops and banks are closed. Make sure to bring food, though ATMs work.
To exchange money, go to the 4th floor of the "state store" across from Beatles Park on Peace Avenue. The exchange rate seems good.
There are many great museums in Ulaanbaatar and smaller towns—worth a visit, even if you sometimes have to hunt for the keys and lights. However, the art galleries in Ulaanbaatar no longer exist (at least not when I was there).
I stayed at GoldenGobi Guesthouse—very family-like atmosphere, right in the center, and budget-friendly. They can also help organize things. There’s a kitchen and a terrace for summer, and it’s just a short walk from the "state store" and museums.
The Thousand Camel Festival in Dalanzadgad takes place at the end of January—check the dates, as climate change may shift them.
There’s a direct bus from "Dragon Station" very early in the morning. For accommodation, I stayed at "Happy Bee Hostel," which is well-located on the festival route. It has 3 nice dorms and a small kitchen, and the owner is very friendly. The place was clean.
The festival is 5 km away, but hitchhiking works really well. It lasts 3 days and is free. Day 1: Introductions, networking, and handicrafts. Day 2: Archery (men’s and women’s), camel presentations, and camel polo. Day 3: Camel races, beauty contests, and training demonstrations. There are several yurts where you can enjoy culinary tastings—very pleasant when it’s a bit windy and cold.
You can eat on-site throughout the festival.
There’s also the Ice Festival in the north, which lasts 3 weeks—look into it.
Alcohol (vodka and very strong Mongolian alcohol—cheap) I never encountered any issues on the road—there are lots of police checks. However, I did witness several nighttime fights in hotels. I always made sure my door locked and let the shouting and punches fly. I only took out my whistle if I heard a woman screaming, but usually, it’s just men drinking in their rooms.
I didn’t experience any specific issues as a woman.
Health: Don’t forget your prescriptions. I used SMECTA (a digestive aid), which helped when I couldn’t refuse mutton dumplings—I’m not a big meat eater.
That’s all—I’m sure I forgot some things. I chose winter to attend the Camel Festival and also because there are no tourists or 4x4s everywhere. The downside is that there’s a lot of snow, especially near the Kazakh region, and sometimes it’s impossible to go off the beaten path. Near Ölgii, summer must offer some great hikes. Marie
The famous Lonely Planet paper guide mostly gives wrong information—we often got let down.
From the airport to the city center (25 km), there are normally buses, but it’s not straightforward, especially for your return trip. Check with the tourism office on Genghis Khan Square.
If you need to stay more than 30 days, your hotel can request an extension for you online. Do this immediately because it can take time. At customs, you’ll get an extra stamp. Each day costs a very small fee, and no photo is needed.
I only travel by public transport. Don’t follow the paper guide, and remember there are buses running daily between Ulaanbaatar and Ölgii (and other routes).
The main issue is finding out the departure time and location. Insist strongly with your hotel—the bus might pass in the middle of the night. Locals have the drivers’ numbers and will let them know there are passengers to pick up. You pay on the bus.
From Karakorum Monastery, if you want to reach Arvaikheer via the mountains, the route is truly stunning. The postal service has a 6-seater van that leaves around 1 PM from the post office—ask around. This avoids going back to Ulaanbaatar. Plus, the van stops right in the center of Arvaikheer, next to a hotel that’s a really ugly red but has good rooms, great prices, and friendly staff.
The Black Market isn’t far, and neither are the city’s two museums.
The yurt camp next to the monastery is well-maintained, with very kind people. It gets too hot in winter, so you’ll have to sleep with the door open.
Ulaanbaatar There are two main long-distance bus stations: "Dragon Station." They’re far from the city center, so take a bus or a taxi—allow plenty of time to get there.
The city is constantly congested and polluted. Climate change is a very visible issue here.
To see a wrestling match in Ulaanbaatar, go directly to the "stadium" on Peace Avenue. Matches often take place at 11 AM, and tickets are sold on-site. Bus No. 1 goes there, among others.
For the Black Market, taking the bus is faster. You’ll find everything for daily life—fabrics, dishes, etc. But be careful: the "antique dealers" don’t provide authenticity papers, and you could get stopped at customs. Stick to the antique dealers in the city center.
I was really disappointed by the Lunar New Year—nothing happens outside, shops and banks are closed. Make sure to bring food, though ATMs work.
To exchange money, go to the 4th floor of the "state store" across from Beatles Park on Peace Avenue. The exchange rate seems good.
There are many great museums in Ulaanbaatar and smaller towns—worth a visit, even if you sometimes have to hunt for the keys and lights. However, the art galleries in Ulaanbaatar no longer exist (at least not when I was there).
I stayed at GoldenGobi Guesthouse—very family-like atmosphere, right in the center, and budget-friendly. They can also help organize things. There’s a kitchen and a terrace for summer, and it’s just a short walk from the "state store" and museums.
The Thousand Camel Festival in Dalanzadgad takes place at the end of January—check the dates, as climate change may shift them.
There’s a direct bus from "Dragon Station" very early in the morning. For accommodation, I stayed at "Happy Bee Hostel," which is well-located on the festival route. It has 3 nice dorms and a small kitchen, and the owner is very friendly. The place was clean.
The festival is 5 km away, but hitchhiking works really well. It lasts 3 days and is free. Day 1: Introductions, networking, and handicrafts. Day 2: Archery (men’s and women’s), camel presentations, and camel polo. Day 3: Camel races, beauty contests, and training demonstrations. There are several yurts where you can enjoy culinary tastings—very pleasant when it’s a bit windy and cold.
You can eat on-site throughout the festival.
There’s also the Ice Festival in the north, which lasts 3 weeks—look into it.
Alcohol (vodka and very strong Mongolian alcohol—cheap) I never encountered any issues on the road—there are lots of police checks. However, I did witness several nighttime fights in hotels. I always made sure my door locked and let the shouting and punches fly. I only took out my whistle if I heard a woman screaming, but usually, it’s just men drinking in their rooms.
