Results for "Blois+|+127"

Hi

Are there any boat connections between Mananara and Sambava in September 2026?

Thanks for your replies

Hi there, Can anyone tell me if they’ve taken a No.. Face Base Camp S or XS duffel bag as carry-on on an international Air France flight? Bag dimensions (S): 33.03 x 53.34 x 33.02 cm I’ve never traveled with just a carry-on—only my 15L backpack. Thanks! !

Hi there, I’m heading to Tenerife for a week, from _ to February 14th. I’d love any tips for accommodations as well as hikes.

Thanks in advance for your advice and suggestions! Have a great weekend, Françoise.

Hi! We’d like to go away for 10 days around May 15th, either to Menorca or Crete—we don’t know either place. We love hiking, unspoiled nature, good food, swimming, and, if possible, avoiding crowds. We enjoy getting off the beaten track. Menorca seems ideal because it’s not far by plane from Lyon, but if Crete is really wilder and more beautiful in terms of landscapes, we can add an extra hour of flight time. Can you help us out? Thanks!

Hi VF community,

I’m planning a week in S.F. in April 2026 and I can’t figure out how to tell the cable cars—of which I understand there are three lines—apart from the trams, which I think number seven. I can’t find their individual numbers or routes anywhere.

Could someone shed some light on this for me? Thanks in advance.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2026 full of amazing travels. Cheers, Régine

Hi there, The least we can say is that neither the internet nor guidebooks are overflowing with info on Thrace, this region in the far northeast of Greece (part of which is also in Bulgaria and Turkey). Needless to say, if anyone’s already visited this "eastern" Greece, I’d love to hear ANY tips about it. I’m planning to spend 4 or 5 days there next May, with a rental car. The distances seem pretty big, and I don’t want to rack up too many kilometers at the risk of being a bit disappointed—especially, what do you think of the Evros Valley, near the Turkish border? Thanks in advance.

Hello,

I’m currently looking for well-located hotels near points of interest in the cities below. I’ve found a few, but the prices are really high. Could any of you share some great addresses in the following cities? - Los Angeles - Las Vegas - San Francisco

Also, do you have a preferred airline for domestic flights? If so, which one?

Thanks so much, and have a great day, everyone!

Gertjan

Last year, I stumbled upon a "nature reserve" in the Waterberg by sheer luck. Just one night, but I was so thrilled that I went back this year for three nights. It was perfect for breaking up the trip between Marakele and Mapungubwe. The Waterberg is the Limpopo of game farms, hunting farms... and places trying to attract clients from Joburg and Kruger, with varying levels of ethics. The roads aren’t always great, potholes are everywhere, and Google Maps is pretty unreliable. But in my case, I found exactly what I was looking for...

As often happens, old farms have been grouped together to create a nature reserve that doesn’t sell you "wild" lions, has no rhinos (protecting rhinos is complicated), no elephants, and no buffalo. So, antelopes, elusive leopards, hyenas (didn’t see any), peaceful giraffes, warthogs, etc.—just general game! What’s the point? Well, you go for walks or hikes with game drives... you bike... you chill. You get out of the car. For us this year, a gorgeous "house," fully equipped, on the edge of the forest, with wood for the fire and a plain as the view... An unbeatable quality-to-price ratio in a natural setting! A little photo dump for the vibe. You’ve gathered that part of the exploration is by car (it’s big) and part on foot...

Four days of beach relaxation in this truly curious place let me unwind 15 years ago after trekking through Asia or Africa: swimming in clear, clean water and easing jet lag was my goal; seeing that mirage in the middle of the desert also piqued my curiosity... And then Dubai developed, and now I go there once a year for 15 days without ever getting bored!! My backpacker budget doesn’t stop me from enjoying what I love about travel: discovering cultures, architecture, and beaches with turquoise waters.

I’m sharing my favorite spots here for those who love simplicity and the thrill of being amazed! Dubai stretches over 50 km long. I stay in the historic Bur Dubai neighborhood, which is very "Indian" and separated from Deira (the more "Arab/African" district) by a creek.

You cross from one side to the other on abras, small traditional wooden boats that run all day. My hotel is 4 minutes from the Al Ghubaiba bus station, 5 minutes from the Al Ghubaiba metro, and 6 minutes from the Al Ghubaiba boat station!!! It’s easy to get around from here, and at night, it’s lively—safe to go out, with few tourists but mostly the local middle class who built (and are still building) Dubai. It’s simple and very international.

