Results for "Chichen+Itza+|+46+>+100"
3726 results found.
Semuc Champey au Guatemala English translation pending
Bonjour,
Retournant au Guatemala sous peu, je voudrais savoir si le site de Semuc Champey (que je n'ai pu voir la première fois), vaut définitivement le détour, c'est a dire faire la "vuelta" par Coban etc....ou peut on se contenter de le zapper...je demande cela car j'y passe peu de temps (pour faire découvrir le pays à une amie de passage dans le coin...) avant d'aller au Panama...
Merci.
Retournant au Guatemala sous peu, je voudrais savoir si le site de Semuc Champey (que je n'ai pu voir la première fois), vaut définitivement le détour, c'est a dire faire la "vuelta" par Coban etc....ou peut on se contenter de le zapper...je demande cela car j'y passe peu de temps (pour faire découvrir le pays à une amie de passage dans le coin...) avant d'aller au Panama...
Merci.
Continental Airlines English translation pending
bonjour bonjour
Alors moi je me prepare a partir aux Eats unis avec continental airlines...Je n'ai jamais voyagé sur cete compagnie...
Pouvez vous me dire kels sont les prestations a bord, ( repas, films, ...) et si vous aviez passé un bon vol ...
Merci d'avance...
Alors moi je me prepare a partir aux Eats unis avec continental airlines...Je n'ai jamais voyagé sur cete compagnie...
Pouvez vous me dire kels sont les prestations a bord, ( repas, films, ...) et si vous aviez passé un bon vol ...
Merci d'avance...
Quel vélo pour un voyage? English translation pending
Salut tout le monde,
je desire voyager en velo sur des periodes de 1 ou 2 mois pour commencer.
Je fais essentiellement de la route (velo de course) je dois donc m'acheter un autre velo pour ce genre de voyage.
Pourriez-vous me conseiller sur l'achat d'un bon velo avec un budget inferieure a 1500 euro.
Velomaz m'a conseillé un BMC (marque suisse) et d'autre le T800 etc...
Quels sont les elements essentielles a exiger (type de cadre, type de frein etc...) pour partir l'esprit tranquille. Sans se demander si le materiel tiendra bon 😉
Merci de faire partager votre experience 🙂.
je desire voyager en velo sur des periodes de 1 ou 2 mois pour commencer.
Je fais essentiellement de la route (velo de course) je dois donc m'acheter un autre velo pour ce genre de voyage.
Pourriez-vous me conseiller sur l'achat d'un bon velo avec un budget inferieure a 1500 euro.
Velomaz m'a conseillé un BMC (marque suisse) et d'autre le T800 etc...
Quels sont les elements essentielles a exiger (type de cadre, type de frein etc...) pour partir l'esprit tranquille. Sans se demander si le materiel tiendra bon 😉
Merci de faire partager votre experience 🙂.
Week-end à Florence English translation pending
Je pars début avril en week-end à Florence.(Il y a de super promo en ce moment en formule train-couchette + hotel). Pouvez vous m'indiquer les incontournables à visiter et à se balader. Je ne voudrais pas consacrer les 2 jours entiers à des musées.
Merci à tous.
Merci à tous.
Combattre le Terrorisme... partout... English translation pending
Désolé l'rticle qui suit est en anglais, mais lisait le... Ca fait peur...
"US to provide military equipment to Nepal
Visiting US Ambassador-at-large J Cofer Black has said Nepal is likely to get some military equipment from the US government.
Black who is also the head of the counter-terrorism body of the State Department, said during an interaction with journalists on Wednesday that the US is mulling to assist Nepal in its fight against Maoist insurgency. “The process to deliver some military hardware is in the pipeline, ” Black said.
He informed that the United States might also offer help in order to bolster the intelligence system of the Royal Nepalese Army.
Black was of the view that Maoist activities have gone up in recent times so have the human rights violations. Asked whether the Al-Qaeda (an international terrorist outfit) is rubbing shoulder with Maoists to unleash terror in the region, Black said he had no information regarding this. “We do not have any report on that, ” he clarified. He however said the Maoists have good rapport with extremist communist outfits in the South Asian region.
He made it known that he has held discussions with heads of security bodies and other high-ranking government officials on a variety of issues, including the Maoist problem.
Black who had visited India and Pakistan before coming to Nepal said he has witnessed positive attitude of India towards Nepal." nepalnews.com mbk March 4 04
"US to provide military equipment to Nepal
Visiting US Ambassador-at-large J Cofer Black has said Nepal is likely to get some military equipment from the US government.
Black who is also the head of the counter-terrorism body of the State Department, said during an interaction with journalists on Wednesday that the US is mulling to assist Nepal in its fight against Maoist insurgency. “The process to deliver some military hardware is in the pipeline, ” Black said.
He informed that the United States might also offer help in order to bolster the intelligence system of the Royal Nepalese Army.
Black was of the view that Maoist activities have gone up in recent times so have the human rights violations. Asked whether the Al-Qaeda (an international terrorist outfit) is rubbing shoulder with Maoists to unleash terror in the region, Black said he had no information regarding this. “We do not have any report on that, ” he clarified. He however said the Maoists have good rapport with extremist communist outfits in the South Asian region.
He made it known that he has held discussions with heads of security bodies and other high-ranking government officials on a variety of issues, including the Maoist problem.
Black who had visited India and Pakistan before coming to Nepal said he has witnessed positive attitude of India towards Nepal." nepalnews.com mbk March 4 04
Mauvais temps à Playa del Carmen, Hôtel Gala Resort à fuir English translation pending
Bonjour, nous sommes au Mexiique depuis le 05/02, et depuis c est un temps de CHIEN::: PLUIE FORTE ET FINE, et meme le FROID avec souvent moins de 20c....
heureusement nous rentrons demain: le Bonheur
Fuyez l hotel GALA RESORT, sauf si vous etes US et aimez la saoulerie, la fumee des gros cigares, et les cris perpetuels
La Bouffe est horrible, sauf pour ceux qui ne mangent que des Hamburgers et pizzas...
Aucune animation. le ZERO COMPLET
heureusement la premiere señaine, nous avons fait un tour en prive dans le Yucatan et le Chiapas, et la c etait SUPER, et absence totale de nos amis US, qui preferent la culture BEACH and BEER.
Et enfin FUYEZ le loueur ALAMO, un escroc qui loue des epaves:
A bientot depuis la France
heureusement nous rentrons demain: le Bonheur
Fuyez l hotel GALA RESORT, sauf si vous etes US et aimez la saoulerie, la fumee des gros cigares, et les cris perpetuels
La Bouffe est horrible, sauf pour ceux qui ne mangent que des Hamburgers et pizzas...
Aucune animation. le ZERO COMPLET
heureusement la premiere señaine, nous avons fait un tour en prive dans le Yucatan et le Chiapas, et la c etait SUPER, et absence totale de nos amis US, qui preferent la culture BEACH and BEER.
Et enfin FUYEZ le loueur ALAMO, un escroc qui loue des epaves:
A bientot depuis la France
A la conquête de Kuala Lumpur English translation pending
C'est une petite histoire authentique, un peu dans la même veine que "les petites galères de voyage dont nous rigolons volontiers aujourd'hui", initié par José.
J'étais à K.L depuis une semaine déjà et je ne me lassais pas de battre le pavé dans ses quartiers chinois et indien et de découvrir chacune de ses multiples facettes. Je la trouvais fascinante et, contrairement à ses bruyantes voisines, cette capitale n'était pas surpeuplée et n'étouffait pas sous le béton et la pollution. Je ne comprenais pas d'ailleurs pourquoi les routards faisaient si peu de cas de cette ville harmonieuse et cosmopolite, la considérant seulement comme une étape obligée après les randonnées aux Cameron Highlands et avant le farnienté aux Perentian Islands. La Malaisie ne se résume pas aux Perentian tout de même! Ce jour là, j'étais monté aux Twin Towers, assimilées par les uns à un pied de nez adressé à l'Empire State Building, par d'autres à un signe éclatant de la modernité du pays, par d'autres encore à l'oeuvre d'un chef d'état mégalo comme on en trouve dans tous les pays. Bah! Je ne savais pas trop quoi en penser. J'étais ensuite descendu à Little India pour me sustenter, avant de partager l'après-midi entre le National Art Gallery et le fameux Central Market.
En début de soirée, douché, rasé de près, avec le sentiment agréable d'une journée bien remplie, j'avais pris la direction de Chinatown, savourant à l'avance ce repas gargantuesque que je m'étais programmé sur une terrasse de ce quartier haut en couleur. C'est devant un arrêt de bus que je l'aperçus. La taille svelte, élégante et avec un mélange de je ne sais quoi d'effronterie et de douceur, elle me décocha une oeillade appuyée. Il n'est pas coutume chez les routards (et VF l'illustre bien) de s'épancher sur leurs rencontres charnelles. Le routard n'est pourtant pas asexué, que je sache. Le routard séducteur existe. Ainsi, un voyageur, croisé un jour, me confiait avec un zest de lubricité dans les yeux, que " quand on voyage en toute liberté, on n'a que "ça" à faire...". Un autre, plus méchant, me lançait carrément: " Je ne comprends pas ceux qui voyagent avec leur femme; c'est comme aller au restaurant avec son sandwich". (!!!)
Bref, en apercevant cette malaisienne toute de jeunesse et de beauté, ma décision était prise. Elle dînerait avec moi. Je lui tins en anglais à peu près ce discours: " Comme tu es belle, ma brune, le teint brun est le joyau de la beauté et l'âme de la légèreté! M'attendais-tu par hasard? " Doha (c'était son nom et 25 printemps étaient son âge) ne répondit pas immédiatement, se contentant d'accentuer son sourire délicieux qui me transportait d'aise. Elle me fit comprendre ensuite que les bus, il y en avait treize à la douzaine et qu'elle n'avait aucune urgence. Notre choix se porta sur une gargote chinoise à la façade colorée et c'est Doha qui, sitôt installée et avec beaucoup d'entrain, fit les commandes à un serveur placide. Elle montra la même énergie, à la limite de la voracité, en dégustant à pleines dents son chicken rice. Nous parlâmes de tout et de rien. Au moment d'entamer le dessert, Doha évoqua sa famille. Mais elle ne parlait d'elle-même qu'avec parcimonie. Le dessert englouti, elle s'excusa, s'éclipsa et revint quelques instants plus tard, maquillée et droite dans ses chaussures. Elle se rassit, s'éclaircit la voix et me lança:
" Dis moi, n'as-tu rien noté de spécial chez moi? A part ta beauté et ton solide appétit, ma foi, non, repartis-je presqu'instinctivement. Vraiment? Regarde moi plus attentivement", fit-elle en me fixant de ses yeux écarquillés.
Au moment où elle achevait sa phrase, je reçus un coup magistral, je fus frappé de stupeur! Ce nez épais, cette ossature ample du visage, cette bouche et ces joues fardées à outrance, cette dentition...ce n'est pas possible! C'est un homme!!! Enfin...un jeune homme, mais un homme quand même! Je restai bouche bée, interdit, puis j'éclatai de rire. "L'autre" m'accompagna dans mon rire, non sans une certaine appréhension dans les yeux. J'appris dans la foulée que la semaine précédente, c'est un robuste moustachu en provenance d'Oman qui eut l'honneur d'avoir Doha à sa table et qu'il envoya tout bouler (la table et ce qu'il y avait au-dessus) lorsqu'il sut qui était Doha. Doha était maintenant tout silence et semblait attendre une espèce de verdict de ma part. Je m'empressai de "la" rassurer. Non, je n'étais pas faché. La situation était d'une telle cocasserie; on ne pouvait qu'en rire. Nous ne pûmes faire autrement que devenir les meilleurs amis du monde. En nous voyant nous diriger vers un bar pour déguster une bière, des jeunes dans la rue entonnèrent: "Oh! My love, my Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarling....."
Quand j'y repense... Rio, Nice, Hamburg, toutes ces villes "chaudes" visitées et revisitées sans intercepter la moindre grimace d'un travelo. Il m'a fallu la K.L musulmane et feutrée pour me faire avoir comme un bénêt.
Khaldoun
J'étais à K.L depuis une semaine déjà et je ne me lassais pas de battre le pavé dans ses quartiers chinois et indien et de découvrir chacune de ses multiples facettes. Je la trouvais fascinante et, contrairement à ses bruyantes voisines, cette capitale n'était pas surpeuplée et n'étouffait pas sous le béton et la pollution. Je ne comprenais pas d'ailleurs pourquoi les routards faisaient si peu de cas de cette ville harmonieuse et cosmopolite, la considérant seulement comme une étape obligée après les randonnées aux Cameron Highlands et avant le farnienté aux Perentian Islands. La Malaisie ne se résume pas aux Perentian tout de même! Ce jour là, j'étais monté aux Twin Towers, assimilées par les uns à un pied de nez adressé à l'Empire State Building, par d'autres à un signe éclatant de la modernité du pays, par d'autres encore à l'oeuvre d'un chef d'état mégalo comme on en trouve dans tous les pays. Bah! Je ne savais pas trop quoi en penser. J'étais ensuite descendu à Little India pour me sustenter, avant de partager l'après-midi entre le National Art Gallery et le fameux Central Market.
En début de soirée, douché, rasé de près, avec le sentiment agréable d'une journée bien remplie, j'avais pris la direction de Chinatown, savourant à l'avance ce repas gargantuesque que je m'étais programmé sur une terrasse de ce quartier haut en couleur. C'est devant un arrêt de bus que je l'aperçus. La taille svelte, élégante et avec un mélange de je ne sais quoi d'effronterie et de douceur, elle me décocha une oeillade appuyée. Il n'est pas coutume chez les routards (et VF l'illustre bien) de s'épancher sur leurs rencontres charnelles. Le routard n'est pourtant pas asexué, que je sache. Le routard séducteur existe. Ainsi, un voyageur, croisé un jour, me confiait avec un zest de lubricité dans les yeux, que " quand on voyage en toute liberté, on n'a que "ça" à faire...". Un autre, plus méchant, me lançait carrément: " Je ne comprends pas ceux qui voyagent avec leur femme; c'est comme aller au restaurant avec son sandwich". (!!!)
