Results for "Vallée+Ihlara+|+123+>+233"

Hello, We’re a family of 5 (2 adults and 3 kids who’ll be 2, 7, and 10 years old) planning to visit the islands of Santiago, Fogo, and Maio this summer. We’ll have 22 full days on the ground. It’s a shame (financially, logistically, and environmentally speaking!), but we’ll be taking 4 flights: a round-trip from Santiago to Fogo and another from Santiago to Maio. We’d like to position Maio toward the end of our stay since we enjoy ending our trips with a quieter beach phase.

For now, based on flight schedules and dates, we’re thinking of doing: 23/07: Arrival in Santiago 24/07 – 30/07: Fogo (5 full days) 30/07 – 05/08: Santiago (5 full days) 05/08 – 11/08: Maio (5 full days) 11/08 – 15/08: Santiago (3 full days) 15/08: Return to France

FOGO: Of course, we want to visit Cha das Caldeiras, where we’d like to spend 3 nights. We’d love to explore the valley and are also considering hiking the smaller Pico (the taller one seems too ambitious for us with the kids). Do you have any info on that hike? What else do you recommend doing on the other days? Where can we go for other walks? I’ve seen that it’s possible to descend from Cha das Caldeiras to Monteiros, but I’m worried it might still be too challenging. It looks amazing!! But how do we manage with our luggage? Otherwise, the north of the island intrigues me, though we’re not thrilled about São Filipe, even though we know we’ll have to spend at least one night there before returning to Santiago.

On this island, we initially thought about not renting a car, but I’m wondering if that’s a good idea for us with all the luggage. If we do rent one, is it easy to reach Cha das Caldeiras by car? Any advice is welcome!

MAIO: Here, I think renting a car will be essential for us to get around easily. We’d like to do an excursion to observe turtle nesting. I haven’t found much info on this—where and with whom should we go? Otherwise, the plan is to do some snorkeling directly from the beach, independently, since we’ll need to take turns so one adult can stay with our 2-year-old. Any spots you’d recommend?

Which towns would you suggest staying in? All options work for us—we’re fine with settling in one place or splitting our time (e.g., 3 nights in one spot and 3 nights elsewhere).

Basically, I’m open to all tips and recommendations for this little week on Maio (short walks, places to relax, beaches, etc.)!

SANTIAGO: Nothing too original, but for Santiago, we’re considering visiting Cidade Velha, Tarrafal, and Ribeira da Prata (for the black sand beach and natural pools), as well as Serra Malagueta for a hike. There must be so much more to do, especially with the time we have. What else would you recommend?

I’m struggling to figure out how to organize our time there since we’ll have 5 full days first, then 3 more. How would you do it?

Thanks,

hi there A group of friends and I are going on a CroisiEurope cruise along the Danube in September, from Vienna to Bucharest. The excursions are optional and, in my opinion, pricey. I’m convinced we can manage on our own... * In Vienna, is it easy to visit the city and Schönbrunn Palace in one day? (Since we only have a day, is it better to explore the palace grounds or the interior?) ...97 € * In Bratislava, is visiting the castle and hiking in the Little Carpathians worth it? ...79 € * Budapest: Széchenyi Baths ...119 € and the Great Market Hall ...84 € * Kalocsa: the Puszta nature reserve and a horseback riding show ...76 € * Novi Sad: a panoramic bus tour followed by a walk to Petrovaradin Fortress ...41 € * Ruse: visiting the Rusenski Lom Valley ...43 € For all these cities, can we get around on our own? If so, should we take a bus, a taxi, or is it enough to be good walkers? (Share all your tips!) Thanks in advance for your feedback. Best regards

We spent two weeks in the Seychelles at the end of March and beginning of April 2026. We split our stay as follows: 4 nights on La Digue, nights on Praslin (assuming you meant a specific number here—let me know if you'd like to correct it!), and 6 nights on Mahé. It’s a classic itinerary.

Inter-island transfers are done with the Cat Coco company. You can book the transfers online on their website, which also offers an airport-to-port shuttle when you arrive in Mahé. It takes about 50 minutes to go from Mahé to Praslin and 10 minutes between Praslin and La Digue.