I didn’t experience any specific issues as a woman.
Health: Don’t forget your prescriptions. I used SMECTA (a digestive aid), which helped when I couldn’t refuse mutton dumplings—I’m not a big meat eater.
That’s all—I’m sure I forgot some things. I chose winter to attend the Camel Festival and also because there are no tourists or 4x4s everywhere. The downside is that there’s a lot of snow, especially near the Kazakh region, and sometimes it’s impossible to go off the beaten path. Near Ölgii, summer must offer some great hikes. Marie
Buying a bike and formalities for a Turkey-to-Vietnam motorcycle road trip
Hi everyone,
I’d like to do a 5-month motorcycle road trip from Turkey to Vietnam. To do this, I’d like to buy a used bike locally. Do you know what steps are involved (especially the administrative ones for insurance, registration, etc.)? Are they quick? And do you know any reliable places to buy a used motorcycle?
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
I’d like to do a 5-month motorcycle road trip from Turkey to Vietnam. To do this, I’d like to buy a used bike locally. Do you know what steps are involved (especially the administrative ones for insurance, registration, etc.)? Are they quick? And do you know any reliable places to buy a used motorcycle?
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Undecided on the itinerary for a one-month summer road trip
Hi everyone,
We’re thinking of heading back to the US but we’re still debating the itinerary. We’d love to revisit New York, but after that...? We’ve already explored the East Coast without making it down to Florida. So we’re wondering if we should go there. New Orleans has been catching our eye, and Memphis with its blues-rock vibe is also really appealing. A road trip that would start on the East Coast and head inland/mid-country. Any suggestions?
Or... we’re even considering stretching all the way to the West Coast: - Passing through LA, which we’d ultimately skipped on our West Coast trip, but maybe it’s not the best time to go with all those wildfires that have devastated iconic spots... - Or heading north to Washington and/or Oregon states, or closer, Montana.
Anyway, I’d love to hear your thoughts on what kind of loop we could do in 4 weeks... Given that in 2023, we spent nearly 6 weeks in the West, covering San Francisco, Yosemite, Death Valley, Mammoth Lake, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Page and its surroundings, Arches, Canyonlands, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Zion, Bryce, and Las Vegas.
On that note, I have to give a big shout-out to Thibaut, aka ITAT, for his time and invaluable advice in planning that West Coast trip. Since then, I’ve really enjoyed taking the time to share tips about places I’ve visited! Speaking of which, don’t hesitate to PM me for West Coast advice! Otherwise, I’ll be sharing a recap of that trip in a travel journal—currently in Word—that I’ll post on the forum later. For those interested, I also made a video montage (with clickable chapters in the description) of those 5 weeks here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx8d4ommhv4. Just a heads-up: the Bodie videos aren’t mine (my GoPro died), and the grass was completely green when we passed through, unlike in the video.
Looking forward to your suggestions! !
We’re thinking of heading back to the US but we’re still debating the itinerary. We’d love to revisit New York, but after that...? We’ve already explored the East Coast without making it down to Florida. So we’re wondering if we should go there. New Orleans has been catching our eye, and Memphis with its blues-rock vibe is also really appealing. A road trip that would start on the East Coast and head inland/mid-country. Any suggestions?
Or... we’re even considering stretching all the way to the West Coast: - Passing through LA, which we’d ultimately skipped on our West Coast trip, but maybe it’s not the best time to go with all those wildfires that have devastated iconic spots... - Or heading north to Washington and/or Oregon states, or closer, Montana.
Anyway, I’d love to hear your thoughts on what kind of loop we could do in 4 weeks... Given that in 2023, we spent nearly 6 weeks in the West, covering San Francisco, Yosemite, Death Valley, Mammoth Lake, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Page and its surroundings, Arches, Canyonlands, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Zion, Bryce, and Las Vegas.
On that note, I have to give a big shout-out to Thibaut, aka ITAT, for his time and invaluable advice in planning that West Coast trip. Since then, I’ve really enjoyed taking the time to share tips about places I’ve visited! Speaking of which, don’t hesitate to PM me for West Coast advice! Otherwise, I’ll be sharing a recap of that trip in a travel journal—currently in Word—that I’ll post on the forum later. For those interested, I also made a video montage (with clickable chapters in the description) of those 5 weeks here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx8d4ommhv4. Just a heads-up: the Bodie videos aren’t mine (my GoPro died), and the grass was completely green when we passed through, unlike in the video.
Looking forward to your suggestions! !
Motorcycle insurance for Russia?
Hi everyone,
I’m heading to Mongolia on my motorcycle in early May 2025, but I’m really struggling to find insurance with a Green Card that covers Russia. Do you know where I can get one? Thanks! Best, Philippe
I’m heading to Mongolia on my motorcycle in early May 2025, but I’m really struggling to find insurance with a Green Card that covers Russia. Do you know where I can get one? Thanks! Best, Philippe
New Walks from Jodhpur to Narnaul (Feb 24)
I’ve been busy—here’s another travel journal on Rajasthan, with some new discoveries as always.
Thursday, January 25: I left home at 4:30 AM and headed to Barcelona airport. The roads weren’t blocked by farmers yet, so I made the trip without any issues. I arrived at the airport at 7:10 AM, called Parkvia, and someone picked up my car 15 minutes later. All that was left was to check in my luggage. My Etihad flight was at 10:25 AM, which gave me time for breakfast. We landed in Abu Dhabi at 7:30 PM. The flight to Delhi was at 10:15 PM, the transfer went smoothly without any stress, and we arrived in Delhi at 3:00 AM. I couldn’t waste any time upon arrival because I had a flight to Jodhpur at 6:55 AM. I got to customs, and what a nice surprise—the hall was empty. I went through immediately, had my passport and visa checked, and everything was fine. I grabbed my bag quickly and looked for the transfer to T2, which is outside. You have to walk along the taxi parking lot and take the long corridors—it’s well signposted, and the transfer took 10 minutes. At first, I was a little stressed, not knowing how long customs would take, but in the end, I was early for my 6:55 AM flight. I’m even glad I booked this one, as it got me to Jodhpur at 8:20 AM.