Bref, en apercevant cette malaisienne toute de jeunesse et de beauté, ma décision était prise. Elle dînerait avec moi. Je lui tins en anglais à peu près ce discours: " Comme tu es belle, ma brune, le teint brun est le joyau de la beauté et l'âme de la légèreté! M'attendais-tu par hasard? " Doha (c'était son nom et 25 printemps étaient son âge) ne répondit pas immédiatement, se contentant d'accentuer son sourire délicieux qui me transportait d'aise. Elle me fit comprendre ensuite que les bus, il y en avait treize à la douzaine et qu'elle n'avait aucune urgence. Notre choix se porta sur une gargote chinoise à la façade colorée et c'est Doha qui, sitôt installée et avec beaucoup d'entrain, fit les commandes à un serveur placide. Elle montra la même énergie, à la limite de la voracité, en dégustant à pleines dents son chicken rice. Nous parlâmes de tout et de rien. Au moment d'entamer le dessert, Doha évoqua sa famille. Mais elle ne parlait d'elle-même qu'avec parcimonie. Le dessert englouti, elle s'excusa, s'éclipsa et revint quelques instants plus tard, maquillée et droite dans ses chaussures. Elle se rassit, s'éclaircit la voix et me lança:
" Dis moi, n'as-tu rien noté de spécial chez moi? A part ta beauté et ton solide appétit, ma foi, non, repartis-je presqu'instinctivement. Vraiment? Regarde moi plus attentivement", fit-elle en me fixant de ses yeux écarquillés.
Au moment où elle achevait sa phrase, je reçus un coup magistral, je fus frappé de stupeur! Ce nez épais, cette ossature ample du visage, cette bouche et ces joues fardées à outrance, cette dentition...ce n'est pas possible! C'est un homme!!! Enfin...un jeune homme, mais un homme quand même! Je restai bouche bée, interdit, puis j'éclatai de rire. "L'autre" m'accompagna dans mon rire, non sans une certaine appréhension dans les yeux. J'appris dans la foulée que la semaine précédente, c'est un robuste moustachu en provenance d'Oman qui eut l'honneur d'avoir Doha à sa table et qu'il envoya tout bouler (la table et ce qu'il y avait au-dessus) lorsqu'il sut qui était Doha. Doha était maintenant tout silence et semblait attendre une espèce de verdict de ma part. Je m'empressai de "la" rassurer. Non, je n'étais pas faché. La situation était d'une telle cocasserie; on ne pouvait qu'en rire. Nous ne pûmes faire autrement que devenir les meilleurs amis du monde. En nous voyant nous diriger vers un bar pour déguster une bière, des jeunes dans la rue entonnèrent: "Oh! My love, my Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarling....."
Quand j'y repense... Rio, Nice, Hamburg, toutes ces villes "chaudes" visitées et revisitées sans intercepter la moindre grimace d'un travelo. Il m'a fallu la K.L musulmane et feutrée pour me faire avoir comme un bénêt.
Khaldoun
Coût de la vie au Guatemala à Noël? English translation pending
Salut,
Je pense de plus en plus a partir au Guatémala pour les 2 semaines du temps de fetes. Ca serait un petit voyage au sac a dos, rien de bien compliqué et le moins cher possible. Si je ne vais pas dans des gros hotels et tout, avez-vous une idée de combien ca pourrait me couter?? Croyez-vous que je doive absolument réserver a l'avance?
Est-ce qu'il y en a d'autres qui pensent etre dans ce coin la dans le temps des fetes? Ca serait l'fun que je me trouve un endroit avec d'autres voyageurs au moins pour Noel, question de feter un peu!
Ciao!
Je pense de plus en plus a partir au Guatémala pour les 2 semaines du temps de fetes. Ca serait un petit voyage au sac a dos, rien de bien compliqué et le moins cher possible. Si je ne vais pas dans des gros hotels et tout, avez-vous une idée de combien ca pourrait me couter?? Croyez-vous que je doive absolument réserver a l'avance?
Est-ce qu'il y en a d'autres qui pensent etre dans ce coin la dans le temps des fetes? Ca serait l'fun que je me trouve un endroit avec d'autres voyageurs au moins pour Noel, question de feter un peu!
Ciao!
La photo, çà vous gâche pas les voyages, vous? English translation pending
Bonjour,
Désolé pour le titre, nettement plus provoc’ que la suite. Bon, c’est surtout pour discuter d’autre chose que du matériel.
Après avoir grillé de la pellicule sur les petites bêtes, le ciel, la famille, la terre vue du ciel et j’en passe, quoi de plus naturel que de continuer en voyage. Un peu de tri dans la montagne d’accessoires, d’objectifs, les films diapos les plus adaptés achetés et voilà, c’est parti. Bon, l’équipement prend de la place et il faut faire quelque choix dans les bagages. Le conjoint compatissant alourdit son sac. Et nous voilà sur place. Au fil des ans, les exigences augmentent : sujet, cadrage, composition, lumière, narration. On aimait son appareil, on se met à aimer la photo. Bref, çà prend plus de temps, met plus à contribution les nerfs du reste de l’équipe. On pense au montage du reportage au retour. Le voyage devient un récit à raconter et non plus une aventure à vivre. Il faut faire absolument la photo pour la transition entre les deux sujets. Attente, clic, clac et c’est reparti. Puis, voilà le retour. Le diaporama, hantise de ceux qui sont restés et vont se le voir infliger, plaît et ils en viennent même à en redemander. Formidable. L’histoire du voyage coule bien, le grand paysage comme le petit détail qui signent « l’ailleurs » sont au rendez-vous. Vous repartez quand ? Mais voilà, les années passent, diverses contraintes espacent les voyages ou les rendent plus courts. Le regard change. La manière de voyager aussi. Plus de subtilité, plus de patience. Et finalement, si l’appareil restait à la maison. Chiche ? Tiens, déjà, on déambule les mains dans les poches. Agréable en ville. Les regards ne se fixent plus sur le sac mais sur la personne. Plus de spéculations sur ce que l’on porte. Et déjà, oui, on fait moins touristes, plus visiteurs. Bref, différents. Il n’y a plus qu’à attiser un peu cette différence pour engager la conversation –ou la gesticulation. Et c’est parti pour une improbable liste à la Prévert : les gosses, l’école, la pluie, le beau temps, le foot, le président qui ne veut pas entretenir les éoliennes, les jeunes qui ne sont plus ce qu’ils étaient, l’âne qui boite. Pas de souci dans un coin de la tête comme « formidable cette lumière du soir sur la place, comment la capter avant qu’elle ne s’en aille ». Allez, on se quitte et on continue. Quelques cartes postales à ramener pour résumer le lieu et illustrer le récit au retour. Il a eu tout son temps pour les prendre lui (ou elle). Elles sont parfaites. Tiens, on demande au marchand quand passe le bus ? Une famille passe, avec un gamin du même âge que la nôtre. Echange de sourires. Bonheur d'être ailleurs et respirer un autre monde sans intermédiaire. Vivons déjà l'instant présent. Demain viendra assez tôt. Alors, prochain voyage : avec ou sans matériel ?
Désolé pour le titre, nettement plus provoc’ que la suite. Bon, c’est surtout pour discuter d’autre chose que du matériel.
Après avoir grillé de la pellicule sur les petites bêtes, le ciel, la famille, la terre vue du ciel et j’en passe, quoi de plus naturel que de continuer en voyage. Un peu de tri dans la montagne d’accessoires, d’objectifs, les films diapos les plus adaptés achetés et voilà, c’est parti. Bon, l’équipement prend de la place et il faut faire quelque choix dans les bagages. Le conjoint compatissant alourdit son sac. Et nous voilà sur place. Au fil des ans, les exigences augmentent : sujet, cadrage, composition, lumière, narration. On aimait son appareil, on se met à aimer la photo. Bref, çà prend plus de temps, met plus à contribution les nerfs du reste de l’équipe. On pense au montage du reportage au retour. Le voyage devient un récit à raconter et non plus une aventure à vivre. Il faut faire absolument la photo pour la transition entre les deux sujets. Attente, clic, clac et c’est reparti. Puis, voilà le retour. Le diaporama, hantise de ceux qui sont restés et vont se le voir infliger, plaît et ils en viennent même à en redemander. Formidable. L’histoire du voyage coule bien, le grand paysage comme le petit détail qui signent « l’ailleurs » sont au rendez-vous. Vous repartez quand ? Mais voilà, les années passent, diverses contraintes espacent les voyages ou les rendent plus courts. Le regard change. La manière de voyager aussi. Plus de subtilité, plus de patience. Et finalement, si l’appareil restait à la maison. Chiche ? Tiens, déjà, on déambule les mains dans les poches. Agréable en ville. Les regards ne se fixent plus sur le sac mais sur la personne. Plus de spéculations sur ce que l’on porte. Et déjà, oui, on fait moins touristes, plus visiteurs. Bref, différents. Il n’y a plus qu’à attiser un peu cette différence pour engager la conversation –ou la gesticulation. Et c’est parti pour une improbable liste à la Prévert : les gosses, l’école, la pluie, le beau temps, le foot, le président qui ne veut pas entretenir les éoliennes, les jeunes qui ne sont plus ce qu’ils étaient, l’âne qui boite. Pas de souci dans un coin de la tête comme « formidable cette lumière du soir sur la place, comment la capter avant qu’elle ne s’en aille ». Allez, on se quitte et on continue. Quelques cartes postales à ramener pour résumer le lieu et illustrer le récit au retour. Il a eu tout son temps pour les prendre lui (ou elle). Elles sont parfaites. Tiens, on demande au marchand quand passe le bus ? Une famille passe, avec un gamin du même âge que la nôtre. Echange de sourires. Bonheur d'être ailleurs et respirer un autre monde sans intermédiaire. Vivons déjà l'instant présent. Demain viendra assez tôt. Alors, prochain voyage : avec ou sans matériel ?
Départ en Thaïlande English translation pending
Bonjour,
je décolle dans 3 jours pour BKK, et j'aimerai avoir votre avis sur mon " trip " ...
Je passe 2, 5 jours a BKK puis decollage pour Chang mai 2 jours et visite de mae hong son, puis remontée sur Chang Rai 2j et trek pendant 3j/2 nuits redescente en avion sur Tran et farniente sur Ko Chang 7j et 2 derniers jours sur BKK pour dernieres visites et achats .... voilà !! Alors ????
[
je décolle dans 3 jours pour BKK, et j'aimerai avoir votre avis sur mon " trip " ...
Je passe 2, 5 jours a BKK puis decollage pour Chang mai 2 jours et visite de mae hong son, puis remontée sur Chang Rai 2j et trek pendant 3j/2 nuits redescente en avion sur Tran et farniente sur Ko Chang 7j et 2 derniers jours sur BKK pour dernieres visites et achats .... voilà !! Alors ????
[
Nouvelle-Zélande - Novembre 2002 English translation pending
Je rentre d'un voyage de 4 semaines en NZ. Voici quelques infos pratiques qui vous aideront peut-être à préparer ce magnifique voyage.
Je répondrai avec plaisir à toutes vos questions complémentaires.
TRANSPORTS :
1 - Vols Nous avons fait le choix de Singapore Airlines : http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/app/saa Billets achetés auprès de Voyageurs du Monde (Charlotte Lesartre) : http://www.vdm.com/vdm/index.asp A l'aller Paris/Singapour/Christchurch (8 ou 9 heures d'escale à Singapour - Hôtel et navette mis à disposition gracieusement par Singapor Airline - Nous a permis la visite de la ville) Au retour Auckland/Singapour/Paris (2 heures d'escale) Environ 24 heures de vol (hors escale) à chaque voyage. Pas forcément le moins cher (1300 € l'A/R), mais un des plus rapides par une compagnie fiable et en vol de nuit.
2 - Ferry inter ïles A réserver à l'avance, surtout s'il faut passer un camping car http://www.interislandline.co.nz/ Simple et pratique via internet ; attention, ils encaissent le montant dès la réservation
3 - Sur place Nous avions opté pour la location de voiture. Catégorie B (Ka, Ford - 2 portes !) chez Hertz (environ 1700 NZ$ pour 4 semaines) Professionalisme de Hertz - voiture quasi neuve Présent dans les aéroports et aux ports d'embarquement des ferrys (pas de passage de la voiture sur le ferry) Permis internationaux nécessaires - Pas de surcoût pour le conducteur additionnel Réservation effectuée en France par tel au 01.39.38.38.38 Essence : 1 litre = 1NZ$ Réseau routier excellent - Pompes à essence fréquentes, un peu moins dans le sud de l'île du Sud Conduite à gauche - Facile même en ville, les NZ sont cools au volant. Location de camping car également très répandue.
BUDGET :
1 NZ$ = 0, 5 € Distributeurs de cash partout - Paiement avec CB très très répandu (Visa-Eurocard-un peu moins fréquent Amex) Niveau de vie élevé. Un des moyens pour limiter les dépenses est de faire soi-même ses repas. A la différence des USA, l'entrée dans les Parcs Nationaux est gratuite, les randonnées sont elles-aussi gratuites. Par contre, les sites volcaniques de l'ile du N sont payants et chers (toutes les activités payantes sont chères). C'est globalement un voyage qui coûte cher (en comparaison à l'Asie ou l'Amérique du Sud) ...