La Digue is an island with very few cars (only taxis and a few official or business vehicles) and lots of bikes. You can rent them everywhere on the island—we rented ours from our landlady. Things to see and do on the island: a bike tour around the island, the Veuve Reserve (it’s a bird), Union Estate with a giant tortoise park, and especially Anse Source d’Argent (our favorite beach across all three islands) and all the other coves, including Grande Anse, Petite Anse, and Anse Sévère.

For food, there are several takeaways on the island and plenty of small shops for groceries—same goes for the other two islands.

On Praslin, we rented a car, but you can also use the bus network. There aren’t many destinations, the main one being the Vallée de Mai, a must-visit as the sanctuary of the coco de mer (the "butt nut"). It’s best to visit with a guide—they wait for a small group, and the ticket price can be split four ways. You *can* visit alone, but you’ll miss out on a lot of information. Another destination is Anse Georgette, in the north of the island near the airport and the golf course of a big resort. Have your accommodation notify the hotel when you’re heading there, and if you’re driving, park as soon as you see the first signs for the parking lot. Anse Lazio is famous, but much more touristy than Anse Georgette. We stayed in Anse Volbert Village at Côte d’Or, a stunning 3 km beach with shops, takeaways, and restaurants.

Mahé is the largest island. Like on Praslin, you can rent a car or use the buses—we rented one. The roads are good but sometimes narrow. Don’t forget the mountainous terrain in this part of the Seychelles, which makes some climbs very steep (same as on Praslin). Opt for small cars—they’re often automatic, and remember you drive on the left here!

Things to see on Mahé: the Jardin du Roi, a collection of everything that grows in the Seychelles—very interesting, with a great restaurant. Visit Anse Intendance, Anse Bazarca, and Police Bay in the south—three gorgeous beaches. Also check out Anse Royale. For souvenirs, head to the Craft Village, where you can find some unique items. If you’re a fan, visit the Takamaka distillery.

In conclusion, we should’ve added one or two more nights on La Digue—it’s really beautiful—and only stayed three nights on Praslin. We rented apartments through Booking and Airbnb. Don’t forget to get your tourist visa online. The Seychelles is a clean, safe, relaxed, and stress-free country

Hi everyone,

I’d love to get your thoughts on the following itinerary (late May). I like to take my time in ruins and museums, and beaches don’t interest me. I’ll be staying in hostels and using public transport. Do you see any major omissions or things that aren’t worth it? Thanks!

Day 1: Arrival in CATANIA Day 2: Catania – visit (fish market, cathedral, Biscarri Palace, etc.) Day 3: Mount Etna (day trip)

Day 4: Morning trip to TAORMINA, visit the town Day 5: Alcantara Gorge (day trip) + more time in Taormina

Day 6: Trip to SYRACUSE, visit Ortigia Day 7: Ortigia Day 8: NOTO (day trip) (or another Baroque town?) Day 9: Syracuse Archaeological Park + more time in Ortigia (or leave for Enna?)

Day 10: Transport via Enna? TO BE RESOLVED (long, 2 or 3 changes, limited accommodation in Enna...)

Day 11: AGRIGENTO: town and Scala dei Turchi (optional) Day 12: Valley of the Temples + archaeological museum

Day 13: Departure for TRAPANI (4h), afternoon: town (+ salt flats?) Day 14: Segesta (day trip) + town/Erice Day 15: Monte Cofano Nature Reserve (hike + summit) (day trip) Day 16: Zingaro Nature Park (coastal route out, ridge route back) (day trip)

Day 17: Departure for the AEGADIAN ISLANDS: Levanzo and Favignana (bike), overnight if possible Day 18: Egadi Islands

Day 19: Departure for PALERMO + first visits Day 20: The city Day 21: The city (Monreale?) Day 22: Options: - Capo Gallo hike (3.5h round trip) (via Mondello) - Cefalù (45 min by train) Day 23: Return flight

Hi, We’d like to visit the Alpes de Haute-Provence for 2 weeks with our 2 (adult) kids. Any ideas for things to see and do? Where should we choose our accommodation (house only) to be centrally located for sightseeing? We’re looking for villages with restaurants and bakeries. Thanks in advance for your tips! Best regards

Hi there, We’re planning to explore Uzbekistan this summer (with the weather constraints that come with it). Our itinerary includes the three classic cities plus a few side trips here and there. We still have one week left that we’d like to dedicate to hiking. We were thinking of heading to Kyrgyzstan, but I’m open to other suggestions if we stay in Uzbekistan. Thanks!

