Here’s the good news: unforgettable adventures don’t have to break the bank. This guide shares 10 tried-and-tested ideas for budget-friendly family vacations that deliver great memories on a shoestring budget.

What makes an economic vacancy successful?

1. Choose off-season travel times
2. Select budget destinations
3. Plan ahead for maximum savings
4. Pack your bags wisely to avoid extra costs

Ready to discover affordable family travel options your kids will be talking about for years to come? Let’s dive in.

Affordable beach holidays for families without the crowds

Beach vacations top most family wish lists, but popular destinations like Miami or San Diego can quickly drain budgets. The secret? Look beyond the famous names to discover affordable family beach vacations that offer the same sun, sand, and surf at a fraction of the cost.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

This hidden gem offers pristine white-sand beaches without the Florida price tag. Vacation rentals with full kitchens are significantly cheaper than comparable accommodations in Florida, allowing you to save hundreds by preparing some meals at home. The beaches are less crowded, meaning more space for building sandcastles and easier supervision of children.

Free activities abound: programs about sea turtles at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo offer educational entertainment, while the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge offers hiking trails just steps from the shore.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

This 200-mile stretch of barrier islands offers exceptional value for larger families. Vacation rental homes often sleep 8 to 12 guests, making them perfect for multigenerational trips where costs can be shared. Wild horses roaming freely create unforgettable (and free) viewing opportunities for children.

Coordinating your family’s beach look can make photos even more special while keeping everyone comfortable. Matching swimsuits for the family are a fun way to create cohesive vacation memories without spending money on individual pieces.

Best times to visit budget-friendly beach destinations

• The magic of the shoulder season: Visit in early September after the start of the school year elsewhere, or in late May before high-season prices rise.
• Midweek arrivals: Saturday to Saturday rentals cost more than Sunday to Sunday stays.
• Post-holiday deals: The week after Labor Day often offers summer-like weather at fall prices.

1. Lisbon, Portugal: Mediterranean charm in all its simplicity

Lisbon is a top destination for a first trip abroad. The Portuguese capital is welcoming, easy to explore, and offers an environment where the language barrier is minimal since many locals speak English. The transport system is efficient, with charming trams easily connecting the city’s various neighborhoods. The historic districts of Alfama and Bairro Alto are perfect for getting lost in their narrow streets, while the waterfront offers a lovely stroll.

In addition to its architectural charms, Lisbon offers delicious and affordable cuisine, making the gastronomic experience simple and enjoyable. The city is also safe, and its welcoming atmosphere ensures a stress-free stay.

2. Reykjavik, Iceland: Nature at your fingertips

For those who prefer spectacular natural landscapes to bustling city life, Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is an ideal destination. Iceland is renowned for its ease of travel: a large portion of the population speaks English, and tourist infrastructure is well-developed. Reykjavik is a small, easily navigable capital, and its proximity to numerous natural sites, such as the Golden Circle, allows for quick access to natural wonders.

Visitors can marvel at geysers, spectacular waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes in complete safety, all without having to plan a complex itinerary. The availability of well-organized guided tours makes exploring the country easy, allowing travelers to avoid logistical worries.

3. Tokyo, Japan: a large city accessible to novices

Tokyo might seem intimidating at first glance, but Japan’s capital is actually very welcoming to first-time international travelers. The tourist infrastructure is remarkably well-developed, with English signs throughout the city, a state-of-the-art transportation system, and exemplary safety. Tokyo blends modernity and tradition, offering a diverse range of activities to suit all types of travelers.

Whether you want to explore ancient temples, go shopping, or sample authentic street food, Tokyo is perfect for an unforgettable first trip. The Japanese are extremely helpful, and visitors quickly feel at ease thanks to the widespread hospitality and civility.

4. Copenhagen, Denmark: a relaxed atmosphere

Copenhagen is another ideal destination for a first trip abroad. The Danish capital is known for its serene atmosphere, excellent public transport system, and welcoming locals. The level of English is very high, which greatly facilitates communication, and the city’s various neighborhoods are pleasant to explore on foot or by bicycle.

Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Tivoli Gardens, a stroll along the canals of Nyhavn, or a day at the National Museum. Copenhagen is also renowned for its safety and straightforward logistics, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

5. Barcelona, ​​Spain: Culture and beach without the complications

Barcelona is the perfect city for a first trip abroad, combining culture, history, and relaxing moments by the sea. Major attractions, such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter, are easily accessible by public transport or on foot. The city boasts modern tourist infrastructure and a wide range of hotels to suit all budgets.

Barcelona is also known for its vibrant nightlife, pleasant beaches, and delicious cuisine. The locals are very welcoming, and many speak English, making communication easy. The blend of culture and comfort makes Barcelona an ideal destination for a confident first trip.