HEBERGEMENT : Les B&B sont chers (100 - 150 $) Motels : pour les camping cars, les tentes ou les voitures !.... Chaîne Holiday Park Top 10 - Carte Club à 20$ = 10% de réduc (+ réduc sur bcp de sites dans lîle du N), hyper rentable Logements spacieux (de 30 à 50 m2 : 1 coin salon, 1 parfois 2 chambres, 1sdb, 1 cuisine équipée), modernes, pratiques, bon marché (45 à 95 $, 70 $ en moyenne) Réservation indispensable assurée par leurs soins, gratuitement et toujours très gentiment Possibilité de louer des cabines : logement simple avec lit et matelas uniquement. Ca suppose qu'on a un sac de couchage et qu'on utilise les parties communes (toujours propres)
REPAS :
Restaurants chers : plat principal autour de 20 $ Gastronomie quelconque, anglo-saxone : pané et frit ... pas géniale ... Fast food, surtout MacDo, Pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken très présents Bons plans : les chinois et les indiens (notamment la chaine Little India, excellente qualité), Pizza Hut formule à volonté pas chère ... Le diner se tient plus tôt que chez nous : les restaurants ouvrent le soir parfois à 17h30 ! Possibilité de cuisiner dans les logements des motels (cuisine perso complète : plaques électriques, micro-onde, frigo, vaiselle ...) Eau du robinet potable et bonne. Vins agréables, très souvent vendus au verre (entre 6 et 8 $ le verre), à partir de 15 $ une bonne bouteille au supermarché. Pratique répandue du BYO (Bring Your Own) qui consiste à apporter sa propre bouteille de vin au restaurant. En bons Français, ... on ne l'a jamais fait ... à tort !
ACTIVITES :
Un bon réflexe : dès l'arrivée dans un nouveau coin, aller faire un tour au DOC (Visitors Center). Ce sont des mines d'informations, très agréables. Ils proposent, entre autres, pour chaque région des brochures détaillant les randos du coin. Aucune brochure en Français. Attention, ils ferment parfois très tôt (16h30). De nombreuses possibilités de randonnées, partout. De 10 minutes à plusieurs heures, voire plusieurs jours (mais, dans ce cas, résa des gîtes à l'avance nécessaire) Les randos sont toujours bien fléchées, propres (ultra propres !), extrêmement agréables et toujours gratuites !
Les points forts de notre voyage :
D'une façon générale, la beauté et la variété des paysages, les sommets enneigés, la Rain Forest, les phénomènes volcaniques, la beauté et le soin avec lequel les randonnées sont aménagées, la qualité de vie (douceur et serviabilité des NZ).
L'ile du N et l'ile du S sont très différentes et très complémentaires. Je n'ai pas de préférence ...
ILE DU SUD
Punakaïki : en plus des Pancakes Rocks, rando sympa le long du torrent. Un petit café/restau, en face du sentier menant à Pancakes Rocks a l'excellente idée de servir des ... pancakes ... absolument délicieuses !
Glaciers (Franz Joseph et Fox Glacier) : attention, on reste à qq dizaines de mètres du front des glaciers ... un peu frustrant. Pour aller plus loin, il faut prévoir une rando accompagnée (et payante) sur le glacier. Pas fait ... (trop mauvais temps)
Fjordland : Croisière sur Milford Sound - Incontournable s'il fait beau ! En plus, la route jusqu'à Milford Sound est très belle.
Pas fait Doubtful Sound. Un peu cher ...
Grotte de Te Anau : glowworm (vers luisants) : cher (traversée du lac) et moins spectaculaire que Waitomo (Ile du N) -
Catlins NP et Southern Scenic Drive : attention, assez longue partie de la route gravillonnée (pénible surtout par mauvais temps - prévoir du temps). Nous, on a fait Te Anau/Dunedin par cette route en une seule étape, c'était épuisant !
Nugget Point : colonie de fur seals et de sea lions en contre bas (prévoir jumelles et coupe-vent !). Ils sont loin mais nombreux et dans un très bel environnement. Sympa.
Péninsule d'Otago : paysages superbes ! Le DOC de Dunedin offre une carte de la péninsule indiquant les endroits où se trouve la faune. Nous avons réussi à voir les fameux mais craintifs Yellow Eyed Pingouins dans une réserve, en milieu naturel. Assez cher (27 $ je crois) mais seul moyen pour nous ... Mieux et gratuit pour ceux qui ont le temps : sur les plages, mais seulement en fin d'apm quand ils remontent de leur journée de pêche en mer ...
Moeraki Boulders : phénomène géologique extraordinaire. De gros rochers hémi-sphériques ou sphériques parsemés sur une plage. Surréaliste et très photogénique !
Kaikoura : petite ville balnéaire "offrant" (!) la logistique pour approcher les mammifères marins (baleines et dauphins) Nous avions réservé depuis Paris un tour pour nager avec les dauphins (plus petits que Flipper !) : http://www.dolphin.co.nz/ (98 $ / p) Réservation obligatoire - Départ dépendant des conditions météo ... Carte débitée après l'activité. Moment magique mais attention au mal de mer !!... . Pas vu de baleines : http://www.whalewatch.co.nz/ - Trop cher.
Abel Tasman NP : superbes plages dorées ... où les touristes portaient, non pas un maillot de bain, mais des chaussures de marche ! Rando le long de la côte magnifique. Incontournable. Rando à la journée possible en organisant son transport avec Aqua Taxi. Résa conseillée (les bateaux sont tout petits !) Rando Bark Bay - Torrent Bay splendide !! Prévoir un bon bouquin pour attendre ensuite la navette. Dans un tel cadre, c'est un plaisir.
ILE DU NORD
Tongariro NP : Le DOC de Whakapapa fournit une excellente brochure sur la Tongariro Crossing, the most famous NZ's one day trek ! Logistique assurée à Whakapapa pour cette randonée INCONTOURNABLE S'IL FAIT BEAU !! Paysages hallucinants, à couper le souffle. 17 km, 800 mètres de dénivelé, 6h30 de marche, 2 pentes très raides dont une sur des scories ... Chaussures de marche indispensables, bonne condition physique (pas besoin d'être marathonien non plus ...) et plusieurs pellicules photos ! Cette randonnée, à elle seule, justifie le voyage en NZ. S'il fait beau !
Tama Lakes : rando de 5 heures dans un paysage de buissons (tussocks). 2 beaux lacs récompensent l'effort fourni. Bonne préparation pour la TCrossing.
Rotorua : Petite ville, morte après 18h, au coeur d'une région volcanique. Nombreux parcs (payants, assez chers, entre 15 et 20 $). Prévoir 2 heures pour chacun, un peu plus pour Wai O Tapu. Wai O Tapu (Le geyser Lady Knox, à qq km du parc, est déclenché "manuellement" tous les jours à 10h15). Parc désert avant 10h15 (et on peut y retourner après Lady Knox) - Le plus coloré, très photogénique - A ne pas manquer. Whakawerawera : attention 2 entrées distinctes qui ne communiquent pas. Entrer par l'institut et non pas par le village pour voir de près l'attraction majeure, le Pohutu, beau geyser. La visite du village n'est pas intéressante sauf pour y voir le petit concert maori (30 minutes). Hell's Gate : ambiance démoniaque assurée. A faire, même s'il pleut. Orakei Korako : accès sympathique par un petit bateau (qq minutes pour traverser un petit lac). En retrait, peu de monde. Craters of the moon (dans Wharakei NP - Taupo - entrée libre) : de vrais grands cratères. Encore une balade dans un paysage tourmenté et vaporeux. Waimangu : pas vu (mauvais temps) mais je pense que le grand lac bouillonnnant vaut le coup.
Waitomo Caves : à 2 heures à l'Ouest de Rotorua. Une grotte que l'on découvre d'abord à pied, puis dans un canot. Voute couverte de glowworms. Entrée chère (25$). Vraiment surprenant et assez émouvant. Petit film au musée expliquant le phénomène. Par ailleurs, à quelques km, une randonnée en boucle dans le bush permet d'admirer les glowworms dans un autre environnement (sur les falaises, sous les roches, dans des tunnels naturels) à la nuit tombée. Ambiance garantie. Gratuit. Spectacle inoubliable et finalement aussi impressionnant (plus peut-être) que la grotte. L'intérêt de cette rando par rapport à la grotte : on peut voir les glowworms de tout près en leur mettant un coup de torche dans la figure et voir les fameux "fils de pêche". Autre intérêt, majeur à mon goût : on est seul !
Les points faibles :
D'une façon générale, la gastronomie, la pluie trop fréquente et les petites villes sans charme et bien peu animées. L'artisanat de qualité est absolument hors de prix et ce qui est abordable est assez banal ... Enfin, 4 semaines, c'est encore trop court et on n'a pas eu le temps de faire un tour dans le Northland (Nord de l'ile du N) ....
Wellington : le musée Te Papa ne nous a pas plu. Pas suffisamment didactique à notre goût, notamment concernant l'histoire et la culture des Maoris.
Rotorua : Whakarewarewa, côté village et surtout la soirée Hangi (concert et repas traditionnel). Le concert est à peine mieux que celui du village de Whaka (gratuit !) et le repas traditionnel est un buffet sympathique mais qui n'a rien de traditionnel !.... Le seul vrai regret de notre voyage.
Bon voyage à tous !!
TRANSPORTS :
1 - Vols Nous avons fait le choix de Singapore Airlines : http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/app/saa Billets achetés auprès de Voyageurs du Monde (Charlotte Lesartre) : http://www.vdm.com/vdm/index.asp A l'aller Paris/Singapour/Christchurch (8 ou 9 heures d'escale à Singapour - Hôtel et navette mis à disposition gracieusement par Singapor Airline - Nous a permis la visite de la ville) Au retour Auckland/Singapour/Paris (2 heures d'escale) Environ 24 heures de vol (hors escale) à chaque voyage. Pas forcément le moins cher (1300 € l'A/R), mais un des plus rapides par une compagnie fiable et en vol de nuit.
2 - Ferry inter ïles A réserver à l'avance, surtout s'il faut passer un camping car http://www.interislandline.co.nz/ Simple et pratique via internet ; attention, ils encaissent le montant dès la réservation
3 - Sur place Nous avions opté pour la location de voiture. Catégorie B (Ka, Ford - 2 portes !) chez Hertz (environ 1700 NZ$ pour 4 semaines) Professionalisme de Hertz - voiture quasi neuve Présent dans les aéroports et aux ports d'embarquement des ferrys (pas de passage de la voiture sur le ferry) Permis internationaux nécessaires - Pas de surcoût pour le conducteur additionnel Réservation effectuée en France par tel au 01.39.38.38.38 Essence : 1 litre = 1NZ$ Réseau routier excellent - Pompes à essence fréquentes, un peu moins dans le sud de l'île du Sud Conduite à gauche - Facile même en ville, les NZ sont cools au volant. Location de camping car également très répandue.
BUDGET :
1 NZ$ = 0, 5 € Distributeurs de cash partout - Paiement avec CB très très répandu (Visa-Eurocard-un peu moins fréquent Amex) Niveau de vie élevé. Un des moyens pour limiter les dépenses est de faire soi-même ses repas. A la différence des USA, l'entrée dans les Parcs Nationaux est gratuite, les randonnées sont elles-aussi gratuites. Par contre, les sites volcaniques de l'ile du N sont payants et chers (toutes les activités payantes sont chères). C'est globalement un voyage qui coûte cher (en comparaison à l'Asie ou l'Amérique du Sud) ...
HEBERGEMENT : Les B&B sont chers (100 - 150 $) Motels : pour les camping cars, les tentes ou les voitures !.... Chaîne Holiday Park Top 10 - Carte Club à 20$ = 10% de réduc (+ réduc sur bcp de sites dans lîle du N), hyper rentable Logements spacieux (de 30 à 50 m2 : 1 coin salon, 1 parfois 2 chambres, 1sdb, 1 cuisine équipée), modernes, pratiques, bon marché (45 à 95 $, 70 $ en moyenne) Réservation indispensable assurée par leurs soins, gratuitement et toujours très gentiment Possibilité de louer des cabines : logement simple avec lit et matelas uniquement. Ca suppose qu'on a un sac de couchage et qu'on utilise les parties communes (toujours propres)
REPAS :
Restaurants chers : plat principal autour de 20 $ Gastronomie quelconque, anglo-saxone : pané et frit ... pas géniale ... Fast food, surtout MacDo, Pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken très présents Bons plans : les chinois et les indiens (notamment la chaine Little India, excellente qualité), Pizza Hut formule à volonté pas chère ... Le diner se tient plus tôt que chez nous : les restaurants ouvrent le soir parfois à 17h30 ! Possibilité de cuisiner dans les logements des motels (cuisine perso complète : plaques électriques, micro-onde, frigo, vaiselle ...) Eau du robinet potable et bonne. Vins agréables, très souvent vendus au verre (entre 6 et 8 $ le verre), à partir de 15 $ une bonne bouteille au supermarché. Pratique répandue du BYO (Bring Your Own) qui consiste à apporter sa propre bouteille de vin au restaurant. En bons Français, ... on ne l'a jamais fait ... à tort !
ACTIVITES :
Un bon réflexe : dès l'arrivée dans un nouveau coin, aller faire un tour au DOC (Visitors Center). Ce sont des mines d'informations, très agréables. Ils proposent, entre autres, pour chaque région des brochures détaillant les randos du coin. Aucune brochure en Français. Attention, ils ferment parfois très tôt (16h30). De nombreuses possibilités de randonnées, partout. De 10 minutes à plusieurs heures, voire plusieurs jours (mais, dans ce cas, résa des gîtes à l'avance nécessaire) Les randos sont toujours bien fléchées, propres (ultra propres !), extrêmement agréables et toujours gratuites !