Hi there, for those who’ve been recently—is it possible to find other solo travelers in March on the island to share transport or room costs? It doesn’t seem easy to travel on a budget. If you have any recommendations for simple lodgings or places with dorms, I’d love to hear them. For those who’ve done multi-day treks while moving around: do you need to bring your own sleeping bag? I’d love to hear about itineraries you’ve done without a guide, just with a map and GPS. Thanks, and have a great day!

Hi everyone, just back from the 8-day Marrakech-Merzouga loop by car, and I’d love to share my feedback in case it helps some of you. Big thanks to all the forum members who kindly answered my questions!

Trip from Friday the 20th to Saturday the 28th, flying out of Marseille with Ryanair

- Landed late around 8 PM local time, exchanged some currency, and the rental agency (Magdaz Car, which I highly recommend) delivered the car straight to the airport with some great route tips (don’t blindly trust Maps.me). The night drive was a bit intense—lots of people out and about due to Ramadan. Stayed at Riad Midhou (really nice) on the outskirts of the city, which made it easy to hit the road the next morning.

- Day 1: Marrakech to Skoura. The drive was smooth, roads are great, but watch out for roundabout priority—it’s different from France. Beautiful route. Quick stop in Ouarzazate for lunch, Ait Benhaddou for the view (stunning), and the Fint Oasis (meh...). Spent the night at Taloute Ecolodge in Skoura, overlooking the palm grove (super cozy).

- Day 2: Skoura to Todgha Gorges via the Valley of Roses and Dades Gorges. Adventure-packed day! We crossed the Valley of Roses (pretty, but not as amazing as I’d hoped) and took a "shortcut" recommended by the *Routard* guide to reach the Dades Gorges without backtracking. After asking locals, they said, "It’s doable." Turns out it was a narrow, rocky cliffside track—no way to turn around! A stressful moment, with a nice scratch on the bumper and a good sweat. Fine in an SUV or 4x4, but not in a Logan... Then the Dades Gorges (nice) and a detour through the north to reach Todgha from above. Gorgeous mountain road and a quick stop on some snow patches—touching African snow! Spent the night at *Les Gorges de Todgha*—great place, except for the bathroom. The Todgha Gorges themselves are stunning!

Day 3: Todgha to Merzouga. Beautiful drive, and the view of the erg (sand dunes) on arrival is breathtaking! Totally worth the trip. Explored the desert and stayed at *Café du Sud* hotel just outside Merzouga—absolutely gorgeous.

Day 4: Merzouga. Desert exploration and chilling by the hotel pool (with a bonus sunburn). Lunch in Merzouga—I recommend *Dakar*—their lemon tajine was amazing. Spent the night in the hotel’s luxury camp, including a camel ride. The camp was beautiful, but I was disappointed we weren’t deeper in the desert given the price (100 € per person, including dinner, breakfast, and camel ride).

Day 5: Merzouga to Tamnougalt. Gorgeous route. First fine (a supposed stop sign...) but the officer was super nice—only 150 MAD. Stayed at *Kasbah Maktob*, right in the middle of ruins—really unique and beautiful!

Day 6: Tamnougalt to Marrakech. Another beautiful drive, and a second fine (minor speeding), same amount. Crossed a windy mountain pass during a big storm—traffic was blocked in the opposite direction (not sure why), causing massive jams for those coming from Marrakech. A few downed cables, but nothing serious. Arriving in Marrakech was tricky—hard to find the rental agency, and the traffic was intense (watch out for GPS trying to send you through the medina). Ask the rental company to meet you somewhere quiet. They didn’t even notice the damaged bumper... Stayed at *Riad Zifamo* in the heart of the medina. Big change of pace—so many people and so much hustle!