Traveling abroad for the first time can be daunting, but choosing an easy and welcoming destination can save you a lot of hassle and ensure a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Whether you prefer the historical charm of Lisbon, the stunning natural beauty of Reykjavik, the unique energy of Tokyo, the laid-back vibe of Copenhagen, or the vibrant culture of Barcelona, ​​these destinations all offer the perfect setting for a first international adventure, where comfort and ease are guaranteed.

Risk perception is often distorted by distance. We imagine the worst from the comfort of our sofas. Yet, real-life experience reveals incredible human richness everywhere. We must deconstruct these myths with a pragmatic approach. Taking this step allows you to live a unique adventure. Your worldview will change radically after this journey.

Individual safety at the heart of family concerns

Personal safety is the primary concern of our loved ones. They imagine a traveler isolated and defenseless. Yet, vigilance is heightened tenfold when traveling alone. A well-prepared solo trip drastically reduces the actual risks. We become more attentive to our immediate daily surroundings. We follow our instincts with far greater precision.

Danger is not a fixed geographical feature. A calm and confident attitude influences your safety. In fact, there are nine lesser-known European destinations that are well worth a visit and are extremely safe. These places offer perfect tranquility for a first-time experience. You’ll find local hospitality there that is often very touching.

The myth of constant danger for women traveling alone

People often ask whether traveling alone as a woman is truly dangerous. Yet, thousands of women travel the globe with peace of mind. Social prejudices tend to infantilize solo female travelers. Many countries greatly respect the autonomy of foreign women. The key lies in meticulous trip planning. You have to learn to listen to your inner voice.

Self-confidence is gained mile after mile. Each step completed reinforces your sense of legitimate security.

Independent travel, or the luxury of absolute freedom

One of the great benefits of a first solo trip is autonomy. You enjoy complete independence throughout your stay. No more negotiating every meal or visit. You are the sole master of your schedule. This freedom allows you to follow your deepest desires. You can change your plans on a whim.

It’s a rare luxury in our modern society. It frees us from the constant compromises with our usual companions.

However, it’s important to maintain a critical perspective online. We know that travel videos never accurately portray reality in order to influence us. True freedom lies in living your own experience. Don’t try to copy perfect images. Create a journey that truly reflects you, day by day. Your happiness depends solely on your own choices.

Personal growth through self-improvement

Every logistical challenge overcome boosts your personal growth . You learn to manage the unexpected with Olympian calm. This process of building self-confidence is an invaluable gift. It becomes a lasting part of your personality after your return. You become stronger and more resilient in your daily life. Ordinary hassles then seem far less significant than before.

Learning autonomy is a necessary inner journey. It requires courage but offers immense benefits.

How to reassure parents during a first solo trip without conflict

It’s possible to reassure parents about their first solo trip . Establish clear and structured communication before departure. Share your precise itinerary with your emergency contacts. Show them you have comprehensive travel insurance. Explain how you’ll be able to reach them easily. Fear often stems from a lack of concrete information.

Teaching transforms anxiety into valuable support. Your loved ones will eventually admire your courageous determination.

Encounters during travel are the beating heart of the adventure.

You’re rarely truly alone when you decide to travel solo . Travel encounters are more frequent without a fixed partner. Locals are more likely to strike up a conversation with you. Other travelers readily share their best tips. These fleeting connections are often the most memorable. They offer entirely new and enriching cultural perspectives.

The world is full of kind and welcoming people. You just have to be open to making friends.

Frequently asked questions about travailing alone

Does travelling alone cost more?

Some hotels charge a fee for single travelers. However, you manage your budget without any external constraints. You often save on meals or transportation. The financial flexibility more than compensates for any small, isolated extra costs.

How to overcome the fear of travelling alone at first?

Anxiety in the first few days is perfectly normal. Plan a comfortable arrival to reduce initial stress. Give yourself time to calmly observe your new surroundings. Apprehension will quickly give way to very positive excitement.

How can you stay safe without being paranoid?

Safety relies on instinct and good preparation. Inform your loved ones of your most important movements. Keep your valuables in secure places. Behave confidently to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.

What to do if you feel lonely?

Join group activities or lively cafes. Also, use these moments for self-reflection. Solitude is often a very enriching, albeit temporary, state. A new encounter will soon brighten your entire day.

Traveling alone is an unparalleled school of life. Every obstacle becomes a lesson in inner strength. Don’t let the fears of others hold you back. Plan your departure to finally explore new horizons. Which country will be your first independent destination?

Easter Island

Ahu Tongariki is the largest of the island’s ceremonial platforms, with 15 Moai facing inland, one with a topknot on its head, and the Pacific Ocean behind them . The place is impressive at any time of day, but arriving in the dark, finding a spot to sit on the ground in front of the Ahu, and then waiting for the sun to slowly rise was simply magical. Even without coffee in hand.

Below is a description of this place:

The sky shifted from black to yellow and orange before the sun slowly rose between the Moai, creating perfect rays of sunlight between their heads. The natural spectacle played out by the man-made statues brought us all closer to the magic and mystery of Easter Island. All of us who were sitting there, whether early or late in the morning, felt a connection to the magic and mystery of Easter Island.