Les points forts de notre voyage :
D'une façon générale, la beauté et la variété des paysages, les sommets enneigés, la Rain Forest, les phénomènes volcaniques, la beauté et le soin avec lequel les randonnées sont aménagées, la qualité de vie (douceur et serviabilité des NZ).
L'ile du N et l'ile du S sont très différentes et très complémentaires. Je n'ai pas de préférence ...
ILE DU SUD
Punakaïki : en plus des Pancakes Rocks, rando sympa le long du torrent. Un petit café/restau, en face du sentier menant à Pancakes Rocks a l'excellente idée de servir des ... pancakes ... absolument délicieuses !
Glaciers (Franz Joseph et Fox Glacier) : attention, on reste à qq dizaines de mètres du front des glaciers ... un peu frustrant. Pour aller plus loin, il faut prévoir une rando accompagnée (et payante) sur le glacier. Pas fait ... (trop mauvais temps)
Fjordland : Croisière sur Milford Sound - Incontournable s'il fait beau ! En plus, la route jusqu'à Milford Sound est très belle.
Pas fait Doubtful Sound. Un peu cher ...
Grotte de Te Anau : glowworm (vers luisants) : cher (traversée du lac) et moins spectaculaire que Waitomo (Ile du N) -
Catlins NP et Southern Scenic Drive : attention, assez longue partie de la route gravillonnée (pénible surtout par mauvais temps - prévoir du temps). Nous, on a fait Te Anau/Dunedin par cette route en une seule étape, c'était épuisant !
Nugget Point : colonie de fur seals et de sea lions en contre bas (prévoir jumelles et coupe-vent !). Ils sont loin mais nombreux et dans un très bel environnement. Sympa.
Péninsule d'Otago : paysages superbes ! Le DOC de Dunedin offre une carte de la péninsule indiquant les endroits où se trouve la faune. Nous avons réussi à voir les fameux mais craintifs Yellow Eyed Pingouins dans une réserve, en milieu naturel. Assez cher (27 $ je crois) mais seul moyen pour nous ... Mieux et gratuit pour ceux qui ont le temps : sur les plages, mais seulement en fin d'apm quand ils remontent de leur journée de pêche en mer ...
Moeraki Boulders : phénomène géologique extraordinaire. De gros rochers hémi-sphériques ou sphériques parsemés sur une plage. Surréaliste et très photogénique !
Kaikoura : petite ville balnéaire "offrant" (!) la logistique pour approcher les mammifères marins (baleines et dauphins) Nous avions réservé depuis Paris un tour pour nager avec les dauphins (plus petits que Flipper !) : http://www.dolphin.co.nz/ (98 $ / p) Réservation obligatoire - Départ dépendant des conditions météo ... Carte débitée après l'activité. Moment magique mais attention au mal de mer !!... . Pas vu de baleines : http://www.whalewatch.co.nz/ - Trop cher.
Abel Tasman NP : superbes plages dorées ... où les touristes portaient, non pas un maillot de bain, mais des chaussures de marche ! Rando le long de la côte magnifique. Incontournable. Rando à la journée possible en organisant son transport avec Aqua Taxi. Résa conseillée (les bateaux sont tout petits !) Rando Bark Bay - Torrent Bay splendide !! Prévoir un bon bouquin pour attendre ensuite la navette. Dans un tel cadre, c'est un plaisir.
ILE DU NORD
Tongariro NP : Le DOC de Whakapapa fournit une excellente brochure sur la Tongariro Crossing, the most famous NZ's one day trek ! Logistique assurée à Whakapapa pour cette randonée INCONTOURNABLE S'IL FAIT BEAU !! Paysages hallucinants, à couper le souffle. 17 km, 800 mètres de dénivelé, 6h30 de marche, 2 pentes très raides dont une sur des scories ... Chaussures de marche indispensables, bonne condition physique (pas besoin d'être marathonien non plus ...) et plusieurs pellicules photos ! Cette randonnée, à elle seule, justifie le voyage en NZ. S'il fait beau !
Tama Lakes : rando de 5 heures dans un paysage de buissons (tussocks). 2 beaux lacs récompensent l'effort fourni. Bonne préparation pour la TCrossing.
Rotorua : Petite ville, morte après 18h, au coeur d'une région volcanique. Nombreux parcs (payants, assez chers, entre 15 et 20 $). Prévoir 2 heures pour chacun, un peu plus pour Wai O Tapu. Wai O Tapu (Le geyser Lady Knox, à qq km du parc, est déclenché "manuellement" tous les jours à 10h15). Parc désert avant 10h15 (et on peut y retourner après Lady Knox) - Le plus coloré, très photogénique - A ne pas manquer. Whakawerawera : attention 2 entrées distinctes qui ne communiquent pas. Entrer par l'institut et non pas par le village pour voir de près l'attraction majeure, le Pohutu, beau geyser. La visite du village n'est pas intéressante sauf pour y voir le petit concert maori (30 minutes). Hell's Gate : ambiance démoniaque assurée. A faire, même s'il pleut. Orakei Korako : accès sympathique par un petit bateau (qq minutes pour traverser un petit lac). En retrait, peu de monde. Craters of the moon (dans Wharakei NP - Taupo - entrée libre) : de vrais grands cratères. Encore une balade dans un paysage tourmenté et vaporeux. Waimangu : pas vu (mauvais temps) mais je pense que le grand lac bouillonnnant vaut le coup.
Waitomo Caves : à 2 heures à l'Ouest de Rotorua. Une grotte que l'on découvre d'abord à pied, puis dans un canot. Voute couverte de glowworms. Entrée chère (25$). Vraiment surprenant et assez émouvant. Petit film au musée expliquant le phénomène. Par ailleurs, à quelques km, une randonnée en boucle dans le bush permet d'admirer les glowworms dans un autre environnement (sur les falaises, sous les roches, dans des tunnels naturels) à la nuit tombée. Ambiance garantie. Gratuit. Spectacle inoubliable et finalement aussi impressionnant (plus peut-être) que la grotte. L'intérêt de cette rando par rapport à la grotte : on peut voir les glowworms de tout près en leur mettant un coup de torche dans la figure et voir les fameux "fils de pêche". Autre intérêt, majeur à mon goût : on est seul !
Les points faibles :
D'une façon générale, la gastronomie, la pluie trop fréquente et les petites villes sans charme et bien peu animées. L'artisanat de qualité est absolument hors de prix et ce qui est abordable est assez banal ... Enfin, 4 semaines, c'est encore trop court et on n'a pas eu le temps de faire un tour dans le Northland (Nord de l'ile du N) ....
Wellington : le musée Te Papa ne nous a pas plu. Pas suffisamment didactique à notre goût, notamment concernant l'histoire et la culture des Maoris.
Rotorua : Whakarewarewa, côté village et surtout la soirée Hangi (concert et repas traditionnel). Le concert est à peine mieux que celui du village de Whaka (gratuit !) et le repas traditionnel est un buffet sympathique mais qui n'a rien de traditionnel !.... Le seul vrai regret de notre voyage.
Bon voyage à tous !!
5 weeks in the American West with family in summer 2026
Hi everyone!
After years of hoping, waiting, planning, then changing, saving, and searching for the best possible route... we're FINALLY off this summer for a 5-week road trip in the West.
I had planned a trip to Colorado in 2021 but canceled due to COVID, so with time passing and my eldest’s high school graduation approaching fast, I figured it was now or never!
Anyway, the itinerary has been modified and extended to please everyone (I’m no longer the only one making decisions!!)
Here’s our final route: Day 1 - 7/12/2026 - Brussels / Los Angeles Day 2 - 7/13/2026 - Los Angeles Day 3 - 7/14/2026 - Los Angeles Day 4 - 7/15/2026 - Los Angeles Day 5 - 7/16/2026 - Los Angeles Day 6 - 7/17/2026 - Los Angeles / Kingman Day 7 - 7/18/2026 - Kingman / Grand Canyon Day 8 - 7/19/2026 - Grand Canyon / Page Day 9 - 7/20/2026 - Page Day 10 - 7/21/2026 - Page / Monument Valley Day 11 - 7/22/2026 - Monument Valley / Durango Day 12 - 7/23/2026 - Durango Day 13 - 7/24/2026 - Durango Day 14 - 7/25/2026 - Durango Day 15 - 7/26/2026 - Durango / Glenwood Springs Day 16 - 7/27/2026 - Glenwood Springs Day 17 - 7/28/2026 - Glenwood Springs / Moab Day 18 - 7/29/2026 - Moab Day 19 - 7/30/2026 - Moab Day 20 - 7/31/2026 - Moab Day 21 - 8/1/2026 - Moab Day 22 - 8/2/2026 - Moab / Vernal Day 23 - 8/3/2026 - Vernal / Grand Teton Day 24 - 8/4/2026 - Grand Teton Day 25 - 8/5/2026 - Grand Teton / Cody Day 26 - 8/6/2026 - Cody / Yellowstone Day 27 - 8/7/2026 - Yellowstone Day 28 - 8/8/2026 - Yellowstone Day 29 - 8/9/2026 - Yellowstone Day 30 - 8/10/2026 - Yellowstone / Salt Lake City Day 31 - 8/11/2026 - Salt Lake City / Bryce Canyon Day 32 - 8/12/2026 - Bryce Canyon / Zion Day 33 - 8/13/2026 - Zion Day 34 - 8/14/2026 - Zion Day 35 - 8/15/2026 - Zion / Las Vegas Day 36 - 8/16/2026 - Las Vegas Day 37 - 8/17/2026 - Las Vegas / Los Angeles Day 38 - 8/18/2026 - Los Angeles Day 39 - 8/19/2026 - Los Angeles / Brussels Day 40 - 8/20/2026 - Brussels / Home
We’ll be alternating between house swaps, motels, and campgrounds. I’ve booked all the accommodations (except the campground at Bryce since sunset bookings open only 14 days in advance) and the first activities, as well as the most touristy ones.
I’m currently putting together my day-by-day roadbook and having some trouble planning certain days, like in LA or Las Vegas. Choosing hikes isn’t easy either—it’s tough to decide!
We’re really excited but could definitely use your help with choices and optimizations!!
I had planned a trip to Colorado in 2021 but canceled due to COVID, so with time passing and my eldest’s high school graduation approaching fast, I figured it was now or never!
Anyway, the itinerary has been modified and extended to please everyone (I’m no longer the only one making decisions!!)
Here’s our final route: Day 1 - 7/12/2026 - Brussels / Los Angeles Day 2 - 7/13/2026 - Los Angeles Day 3 - 7/14/2026 - Los Angeles Day 4 - 7/15/2026 - Los Angeles Day 5 - 7/16/2026 - Los Angeles Day 6 - 7/17/2026 - Los Angeles / Kingman Day 7 - 7/18/2026 - Kingman / Grand Canyon Day 8 - 7/19/2026 - Grand Canyon / Page Day 9 - 7/20/2026 - Page Day 10 - 7/21/2026 - Page / Monument Valley Day 11 - 7/22/2026 - Monument Valley / Durango Day 12 - 7/23/2026 - Durango Day 13 - 7/24/2026 - Durango Day 14 - 7/25/2026 - Durango Day 15 - 7/26/2026 - Durango / Glenwood Springs Day 16 - 7/27/2026 - Glenwood Springs Day 17 - 7/28/2026 - Glenwood Springs / Moab Day 18 - 7/29/2026 - Moab Day 19 - 7/30/2026 - Moab Day 20 - 7/31/2026 - Moab Day 21 - 8/1/2026 - Moab Day 22 - 8/2/2026 - Moab / Vernal Day 23 - 8/3/2026 - Vernal / Grand Teton Day 24 - 8/4/2026 - Grand Teton Day 25 - 8/5/2026 - Grand Teton / Cody Day 26 - 8/6/2026 - Cody / Yellowstone Day 27 - 8/7/2026 - Yellowstone Day 28 - 8/8/2026 - Yellowstone Day 29 - 8/9/2026 - Yellowstone Day 30 - 8/10/2026 - Yellowstone / Salt Lake City Day 31 - 8/11/2026 - Salt Lake City / Bryce Canyon Day 32 - 8/12/2026 - Bryce Canyon / Zion Day 33 - 8/13/2026 - Zion Day 34 - 8/14/2026 - Zion Day 35 - 8/15/2026 - Zion / Las Vegas Day 36 - 8/16/2026 - Las Vegas Day 37 - 8/17/2026 - Las Vegas / Los Angeles Day 38 - 8/18/2026 - Los Angeles Day 39 - 8/19/2026 - Los Angeles / Brussels Day 40 - 8/20/2026 - Brussels / Home
We’ll be alternating between house swaps, motels, and campgrounds. I’ve booked all the accommodations (except the campground at Bryce since sunset bookings open only 14 days in advance) and the first activities, as well as the most touristy ones.
I’m currently putting together my day-by-day roadbook and having some trouble planning certain days, like in LA or Las Vegas. Choosing hikes isn’t easy either—it’s tough to decide!
We’re really excited but could definitely use your help with choices and optimizations!!
Off on an adventure to Java (and a bit of Bali)
Hey there, community! Back this weekend, below is my travel journal from my adventure in Indonesia. Enjoy the read!!!
Day 1 - August 10, 2025 New life downloading for three weeks! And for that, Flo and I launched a public tender... A public tender? What’s that got to do with a travel journal???... Well, when you think about it, few destinations tick all the boxes for an August adventure: Meaning, finding a place that’s exotic in the middle of August, not too expensive, not too packed with tourists, warm but not *too* warm, with postcard-perfect landscapes, dreamy beaches, tasty cuisine with a hint of exoticism, friendly and welcoming locals, where you’re free to sleep under the stars among the mosquitos, take transport surrounded by chickens, and even eat from a pig trough if you feel like it—well, turns out it’s not that easy to find! I’d even say, given how thick the list of requirements is, there’s a big risk the tender could be declared unsuccessful for failing to meet just one criterion. Let’s just say the candidates better submit a rock-solid proposal!