- **Transport:** ...**Getting there:** I fly with Emirates from Paris. Taking the 9:30 PM flight, I sleep on the plane, land at 6:35 AM, exchange 200 euros once I’ve picked up my luggage, change in the restroom, grab a taxi to the hotel, drop off my suitcase, and head straight to the beach! ...**On the ground:** I buy a silver NOL card, which works for buses, metro, and boats. I top it up as needed—it’s valid for 2 years. ...**Taxis:** They have reliable meters. Pink ones are driven by women. Airport-to-hotel fare: 12 €. You’ll find them everywhere, and they don’t complain about short trips. Between 3 PM and 4 PM, it’s trickier because of shift changes.

- **Best times to visit:** For me, it’s April-May and October-November: not too hot for walking but warm enough to swim! Watch out for air conditioning—your worst enemy. It’s everywhere, even at bus stops. Bring a big scarf or sarong to cover your throat and head—going from 32°C to 16°C when you enter a mall, bus, or taxi is pretty harsh!

- **Hotel:** I stay at the Grand Astoria (Fahidi Street) because the value for price and location is great. It’s very clean, and I skip breakfast because near the bus station, there’s a big Carrefour hypermarket where I buy breakfast supplies, water, camel milk, and picnic snacks. There are two nightclubs downstairs—bring earplugs if you want to sleep before 2 AM. Wi-Fi is spotty; you have to change the password every two days. The staff is lovely. Rooms have a TV (4 Indian channels + BBC), a kettle with tea/coffee sachets, and a mini-fridge you fill yourself.

- **Bur Dubai: "My neighborhood"** In the morning, you can see kids in uniforms waiting for the school bus with their parents—second-generation migrants who’ve settled here. They speak English, Arabic, and their mother tongue, have great education, and are in high demand (I see job ads in the local newspapers in the hotel lobby). From the U.S. to the Middle East, Singapore to South Africa, they have bright futures. In the evenings, families stroll along the creek, and it’s common for bench neighbors to ask where you’re from. The whole world crosses paths here. Even with basic English, it’s friendly and warm—the "take care" as people go their separate ways is a nice touch.

Bur Dubai has plenty to explore if you don’t feel like going far: along the creek, there’s a cluster of reconstructed houses forming the Al Shindagha Museum. One ticket lets you visit all the houses, each with a theme tied to the history of the seven emirates (Dubai is one). It takes a full day, but if you stop for lunch, there are tons of restaurants for all budgets, some right by the water.

Walking in the opposite direction, you reach Al Seef, a reconstruction of old Dubai as a small pearl-fishing port. The architecture is lovely, with souvenir shops. My favorite is the Iranian grocery store, where you’ll find camel milk chocolate, black lemon, and sweets with rose, pistachio, and candied apricot. It’s peaceful to walk around here, even as a solo woman. There are free restrooms everywhere, wooden or stone benches, and a nice breeze in the evening. Plenty of waterfront restaurants or places to grab a drink, plus a few towers across the way—nothing spectacular, but they’re prettily lit. There’s a souk with souvenir shops for those who like that!

- **Restaurants:** Bur Dubai has restaurants representing regions of India and the Indian subcontinent. My favorites: Across from the hotel, Paklyari—a Pakistani spot with excellent mutton biryani for 5 €. At Al Seef, Nablus has a great setting by the water. Across in Deira, the Italian restaurant on the 18th floor of the Rotana—go half an hour before sunset for an amazing view of the creek and skyline. The truffle pizza is 24 €. You can take a taxi from Bur, and after dinner, get dropped off at Al Seef to walk back along the creek. For a great thali, Kathhiyawadi is a 10-minute walk from Burjuman metro. My latest discovery: Bordomavi (near the Rashid Al Hadees Masjid 1 bus stop). One of the servers is Algerian and speaks French. You can swim at the small beach with showers/toilets, then have lunch at the restaurant (57 € for two, with starter, main, dessert, and drinks). The setting is peaceful, in a little fishing port with a cool photo op—traditional boats with the modern skyline in the background!

- **Sunset drinks:** The terrace at Concorde Creek View (Bur Dubai) has a creek view, and Canopy by Hilton (Al Seef) overlooks the creek and skyline. You can get a day pass for the pool, including meals and drinks.