Day 7: Marrakech. Lots of wandering through the souk and a quick trip to Gueliz (not essential). A few tips for the medina: watch out for scooters weaving too fast, always negotiate prices (aim for at least 1/3 off what they ask, unless it’s a small amount), don’t buy spices—more expensive than in France! Head to the *Carrefour Market* in Gueliz for better prices. In the end, not many truly unique items—you’ll find more or less the same things everywhere.

Day 8: Early morning flight. We’d booked a car to the airport from the riad, but a taxi would’ve been fine—plenty available even at 7 AM. Security wasn’t an issue (we had lighters and liquids over 100 ml).

A few extra notes: Pleasantly surprised by the road quality—just a few potholes here and there, but overall very drivable. Watch out for the police—they’re everywhere! The car cost me 30 € per day (with the *Routard* discount) and about 90 € in gas. No safety concerns, no harassment, and no stomach issues, despite the ice in Marrakech. Breakfasts at the hotels were usually hearty—take advantage! The timing (end of February) was perfect—pleasant daytime temps and cool nights. Since it was Ramadan, nothing unusual to report, except it was hard to find food outside Marrakech at lunchtime. If I did it again, Merzouga is a must, but I’d spend a night in a real desert bivouac, deeper in the dunes. My stops (no more than 300 km a day) were well-paced, and with so few cars on the road, it wasn’t tiring—even though I’m not usually a fan of driving... Happy to answer any questions!

hi, I'm planning a recumbent bike trip from the Pyrenees to Greece. On the EuroVelo 8 route, it doesn't specify the path through the Alps. Are there any experienced cyclists here who can tell me where they go to avoid climbing too high? Also, is there another traveler/bike forum better suited for broadening the responses? thanks

Hi, We’d like to know if it’s easy to visit the Sarmych-Sai gorges from Bukhara as a day trip. Do homestays and hotels offer this? Thanks

Hi everyone! 🙂 As you can see, we're heading back from September 6th to the 27th. Everything’s booked for September—flights, accommodations, and the car. As I plan, I’ll be asking the experts for help. This is our second trip to California, but most of the stops are new to us. We’ll start directly from San Francisco to our first overnight stop, Davis, before heading to Lassen Volcanic Park for 4 nights. Our flight lands at 12:50 PM.

Here’s our itinerary: Day 1: Davis – overnight stop Day 2: Red Bluff – exploring Lassen Volcanic Park (scenic drive to Lake Helen) Day 3: Susanville – scenic drive through the park via the South Entrance, points of interest, and hikes Day 4: Susanville – Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes hike Day 5: Susanville – Warner Valley (hikes) Day 6: South Lake Tahoe Day 7: South Lake Tahoe Day 8: Mammoth Lake Day 9: Mammoth Lake Day 10: El Portal via Tioga Road Day 11: El Portal Day 12: El Portal Day 13: Oakhurst Day 14: Miramonte Day 15: Three Rivers Day 16: Three Rivers Day 17: Coalinga Day 18: Monterey Day 19: Monterey Day 20: San Francisco Day 21: San Francisco Day 22: Departure

For hikes in Lassen Volcanic Park, I’ve planned: Bumpass Hell, Cold Boiling Lake (Day 2) Paradise Meadow (maybe not going all the way), Devastated Area, and the loop around Reflection and Manzanita Lakes (Day 3) Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes (Day 4) Devil’s Kitchen and Boiling Spring Lake (Day 5)

I’ve read there are trails to access the trailheads for Cinder Cone (11 km) and Warner Valley. Are these easy trails for an SUV? Are there any other must-see spots or things we shouldn’t miss?

That’s where I’m at for now. Thanks for your replies, and have a great evening! Marcalamar 🙂

Hi everyone! So happy to be back on this forum—it’s packed with such useful info! 🙂 My husband and I are planning a 2.5-week self-drive trip to Colombia at the end of the year, including some domestic flights. My first question is: is it possible, easy, and safe to do a road trip in Colombia?