After reviewing all the responses and presentations from the candidates, the obvious choice for us is... Indonesia! Except that trying to explore a country as vast as Indonesia and its 17,504 islands in less than five years is a bit like reading the summary of a Proust novel without taking the time to savor each of its 950 pages! Don’t worry, I won’t name them all here. Besides, do they even all have names? No! Only 7,870 have been named—their parents clearly ran out of ideas for the rest. Anyway, our society, which worships the "work more to earn more" mantra, unfortunately limits our adventure time. So we’ll only get to see a small part of Indonesia, and we’ll have to make a tough choice to head for the best of the best in this archipelago of over seventeen thousand islands. Each one has its own selling points: Sumatra, Sulawesi, Java, the Celebes, Bali, Borneo, Papua, Timor, the Moluccas... So many names that smell of adventure... Another tender, another list of requirements, another review of proposals... Drumroll... Splash splash... And the lucky winner is... Ta-da... Java, Bali’s big sister, where I’ve already been eight years ago... Java the programming language. The Java of Broadway. We’re gonna *do* the Java. Java the coffee. And yes, Java is also an island!
This island, four times smaller than France, is home to 136 million people, making it the most populated island in the world! Fun fact: Indonesia, with its 260 million inhabitants, is just shy of the podium for the world’s most populated countries, after the winning trio of India, China, and the United States. And it’s on this island of Java that you’ll find Jakarta, the (soon-to-be-former) capital and main airport of the country, where we’ll soon land after our nineteen-hour flight! Yep, nineteen hours! I mean, Indonesia in general—and Java in particular—is a *tad* farther than going on vacation to Grandma Yoyo’s! Not sure where it is? Easy. Grab a map. Plant your finger on the big island at the bottom right—aka Australia for those who struggle with geography—move it up two centimeters, and bam, welcome to Indonesia!
Nice transition, right? Because "Welcome to Indonesia" is exactly what the friendly flight attendant just said to me as we got off the plane! That’s it, our chakras are open, we’ve arrived at our (air)port. Time for rest, pool, cocktails, and a beach with our toes spread out... Wait, if you bought that, you clearly don’t know us yet! Since we still have energy to burn and need to adjust to the flight and time difference, we tackle the long administrative formalities to enter Indonesia, just to earn the right to hop in a 45-minute Grab taxi to the train station. The train station? What train station?... What do you usually do at a train station? Take a train, of course! Off we go for a three-hour train ride to Bandung, where we’ll officially start our adventure tomorrow after our first Indonesian night...
Unfortunately, we were a bit slow off the mark, which meant we missed the 6:25 PM train by two minutes. Oh well, we’ll have to wait until 11 PM. We take the opportunity to stretch our legs in Jakarta, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy the delicious smells wafting from the *warungs*—those little typical street restaurants. A quick stop at the National Monument, a detour to a night market to devour our first *kwetiaw goreng* and *teh manis* for 60,000 rupiahs (that’s 3 € for two), and just like that, our penalty is lifted, and we’re allowed to hit the road again. Off to Bandung, where we arrive at 2 AM for... a *very* short night...
Day 1 - August 10, 2025 New life downloading for three weeks! And for that, Flo and I launched a public tender... A public tender? What’s that got to do with a travel journal???... Well, when you think about it, few destinations tick all the boxes for an August adventure: Meaning, finding a place that’s exotic in the middle of August, not too expensive, not too packed with tourists, warm but not *too* warm, with postcard-perfect landscapes, dreamy beaches, tasty cuisine with a hint of exoticism, friendly and welcoming locals, where you’re free to sleep under the stars among the mosquitos, take transport surrounded by chickens, and even eat from a pig trough if you feel like it—well, turns out it’s not that easy to find! I’d even say, given how thick the list of requirements is, there’s a big risk the tender could be declared unsuccessful for failing to meet just one criterion. Let’s just say the candidates better submit a rock-solid proposal!
After reviewing all the responses and presentations from the candidates, the obvious choice for us is... Indonesia! Except that trying to explore a country as vast as Indonesia and its 17,504 islands in less than five years is a bit like reading the summary of a Proust novel without taking the time to savor each of its 950 pages! Don’t worry, I won’t name them all here. Besides, do they even all have names? No! Only 7,870 have been named—their parents clearly ran out of ideas for the rest. Anyway, our society, which worships the "work more to earn more" mantra, unfortunately limits our adventure time. So we’ll only get to see a small part of Indonesia, and we’ll have to make a tough choice to head for the best of the best in this archipelago of over seventeen thousand islands. Each one has its own selling points: Sumatra, Sulawesi, Java, the Celebes, Bali, Borneo, Papua, Timor, the Moluccas... So many names that smell of adventure... Another tender, another list of requirements, another review of proposals... Drumroll... Splash splash... And the lucky winner is... Ta-da... Java, Bali’s big sister, where I’ve already been eight years ago... Java the programming language. The Java of Broadway. We’re gonna *do* the Java. Java the coffee. And yes, Java is also an island!
This island, four times smaller than France, is home to 136 million people, making it the most populated island in the world! Fun fact: Indonesia, with its 260 million inhabitants, is just shy of the podium for the world’s most populated countries, after the winning trio of India, China, and the United States. And it’s on this island of Java that you’ll find Jakarta, the (soon-to-be-former) capital and main airport of the country, where we’ll soon land after our nineteen-hour flight! Yep, nineteen hours! I mean, Indonesia in general—and Java in particular—is a *tad* farther than going on vacation to Grandma Yoyo’s! Not sure where it is? Easy. Grab a map. Plant your finger on the big island at the bottom right—aka Australia for those who struggle with geography—move it up two centimeters, and bam, welcome to Indonesia!
Nice transition, right? Because "Welcome to Indonesia" is exactly what the friendly flight attendant just said to me as we got off the plane! That’s it, our chakras are open, we’ve arrived at our (air)port. Time for rest, pool, cocktails, and a beach with our toes spread out... Wait, if you bought that, you clearly don’t know us yet! Since we still have energy to burn and need to adjust to the flight and time difference, we tackle the long administrative formalities to enter Indonesia, just to earn the right to hop in a 45-minute Grab taxi to the train station. The train station? What train station?... What do you usually do at a train station? Take a train, of course! Off we go for a three-hour train ride to Bandung, where we’ll officially start our adventure tomorrow after our first Indonesian night...
Unfortunately, we were a bit slow off the mark, which meant we missed the 6:25 PM train by two minutes. Oh well, we’ll have to wait until 11 PM. We take the opportunity to stretch our legs in Jakarta, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy the delicious smells wafting from the *warungs*—those little typical street restaurants. A quick stop at the National Monument, a detour to a night market to devour our first *kwetiaw goreng* and *teh manis* for 60,000 rupiahs (that’s 3 € for two), and just like that, our penalty is lifted, and we’re allowed to hit the road again. Off to Bandung, where we arrive at 2 AM for... a *very* short night...
Yet Another Travel Journal in this (Too) Familiar Rajasthan, But with Family and Kids
Prologue
This journal recounts a trip to Rajasthan that’s already over a year old and that I’ve only now found the chance to write about. The summer of 2024 marked my return to India—my tenth trip—after six long years away since my last solo wanderings in Tamil Nadu in 2018 (the journal of which is published on this site). That absence was partly (but not only) due to the long COVID and post-COVID period, which saw a complete halt and then a major slowdown in global tourism. To top it off, Voyage Forum announced its closure in an end-of-the-world atmosphere. A sad time for our favorite social activity…
A few weeks after returning from Rajasthan, I tried to motivate myself to start writing a journal to publish on a forum claiming to be VF’s successor, which I’d eventually signed up for out of desperation. But I kept hesitating and putting the project off because, for one, I no longer have the time I used to. For another, the vibe wasn’t really taking off on that forum—it was overrun with ads and not very active, contrary to what its host’s name suggested. Despite its good intentions and commendable role as a stopgap, it also turned out to be very impractical to use, especially when you don’t have much time like me. I’ll admit I’d occasionally check back on VF to see if anything was happening. But all the discussions remained frozen in time, stuck in that fateful year, 2020. Then, rumors swirled online about shady reasons behind its closure, leaving little room for hope.
And then, one fine morning, I got a message at work from Marien informing me that VF had reopened. What a huge surprise! Even though the forum’s “end” had played out in a somewhat apocalyptic atmosphere, the memories of passionate and heated discussions, the frank debates, and the useful exchanges that made this site a traveler’s goldmine and a unique hub of conviviality all came rushing back to me like a breath of fresh air. I finally saw a sign and tried to motivate myself to find the time to publish the journal of this tenth trip to India and fifth to Rajasthan. But in the end, I got bogged down in professional and family obligations and never managed to find the time to get started. That’s now fixed, though, because I had two reasons for wanting to do it: I find that looking back on a trip to tell others about it is a highly beneficial introspective exercise. Also, I thought this journal could be useful to other travelers on a few points.
Because, “do we really need yet another journal about Rajasthan?” you might rightly ask! Especially in a time when so many journals about the “Land of Kings” have been published since VF’s return, not to mention the countless stories you can already find online about this region, one of India’s most touristy. And I’d add, why go back to Rajasthan for a fifth time, where I’ve already dragged my feet more than enough—through its forts, deserts, temples, cities, villages, bumpy roads, train stations, tasty street food stalls, cheap guesthouses, and more? Where some might see just another overhyped tourist destination full of the same old *Arabian Nights* clichés, worn to a thread, that I mentioned earlier, when there’s so much else to see in India? Well, first because it’s a magnificent country I never tire of, where I started an academic study and made so many connections. It’s also packed with places where you won’t find a single tourist (right, Marie-Jo?), even in the heart of well-trodden paths and classic itineraries. And most importantly, as I said earlier, things have changed in recent years. First, after six years without traveling far, the urge to go back to India was getting stronger. But this time, no more solo trips (often) or duo adventures (sometimes)—now it’s a team of four that has to come along! And even if you can argue with that, what better place than Rajasthan to introduce India to people who’ve never seen it? To kids you want to amaze? Plus, traveling with your new little family to your favorite country isn’t the same as going solo in often spartan conditions that only affect you. It’s a different challenge, but ultimately probably much harder. So, is it really reasonable to take two kids to India, including a two-year-old baby? That’s one of the main goals of this journal (but not the only one)—to try to answer that question.
As you can tell, it’s not so much the destination but the slightly unusual setup of this trip that, in my opinion, will make this journal interesting. Despite my experience and expertise (yes, I dare say it) in India, there were plenty of questions before we finalized the plan and said, “Alright, let’s go!” The questions were flying for us parents. Is it wise to travel to India with a two-year-old? What would we do (it happened) if the kids got very sick? Would they be able to handle a road trip on Rajasthan’s bumpy, dusty roads using public transport? Could they handle the shock of such a different world—the dirt, poverty, pollution, noise (…and the smell, as they say), the spicy food, monkeys, mosquitoes, snakes, tigers, leopards, and so on? In short, all the clichés that I usually joke about suddenly became potential realities. Another concern: as a mixed Franco-African family (not me, but my partner and her oldest), wouldn’t we risk not always being well received, given what you sometimes hear about that in India? How would Indians react to seeing a mixed-race family, the ultimate taboo in a country of purity and social segregation, which would undoubtedly raise many questions for them? Of course, not everything went as expected… Because, as you know, with India—and what makes it charming for some—there are always complications: sometimes where you don’t expect them… and sometimes where you do. I’ll go into detail about that in the journal to come (not right away) and in the final review (even later). These experiences could be useful to travelers who find themselves in similar situations and have the same questions we did before embarking on such a journey. And maybe it’ll spark the curiosity of those who aren’t concerned and will read yet another Rajasthan journal, but with its own unique twists.
Despite my unchanged constraints, which mean I have little time to write this, I don’t want to rush the story, so I’ll take my time. There will probably be lulls. I hope that won’t stop people from coming to react, debate, share their impressions, or ask for information.
This journal recounts a trip to Rajasthan that’s already over a year old and that I’ve only now found the chance to write about. The summer of 2024 marked my return to India—my tenth trip—after six long years away since my last solo wanderings in Tamil Nadu in 2018 (the journal of which is published on this site). That absence was partly (but not only) due to the long COVID and post-COVID period, which saw a complete halt and then a major slowdown in global tourism. To top it off, Voyage Forum announced its closure in an end-of-the-world atmosphere. A sad time for our favorite social activity…
A few weeks after returning from Rajasthan, I tried to motivate myself to start writing a journal to publish on a forum claiming to be VF’s successor, which I’d eventually signed up for out of desperation. But I kept hesitating and putting the project off because, for one, I no longer have the time I used to. For another, the vibe wasn’t really taking off on that forum—it was overrun with ads and not very active, contrary to what its host’s name suggested. Despite its good intentions and commendable role as a stopgap, it also turned out to be very impractical to use, especially when you don’t have much time like me. I’ll admit I’d occasionally check back on VF to see if anything was happening. But all the discussions remained frozen in time, stuck in that fateful year, 2020. Then, rumors swirled online about shady reasons behind its closure, leaving little room for hope.
And then, one fine morning, I got a message at work from Marien informing me that VF had reopened. What a huge surprise! Even though the forum’s “end” had played out in a somewhat apocalyptic atmosphere, the memories of passionate and heated discussions, the frank debates, and the useful exchanges that made this site a traveler’s goldmine and a unique hub of conviviality all came rushing back to me like a breath of fresh air. I finally saw a sign and tried to motivate myself to find the time to publish the journal of this tenth trip to India and fifth to Rajasthan. But in the end, I got bogged down in professional and family obligations and never managed to find the time to get started. That’s now fixed, though, because I had two reasons for wanting to do it: I find that looking back on a trip to tell others about it is a highly beneficial introspective exercise. Also, I thought this journal could be useful to other travelers on a few points.