When I arrived, I took an auto-rickshaw to Jodhpur Palace GH, which I’d booked on Booking. The welcome was nice, and I was given a room right away. I was hoping to rest a bit, but unfortunately, it was very noisy. I settled in, took a shower, and was ready to go out and explore the city. The owner stopped me as I was leaving and told me I had to change rooms—I had to repack my bag before heading out. He showed me the way to the clock tower, which is about a 15-minute walk away.
A market lines the street leading to the tower, and the traffic is intense.
I set off in search of the stepwells and Gulab Sagar, a large basin with three water jets and a great view of Mehrangarh Fort. And yes, more baoris!
Toorji Ka Jhalra Bawdi isn’t far away. It’s a meet-up spot for tourists, with restaurants and terraces lining the area. The place is nice.
I looked for Mahila Bagh Ka Jhalra, went around in circles a bit, and finally found it right across from Gulab Sagar, where I’d already been. It’s not in good condition—it’s a shame it hasn’t been restored.
I went back through the clock tower area, found a currency exchange with a good rate, and booked my train tickets for the whole trip. The street was lively, with heavy traffic.
I was tired and headed back to the guesthouse. When I got there, I realized my phone wasn’t showing the right time, which gave me a chance to rest before going out for dinner. The Indigo restaurant is nearby and will be perfect.
Thursday, January 25: I left home at 4:30 AM and headed to Barcelona airport. The roads weren’t blocked by farmers yet, so I made the trip without any issues. I arrived at the airport at 7:10 AM, called Parkvia, and someone picked up my car 15 minutes later. All that was left was to check in my luggage. My Etihad flight was at 10:25 AM, which gave me time for breakfast. We landed in Abu Dhabi at 7:30 PM. The flight to Delhi was at 10:15 PM, the transfer went smoothly without any stress, and we arrived in Delhi at 3:00 AM. I couldn’t waste any time upon arrival because I had a flight to Jodhpur at 6:55 AM. I got to customs, and what a nice surprise—the hall was empty. I went through immediately, had my passport and visa checked, and everything was fine. I grabbed my bag quickly and looked for the transfer to T2, which is outside. You have to walk along the taxi parking lot and take the long corridors—it’s well signposted, and the transfer took 10 minutes. At first, I was a little stressed, not knowing how long customs would take, but in the end, I was early for my 6:55 AM flight. I’m even glad I booked this one, as it got me to Jodhpur at 8:20 AM.
When I arrived, I took an auto-rickshaw to Jodhpur Palace GH, which I’d booked on Booking. The welcome was nice, and I was given a room right away. I was hoping to rest a bit, but unfortunately, it was very noisy. I settled in, took a shower, and was ready to go out and explore the city. The owner stopped me as I was leaving and told me I had to change rooms—I had to repack my bag before heading out. He showed me the way to the clock tower, which is about a 15-minute walk away.
A market lines the street leading to the tower, and the traffic is intense.
I set off in search of the stepwells and Gulab Sagar, a large basin with three water jets and a great view of Mehrangarh Fort. And yes, more baoris!
Toorji Ka Jhalra Bawdi isn’t far away. It’s a meet-up spot for tourists, with restaurants and terraces lining the area. The place is nice.
I looked for Mahila Bagh Ka Jhalra, went around in circles a bit, and finally found it right across from Gulab Sagar, where I’d already been. It’s not in good condition—it’s a shame it hasn’t been restored.
I went back through the clock tower area, found a currency exchange with a good rate, and booked my train tickets for the whole trip. The street was lively, with heavy traffic.
I was tired and headed back to the guesthouse. When I got there, I realized my phone wasn’t showing the right time, which gave me a chance to rest before going out for dinner. The Indigo restaurant is nearby and will be perfect.
Imi n’Ifri to Agouti Road (Morocco)
Hi there,
Is the road connecting Imi n’Ifri (near Demnate) to Agouti (Aït Bougmez) paved and therefore in good enough condition for a rental car? Thanks!
Same question for the road descending the Tessaout Valley from Amezri. Thanks!
Same question for the road descending the Tessaout Valley from Amezri. Thanks!
From Split to Mostar via Montenegro: Various questions (sightseeing, hikes, etc.)
Hi there! 🙂
Our summer destination is set: it’ll be a European loop starting from Auvergne, heading down to southern Croatia and then Montenegro, with a return via Mostar.
We’ll zip down to southern Croatia in two stages (we’ve been as far as Šibenik on a previous trip). Here are our booked stops:
Split – 2 nights Makarska – 1 night (via Sveti Jure) Pelješac Peninsula – 6 nights (day trips to Dubrovnik and Korčula from here – Mljet?) Kotor – 1 night Between Cetinje and Budva – 3 nights (Lovćen, Budva, Lake Skadar from our rental) Near Žabljak – 3 nights (via Ostrog / Mrtvica Canyon, Durmitor National Park) Mostar – 2 nights (via Blagaj)
Back to Auvergne in two stages.
Here are my questions:
- Any ideas for sights, detours, or hikes (no more than 500 m elevation gain and 15 km distance) along this route?
- What’s the deal with crossing borders between Croatia and Montenegro, then Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina? I’ve read that the crossing between the first two countries can take hours in the summer...
- Crowds in Croatia: Dubrovnik is apparently best avoided on days when cruise ships dock. I found a site that shows how many ships arrive each day. It says none on Sundays—but is Sunday really accurate? What other places suffer from overtourism? (Before Italian vacation season starts.)