Below is our draft itinerary (with questions at each stop):

29/11: France → Colombia. Overnight in Bogotá. 30/11: Exploring Bogotá: La Candelaria and Montserrate. 01/12: Gold Museum (closed on Mondays). Drive to Zipaquirá (1.5 hrs) to visit the Salt Cathedral. Then drive to Villa de Leyva (3 hrs). Explore the town. Overnight in Villa de Leyva. 02/12: Return to Bogotá via Laguna de Guatavita (5 hrs). Is it worth the detour? Overnight in Bogotá. 03/12: Flight to Pereira. Drive to Salento. Overnight in Salento. 04/12: Cocora Valley (hike among the wax palms) followed by a drive around the area. Are there any waterfalls or other sights nearby? 05/12: Visit a coffee finca—any recommendations? Then explore the surroundings: Filandia, Manizales, waterfalls? Hot springs? Which ones? 06/12: Flight to Medellín. 07/12: Exploring Medellín: Centro, Plaza Botero, Comuna 13. How do you visit Comuna 13? Is it easy to get around Medellín? Metro? Buses? 08/12: Drive to Guatapé (2 hrs). Visit the town, stroll around the lake, then El Peñol. Overnight in Guatapé. 09/12: Return to Medellín. 10/12: Flight to Santa Marta. Drive to a hotel near Tayrona Park. 11/12: Tayrona—El Zaino entrance. 12/12: Tayrona—Palangana entrance, then Bahia Concha and Santa Marta. What do you think? 13/12: Drive to Minca (45 mins). Can we reach the village by car? Pozo Azul and Marinka waterfalls. Overnight in Minca (or back in Tayrona?). 14/12: Drive to Puerto Nao (5 hrs). Stop in Ciénaga on the way + boat tour in Nueva Venecia and/or Buena Vista? Not enough time? Overnight in Puerto Nao. 15/12: Exploring Cartagena: Centro, Getsemaní, the walls + La Boquilla if we have time. 16/12: La Boquilla (is it really worth it?) if we didn’t have time yesterday, then back to the beach. 17/12: Return to France.

So, what do you think? Is this doable, or should we tweak it? Thanks in advance for your invaluable feedback and tips! 🙂

Hi everyone! 🙂

For once, I'm heading north... I’ve decided to spend a short time in Iceland, alone, during the first week of July. I’ll only have 5 full days there. Sure, it’s not much, so I’ll focus on what attracts me the most: the Highlands. Obviously, renting a 4x4—or even a regular car—on my own isn’t an option. That’s why I’m breaking my (probably unfounded) principles and have contacted local agencies for "day tours" in small-group format. Well, small-group up to 15 people, anyway... Oh well, I’m going for it! I’m really hesitant about visiting the Golden Circle on the last day, since I’ve read it’s become super crowded. I’d love your thoughts on this. Plus, if I visit that area, I’d want to include Bruarfoss, and as far as I know, only the Troll agency offers that detour. There’s also the Snaefellsnes Peninsula excursion that appeals to me, but it seems time-consuming. Time-consuming like the Jokulsarlon tour I’ve already booked. (But that’s on the first day, so I’ll still be full of energy!) By the last day, I’ll probably be running on empty... Otherwise, I’ll be doing 3 4x4 excursions that I’m really excited about: 1 in Thorsmork Valley, 1 in Landmannalaugar, and 1 in Kerlingarfjöll.

So, Golden Circle or no Golden Circle—that’s the question... Or maybe a relaxed day visiting Reykjavik and a lagoon. Blue Lagoon? Sky Lagoon? Meh...