- **Lassi:** Near the hotel, SreeRaj Lassi Bar has great ice cream and lassi. *Tip: Everything is takeout-friendly, including leftovers—great for a picnic the next day.

- **Market:** Don’t miss the Waterfront Market—a huge hall where locals buy fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables from all over the world. I love buying fish, shrimp, and cuttlefish, then having it prepared at Yahya’s waterfront restaurant (grilled, in sauce, fried, etc.) with salad, hummus, tabbouleh, and rice. It’s on the way between "my" beach and the hotel, so I stop by easily. I stock up on fruit, and at the Lulu supermarket upstairs, I grab yogurt, water, etc. No need to carry everything—a taxi (available at the main exit) will drop me right at the hotel!

- **Beach:** My favorite: Al Mamzar Park (15-minute taxi ride, 9 €). It has four lifeguarded beaches with showers and restrooms. Opens at 8 AM, but note: Mondays and Wednesdays are for women and young children only! Entry is 1.50 €. On Beach #2, you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas. Beach #3 (the prettiest) has stone tables with benches under big umbrellas—free! I arrive at 8 AM, set up, and walk for an hour along the water, spotting starfish, colorful fish, birds, and occasionally small jellyfish. From bikinis to burkinis, everyone swims as they like! Dubai is judgment-free—no side-eye, just smiles and greetings. I love seeing joyful, full-figured women on women-only days, playing darbuka and singing. Indian women do yoga (even headstands!), Chinese women practice tai chi... I read a lot and swim far out to the buoy limits. Lifeguards keep watch. It’s safe on land too. Once, a 4x4 driver gave me a dirty look for "serving whisky" to my mom from a plastic bottle—until I made him smell it. It was mint tea! Embarrassed, he immediately called his brother, a gym teacher in Poitiers, to apologize in French! People in Dubai are smiley, polite, and very respectful of elders. On weekends, the park is packed with groups and families barbecuing—joyful chaos in every language!

By 1:30 PM, depending on my mood, I’ll get dropped off at the Waterfront Market for fish or a thali restaurant. Sometimes I take the bus—it stops near the abras on the Deira side. Just cross by boat, then it’s a 3-minute walk to the hotel. Takes 45 minutes (vs. 15 by taxi).

For a treat, try Kite Beach (Abu Manara Masjid bus stop). The SoleMio section offers comfy sun loungers, fluffy towels, and umbrellas for 80 € for two in the front row. Go early—you’ll feel like you have the place to yourself, with the Burj Al Arab in the background. It gets busy on weekends.

From there, you can take a taxi to Dubai Mall (not far) to check out the dancing fountains at sunset, for example.

You can also buy day passes at some hotels with sun loungers, towels, pool access, and lunch credit. I tried the Ritz-Carlton—decent (170 € for two, including meals). Lunch was fine, and the view of the lit-up towers at sunset, with the giant wheel, was stunning. I took the metro back in the evening.

There are plenty of free beaches too, like La Mer—worth seeing more for the decor than the beach itself.

- **Even though my main "sightseeing" involves walking around with my head up, admiring the towers in DIFC (amazing), visiting the stunning Mohammed bin Rashid Library (near Creek metro), wandering the souks (including Little India in Bur and the Iranian mosque), or the spice souks in Deira (go early when it’s quiet),** A day trip to Abu Dhabi is worth it. Take the Bur Dubai-Abu Dhabi bus (pay with your NOL card). If you leave early, you’ll see the sunrise over the desert. At the station, buy a bus ticket to the Louvre, cross the footbridge over the highway, and wait for the bus. After the museum, take a taxi to the Grand Mosque, then another taxi back to the bus station. A full but doable day—no need to stay overnight!

In the evening, I love taking the metro (mostly above ground) and passing between the towering, lit-up skyscrapers—it feels like a sci-fi movie. Just missing flying taxis (they’re in the works!)

Sharjah, the closest emirate, has a fantastic Orientalist museum. From Bur Dubai’s maritime station, boats go to Sharjah in 30 minutes, near the aquarium and maritime museum.

- **Shopping:** I buy Indian chai tea spices, incense, camel milk chocolate, Iranian sweets, and fabric from Indian shops selling saris and fabric by the meter. I have a tailor make shirts, tunics, etc. Some shops sell buttons and trimmings to jazz things up.