All your suggestions are welcome (just FYI, guided tours, jet skis, jet-set vibes, and quad-bike conga lines are *not* on my wishlist)!
Thanks! 😉
Our summer destination is set: it’ll be a European loop starting from Auvergne, heading down to southern Croatia and then Montenegro, with a return via Mostar.
We’ll zip down to southern Croatia in two stages (we’ve been as far as Šibenik on a previous trip). Here are our booked stops:
Split – 2 nights Makarska – 1 night (via Sveti Jure) Pelješac Peninsula – 6 nights (day trips to Dubrovnik and Korčula from here – Mljet?) Kotor – 1 night Between Cetinje and Budva – 3 nights (Lovćen, Budva, Lake Skadar from our rental) Near Žabljak – 3 nights (via Ostrog / Mrtvica Canyon, Durmitor National Park) Mostar – 2 nights (via Blagaj)
Back to Auvergne in two stages.
Here are my questions:
- Any ideas for sights, detours, or hikes (no more than 500 m elevation gain and 15 km distance) along this route?
- What’s the deal with crossing borders between Croatia and Montenegro, then Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina? I’ve read that the crossing between the first two countries can take hours in the summer...
- Crowds in Croatia: Dubrovnik is apparently best avoided on days when cruise ships dock. I found a site that shows how many ships arrive each day. It says none on Sundays—but is Sunday really accurate? What other places suffer from overtourism? (Before Italian vacation season starts.)
All your suggestions are welcome (just FYI, guided tours, jet skis, jet-set vibes, and quad-bike conga lines are *not* on my wishlist)!
Thanks! 😉
Connecting in Santiago: how much transit time?
Hi there,
We’re heading to Chile in September 2025, and we booked a Paris–Santiago flight (AF) that was supposed to arrive in Santiago at 7:45 AM, with a same-day connection to Calama on LATAM at 2 PM. Air France just changed the arrival time to 8:45 AM in Santiago. Do you think we’ll still have enough time for the connection to Calama, or should we change our 2 PM flight to one the next morning? The other same-day options are too late. How long should we budget for customs, health checks, and baggage claim—since we’ll need to recheck our bags for Calama?
Is moving between the international terminal and the domestic terminal time-consuming?
Thanks so much for your help! :)
We’re heading to Chile in September 2025, and we booked a Paris–Santiago flight (AF) that was supposed to arrive in Santiago at 7:45 AM, with a same-day connection to Calama on LATAM at 2 PM. Air France just changed the arrival time to 8:45 AM in Santiago. Do you think we’ll still have enough time for the connection to Calama, or should we change our 2 PM flight to one the next morning? The other same-day options are too late. How long should we budget for customs, health checks, and baggage claim—since we’ll need to recheck our bags for Calama?
Is moving between the international terminal and the domestic terminal time-consuming?
Thanks so much for your help! :)
Is our Patagonia itinerary doable?
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Chile and Argentina for 4 weeks (Atacama Desert, Easter Island, and Chilean and Argentine Patagonia).
For Patagonia, our itinerary (rental car) is as follows:
1 night in Puerto Natales
2 nights in Torres del Paine.
Then we’ll drive back up to El Chaltén, where we’ll spend 3 nights (fingers crossed the weather lets us do the two hikes we’ve planned). After that, we’re off to El Calafate for 2 nights (Perito Moreno Glacier). Our last day and night in Argentina will be spent at an estancia (Nibepo Aike). This is where I’m wondering: We have to drive in one day from the estancia (1.5 hours of dirt road from El Calafate) all the way to Punta Arenas. On paper, it seems doable. But what’s it like in reality? Is it too long? Thanks for your thoughts and advice—I hope I’ve been clear. Pilar
Then we’ll drive back up to El Chaltén, where we’ll spend 3 nights (fingers crossed the weather lets us do the two hikes we’ve planned). After that, we’re off to El Calafate for 2 nights (Perito Moreno Glacier). Our last day and night in Argentina will be spent at an estancia (Nibepo Aike). This is where I’m wondering: We have to drive in one day from the estancia (1.5 hours of dirt road from El Calafate) all the way to Punta Arenas. On paper, it seems doable. But what’s it like in reality? Is it too long? Thanks for your thoughts and advice—I hope I’ve been clear. Pilar
Choosing a hotel in Las Vegas: need advice
Hi everyone,
I’ve been reading reviews of different hotels for 3 nights in Las Vegas, and now I’m totally lost ;) So far, within our budget, we’ve shortlisted: (in no particular order) - the New York New York - the Park MGM - the Planet Hollywood
We’ll be back for just one night in Las Vegas, and for that single night, we’re thinking of staying near the airport. The Luxor seems like a good option based on price—we want to splurge a bit more for the first 3 nights.
Our main priorities are cleanliness, and honestly, it feels like it’s hit-or-miss everywhere... Also, check-in seems to take forever at all these places, and since we land at 6 PM, by the time we get there... with the jet lag, the long check-in is really stressing me out... How’s the soundproofing at these hotels, by the way? We don’t need parking, and the pool isn’t a big deal for us :)
We’re open to other affordable suggestions!
Thanks in advance for all your tips, have a great week!
I’ve been reading reviews of different hotels for 3 nights in Las Vegas, and now I’m totally lost ;) So far, within our budget, we’ve shortlisted: (in no particular order) - the New York New York - the Park MGM - the Planet Hollywood
We’ll be back for just one night in Las Vegas, and for that single night, we’re thinking of staying near the airport. The Luxor seems like a good option based on price—we want to splurge a bit more for the first 3 nights.
Our main priorities are cleanliness, and honestly, it feels like it’s hit-or-miss everywhere... Also, check-in seems to take forever at all these places, and since we land at 6 PM, by the time we get there... with the jet lag, the long check-in is really stressing me out... How’s the soundproofing at these hotels, by the way? We don’t need parking, and the pool isn’t a big deal for us :)
We’re open to other affordable suggestions!