Hi everyone! We’re heading to Egypt for two weeks at the beginning of April. Here’s our current itinerary: |02/04/2026 - Cairo (arriving at 8:00 PM) |03/04/2026 - Cairo| |04/04/2026 - Dahshur / Saqqara / overnight in Giza |05/04/2026 - Giza / Cairo| |06/04/2026 - Cairo - Abu Simbel |07/04/2026 - Abu Simbel to Aswan |08/04/2026 - Aswan |09/04/2026 - Aswan |10/04/2026 - Aswan to Luxor |11/04/2026 - Luxor |12/04/2026 - Luxor |13/04/2026 - Luxor |14/04/2026 - Luxor to Hurghada/Safaga |15/04/2026 - Hurghada / Safaga |16/04/2026 - Red Sea / Cairo| |17/04/2026 - Cairo |18/04/2026 - Cairo (return to Belgium at 10:00 AM)

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this itinerary, but mostly I’m wondering if it’s possible—and worth it—to take a one-way flight to Abu Simbel. We’d like to spend a night there to take our time visiting the site early in the morning and catch the sound-and-light show in the evening, then head to Aswan with a private driver or by bus.

Your feedback would be super helpful in planning this part of our trip!

Have a great day! 🙂 Luis

Hi there,

I’ve finally decided to make my childhood dream come true—and at the same time, fulfill my two boys’ dreams (ages 9 and 13). Just to give you some context, we’re used to "backpacker" vacations—the little one even crossed Malaysia on my back. But now I’ve got a teenager, so if I pack too much, he complains, and I’m getting older, so I’m more tired 😉.

I’ve put together this itinerary trying not to rush, based on a felucca trip with a small local agency that has a solid reputation.

Day 1: Late arrival in Cairo Day 2: Cairo - Flight to Aswan (11:20 PM)? Day 3: Aswan? Cairo? Day 4: Aswan Day 5: Sail Day 1 Day 6: Sail Day 2 (camel market + Kom Ombo) Day 7: Sail Day 3 (Jabal El Silsila) Day 8: Sail Day 4 Edfu - transfer to Luxor - arriving at 2 PM Day 9: Luxor (Valley of the Kings) Day 10: Luxor (Karnak) Day 11: Luxor / Cairo? Day 12: Cairo: Giza Day 13: Cairo Giza again - Flight home at 11 PM

My main question is about how much time to allocate in Aswan, Luxor, and Cairo to avoid missing out but without feeling rushed. We definitely have: - 3 full days in Cairo - 2.5 days in Luxor - 1 day in Aswan

I can adjust a bit: - By adding 1 day in Aswan or Cairo - By adding a half-day in Cairo or Luxor.

What would you recommend and why?

Thanks in advance!

Catherine, back on VoyageForum—what a joy.

Hey everyone,

My plan for next November is to head back (yet again) to the Annapurnas to complete a route I’d always promised myself I’d do one day. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Start from Sikles and join the Annapurna Circuit by first going through Kori, then the Namun La (or Namun Bhanjyang). It’s a bit of a forgotten route, and I haven’t found much info on it—no .gpx files or firsthand accounts. Still, I’ve roughly mapped it out using different sources.

2. After that, I plan to head up to Phu to do the direct Phu Pass/Naar Pass traverse to Naar. It’s doable in 2 days, but why not in 1 if the weather’s good and I set off early enough?

3. Finally, I’ll head toward the Mesokanto North Pass (after a short camp at Tilicho North BC) to descend the entire Gandaki Valley down to Nayapul.

I’m obviously looking for any tips or feedback (if you’ve got any), and maybe a travel buddy who’s up for a little off-the-beaten-path adventure. 😄

Hello, We’re a senior couple planning to spend around 3 weeks in Uzbekistan, either starting at the end of March or mid-April. We’ll begin in Khiva (Urgench) and finish in Tashkent (via Termez). We prefer traveling independently as much as possible, at our own pace, and are considering hiring drivers for specific legs of our journey. Here’s our rough itinerary: 4 nights in Khiva 4 in Bukhara 5 or 6 in Samarkand (we’d like to do a day trip to the Seven Lakes in Tajikistan) 2 in Termez Then Tashkent and the Fergana Valley 2 in Tashkent Does this seem balanced? Any suggestions? We’re not planning to go as far as the Aral Sea or stay in a yurt camp. Is the weather favorable at the end of March (risk of rain)? Or would mid-April be better? What’s the typical cost for a driver’s services? Thank you in advance for any tips that could help us with our plans. Andrea

Hello VF friends! We’re planning to leave Marrakesh by rental car—this will be our second trip to Morocco. While we want to revisit some places, we also hope to explore new regions. Here’s the start of our itinerary, which could take 2 to 3 weeks. We don’t want to cover too many kilometers each day.