- **Malls:** To attract customers, mall owners come up with wild ideas: a ski slope at Dubai Mall (worth seeing once), pretty wooden souks at Madinat, and a giant aquarium at Dubai Mall. At sunset, you can watch the dancing fountains to popular global tunes at the foot of the world’s tallest tower. At its base, there’s an excellent Iraqi restaurant, Samad Al Iraki, where the tea server is Tunisian and speaks French! The Ibn Battuta Mall is unique—you can go there straight from Abu Dhabi by bus, for example. Malls have plenty of dining options and are a place to (finally) see locals... though they’re not that interesting. Malls are served by the metro, while buses run along the coast. In Burjuman Mall, there’s a cybercafé on the ground floor where you can print.

A few helpful sites: Visit Dubai - Official Tourism Site RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) - RTA Services

"But what do *you* do in Dubai?" my friends ask, surprised... Yes, I love traveling to countries where I ride on bumpy roads in buses that break down, sleep in places with mosquitoes and cockroaches, and swelter in heat and humidity. But even far from that kind of travel, Dubai has an exotic charm. There’s something for every taste and budget—once you get past the flight ticket (around 680 €, probably cheaper with a layover). Dubai is about relaxing, swimming, being amazed, chatting, and tasting... A safe, clean vacation with no rudeness, and as a woman, it’s a relief to let your guard down. You come back refreshed and at peace!

Hope my experience helps... Next trip: March 2026, with plans to visit the Guggenheim in Abu Dhabi and whatever other curiosities pop up like magic...

Feel free to add to my experience with your own! Happy travels, Laurence

Hi there, We’re planning a trip to Chile this coming August and would love to head down to Chiloé. We’ve heard that as we go further south at this time of year, the weather gets pretty rough. What’s the weather like in Chiloé in late August/early September? What activities can we do? And which ones become really tricky because of the weather? Thanks in advance for your tips! Marie

Hello, Following a cancellation, I’m looking for someone to join me for 3 weeks in Sri Lanka.

Hi there! 😉

I’ve already created a post for our entire trip to Japan, but I’d love to focus specifically on our stay in Tokyo here. We (two couples of friends) will be spending 6 full days there in early November. Here’s what we’ve planned so far. We’d really appreciate your feedback to validate—or not—our schedule, and especially to hear your tips. Thanks in advance! 😉

DAY 0: Arrival in Tokyo in the evening, so rest and dinner near the hotel.

DAY 1:

09:00 – Shinjuku Gyoen Park

Must-see: ✔ Japanese garden (red bridge, pond) ✔ French garden (perspective and rose garden) ✔ English garden (lawns and maple trees) Photo spot: Red bridge + red maples (koyo).

11:00 – Harajuku & Takeshita Street

Walking route:

Start with Takeshita-dori (kawaii fashion, Japanese crepes). Walk up to Omotesandō (designer architecture: Dior, Prada).

Don’t miss: ✔ Kiddy Land (toys, souvenirs) ✔ Tokyu Plaza Omotesandō (entrance with escalators and mirrors → iconic photo)

12:30 – Lunch

Afuri Harajuku (yuzu ramen, light and fragrant). Alternative: Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (standing sushi, quick and fresh).

14:00 – Meiji-jingū (optional but recommended)

Access: From Omotesandō, enter through the large wooden torii. Must-see: ✔ Decorative sake barrels ✔ Forest path (zen atmosphere) ✔ Main pavilion (respect the purification ritual at the entrance). Duration: 45 min.

16:30 – Return to hotel / rest

JR Yamanote Line from Harajuku → Shinjuku (5 min).

18:30 – Evening in Yurakucho (Gado-shita)

DAY 2 09:00 – Visit to Asakusa

Walking route:

Kaminarimon Gate → photo under the large red lantern. Nakamise-dori → shopping street (souvenirs, snacks: melon pan, senbei). Sensō-ji Temple → main pavilion, five-story pagoda.

Don’t miss: ✔ Omikuji (fortune-telling draw) ✔ Photo with the pagoda and Tokyo Skytree in the background.