Thanks in advance for all your tips, have a great week!
RV trip across Alaska
Hi everyone,
My husband and I are planning an RV trip to Alaska. If any of you have already done a road trip in that part of the world, could you share your experience with us? We’re planning to leave in mid-June (departing from Halifax).
Any tips or info would be greatly appreciated.
Annie
22-day itinerary in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia: your thoughts and advice?
Hello,
After spending some time reading through the forum posts, I’m finally taking the plunge to ask for your help. We’re planning a family trip—a couple with two kids aged 10 and 12—and we’ll be driving from the Paris region. Flying isn’t an option for us. We’ll pass through Munich on the way out and Mantua on the way back. I’ve tried to design an itinerary that suits our preferences: moving at a relaxed pace, avoiding constant packing and unpacking, and keeping the kids engaged. To give you an idea, our oldest wasn’t too impressed with Corsica because "it was meh, just pretty landscapes to look at." Our youngest is only happy when she can dip her feet in the water, and the parents aren’t fans of lounging on a towel for too long.
After all my research, I’ll admit I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. Is this itinerary doable without turning into a mad dash? Am I missing any must-see spots? Is the Croatia leg realistic? Is it worth staying 4 nights on Brač, given we’re not big beach fans? Have I accounted for enough time at the border crossings? I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice.
Here’s the planned itinerary from July 21 to August 17: Day 1 to 4: Munich Day 5: Depart Munich for Plitvice Lakes (overnight there) Day 6: Visit Plitvice Lakes (overnight there) Day 7: Drive to Una (overnight in Cardaklije) Day 8: Visit Una (overnight in Cardaklije) Day 9: Rafting? (overnight in Cardaklije) Day 10: Drive to Sarajevo. Visit Jajce and Travnik? (overnight in Sarajevo) Day 11: Visit Sarajevo (overnight in Sarajevo) Day 12: Skakavac Waterfalls or other points of interest in the area (overnight in Sarajevo) Day 13: Drive to Mostar. Visit Konjic and Jablanica (overnight in Mostar or Blagaj?) Day 14: Kravica Waterfalls (overnight in Mostar or Blagaj?) Day 15: Visit Blagaj (overnight in Mostar or Blagaj?) Day 16: Visit Počitelj—drive to Hutovo Blato (overnight where???) Day 17: Visit (overnight where??) Day 18: Visit Split (and Trogir?) (overnight in Split or nearby) Day 19: Ferry to Brač (4 nights on Brač) Day 23: Ferry back to Split—drive to Šibenik (overnight in Šibenik or nearby) Day 24: Day trip to the Kornati Islands? (overnight in Šibenik) Day 25: Krka National Park (overnight in Šibenik) Day 26: Depart for Mantua
What do you think? I’m eagerly awaiting your responses. Thanks so much for your help!
After spending some time reading through the forum posts, I’m finally taking the plunge to ask for your help. We’re planning a family trip—a couple with two kids aged 10 and 12—and we’ll be driving from the Paris region. Flying isn’t an option for us. We’ll pass through Munich on the way out and Mantua on the way back. I’ve tried to design an itinerary that suits our preferences: moving at a relaxed pace, avoiding constant packing and unpacking, and keeping the kids engaged. To give you an idea, our oldest wasn’t too impressed with Corsica because "it was meh, just pretty landscapes to look at." Our youngest is only happy when she can dip her feet in the water, and the parents aren’t fans of lounging on a towel for too long.
After all my research, I’ll admit I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. Is this itinerary doable without turning into a mad dash? Am I missing any must-see spots? Is the Croatia leg realistic? Is it worth staying 4 nights on Brač, given we’re not big beach fans? Have I accounted for enough time at the border crossings? I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice.
Here’s the planned itinerary from July 21 to August 17: Day 1 to 4: Munich Day 5: Depart Munich for Plitvice Lakes (overnight there) Day 6: Visit Plitvice Lakes (overnight there) Day 7: Drive to Una (overnight in Cardaklije) Day 8: Visit Una (overnight in Cardaklije) Day 9: Rafting? (overnight in Cardaklije) Day 10: Drive to Sarajevo. Visit Jajce and Travnik? (overnight in Sarajevo) Day 11: Visit Sarajevo (overnight in Sarajevo) Day 12: Skakavac Waterfalls or other points of interest in the area (overnight in Sarajevo) Day 13: Drive to Mostar. Visit Konjic and Jablanica (overnight in Mostar or Blagaj?) Day 14: Kravica Waterfalls (overnight in Mostar or Blagaj?) Day 15: Visit Blagaj (overnight in Mostar or Blagaj?) Day 16: Visit Počitelj—drive to Hutovo Blato (overnight where???) Day 17: Visit (overnight where??) Day 18: Visit Split (and Trogir?) (overnight in Split or nearby) Day 19: Ferry to Brač (4 nights on Brač) Day 23: Ferry back to Split—drive to Šibenik (overnight in Šibenik or nearby) Day 24: Day trip to the Kornati Islands? (overnight in Šibenik) Day 25: Krka National Park (overnight in Šibenik) Day 26: Depart for Mantua
What do you think? I’m eagerly awaiting your responses. Thanks so much for your help!
Various questions for a Yukon-Alaska road trip
Hi everyone,
I’m finally heading to the Yukon in May-June 2025 and also Alaska.
My flight is booked, the truck camper too, but I’m a bit stuck on visas:
I’ll arrive in Canada by plane, drive to Alaska by road, and return to Canada by road before flying out again. Is the eTA sufficient?
I’d also love to hear from people who’ve done this trip—great tips, places to stay, warnings, or personal experiences!
What about bear spray? Where can I find it, and how much does it cost?