- Depart Marrakech for Essaouira, stopping to visit the Inzerki beehive. We’ll stay 3 nights in Essaouira to explore the city and the surrounding area. - Head toward Tamanar or that region for another 3 nights, exploring on a star-shaped route. We’d like to see the Paradise Valley and the coast. Not really keen on stopping in Agadir.

We’ve been to Tafraoute before, but I’d love to see some *greniers* (granaries) again, so we’re considering 1 or 2 nights there.

- Tiznit for 2 nights, making our way to Plage Blanche. - Guelmin and the Tighmert oasis for 2 nights. - Tata for 2 nights, visiting Akka Iguane and other villages.

After that, we’ll head east.

We’d love to hear about your experiences, great tips, and recommendations!

Thanks so much, and happy holidays!

Hi everyone, We’re planning a trip to Morocco in February 2026. We already know the country a bit, including the desert where we were lucky enough to take part in a rally. This time, we’d like to explore the Merzouga dunes as a family. We’ll be renting a car in Marrakech and we’re looking for advice on the best stops to make the most of the drive. We’re still undecided about the return route: should we go back through the Valley of the Roses (and maybe see the gorges if we don’t have time on the way there) or take the Draa Valley for a change? Here’s our rough itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech in the evening – Overnight stay there

Day 2: Drive east – Overnight in Skoura? Boumalne? Further on?

Day 3: Drive with a stop at the Dadès or Todra Gorges – Overnight in Merzouga

Day 4: Desert day – Overnight in Merzouga

Day 5: Return drive (Draa Valley or back through the Valley of the Roses / Route of the 1000 Kasbahs?) – Overnight in Agdz? Ouarzazate?

Day 6: Drive back to Marrakech with a stop at Aït Ben Haddou / Fint Oasis – Overnight in Marrakech

Day 7–8: Marrakech then departure

If any of you have suggestions on timing, the most enjoyable stops, or feedback on these routes, I’d love to hear your tips. Thanks in advance!

Kanta Lodge, opened in 2009, is an eco-lodge perched on a hill overlooking the Konso region in southern Ethiopia. Its name, "Kanta," means a traditional neighborhood or division within a Konso village. This name reflects the lodge’s deep local roots and its close connection to the community’s social structure.

The lodge offers spectacular views of the terraced hills that Konso is famous for. The rooms are traditional *toukouls*—compact and typical of Konso architecture—blending authentic charm with environmental respect.

Thanks to its ideal location, it’s the perfect starting point for visiting one of the 12 Konso villages inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage sites since 2011, as well as exploring the Omo Valley. Kanta Lodge lets travelers discover the region in a peaceful, culturally rich setting that’s deeply connected to local traditions.

Edit: The rooms are *toukouls*

Hi everyone,

This year, 2026, I can only get away in April and May. I never travel during these months usually, and from what I know, they aren’t the best for India. But in such a big country, there are always spots that are better than others weather-wise.

Which region would you recommend? Given that I’ve already traveled quite a bit in this country, and in any case, I’ll be discovering places I don’t know yet. No need for a major tourist hotspot or luxury comfort.

I was thinking of Meghalaya???

Up north?

Thanks for your ideas!

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

Hi everyone,

My wife and I are planning our very first 4x4 trip. We recently bought a used Toyota Land Cruiser 150, still completely stock but in great condition. This is a big first for us—until now, our travels have been more hiking-focused, but the idea of trying out a 4x4 has been itching at me for a few years.

We’re thinking of heading to Morocco for a few weeks, probably in the spring. The plan is to mix the Atlas Mountains, southern valleys, and some easy trails between Merzouga, Tata, Foum Zguid, or the Draa Valley. Nothing extreme—we’re total beginners.

I’m in the middle of outfitting the vehicle and could really use your input, especially from those who know the country or have prepped a 4x4 for this kind of itinerary.