11:30 – Akihabara

Walking route: ✔ Yodobashi Camera (gadgets, electronics) ✔ Mandarake (figurines, manga) ✔ Super Potato (retro games)

13:00 – Lunch

Quick option: Ichiran Ramen (Akihabara). Local option: Tendon Tenya (affordable tempura).

14:30 – Free time / shopping

Explore the small alleys for anime shops, figurines, gashapon.

16:30 – Departure for Toyosu (teamLab Planets)

Transport:

JR Yamanote Line from Akihabara → Shimbashi (15 min) Yurikamome Line from Shimbashi → Shin-Toyosu (15 min)

Tip: Book a 6:30 PM slot to enjoy the evening atmosphere.

18:30 – teamLab Planets

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours. Tip: Bring a towel (barefoot experience in water). Mandatory reservation: (official website).

20:30 – Dinner

Option on-site: DMM Café (Toyosu). Option back in Shinjuku: Izakaya (Torikizoku or Teyandei).

DAY 3:

Excursion to Mount Fuji (Kawaguchiko)

DAY 4:

09:00 – East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

Must-see: ✔ Ruins of Edo Castle ✔ Nijubashi Bridge (iconic photo) ✔ Museum of the Imperial Collections (free) Duration: 1h15. Tip: Open exceptionally this day (public holiday).

10:30 – Walk to Ginza

Walk: 15 min via Marunouchi Naka-dori (chic street with shops and cafés). Tip: Enjoy the autumn decorations and designer façades.

11:00 – Ginza

Must-see: ✔ Ginza Six (modern shopping center) ✔ Nissan Crossing (futuristic car exhibit) ✔ Wako Clock Tower (iconic photo)

14:30 – Shibuya

Walking route: ✔ Shibuya Crossing (photo from Starbucks Tsutaya) ✔ Hachikō Statue ✔ Shibuya Scramble Square → Shibuya Sky (panoramic view of Tokyo and Mount Fuji if the sky is clear). Shopping: Loft, Tokyu Hands, Shibuya 109 (fashion).

17:30 – Return to hotel / rest

JR Yamanote Line from Shibuya → Shinjuku (7 min).

19:30 – Dinner

Izakaya option: Izakaya Tofuro Shinjuku (traditional atmosphere). Modern option: Nabezo Shinjuku (all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu).

DAY 5:

10:00 – Ghibli Museum

Duration: 2 hours. Must-see: ✔ Permanent exhibits (Totoro, My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away) ✔ Exclusive short films (Saturn Theater) Tip: Photos are not allowed inside, but there are beautiful spots outside.

12:00 – Stroll in Inokashira Park

Must-see: ✔ Central pond (boat rental available) ✔ Benzaiten Shrine Duration: 30 min.

14:30 – Nakameguro & Daikanyama

Transport: JR Chuo Line from Mitaka → Shibuya, then Tokyu Toyoko Line → Nakameguro (40 min). Must-see: ✔ Walk along the Meguro River (trendy cafés, design shops) ✔ T-Site Daikanyama (magnificent architecture) Coffee break: Onibus Coffee Nakameguro (artisanal coffee).

17:30 – Return to Shinjuku

Transport: Tokyu Toyoko Line → Shibuya → JR Yamanote Line → Shinjuku.

DAY 6:

Free morning (shopping or relaxation)

Suggestions: ✔ Shopping at Lumine Shinjuku or Isetan ✔ Stop by Don Quijote for souvenirs ✔ Or Thermae-Yu Onsen (if you want a relaxing morning before departure).

14:45 – Arrival in Odaiba

Walking route: ✔ Aqua City (shopping, bay view) ✔ Statue of Liberty (photo with Rainbow Bridge) ✔ DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (giant Gundam statue) Immersive option: Immersive Fort Tokyo (if you want a fun indoor activity).

16:30 – Sunset over Rainbow Bridge

Best spot: Esplanade in front of Aqua City or Odaiba Beach. Photo tip: Wait for the bridge lights to turn on (around 5 PM).

18:30 – Dinner in Odaiba 20:00 – Departure for Tokyo Tower

Transport:

Yurikamome Line from Daiba → Shimbashi → Oedo Line → Akabanebashi (30 min).

Tokyo Tower: ✔ Incredible night view of illuminated Tokyo. ✔ Duration: 45 min to 1 hour.

21:30 – Return to Shinjuku

Transport: Oedo Line → Shinjuku (15 min).