I’ll be spending a few days in Whitehorse when I arrive on May 8th, and again the weekend of June 20th—any suggestions for accommodation are welcome.
I’m Belgian and flying out of Germany.
Celebrity is launching river cruises
Hi there!
Celebrity is venturing into river cruises and will have 5 boats built at the Saint-Nazaire shipyards.
Mich74
The Carpathians, Budapest, or Krakow for a road trip
Hi there! This summer, we're planning a 2- to 3-week road trip in one of these countries!! But despite all the reviews we’ve read on the forum, we still can’t decide... It’s so hard to choose between the Carpathians, Budapest, and Krakow!!! Could you give us some advice based on what you know? Thanks, Karine and Christophe
Visa requirement lifted (Belarus)
It’s currently possible for a French national to enter Belarus through any land or air border point and stay for up to 30 days, for any reason.
I did this last November, driving my own car from France, entering at Terespol and Brest-Litovsk (7-hour queue on the Polish side for political reasons and 3 hours of formalities on the Belarusian side), and exiting through Lithuania (1.5 hours on the Belarusian side and 3.5 hours on the Lithuanian side for political reasons). The rest of the trip was a real pleasure...
A month in Cambodia in November 2024
Here we go!!!
I left home at 4 AM on October 31st and headed to Barcelona. Driving through Barcelona on the ring road stresses me out a bit, but at 6 AM the traffic is smooth, and I arrive at the airport without any issues. I call the valet, who quickly comes to pick up my car. He takes photos of it from all angles before letting me go.
Baggage check-in hasn’t started yet, and there are already several of us waiting.
Once free, everything happens very quickly. The flight to Abu Dhabi is on time and goes smoothly. I’ve never had any problems with this airline, which I’ve been using for several years.
The flight to Bangkok arrives at 7 AM as scheduled. This is my first time in Thailand and Bangkok. I’m used to traveling in India, and I notice that everything here is well organized—the customs process is quick, and the luggage is already on the carousel.
I booked a taxi on Booking. All I have to do is find the right exit and door based on the agency’s instructions. A large sign with the names of people who booked is posted on a wall. A hostess greets me and calls the taxi, which arrives 5 minutes later. I booked one night at the Lost Inn BKK hotel in the Phra Nakhon district, and we arrive at 9 AM. The welcome isn’t warm, and I have to wait until noon, sitting on a chair, before I can check into my room. I’m exhausted, and sleeping sitting up isn’t ideal. Noon finally arrives—the room is small but clean, which is fine for one night. I quickly take a shower to wake up because I plan to spend the afternoon visiting the Grand Palace. First, I need to exchange some money, and the banks are all close together on the same street, which is very convenient. When I enter one, a hostess gives me a ticket and invites me to sit down. There are about twenty counters, and I wait quietly until my number is called. The exchange is quick, so I can head out to find the Royal Palace. It’s actually very easy, and the walk is pleasant.
Entry to the Royal Palace (500 baht).
It’s magnificent and grand, and there are quite a few of us visiting. The sky is gray, it’s very humid, and a shower interrupts the visit. It’s a vast complex of temples and palaces. The buildings are colorful and sparkling, with a great sense of serenity (without the tourists, of course). I quietly enjoy the place and try to take photos without tourists, which isn’t easy.
Very close to the Grand Palace is Wat Pho, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the capital.
It’s very famous for its 46-meter-long reclining Buddha statue.
Walking around the temple, you can see different representations of Buddha, all covered in gold leaf.
Inside the temple, on one side, monks recite their prayers, while the other side is reserved for tourists who come to meditate in silence.
Before returning to the hotel, I have dinner at an Indian restaurant. I go to bed early because tomorrow’s wake-up call will be very early again.
Saturday, November 2nd Wake-up at 4 AM, departure from the hotel at 4:30 AM. The taxi I booked via Booking is waiting for me and takes me to the airport. The trip is fairly quick—he takes small roads, and at this hour, there’s no traffic.
The flight to Phnom Penh is on time. Before boarding, I realize I left my fleece jacket on the carousel, but it’s too late to go back for it.
The flight goes well, and customs is quick.
At the exit, I take a tuk-tuk to Julieka’s GH near the museum. The welcome is friendly. I won’t be able to check into my room until noon, so I take the opportunity to exchange some euros on the market street. The street is lined with restaurants, and I’ll have my first meal there.
The museum is right across the street, so I don’t waste any time visiting it.
The representations of Hindu deities are very different from those in India, and I don’t recognize them. Many beautiful Buddhas are on display.
The museum is very pleasant, and there aren’t too many people, which is a plus.
At the exit, I return to the GH, settle into my room—which is decent and clean.
The Royal Palace is 1 km away. I walk along a garden, and at the end of the street is the Tonlé Sap, but I turn right. I arrive at a large esplanade and see the buildings with tiered roofs and glazed tiles. The entrance to the palace is a little further away.
At the entrance, I notice there isn’t the same crowd as at the one in BKK.
Khmer architecture is magnificent. The complex consists of gardens, palaces, pagodas with golden roofs, and slender spires.
The Silver Pagoda houses the small Emerald Buddha, which is actually made of jade. The silver flooring is covered with carpets. Photos are not allowed.
The walls surrounding the pagoda are covered with frescoes depicting scenes from the Ramayana.
Baggage check-in hasn’t started yet, and there are already several of us waiting.
Once free, everything happens very quickly. The flight to Abu Dhabi is on time and goes smoothly. I’ve never had any problems with this airline, which I’ve been using for several years.
The flight to Bangkok arrives at 7 AM as scheduled. This is my first time in Thailand and Bangkok. I’m used to traveling in India, and I notice that everything here is well organized—the customs process is quick, and the luggage is already on the carousel.