Because, “do we really need yet another journal about Rajasthan?” you might rightly ask! Especially in a time when so many journals about the “Land of Kings” have been published since VF’s return, not to mention the countless stories you can already find online about this region, one of India’s most touristy. And I’d add, why go back to Rajasthan for a fifth time, where I’ve already dragged my feet more than enough—through its forts, deserts, temples, cities, villages, bumpy roads, train stations, tasty street food stalls, cheap guesthouses, and more? Where some might see just another overhyped tourist destination full of the same old *Arabian Nights* clichés, worn to a thread, that I mentioned earlier, when there’s so much else to see in India? Well, first because it’s a magnificent country I never tire of, where I started an academic study and made so many connections. It’s also packed with places where you won’t find a single tourist (right, Marie-Jo?), even in the heart of well-trodden paths and classic itineraries. And most importantly, as I said earlier, things have changed in recent years. First, after six years without traveling far, the urge to go back to India was getting stronger. But this time, no more solo trips (often) or duo adventures (sometimes)—now it’s a team of four that has to come along! And even if you can argue with that, what better place than Rajasthan to introduce India to people who’ve never seen it? To kids you want to amaze? Plus, traveling with your new little family to your favorite country isn’t the same as going solo in often spartan conditions that only affect you. It’s a different challenge, but ultimately probably much harder. So, is it really reasonable to take two kids to India, including a two-year-old baby? That’s one of the main goals of this journal (but not the only one)—to try to answer that question.
As you can tell, it’s not so much the destination but the slightly unusual setup of this trip that, in my opinion, will make this journal interesting. Despite my experience and expertise (yes, I dare say it) in India, there were plenty of questions before we finalized the plan and said, “Alright, let’s go!” The questions were flying for us parents. Is it wise to travel to India with a two-year-old? What would we do (it happened) if the kids got very sick? Would they be able to handle a road trip on Rajasthan’s bumpy, dusty roads using public transport? Could they handle the shock of such a different world—the dirt, poverty, pollution, noise (…and the smell, as they say), the spicy food, monkeys, mosquitoes, snakes, tigers, leopards, and so on? In short, all the clichés that I usually joke about suddenly became potential realities. Another concern: as a mixed Franco-African family (not me, but my partner and her oldest), wouldn’t we risk not always being well received, given what you sometimes hear about that in India? How would Indians react to seeing a mixed-race family, the ultimate taboo in a country of purity and social segregation, which would undoubtedly raise many questions for them? Of course, not everything went as expected… Because, as you know, with India—and what makes it charming for some—there are always complications: sometimes where you don’t expect them… and sometimes where you do. I’ll go into detail about that in the journal to come (not right away) and in the final review (even later). These experiences could be useful to travelers who find themselves in similar situations and have the same questions we did before embarking on such a journey. And maybe it’ll spark the curiosity of those who aren’t concerned and will read yet another Rajasthan journal, but with its own unique twists.
Despite my unchanged constraints, which mean I have little time to write this, I don’t want to rush the story, so I’ll take my time. There will probably be lulls. I hope that won’t stop people from coming to react, debate, share their impressions, or ask for information.
3 weeks in Bali in 2025
We’ve read it all about Bali: mass tourism, non-stop parties, ferry disasters, the kingdom of “Instagrammers,” pollution, “Bali belly”... But luckily, this island isn’t just about Kuta’s beaches and the Lempuyang Temple.
Sure, it’s not as exotic or off-the-beaten-path as other Indonesian islands (the Moluccas, Timor, Flores...), but we spent 3 weeks there and loved it!
Our (planned) itinerary in 7 stops: - Ubud (4 nights) - Sidemen (2 nights) - Gili Meno (3 nights) - Amed (2 nights) - Pemuteran (4 nights) - Munduk (2 nights) - Jatiluwih (2 nights)
We booked our accommodations in advance, and for the rest (drivers, activities...), we took it day by day with help from the homestays (making sure to contact them a few days ahead via WhatsApp).
In the end, it’s an “easy” destination, very affordable, and one that’s managed to keep a certain authenticity.
Sure, it’s not as exotic or off-the-beaten-path as other Indonesian islands (the Moluccas, Timor, Flores...), but we spent 3 weeks there and loved it!
Our (planned) itinerary in 7 stops: - Ubud (4 nights) - Sidemen (2 nights) - Gili Meno (3 nights) - Amed (2 nights) - Pemuteran (4 nights) - Munduk (2 nights) - Jatiluwih (2 nights)
We booked our accommodations in advance, and for the rest (drivers, activities...), we took it day by day with help from the homestays (making sure to contact them a few days ahead via WhatsApp).
In the end, it’s an “easy” destination, very affordable, and one that’s managed to keep a certain authenticity.
Meghalaya: A Very Rainy Week
Friday, April 18
Night in Guwahati
Before leaving the guesthouse, I drop off a small bag that I’ll pick up when I return.
I take a tuk-tuk at 7:40 AM to get to the sumo departure point for Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya.
My bag is loaded onto the roof, my seat is assigned, and we have to wait for the car to fill up.
While waiting, I watch the street come to life. I have fun photographing the different modes of transport passing by.
Time passes faster when you’re occupied. We leave at 8:20 AM, and the driver does door-to-door service along the way. We make our first stop for 25 minutes at 9:10 AM, then another for breakfast at 10:10 AM. The scenery is very different from Assam and Nagaland. We drive alongside a pine forest and a large lake. There are beautiful viewpoints, but the driver isn’t stopping for sightseeing, so I have to settle for looking through the car windows.
We finally arrive in Shillong at 11:45 AM. The driver stops in the middle of nowhere, so I have to walk up the street to find a taxi. I flag one down, and he agrees to take me to my new guesthouse, the Rockski Boutique Bed & Breakfast. No sooner do I arrive than a storm with a heavy downpour welcomes me. When I arrived in Guwahati at the end of October, I’d booked a guide with a car for this week. There’s no public transport to get from village to village, so I had to take a car to visit. The tourism manager, Sachin, sent me a message to let me know that the driver, Welbis, will pick me up tomorrow morning at 8 AM. The temperature is much cooler here—only 19°C. At 2:30 PM, the rain stops, and I take the opportunity to explore the city. I start with the cathedral. Today is Good Friday, so I’m going to see how it’s celebrated here. Meghalaya is a Catholic state. The cathedral isn’t far from the guesthouse—it’s huge and all blue.
I arrive during mass, and it’s impossible to enter—the faithful are numerous outside in the parking lot. Giant screens broadcast the ceremony.
While waiting, I watch the street come to life. I have fun photographing the different modes of transport passing by.
Time passes faster when you’re occupied. We leave at 8:20 AM, and the driver does door-to-door service along the way. We make our first stop for 25 minutes at 9:10 AM, then another for breakfast at 10:10 AM. The scenery is very different from Assam and Nagaland. We drive alongside a pine forest and a large lake. There are beautiful viewpoints, but the driver isn’t stopping for sightseeing, so I have to settle for looking through the car windows.
We finally arrive in Shillong at 11:45 AM. The driver stops in the middle of nowhere, so I have to walk up the street to find a taxi. I flag one down, and he agrees to take me to my new guesthouse, the Rockski Boutique Bed & Breakfast. No sooner do I arrive than a storm with a heavy downpour welcomes me. When I arrived in Guwahati at the end of October, I’d booked a guide with a car for this week. There’s no public transport to get from village to village, so I had to take a car to visit. The tourism manager, Sachin, sent me a message to let me know that the driver, Welbis, will pick me up tomorrow morning at 8 AM. The temperature is much cooler here—only 19°C. At 2:30 PM, the rain stops, and I take the opportunity to explore the city. I start with the cathedral. Today is Good Friday, so I’m going to see how it’s celebrated here. Meghalaya is a Catholic state. The cathedral isn’t far from the guesthouse—it’s huge and all blue.
I arrive during mass, and it’s impossible to enter—the faithful are numerous outside in the parking lot. Giant screens broadcast the ceremony.
Aloha State: Hawaii February 2025
Alright, I'm diving into this Hawaiian travel journal!
I hope lots of you will follow along because the destination is absolutely charming. 🙂
Just a heads-up—I might take a while to finish it.
The trip took place from February 20th to March 3rd, 2025 (11 days total, with 9 days on-site). It was a trip with my friend Christelle, with whom I’ve already traveled to Iceland and Morocco in recent years. We’re totally on the same wavelength, with the same expectations and desires, which makes things a lot easier (and, as a bonus, it helps cut down the final bill). Being the generous soul I am, I asked Christelle which country she wanted to visit. Her answer: Asia, since I’ve never been, or Namibia... Hawaii is basically the same thing, right?!! All thanks to the search comparator—I stumbled upon round-trip tickets from Paris to Honolulu for 580 € per person during school holidays, with a layover in Canada (I don’t get to choose my vacation dates). We jumped on it on August 28th (didn’t take much convincing). For info, I always check flight tickets during the last week of August or the first half of September because there are always amazing deals.
Nine days on-site is short, so we had to make some tough choices for the islands we’d visit (I’m only listing the main ones): - Oahu: the most urbanized but also home to Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, and some stunning beaches.
Kauai: the Garden Isle. It’s the island from *Jurassic Park*, with lush vegetation—so it’s pretty rainy. Big Island: volcanoes, volcanoes, and more, but also things like night snorkeling with manta rays. Maui: very touristy, with a magnificent volcano, the Road to Hana, and the ultimate spot for whale watching (and we were there right in the middle of whale season).
We limited ourselves to two islands to avoid rushing, and in the end, we picked Kauai (non-negotiable) and Oahu (which saved us an extra domestic flight and, since we were there in winter, let us experience the BIG WAVES on the North Shore). We would’ve loved to visit Big Island, but we’d already seen volcanoes in Iceland, and the island is huge—we just didn’t have enough time. Maui was recently hit by a major wildfire and is also the most expensive island (along with Kauai). We were really hoping to see humpback whales (my favorite animal) on both Oahu and Kauai. Hawaii is far, and it’s worth the effort. The journey went smoothly. I took a 40-minute bus ride and a 1h32 RER trip just to get to Roissy, then a 9h15 flight to Calgary, with a two-hour layover before a 6h45 flight to Honolulu. 11 hours of time difference, arriving at 10 PM local time. And you know what? (spoiler alert) I’d do it a thousand times if I got the chance.
Alright, let’s go—here we go!
The trip took place from February 20th to March 3rd, 2025 (11 days total, with 9 days on-site). It was a trip with my friend Christelle, with whom I’ve already traveled to Iceland and Morocco in recent years. We’re totally on the same wavelength, with the same expectations and desires, which makes things a lot easier (and, as a bonus, it helps cut down the final bill). Being the generous soul I am, I asked Christelle which country she wanted to visit. Her answer: Asia, since I’ve never been, or Namibia... Hawaii is basically the same thing, right?!! All thanks to the search comparator—I stumbled upon round-trip tickets from Paris to Honolulu for 580 € per person during school holidays, with a layover in Canada (I don’t get to choose my vacation dates). We jumped on it on August 28th (didn’t take much convincing). For info, I always check flight tickets during the last week of August or the first half of September because there are always amazing deals.
Nine days on-site is short, so we had to make some tough choices for the islands we’d visit (I’m only listing the main ones): - Oahu: the most urbanized but also home to Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, and some stunning beaches.
Kauai: the Garden Isle. It’s the island from *Jurassic Park*, with lush vegetation—so it’s pretty rainy. Big Island: volcanoes, volcanoes, and more, but also things like night snorkeling with manta rays. Maui: very touristy, with a magnificent volcano, the Road to Hana, and the ultimate spot for whale watching (and we were there right in the middle of whale season).
We limited ourselves to two islands to avoid rushing, and in the end, we picked Kauai (non-negotiable) and Oahu (which saved us an extra domestic flight and, since we were there in winter, let us experience the BIG WAVES on the North Shore). We would’ve loved to visit Big Island, but we’d already seen volcanoes in Iceland, and the island is huge—we just didn’t have enough time. Maui was recently hit by a major wildfire and is also the most expensive island (along with Kauai). We were really hoping to see humpback whales (my favorite animal) on both Oahu and Kauai. Hawaii is far, and it’s worth the effort. The journey went smoothly. I took a 40-minute bus ride and a 1h32 RER trip just to get to Roissy, then a 9h15 flight to Calgary, with a two-hour layover before a 6h45 flight to Honolulu. 11 hours of time difference, arriving at 10 PM local time. And you know what? (spoiler alert) I’d do it a thousand times if I got the chance.
Alright, let’s go—here we go!
3 weeks in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, preliminary travel questions
Hi there, 🙂
I’m thinking of taking a trip to these two countries in 2026 (late spring to early summer).
I’d arrive in Almaty and leave from Bishkek, and I’d be driving myself.
I plan to spend 1 week in Kazakhstan and 2 in Kyrgyzstan. The itinerary isn’t set yet.
My preliminary questions are about formalities, hassle levels, and the car.
From what I understand, no visa is needed, the passport must be valid for 6 months after entry, and there’s no longer a requirement to register with the authorities at each stop. In short, once you’re in, no administrative headaches.
Except for permits needed to drive in certain regions?
---/---
About crossing between the two countries:
- On foot - In a rental car
Quick? Easy?
---/---
Are both countries safe? (Meaning you don’t have to stay on guard all the time.) Are the cops corrupt? (A little, a lot, passionately, not at all?)
---/---
Is it better to rent a car for both countries or rent a vehicle in each country?
A 4x4 or something else?
Is accommodation plentiful enough that I can skip a rooftop tent, or is it better to rent a 4x4 with one?