And there you have it—I hope I didn’t go on too long! 😉 Thanks everyone for your advice....

Hi there, We’re just back from a three-week trip to Sri Lanka, from July 15 to August 11. A few random tips—if you’ve got more specific questions, just ask. If we know the answer, we’ll be happy to help!

What an amazing country! I had a small bias at first, wasn’t totally convinced, but that disappeared fast. Stunning coastal and mountain landscapes, cultural visits, hikes, and such a warm welcome.

Here’s our itinerary in order: Colombo-Anuradhapura-Trincomalee-Polonnaruwa-Dambulla-Sigiriya-Kandy-Haputale-Ella-Tangalle-Galle-Negombo.

Whenever we can, we travel only by public transport, and in Sri Lanka, it’s totally doable. Trains, of course, and buses all the time—everywhere and super cheap. We’d head to the bus station to get a seat, but they also stop along the route. From the airport to Colombo Fort, take bus 187—it’s parked on the right as you exit.

Weather-wise, despite it being the less favorable season for some regions, we only had two half-days of rain. That was one of our worries, but maybe we just got lucky.

For hiking, beyond the well-known climbs in all the guidebooks and blogs (which are great too), there’s a long-distance trail in the mountain region (Kandy, Ella, etc.) that’s really well marked. It’s called the Pekoe Trail, and there’s an app you can download (Pekoe Trail) that gives you the full route and details for each stage—25 in total, I think, ranging from 9 to 15 km. We did 4 of them, not in a row, but starting from our different accommodations. They’re not loops, but you can always find a bus, train, or tuk-tuk to get back or to reach the end of a stage and return. The landscapes are beautiful, the encounters plentiful, and tourists are rare—which is nice sometimes.

Happy travels!

Hi everyone! We’re nearing the end of our trip and have 3 nights in Quebec City. What are your must-try spots for a good poutine? Our previous attempts haven’t gone well, and where’s the best place to buy souvenirs that actually scream "Quebec"? Also, what are your top picks for sights and walks? We’re thinking Old Quebec, Lévis, and Montmorency Falls. We’ll be there for 3 nights but only have 2 full days. Thanks in advance for your ideas!

hi It seems that in recent years, January and February in Bohol have seen an increase in rainy periods. Have any of you noticed this? Thanks in advance for your replies

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

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

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

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

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



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

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



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

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

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



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







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





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



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

Hi there, 🙂

I’m about to book 4 nights in the Italian capital and I’m wondering where the best place to stay would be.

- A neighborhood that’s not too noisy - A neighborhood well served by public transport (airport and the city’s main sights) - A neighborhood with restaurants and supermarkets - A neighborhood with relatively reasonable prices

Public transport is essential. We gave this trip as a gift to someone who won’t be able to walk long distances like we usually do.

I also don’t want to be too far from the historic center.

Termini and Monti seem to fit these criteria? Is Termini a bit sketchy? But sketchy like dangerous or sketchy like homeless people just looking for a place to sleep?

We’ll be traveling off-season.

Thanks for your ideas !

We were invited to a friend’s wedding in this beautiful part of Brittany, so we took the opportunity to spend a few days there—first on the Pink Granite Coast and then in Cornwall. Our friends, who are from the Trégor region, had found us a really nice little gîte in Tonquédec, just a stone’s throw from the coast. It was the perfect base for exploring the area’s iconic sites. We stayed in a lovely little house that combined authenticity, comfort, elegance, and tranquility.

Our first trip to the coast was to Ploumanac’h, a small village we discovered thanks to Stéphane Bern’s show. It’s an adorable little fishing port where we parked the car before continuing on foot along the sea. It’s charming—more than that, it’s magical!



Our first walk, our first hike along the coastal path, and our first photos of these massive rocks bathed in light.





The views change with every turn, and so do the surprises—especially the view of the Château de Costaérès.

The path through the woods leads us to the Chapel of Saint Guirec, which overlooks the beach.





This pretty little beach is famous for its oratory, which sits in the middle of the sand and houses the statue of St. Guirec. In the past, young women hoping to marry within the year would often pray to him—they’d stick a needle into his nose! Today, the statue is made of stone, but back then, it was wooden, which must’ve made it easier.





It’s really charming, well-sheltered, and the water is crystal clear. We noticed that everywhere we went!