I booked a taxi on Booking. All I have to do is find the right exit and door based on the agency’s instructions. A large sign with the names of people who booked is posted on a wall. A hostess greets me and calls the taxi, which arrives 5 minutes later. I booked one night at the Lost Inn BKK hotel in the Phra Nakhon district, and we arrive at 9 AM. The welcome isn’t warm, and I have to wait until noon, sitting on a chair, before I can check into my room. I’m exhausted, and sleeping sitting up isn’t ideal. Noon finally arrives—the room is small but clean, which is fine for one night. I quickly take a shower to wake up because I plan to spend the afternoon visiting the Grand Palace. First, I need to exchange some money, and the banks are all close together on the same street, which is very convenient. When I enter one, a hostess gives me a ticket and invites me to sit down. There are about twenty counters, and I wait quietly until my number is called. The exchange is quick, so I can head out to find the Royal Palace. It’s actually very easy, and the walk is pleasant.
Entry to the Royal Palace (500 baht).
It’s magnificent and grand, and there are quite a few of us visiting. The sky is gray, it’s very humid, and a shower interrupts the visit. It’s a vast complex of temples and palaces. The buildings are colorful and sparkling, with a great sense of serenity (without the tourists, of course). I quietly enjoy the place and try to take photos without tourists, which isn’t easy.
Very close to the Grand Palace is Wat Pho, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the capital.
It’s very famous for its 46-meter-long reclining Buddha statue.
Walking around the temple, you can see different representations of Buddha, all covered in gold leaf.
Inside the temple, on one side, monks recite their prayers, while the other side is reserved for tourists who come to meditate in silence.
Before returning to the hotel, I have dinner at an Indian restaurant. I go to bed early because tomorrow’s wake-up call will be very early again.
Saturday, November 2nd Wake-up at 4 AM, departure from the hotel at 4:30 AM. The taxi I booked via Booking is waiting for me and takes me to the airport. The trip is fairly quick—he takes small roads, and at this hour, there’s no traffic.
The flight to Phnom Penh is on time. Before boarding, I realize I left my fleece jacket on the carousel, but it’s too late to go back for it.
The flight goes well, and customs is quick.
At the exit, I take a tuk-tuk to Julieka’s GH near the museum. The welcome is friendly. I won’t be able to check into my room until noon, so I take the opportunity to exchange some euros on the market street. The street is lined with restaurants, and I’ll have my first meal there.
The museum is right across the street, so I don’t waste any time visiting it.
The representations of Hindu deities are very different from those in India, and I don’t recognize them. Many beautiful Buddhas are on display.
The museum is very pleasant, and there aren’t too many people, which is a plus.
At the exit, I return to the GH, settle into my room—which is decent and clean.
The Royal Palace is 1 km away. I walk along a garden, and at the end of the street is the Tonlé Sap, but I turn right. I arrive at a large esplanade and see the buildings with tiered roofs and glazed tiles. The entrance to the palace is a little further away.
At the entrance, I notice there isn’t the same crowd as at the one in BKK.
Khmer architecture is magnificent. The complex consists of gardens, palaces, pagodas with golden roofs, and slender spires.
The Silver Pagoda houses the small Emerald Buddha, which is actually made of jade. The silver flooring is covered with carpets. Photos are not allowed.
The walls surrounding the pagoda are covered with frescoes depicting scenes from the Ramayana.
Good value-for-money hotel in Paris
Hello,
We’d like to stay in PARIS for 4 or 5 days next April or May. (Two adults.)
To avoid renting through AIRBNB, I was thinking of a small hotel near the metro so we can get around easily (see Notre Dame after its restoration, the Musée d'Orsay, the Institut du Monde Arabe if there’s an interesting exhibit, the Maison de la Radio, etc.).
The exact location doesn’t matter—what I’m looking for is a reasonably priced place. (If I say 90 to 100 € per day including breakfast and one meal, does that sound about right?)
Thanks for your insights! (By the way, why is Paris called the CITY OF LIGHTS?)
To avoid renting through AIRBNB, I was thinking of a small hotel near the metro so we can get around easily (see Notre Dame after its restoration, the Musée d'Orsay, the Institut du Monde Arabe if there’s an interesting exhibit, the Maison de la Radio, etc.).
The exact location doesn’t matter—what I’m looking for is a reasonably priced place. (If I say 90 to 100 € per day including breakfast and one meal, does that sound about right?)
Thanks for your insights! (By the way, why is Paris called the CITY OF LIGHTS?)
Information for two weeks in the Seychelles
Hi there, we’re heading to the Seychelles at the end of March for two weeks.
I was thinking 5 days in Praslin, 3 days in La Digue, and 5 days in Mahé. Does that time split sound good to you?!
For accommodation in Praslin, does the Grande Anse area seem nicer than St Anne for a quiet stay?
And on Mahé, is the south coast or the west coast better?
Do you know where the boats usually leave from for island-hopping excursions?
Last question: I’m a fisherman and I’ll have some gear with me. Do you know where the fishing reserves are? Are there any small harbors where I can hop on a boat with locals?
Thanks in advance for your tips!
12 days in Israel, before...
This trip took place in May 2023, a period of calm that later proved precarious.
Day of May 17
Departure from Marseille on El Al (tickets booked by ourselves, while the stay itself was organized by Voyageurs du Monde). Before check-in, six or seven El Al staff members conduct a security check—quite understandable, but they do it in total chaos. They send people to the left, then block them, redirect them to the right, for no apparent reason. Most of the staff don’t speak French, which complicates things. They work at an incomprehensible slow pace, stopping the interview to do something else, then coming back and starting over...
The flight goes smoothly, except for the meal service, which, for a four-hour flight that El Al delayed to lunchtime, is more than basic: a quarter-liter of water and a corned beef sandwich that’s absolutely disgusting and inedible. To get a coffee, you have to queue at the back of the plane. You end up missing Ryanair🙂
Arrival at Ben Gurion goes better than expected—the passport control is fairly quick, as is baggage delivery.