For a trip like this, is a stock Land Cruiser 150 enough, or should we consider a few upgrades (AT tires, sand ladders, compressor) to feel more confident on the southern trails?

For a first off-road adventure: would you recommend bringing a kit of wear-and-tear parts (filters, belts, hoses), or is a good pre-trip inspection with just the bare essentials enough in Morocco?

Finally, I’m torn between three roof tent brands: James Baroud, Autohome, and Roof Space. For heavy use in Morocco (heat, wind, daily setup), which brand do you think is best in terms of ventilation and mechanism durability? Are there any key criteria to consider when choosing?

Thanks in advance for your advice! We’re finalizing the budget and gearing up the vehicle, so all real-world feedback is welcome.

Julien

Hi there, We’re a group of 4 people who prefer to travel independently but also want to use local guides at different stages of our trip. My question is: should we plan to hire a different guide for each stage, or just one guide for all the different legs? We’re planning to travel between stages either by taxi or public transport (train, plane…). Our itinerary is pretty classic (3 weeks): Visit Tashkent Tashkent – Ferghana Valley (by train) Explore the valley and return to Tashkent with a guide and taxi Tashkent – Nukus (flight) Nukus – Khiva by taxi + guide for Khiva visit Khiva – Bukhara by taxi + guide for Bukhara visit Bukhara – Lake Aydar Kul – Samarkand by taxi + guide for Samarkand Samarkand – Tashkent (by train). Is the cost reasonable for the transfers between stages? Also, I’m open to any suggestions or tips (recommended guides, etc.). Thanks! Bernard

Hi, I’m planning the Switzerland-Paris hike for 2026. If any of you know a route where I can stay with locals or in other lodging (no camping), I’d really appreciate your tips. Thanks! M Brunner

Hi everyone, I’m planning a three-week road trip in the American West, starting from Las Vegas, roughly following the two-week itinerary here. I like the loop idea, but since I’ve got an extra week, I’m wondering if it’s better to take time for a break in a city or just spread out the stops a bit. Is it worth staying a few days in another big city like Denver to break up the drive? I like cities, but nothing’s really inspiring me. I’m also hesitant about Canyonlands National Park: is it really worth two days or more, or is it less impressive than others like Arches or Bryce Canyon? If any of you have done a longer road trip in this region, I’d love your advice on where to extend the trip, where to relax a bit, and which lesser-known spots are worth the detour. Thanks!

Hi everyone, We’re two women of a certain age heading off to discover Chile for three weeks starting at the end of December. We’re not really hikers, but we’re planning a few days in Torres del Paine (flying from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales), though we’re having trouble getting around the park by transport and finding reasonably priced accommodation... There are a lot of bad reviews about the services on-site and the prices—overtourism! Is it still doable this season? Rent a car from Puerto Natales airport? Or would it be better to focus on another region that’s just as beautiful but less touristy? Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Hi everyone, We’d love to return to India next year for 3 weeks (we visited Rajasthan about fifteen years ago). Unfortunately, we’re tied to traveling in September, and our initial plan was to explore Himachal Pradesh. However, it seems like that might not be the best month for this region. Could you share your experiences from that time of year in Shimla, Manali, Dharamsala, or even the Spiti Valley—in short, anywhere in Himachal Pradesh? Otherwise, which region of India would you recommend for a September trip? Thanks so much!

We’re a group of 6 friends with an average age of 70, all mobile, and we’re planning a trip to Peru in September/October 2026. Below is an idea of what we’re looking for: a French-speaking guide, accommodation in 3-star hotels or homestays with comfort. Duration: 16 to 20 days on-site. Visit the main sites with immersion in the culture and way of life. Which francophone agency in Peru would you recommend? Thanks

Hello.

I’m a 56-year-old man who’s done several treks in Nepal and elsewhere. Also passionate about photography. I’m looking for one or more people to form a group for a trek in Nepal. The trek is the Annapurna and Manaslu circuit (24 days), including a stop at Tilicho Lake. I’ve got a great itinerary and the local company seems solid. The price is around $1600. I’ll be in Nepal from April 5 to May 12, 2026, so the trek would need to happen within those dates.

Daniel, Québec, Canada