Hi everyone, I was supposed to go to Greenland in 2020, but—Covid! Then, health issues. This time *has* to be the one. I’m going on a small cruise on the *World Explorer*. So, depending on my physical abilities, I’d love to visit the Icefjord from Ilulissat. Do any of you know if there’s a way to get there by vehicle, off the main paths? If not, what particular challenges might there be on foot? I think it takes about 45 minutes? Thanks for your help, have a great day!

My daughter and I are planning to visit Puglia in September. We won’t have a car. We’re thinking of staying in Bari for a few days, then exploring the surrounding area before heading to Lecce and finishing in Matera. Do you have any recommendations for hotels or Airbnbs?

Ah! This trip to Texas, postponed so many times because of Covid. I wanted to discover this state, but not in the summer due to the temperatures. I’ll try to dig into my memories since I didn’t take any notes.

Day 1: Departure

Early morning flight from Lyon to Frankfurt (I often fly with Lufthansa). We only have a 50-minute layover, but I trust German organization—it’s not just talk, since it took us only 30 minutes to get to the boarding gate. Arriving in Houston, we’re excited because it’s been 3 years since we last visited the USA, and we’ve missed it.

Everything goes smoothly with the formalities and the car rental, so 1.5 hours after landing, I park near Sam Houston Park to start our discovery. The park is pretty, clean, and has the unique feature of housing some well-preserved Victorian houses. The sun is shining, and it’s always fun to see old wooden houses surrounded by gleaming skyscrapers. A quick drive to the Rothko Chapel, which is dedicated to all faiths. There are also modern artworks in an annex building and outside. Then we head to Pasadena to reach our hotel and go to bed since we’ve been awake for a while!

Hotel: A classic Days Inn. It’s standard, but the beds are comfortable, and it’s a quiet place. The + of the day: We're back in the USA The -: Nothing

Day 2: NASA and then Galveston

Of course, we wake up super early. A quick trip to the nearby Walmart for the usual small purchases. Surprise—I can’t buy a bottle of California white wine because in Texas, there are set hours for buying alcohol. Talk about a bummer for my apéro! Next, we head to Kemah, a small, hyper-touristy port where everything is kitschy but clean and nice. It’s a bit overdone, but since NASA doesn’t open until 10 AM and it’s still early, we might as well enjoy the good weather in a pleasant spot.

We arrive at the NASA Houston center without any issues. It’s smaller than the one in Florida and organized a bit differently. There are trains that take passengers to the different sites, but you need to get tickets (included in the price), and once you’ve finished visiting one site, you have to return to the center to get a ticket for another. Not very practical.

We choose to visit the training center and the rockets, skipping the control room, which, based on the photos, looks like the one at Cape Canaveral. The training center is a cool place because it’s still in use. Engineers are working on machines and computers. We don’t see any astronauts training, but we see the space chair, the shuttle’s robotic arm, and lots of gadgets—this hangar is like Gyro Gearloose’s or Doc’s domain!

Next, we head to the rocket hangar, featuring the Saturn V, the same one as at Cape Canaveral. Finally, we wrap up our tour by returning to the center, where a Boeing 747 with a shuttle attached to its back dominates the outside. We can visit the shuttle, and we don’t miss the chance.

A few exhibits inside complete the experience and satisfy our thirst for knowledge. I love the space exploration era, and gotta say, the Americans do it right. Then we drive to Galveston, about 100 km away. Why Galveston? It’s by the sea, so swimming in late October isn’t unpleasant, and there’s a neighborhood called East End Historic District filled with stunning Victorian houses, each more beautiful than the last. Plus, it’s Halloween season, so the decorations are over the top! They really go all out!

Madame takes a swim, but I find the water too cold for my taste. Apéro (they didn’t trick me twice—I had time to go back to another Walmart!) Dinner + bedtime

Hotel: A classic Quality Inn. No issues. The +: NASA, even if it’s smaller than Cape Canaveral The -: I would’ve preferred the water in the Gulf of Mexico to be a bit warmer

Hi everyone,

For the May public holidays, we’ve planned a 5-day trip to Puglia (which feels a bit short, but we couldn’t do otherwise—work commitments!).

We’ll be staying in Bari and plan to explore the surrounding villages on day trips or half-day trips. We’re struggling to decide which ones to visit.

What do you think is doable/reasonable in 5 days? Are some places more worth it than others?