Transfer to the Lily and Bloom hotel, Lilienblaum Street (easy to remember 🙂)
As advised by Voyageurs du Monde, we book a table for the evening at the nearest restaurant, North Abraxas. Good atmosphere and decent food. We get a sense of the price level in Israeli restaurants.
Around us, diners share dishes placed in the middle of the table. Much more convivial than our individual plates!!
Day of May 18
The next morning, we go down for breakfast at 7:30 AM—a late hour, but the setup is slow, with the two servers taking their time. We ask the bartender for a long coffee and a black tea... It must be a complicated order because it takes him over 10 minutes to make it. He serves us with the grace of a dancer. A good breakfast if you’re not in a hurry, followed by a little stroll in the neighborhood, since our meet-up with Patrick Arfi, our guide for the day, isn’t until 10 AM. P. Arfi is a former publishing house director in Paris who has lived in Israel for a long time and has a vast cultural knowledge. After an initial chat, we head toward Jaffa, focusing on the Bauhaus buildings preserved by a clever urban policy that allows high-rise construction while maintaining old architectural ensembles.
This policy keeps the streets looking more human-scale than the usual high-rise districts in modern cities.
With the visit to Jaffa, Patrick introduces us to a fascinating slice of history, despite the temperature nearing 38°C. Jaffa, once an independent city, is now a neighborhood of Tel Aviv—a predominantly Muslim area. We notice a few buildings in poor condition. They belong to Palestinian families who left Tel Aviv. Otherwise, the city has been very well restored, apart from these few buildings.
A government agency rents out the ground floors of these buildings, which helps fund part of the security work. They also try to track down the owners and buy back the abandoned properties, but some refuse to sell. The visit is very touristy—most of the people we meet are tourists like us.
There’s very little local life, except in the lower part of the city. To be continued, as I’ve reached the allowed photo limit.
The next morning, we go down for breakfast at 7:30 AM—a late hour, but the setup is slow, with the two servers taking their time. We ask the bartender for a long coffee and a black tea... It must be a complicated order because it takes him over 10 minutes to make it. He serves us with the grace of a dancer. A good breakfast if you’re not in a hurry, followed by a little stroll in the neighborhood, since our meet-up with Patrick Arfi, our guide for the day, isn’t until 10 AM. P. Arfi is a former publishing house director in Paris who has lived in Israel for a long time and has a vast cultural knowledge. After an initial chat, we head toward Jaffa, focusing on the Bauhaus buildings preserved by a clever urban policy that allows high-rise construction while maintaining old architectural ensembles.
This policy keeps the streets looking more human-scale than the usual high-rise districts in modern cities.
With the visit to Jaffa, Patrick introduces us to a fascinating slice of history, despite the temperature nearing 38°C. Jaffa, once an independent city, is now a neighborhood of Tel Aviv—a predominantly Muslim area. We notice a few buildings in poor condition. They belong to Palestinian families who left Tel Aviv. Otherwise, the city has been very well restored, apart from these few buildings.
A government agency rents out the ground floors of these buildings, which helps fund part of the security work. They also try to track down the owners and buy back the abandoned properties, but some refuse to sell. The visit is very touristy—most of the people we meet are tourists like us.
There’s very little local life, except in the lower part of the city. To be continued, as I’ve reached the allowed photo limit.
Toulouse to Dubai by camper van in winter
Hi there, we're considering driving from Toulouse to Dubai starting mid-December 2025 and heading back to France in early January 2026 (work constraints). We're planning to take the route through Iraq, which is currently the safest option. If anyone might be interested in joining us for the trip, feel free to get in touch!
Shipping a 4x4 to Durban from Réunion Island
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a road trip through Southern Africa during the 2025 austral winter—South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi... and if I feel like it, maybe back to Namibia, Botswana, etc. To make this happen, I’d like to ship my 4x4 in a high-cube container and pick it up in Durban. Has anyone had experience with customs clearance at the port of Durban (South Africa) using a CPD (Carnet de Passage en Douane)? Thanks in advance for any tips or firsthand experience on this!
Have a great day! Salar de Uyuni - Bolivia
I’m planning a road trip through Southern Africa during the 2025 austral winter—South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi... and if I feel like it, maybe back to Namibia, Botswana, etc. To make this happen, I’d like to ship my 4x4 in a high-cube container and pick it up in Durban. Has anyone had experience with customs clearance at the port of Durban (South Africa) using a CPD (Carnet de Passage en Douane)? Thanks in advance for any tips or firsthand experience on this!
Have a great day! Salar de Uyuni - Bolivia
Bed bugs on Turkish Airlines
Not very reassuring...
https://www.flywest.fr/compagnies/des-passagers-signalent-la-presence-de-punaises-de-lit-a-bord-des-vols-de-turkish-airlines Any feedback from travelers who’ve flown with them recently?
https://www.flywest.fr/compagnies/des-passagers-signalent-la-presence-de-punaises-de-lit-a-bord-des-vols-de-turkish-airlines Any feedback from travelers who’ve flown with them recently?
Having trouble with the India visa application form
We're leaving on January 28th for a trip around Rajasthan.
I'm trying to fill out the online form to get our visa, but when I reach the 3rd page and hit submit to move to the next one, everything gets erased and I can't continue.
I've tried from multiple computers, our iPhones, and different browsers—nothing works. Has anyone else run into this issue? Thanks
Mexico-Guatemala trip: which transport to choose?
Hi, I’m planning to leave around 25/01 for Mexico: Oaxaca first, then Chiapas, and then heading to Guatemala, starting with Panajachel. I’ve read a lot about how borders and transport can be dangerous. So, I’ve decided to travel with assistance and take a shuttle/minivan door-to-door from San Cristóbal de las Casas to Panajachel. There are lots of companies, and many have a bad reputation. Has anyone here had any experience with this? I’d love to hear any tips or advice. Thanks!
Ed