I’ll definitely have more questions later...😉
Thanks for your answers !
I’m thinking of taking a trip to these two countries in 2026 (late spring to early summer).
I’d arrive in Almaty and leave from Bishkek, and I’d be driving myself.
I plan to spend 1 week in Kazakhstan and 2 in Kyrgyzstan. The itinerary isn’t set yet.
My preliminary questions are about formalities, hassle levels, and the car.
From what I understand, no visa is needed, the passport must be valid for 6 months after entry, and there’s no longer a requirement to register with the authorities at each stop. In short, once you’re in, no administrative headaches.
Except for permits needed to drive in certain regions?
---/---
About crossing between the two countries:
- On foot - In a rental car
Quick? Easy?
---/---
Are both countries safe? (Meaning you don’t have to stay on guard all the time.) Are the cops corrupt? (A little, a lot, passionately, not at all?)
---/---
Is it better to rent a car for both countries or rent a vehicle in each country?
A 4x4 or something else?
Is accommodation plentiful enough that I can skip a rooftop tent, or is it better to rent a 4x4 with one?
I’ll definitely have more questions later...😉
Thanks for your answers !
Skyscrapers, Markets, Ice Cubes, Tourism, and Waterfalls... Thailand's Excesses
A somewhat lengthy title... I could have simply written: from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, via Chiang Mai, since that was my route. But when poets embellish our travel journals with their verbal flourishes, you’ve got to try not to be too ordinary.
Skyscrapers of excess? You’ll have gathered that from the photo illustrating this journal—though it might change as the trip goes on.
The excess of markets—not so much in their size, though... Chatuchak... But in their sheer number. Day markets, night markets, floating markets, fresh produce markets, fish markets, meat markets, spice markets, fabric markets... and even... amulet markets... For luck, good fortune, protection. Not to mention, sadly, the market for girls—and boys, incidentally. I’ve even heard they’re displayed in windows. I’ve heard about that one, like you have, but I didn’t set foot in it, so I can’t say anything about it. Some even claim there’s a black-market trade in children. Disgusting! It reminded me of the book *The Parcel* by Anosh Irani, which I recommended in another journal. The story is set in India, but I’ve been told it exists in Thailand too. So, the "famous Thai markets" we’re bombarded with in paper and online guides—sure, they amazed me in the first few days, and I don’t regret visiting them. But no matter how big they were, I quickly got my fill since you saw the same things at every stall...
I had a market overdose.
Excess of tourism? I should say *tourists*, since I saw them literally swarming in the streets and those famous markets. I’d forgotten about them. I’d lost the habit, living in an Indian city for so long...
Waterfalls are a bit like markets. At this time of year, they’re not particularly spectacular, but they’re everywhere. There are the ones everyone goes to see. For example, Erawan, which I decided to skip even though it was in my original itinerary—I guessed it’d be a nightmare with the selfie circus. On the other hand, you come across them all over the place, hidden in the mountains and forests, not listed in any guide. Not to mention the ones you can find in temples or even private homes... Yes, really! Thais love waterfalls, so they install them in their gardens—and I even saw one in the middle of the city, right on the street! Sometimes they’re tiny, but very photogenic.
But what do ice cubes have to do with this? Why the excess of ice cubes? Not only are they everywhere by the ton, but they put them in *everything* you drink. You’d think they’d even put them in soup! And it’s not just one or two ice cubes—no! They fill the container to the brim, whatever it is, then pour the liquid on top to fill the gaps. They’ll make you an excellent coffee right in front of you, piping hot, then—bam! An avalanche of ice cubes in the glass. Okay, I’m exaggerating a little. They *do* sometimes ask if you prefer your coffee—or tea—hot. Everything edible, and especially everything drinkable, is refrigerated: vegetables, fruit, hot drinks (I mean, drinks that are *usually* hot), but meat and fish are left out in the open. They just wave a little whisk to shoo away the flies when they get too eager. Mind you, I never put fruit, cheese, eggs, or water in the fridge in France, but I do in India. And I refrigerate meat and fish too... Though sometimes one of those little flies sneaks into the fridge...
You won’t find practical or technical details in this journal, like addresses or prices. Others do that better than me. You also won’t find the names of obscure or unknown places I discovered, or directions to get there.
I don’t really feel like recounting what I saw day by day, following my schedule and route. There might be flashbacks, projections into the future. It’ll depend on my memories, what I felt, what I hated, what comes back to me—and maybe your questions and our exchanges. And for those who’ve never read me before, you’ll have to get used to my parentheses and digressions, maybe on a completely different subject, as my thoughts wander. Stories within stories. There’ll also be long, endless sentences—but still punctuated, so you can follow along. Though I used to curse Proust and his sentences that started on one page and ended on the next, sometimes even further. I’d have to reread them twenty times to follow and understand what he was saying. I hated Proust. But hey, I was 20. Maybe I’d like him now?
See? The digressions are starting already. Forgive me.
You’ll find few photos here. First, the number is limited, and second, photos aren’t the main purpose of either VF or a travel journal. They’re too often used to mask the poverty of the text. And, sorry to say it, but so many of them are just plain ugly! If you really want to see photos, I’ll share some links where you can browse them at your leisure
Warm January in Kerala (and a bit of Karnataka)
Hi everyone,
We're back in India for the 7th time (for the other trips, check here:
https://www.unendroitoualler.fr/asie/) ... But this time, no more exploring or trekking! With age, we're just spending a quiet month in southern India, a country we particularly love...
Our journey starts in Kovalam, then Monroe Island, Varkala, Kochi, Kannur, Udupi, and finally, as in recent years, Gokarna.
No problem getting around—there’s the train all along the coast...
Night in Trivandrum
Prepaid taxi to the « Safire Residency », where we stayed last year. This hotel is still just as nice and welcoming (980 INR). Then, dinner at the restaurant « Ariya Niwas » where we enjoyed those delicious dosas again! (We missed them!)
Night in Trivandrum
Prepaid taxi to the « Safire Residency », where we stayed last year. This hotel is still just as nice and welcoming (980 INR). Then, dinner at the restaurant « Ariya Niwas » where we enjoyed those delicious dosas again! (We missed them!)
From Delhi to Agra and the extraordinary stay in Chhattisgarh
My train to Mathura is at 2 PM, and we’ll arrive an hour late—all good. I booked a hotel on booking, but unfortunately, it’s really far from the ghats. Walking there is out of the question—what a shame.
The hotel itself is fine, and there are several restaurants right across the street, which will be handy for dinner. This won’t be an exception, though—starting at 10 PM, they must wake up because I can hear them talking loudly, and music is playing along. My room faces the entrance, so it’s going to be tough. At midnight, I ask them to lower the volume, but they don’t listen. By 1 AM, I lose my temper, and this time, everything stops. Finally, I can get some sleep—until 4 AM, when they start up again for a little while before quiet returns until 6 AM. But when do they sleep? The noise never seems to bother them—it’s unbelievable, and I’m finding it harder and harder to tolerate. It makes a huge difference.
The next morning, as I leave, they tell me they’ll give me another room for the following night. Oh, two nights like that wouldn’t be possible—I’m exhausted.
I head out to explore the ghats and take a rickshaw, which I share with a family, to Vrindavan, a city of temples dedicated to Krishna. I visit several while wandering through the lively streets, surrounded by a crowd of devotees. By 1 PM, I’m near the Bankey Bihari Temple, but I can’t go in—it just closed. Nearby, there are restaurants, so I take the opportunity to grab my usual aloo paratha with a lassi.
The work women do here is incredibly hard, and their pay must be miserable.
I want to leave Vrindavan for Govardhan. Two young guys on a motorcycle in front of the temple approach me, and the driver offers to take me part of the way. I’m pretty skeptical, but he insists, and I eventually agree. I didn’t fully understand what was happening. Once on the bike, his friend hops on too, and suddenly I’m sandwiched between them for a multi-kilometer ride—*travel Indian-style*. We quickly drop off the friend, and I breathe easier for the rest of the trip. At an intersection, he stops—Govardhan is straight ahead, but to get to his village, he needs to turn right. We wait for the bus for a few minutes, and he flags it down so I can hop on and continue my journey. What an adventure.
the neighbor with its beautiful dome.
The work women do here is incredibly hard, and their pay must be miserable.
I want to leave Vrindavan for Govardhan. Two young guys on a motorcycle in front of the temple approach me, and the driver offers to take me part of the way. I’m pretty skeptical, but he insists, and I eventually agree. I didn’t fully understand what was happening. Once on the bike, his friend hops on too, and suddenly I’m sandwiched between them for a multi-kilometer ride—*travel Indian-style*. We quickly drop off the friend, and I breathe easier for the rest of the trip. At an intersection, he stops—Govardhan is straight ahead, but to get to his village, he needs to turn right. We wait for the bus for a few minutes, and he flags it down so I can hop on and continue my journey. What an adventure.
the neighbor with its beautiful dome.
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.
Slovenia, a nature destination
Slovenia was the originally planned destination for summer 2022, as a complement to a road trip through Croatia and Montenegro. Plans changed on a whim in February of that year. Our Balkans road trip would ultimately be limited to Slovenia and take place over 10 days during the Easter school holidays. Flight tickets and car rental were booked right away; all that was left was to finalize our itinerary, already sketched out, and the accommodation reservations.
I decided to add Plitvice Lakes in Croatia to our program. I really wanted to discover them, and for my husband, it was a chance to revisit them several years after a trip to Yugoslavia when he was a teenager.
I’m happy to contribute to the reopening of our forum by posting this travel journal (originally posted in 2022 on another forum, the text has been partially revised and photos added). As usual, a few photos to start with—maybe they’ll inspire you to join in!
I decided to add Plitvice Lakes in Croatia to our program. I really wanted to discover them, and for my husband, it was a chance to revisit them several years after a trip to Yugoslavia when he was a teenager.
I’m happy to contribute to the reopening of our forum by posting this travel journal (originally posted in 2022 on another forum, the text has been partially revised and photos added). As usual, a few photos to start with—maybe they’ll inspire you to join in!
Family trip to Asia
Hello everyone,
My wife Fanny and I, along with our three kids (ages 10, 12, and 14), are planning a two-week trip to Asia during the February break. This would be our first big family trip, and we’re looking to mix discovery, a change of scenery, some relaxation, and cultural immersion. We want to avoid overly organized tours or over-touristed destinations.
Over 20 years ago, Fanny and I used to travel as a couple with backpacks, especially in India and Mongolia, but things have surely changed a lot since then. Now, we’re torn between:
• Thailand: for its diversity (beaches, temples, nature) and accessibility for a first family trip.
• Laos-Cambodia combo: for a potentially more authentic immersion, but we’re wondering if it’s well-suited for kids.
- Sri Lanka: it seems amazing and family-friendly? Is the political situation stable enough?
We have a few questions:
Which destination would you recommend for this kind of family setup? What itineraries might work for two weeks without feeling too rushed?
Logistics-wise: can we travel with a round-trip flight ticket, book a few basic hotels, and improvise the rest once we’re there? Or do we need to plan everything in advance (transport, accommodations, activities) for this time of year?
Thanks in advance for your valuable tips! Mathieu
Which destination would you recommend for this kind of family setup? What itineraries might work for two weeks without feeling too rushed?
Logistics-wise: can we travel with a round-trip flight ticket, book a few basic hotels, and improvise the rest once we’re there? Or do we need to plan everything in advance (transport, accommodations, activities) for this time of year?
Thanks in advance for your valuable tips! Mathieu
15-day itinerary from Bangkok to the southern classics
Hi there,
The round trip to Bangkok is almost booked.
Here’s the itinerary I’ve planned for this new trip to Thailand:
Arrival – 2 nights in Bangkok (any hotel recommendations? Very quiet, near Chinatown or by the river)
Train or taxi (which app should I use for Thailand?) to Phetchaburi – 2 nights (any hotel recommendations?)
Daytime train to Surat Thani – 1 night there (any hotel recommendations?)
Pick up the rental car and head to Khao Sok – 1 night there (any hotel recommendations?)
Drive to Ko Kho Khao – 3 nights – relaxation (any hotel recommendations?)
Drive to Phang Nga Bay – 1 night (any base recommendations?)
Excursion in the bay, then drive to Krabi – 2 nights (any hotel recommendations) or any other spot with beautiful, quiet beaches that you might know?
Return to Surat Thani – overnight train to Bangkok, then Ayutthaya (any hotel recommendations?)
Visit the site and transfer to the airport – sniff, time to head back!
If you have other suggestions, keeping in mind the trip’s vibe: beach time without crowds or entertainment, a bit of nature, a bit of culture, no stress... No domestic flights and charming accommodations (not at 150 € per night, even though the budget is reasonable!)
Not sure I’ll follow them all, but all your ideas are welcome! 😉
Thanks. 🙂
The round trip to Bangkok is almost booked.
Here’s the itinerary I’ve planned for this new trip to Thailand:
Arrival – 2 nights in Bangkok (any hotel recommendations? Very quiet, near Chinatown or by the river)
Train or taxi (which app should I use for Thailand?) to Phetchaburi – 2 nights (any hotel recommendations?)
Daytime train to Surat Thani – 1 night there (any hotel recommendations?)
Pick up the rental car and head to Khao Sok – 1 night there (any hotel recommendations?)
Drive to Ko Kho Khao – 3 nights – relaxation (any hotel recommendations?)
Drive to Phang Nga Bay – 1 night (any base recommendations?)
Excursion in the bay, then drive to Krabi – 2 nights (any hotel recommendations) or any other spot with beautiful, quiet beaches that you might know?
Return to Surat Thani – overnight train to Bangkok, then Ayutthaya (any hotel recommendations?)
Visit the site and transfer to the airport – sniff, time to head back!