Off the top of our heads, we were considering: Lecce, Ostuni, Alberobello, Brindisi, Matera, and Polignano a Mare... I think we won’t be able to do it all, so we’re thinking of cutting some destinations—but which ones?

Thanks in advance! Tyflore

Hi everyone, For our leg from Taos to Albuquerque, we have two options with roughly the same mileage and driving time: Either the light blue route (NM 518 then NM 76) or the dark blue route (NM 68), which would let us visit the Embudo Gas Museum. We’d love to stop at the Chimayó Sanctuary if it’s worth the small detour. We’ll have already taken NM 518 from Las Vegas to Taos. Which route is prettier and has the most points of interest? Afterward, we’ll take the Turquoise Trail between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Thanks for your input! Marcalamar :)

Hi everyone! We’ve booked a cruise on the Costa Smeralda for early November 2025 (ports of call: Barcelona, Cagliari, Naples, Civitavecchia-Rome, Genoa). This is our first cruise, so I need your help for some sightseeing tips. I checked Costa’s website for excursions, but the prices are pretty steep! I saw that it’s possible to get a Costa Go Round ticket with multiple stops—this seems really practical for some destinations. Has anyone tried it? How does it work? Is it useful for seeing several sites in the city? If you have any tips for sightseeing without blowing our budget for 3 people, I’d love to hear them. Thanks so much! :)

Hi there, - Is tap water safe to drink everywhere in the U.S., or do you prefer bottled water? - How do you handle money? ★ Is cash preferred and more commonly used than card payments? ★ For ATM withdrawals, what are the fees? I’ve read that bank ATMs have lower fees than those in some stores—is that true? ★ Is the cashback trick used in the U.S. (e.g., for a $100 purchase, you pay $150, and the cashier gives you $50 in cash)? Thanks in advance to U.S. experts for your tips!

Thanks for the replies. I'm looking for a bus that takes me from Colca Canyon to Arequipa—I can’t find anything online (I only see Chivay to Puno, but I’m doing it the other way around).

Hi! I’m doing the Viking Legend cruise, and if you have any great tips, I’d love to hear them. We’re not big on excursions—we prefer to explore on our own. So if you can help us out, that’d be amazing. Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

There haven’t been many recent stories about Norway in winter, and since I had trouble finding info on winter hikes, I thought I’d share a little travel journal.

Back in September 2024, while planning our summer 2025 trip to Norway, I joined some Facebook groups dedicated to travel in Scandinavia and started reading travel blogs. Since winter trips were being planned at the time, I came across posts with stunning photos of northern Norway in winter. I’d always pictured monotonous landscapes of pine forests and frozen lakes, so I was pleasantly surprised to see fjords, mountain ranges, and charming colorful cabins—just like in the Lofoten Islands. Turns out, the vast pine forests are more typical of Finnish Lapland. Norway, north of the Arctic Circle, is actually much more diverse. That was all it took to suggest this destination to my three guys for our winter vacation. After some research, early March seemed ideal—good weather, long enough daylight, and great chances for northern lights. A direct flight from Paris to Tromsø sealed the deal. The only downside? The cost of cars, accommodations, and activities nearly made us back out! Everything except flights is really expensive.

Since our oldest son had an important school deadline in June, he decided to skip the trip, so we ended up going as a trio. We took a Transavia round-trip flight from Orly to Tromsø for an amazing trip from March 1st to 8th.

Want to come along?

Hi there,

We’re planning to visit Yala Park for half a day. Could anyone tell me which block is the most interesting to visit, given that we’re coming from Tangalle?

Thanks for your reply.

Hi there, we're looking into Costa Rica for a short trip in July (10 days).

From what we've read here and there: - Most travelers head to the Pacific coast. - For a July trip, the Caribbean coast is less prone to heavy rains.

Is that correct?

Question: When it comes to beaches, parks, and driving distances, is the Caribbean coast worth it compared to the Pacific coast?

Especially for the beaches—I’ve seen tons of blogs and sites with photos of Caribbean beaches vs. Pacific ones, and it seems like the Pacific side is way more paradise-like. Is that accurate? (It looks like, regardless of season or weather, the sea on the Caribbean side is darker and choppier.)

Thanks in advance if anyone can share their experience (Caribbean vs. Pacific, pros, cons, etc.)