If you have other suggestions, keeping in mind the trip’s vibe: beach time without crowds or entertainment, a bit of nature, a bit of culture, no stress... No domestic flights and charming accommodations (not at 150 € per night, even though the budget is reasonable!)
Not sure I’ll follow them all, but all your ideas are welcome! 😉
Thanks. 🙂
Southwest! 8 weeks with the family, Denver-to-Denver loop, 1st part...
Hey there, VoyageForum!!!
I’ve combed through this site up, down, and sideways to plan our two-month road trip across the American Southwest during the summer of 2022, so it only feels right to give back and revive the USA travel journal section—helping others prep, travel, or relive their own memories! 😏
A quick intro to the stars of this trip is coming soon... in an upcoming post!
Table of Contents:
Road trip introduction Day 1 & 2: the days we double-checked all our papers... Day 3 & 3 bis: The day we discovered Denver... Day 4: The day of the race, the carriage, and the little one’s cough... Day 5: the day the road trip truly began... Day 6 & 6 bis: the day of Nature’s first wonders... Day 7: the day the sky fell on our heads... Day 8 & 8 bis: the day we saw ghosts... Day 9: the day we climbed the mountain... Day 10: the day the theme song from "The Last Picture Show" played on loop in my head... Day 11: the day we lived like Native Americans... Day 12: the day we left civilization behind... Day 13 & 13 bis: the day we explored another planet... Day 14 & 14 bis: the day Caro reunited with HER rocks... Day 15 & 15 bis: the day of the fantastic ride... Day 16: the day we cooled off in Lake Powell... Day 17: the day the Colorado River’s meanders were all ours... Day 18: the day we dipped our feet in the Colorado... Day 19: the day the guys discovered true vastness... Day 20 & 20 bis: the day we covered a few acres of Route 66 before sunset... Day 21: the day the credit card said stop... right before the STRIP... Day 22: the day we finally discovered Cirque du Soleil... Day 23: the day we returned to calm... well, almost... Day 24: the day we reached our home base for 6 nights: Saint George Day 25: the day we should’ve explored Yant Flat... Day 26: the day it was 13°C at Cedar Breaks... Day 27: the day we explored The Narrows in Zion NP... Day 28: the day we discovered Snow Canyon... Day 29: the day we hiked to the "SUBWAY"... Day 30: the day we encountered the abyss—from the north this time... Day 31: the day we arrived in a place where dreams begin... Kanab... Day 32: the day we discovered the first treasures along House Rock Valley... 2nd part: the second part of the journey... Day 33: the day we discovered a magical place... Edmaier's Secret... Day 34: the day Cottonwood Road didn’t open up to us... Day 35: the day of the classic Queen’s Garden + Navajo Loop—and another event that became a classic... Day 36: the second day in Bryce... pure bliss!!! Day 37: the day we swam at the foot of Calf Creek Falls... Day 38: the day we took the Burr Trail, even with storms lurking... Day 39: The day of the goblins... Day 40: the day we enjoyed the peaceful Capitol Reef NP... Day 41: the day of the Rim Overlook and another letdown... Day 42: the day we arrived in... Moab... Day 43: the first day in Arches National Park... Day 44: the day of the Fisher Towers... Day 45: the day of Bow Tie & Corona Arches... Day 46: The day of Shafer Trail + Potash Road... Day 47: The second day in Arches NP... Day 48: the day we discovered Colorado NM in a flash... Day 49: the day of Black Canyon... Day 50: the day we passed through Durango before falling for Silverton... Day 51: the day we went through Ouray and ended up in Gunnison... Day 52: the day of Kebler Pass and arriving at the hot springs... Day 53: the day of hot springs II, then the road back to Denver... Day 54: the last day... Day 55: back home and the RECAP...
I’ve combed through this site up, down, and sideways to plan our two-month road trip across the American Southwest during the summer of 2022, so it only feels right to give back and revive the USA travel journal section—helping others prep, travel, or relive their own memories! 😏
A quick intro to the stars of this trip is coming soon... in an upcoming post!
Table of Contents:
Road trip introduction Day 1 & 2: the days we double-checked all our papers... Day 3 & 3 bis: The day we discovered Denver... Day 4: The day of the race, the carriage, and the little one’s cough... Day 5: the day the road trip truly began... Day 6 & 6 bis: the day of Nature’s first wonders... Day 7: the day the sky fell on our heads... Day 8 & 8 bis: the day we saw ghosts... Day 9: the day we climbed the mountain... Day 10: the day the theme song from "The Last Picture Show" played on loop in my head... Day 11: the day we lived like Native Americans... Day 12: the day we left civilization behind... Day 13 & 13 bis: the day we explored another planet... Day 14 & 14 bis: the day Caro reunited with HER rocks... Day 15 & 15 bis: the day of the fantastic ride... Day 16: the day we cooled off in Lake Powell... Day 17: the day the Colorado River’s meanders were all ours... Day 18: the day we dipped our feet in the Colorado... Day 19: the day the guys discovered true vastness... Day 20 & 20 bis: the day we covered a few acres of Route 66 before sunset... Day 21: the day the credit card said stop... right before the STRIP... Day 22: the day we finally discovered Cirque du Soleil... Day 23: the day we returned to calm... well, almost... Day 24: the day we reached our home base for 6 nights: Saint George Day 25: the day we should’ve explored Yant Flat... Day 26: the day it was 13°C at Cedar Breaks... Day 27: the day we explored The Narrows in Zion NP... Day 28: the day we discovered Snow Canyon... Day 29: the day we hiked to the "SUBWAY"... Day 30: the day we encountered the abyss—from the north this time... Day 31: the day we arrived in a place where dreams begin... Kanab... Day 32: the day we discovered the first treasures along House Rock Valley... 2nd part: the second part of the journey... Day 33: the day we discovered a magical place... Edmaier's Secret... Day 34: the day Cottonwood Road didn’t open up to us... Day 35: the day of the classic Queen’s Garden + Navajo Loop—and another event that became a classic... Day 36: the second day in Bryce... pure bliss!!! Day 37: the day we swam at the foot of Calf Creek Falls... Day 38: the day we took the Burr Trail, even with storms lurking... Day 39: The day of the goblins... Day 40: the day we enjoyed the peaceful Capitol Reef NP... Day 41: the day of the Rim Overlook and another letdown... Day 42: the day we arrived in... Moab... Day 43: the first day in Arches National Park... Day 44: the day of the Fisher Towers... Day 45: the day of Bow Tie & Corona Arches... Day 46: The day of Shafer Trail + Potash Road... Day 47: The second day in Arches NP... Day 48: the day we discovered Colorado NM in a flash... Day 49: the day of Black Canyon... Day 50: the day we passed through Durango before falling for Silverton... Day 51: the day we went through Ouray and ended up in Gunnison... Day 52: the day of Kebler Pass and arriving at the hot springs... Day 53: the day of hot springs II, then the road back to Denver... Day 54: the last day... Day 55: back home and the RECAP...
Adventure in Morocco
I’m not going back, the trip is in the past. I’m posting it anyway because the country probably hasn’t changed enough to make the story outdated, and the astonishing beauty of the place deserves to be shared here.
Saturday, May 31, 2014 Mulhouse - Marrakech
A flight that drags on for three and a half hours. Everything goes smoothly until immigration. Like almost everywhere, you have to fill out a little form with your details and arrival address. The problem comes when you hand it to the customs officer with your passport. Right away, you see the lines are way too long for the number of officers working. I steer Dom toward a line further to the left that’s clearly moving faster than the middle ones. Then I firmly pull him to the far left where I think I spotted a new counter opening. Big mistake. Huge. Because that line is notorious for how slowly the security agent checks each person. At 10 minutes per person, with about fifteen ahead of us, we’re looking at two and a half hours. The wait becomes torture. Everyone gets edgy. We watch enviously as people who were way behind us initially zip through the other lines. You feel like complaining. My advice? Don’t. You have no idea how much a pissed-off customs officer can ruin your day! The rule: stay calm and suck it up. Once that hurdle’s over, a taxi and boom, we’re at the Gallia, a no-frills but charming hotel just steps from Jemaa El Fna square. This place is insane! It’s teeming with people. You stick out like a sore thumb with your camera—suddenly, a ton of people want to be your best friend! You’re basically a walking wallet!
We’ve got a meet-up with friends who are here on a work trip with their company’s social committee.
We fully embrace our tourist roles—eating at restaurants made for us, with belly dancers who insist we join in. We go with the flow, we’re not prudes, we have a great evening, no way we’re missing out on the fun...
Sunday, June 1, 2014 Marrakech
Super nice breakfast in the hotel’s patio, a real riad, beautifully decorated.
Originally, we’d planned a trip to the Atlas Mountains, but we ended up wandering around the city instead. Before we knew it, we were in the middle of the central souk’s labyrinth. It’s a feast for the eyes, ears, and especially the nose!
Saturday, May 31, 2014 Mulhouse - Marrakech
A flight that drags on for three and a half hours. Everything goes smoothly until immigration. Like almost everywhere, you have to fill out a little form with your details and arrival address. The problem comes when you hand it to the customs officer with your passport. Right away, you see the lines are way too long for the number of officers working. I steer Dom toward a line further to the left that’s clearly moving faster than the middle ones. Then I firmly pull him to the far left where I think I spotted a new counter opening. Big mistake. Huge. Because that line is notorious for how slowly the security agent checks each person. At 10 minutes per person, with about fifteen ahead of us, we’re looking at two and a half hours. The wait becomes torture. Everyone gets edgy. We watch enviously as people who were way behind us initially zip through the other lines. You feel like complaining. My advice? Don’t. You have no idea how much a pissed-off customs officer can ruin your day! The rule: stay calm and suck it up. Once that hurdle’s over, a taxi and boom, we’re at the Gallia, a no-frills but charming hotel just steps from Jemaa El Fna square. This place is insane! It’s teeming with people. You stick out like a sore thumb with your camera—suddenly, a ton of people want to be your best friend! You’re basically a walking wallet!
We’ve got a meet-up with friends who are here on a work trip with their company’s social committee.
We fully embrace our tourist roles—eating at restaurants made for us, with belly dancers who insist we join in. We go with the flow, we’re not prudes, we have a great evening, no way we’re missing out on the fun...
Sunday, June 1, 2014 Marrakech
Super nice breakfast in the hotel’s patio, a real riad, beautifully decorated.
Originally, we’d planned a trip to the Atlas Mountains, but we ended up wandering around the city instead. Before we knew it, we were in the middle of the central souk’s labyrinth. It’s a feast for the eyes, ears, and especially the nose!
L'alimentation idéale en voyage à vélo English translation pending
Je suis a la recherche de menus idéal pour avoir une alimentation équilibré en voyage a vélo qui pourrai donner assez d'énergie pour la journée et éviter les carences et autres fringales . Merci pour vos idées .
La Bretagne avec le Jacques Cartier "Ponant" du 18 au 25 juillet 2020 English translation pending
Bonjour
J'avais envisagé d'attendre début Octobre et notre retour à Rennes pour faire le C/R
de notre croisière " La Bretagne : entre côtes sauvages et phares "
Mais tout compte fait , je change d'avis et démarre ce C/R dès maintenant :
Au retour de notre 20 ème croisière , fin Novembre 2019 , ( Transat de Marseille à
Miami sur le MSC Divina ) , nous avions décidé de faire une (petite ) pause pour les
croisières et donc de ne rien réserver avant plusieurs mois .
Sage décision en fait au vu des évènements sanitaires du Printemps puisque nous
avons échappé aux problèmes subis par nombre de touristes qui se sont retrouvés
avec des avoirs qu'il ne pourront utiliser ( au mieux ) que dans plusieurs mois .
A la fin de l'an dernier , je m'étais inscrit à la newsletter de Ponant , plus pour rêver
qu'autre chose .
Mais début Juin , alors que toutes les croisières sont annulées les unes après les autres ,
Ponant , profitant notamment de la capacité réduite de ses navires et du retour en
France métropolitaine de presque tous , met en place 2 itinéraires en Méditerranée et
3 en Manche et Atlantique .
La croisière au départ de Nice pour contourner la Corse nous plaisait bien mais rejoindre
Nice posait , à ce moment là , problème .
Nous décidons donc de nous rabattre sur la croisière au départ de St Malo car là , pas de
souci pour nous y rendre 🙂
Les raisons de notre choix : de mémoire , St Malo est fréquemment une ville d'escale pour
les bateaux de croisière mais quasiment jamais une ville d'embarquement ( et là aussi
de débarquement ) , donc autant en profiter .
De plus l'itinéraire nous plait avec la visite d'iles connues ( mais que nous reverrons avec
plaisir ) et de vraies découvertes dont les Scilly , au large de la Cornouaille britannique .
Mi Juin , nous décidons de réserver la croisière au départ de St Malo du 18 Juillet , sachant
que nous avons la possibilité d'annuler , sans pénalités , jusqu'à 72 heures avant le départ .
L'annulation , nous y avons pensé quand , fin Juin , nous avons appris que l'escale aux
Scilly était supprimée 😠 , remplacée par Ouessant , une escale à Groix se substituant
à celle de Hoëdic .
Toutes les autres croisières étaient aussi affectées par la suppression des escales à l'étranger
pour raisons sanitaires ( jours de quarantaine )
Nous trouverons donc peut-être une autre occasion pour nous rendre aux Scilly
Comme d'habitude , je m'égare avec ce préambule un peu long .
Je vais donc faire une pause avant de vous embarquer sur le Jacques Cartier .
A plus
Jean-Pierre
Chorizo ou pas dans la paëlla? English translation pending
Tout fout le camp...
Chorizo ou pas ? Un illustre chef espagnol ravive le «paellagate»
(Mais moi j'en ai toujours mis... 😛 )