Joshua Tree National Park

Getting to Joshua Tree National Park is also easy: from Los Angeles, Orange County, Palm Springs or Phoenix, simply take Highway 10 to Highway 62 and head north to the entrance of Black Rock Canyon.

Close to civilization but far enough away to capture photographs of the stars and enjoy the night sky, the Black Rock Campground boasts the most abundant Joshua tree growth in the park, according to Price. She wasn’t disappointed when she chose the campground

Here is our selection of 7 affordable destinations that combine a tight budget with unforgettable experiences.

1. Lisbon, Portugal: a European capital with irresistible charm

The Portuguese capital charms visitors with its relaxed atmosphere, rich heritage, and delicious cuisine. Prices are generally lower than in France , whether for accommodation or food. Take advantage of this to:

Every traveler is charmed by the cultural and historical richness of Denmark, shaped among other things by the legendary Viking culture. You will undoubtedly be seduced by the beauty of the Danish countryside but also by the kindness, sympathy and warm welcome of its inhabitants. Take the time to discover this flat country with 1000 panoramas by renting bicycles and taking the many cycle paths and bucolic roads that run along the seaside. Calm, friendliness, gentleness and dynamism of its capital are the main qualifiers of Denmark.

ID card

Population: 5.529 million inhabitants Area: 43,096 km² Capital: Copenhagen Language:  Danish Currency: the Danish crown. Regime: constitutional monarchy

Main cities of the country

Copenhagen, Odense, Arthus, Aalborg, Frederiksberg, Esbjerg, Randers, Kolding, Vejle

Jet lag

GMT +0h (winter) +1h (summer)

electricity

220V. Same grip as in France

Telephone

+45

Emergency number

emergencies (fire, police, ambulance): 112

French Embassy in Denmark

Kongens Nytorv 4, DK-1050 Copenhagen K – tel. +45 (33) 670 100; fax +45 (33) 939 752

Danish Embassy in France

77, avenue Marceau 75116 Paris – tel. +33 (0)1 44 31 21 21; fax +33 (0)1 44 31 21 88

When to go / Weather

The climate is relatively the same throughout the year. It is still best to travel to Denmark between May and October, the hottest period. Local events and festivals are an opportunity to visit Denmark.

Budget / Argent

1 Dk = about 0.13 € and 1 € = 7.45 Dk

Credit cards are accepted everywhere as well as travelers checks. Change your euros in exchange offices or in banks.

Accommodation Economic budget: less than 50 €Medium budget: between 50 and 100 €Higher budget: more than 100 €

Catering Economic budget: less than 20 €Average budget: between 20 and 30 €Higher budget: more than 30 €

Unmissable places

Copenhagen: Amalienborg Palace, residence of the royal family located in the heart of Copenhagen. You have to get there before noon to see the changing of the royal guard and the ceremonial ceremony that accompanies it. Stroll on the Stroget, the pedestrian street, in Nyhavn, the old port with colorful houses , in Christiania, the unusual district of the capital, as well as in the many green parks.

Ribe, Denmark’s oldest town, founded in the 9th century. It has beautiful museums dedicated to the ancient Vikings of the region and a beautiful cathedral. You will succumb to the charm of the alleys of the old town where you feel out of time, at the time of the Vikings

Cliffs of the Mons Klint from the top of which you can enjoy a spectacular panorama Egeskov Castle south of Odense and Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød, two exceptional buildings. Denmark is also a paradise for cyclists who come here by the thousands to discover the most beautiful landscapes of Jutland and explore the 12,000 km of cycle paths in the country. Fortunately Denmark has little relief and cycling through it is very pleasant. More information on the website of the Danish tourist office to prepare your holidays, and go to Bikester.frfor cycling equipment.Discover the wild coast of West Jutland with its magnificent dunes and green landscape. Don’t miss the Wadden Sea National Park with its many bird colonies.

A trip to the United States marks every visitor forever! A country so surprising and magnificent where one encounters a wide variety of landscapes, cultures, climates, etc. A country often synonymous with “success stories” where millions of migrants have come from all over the world to aspire to a better life with just a few dollars in their pockets when they arrive. Each state and each city has its own identity, which makes the charm of the USA. From New York City to San Francisco, via Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas and Los Angeles , this country will never cease to amaze you wherever you go.

Also go on an adventure in the heart of the United States, more traditional, more authentic with contrasting and breathtaking wild landscapes. It will take much more than a single trip to be able to understand and soak up this country with a thousand facets. Let’s go!

Source : Your Photo Travel

ID card

Population: 308 million inhabitants. Area: 9,363,123 km² Capital: Washington DC Language: English + Spanish in the West of the USA Currency: US dollar Regime: presidential democracy

Entry formalities

Valid passport. No visa for stays of less than 3 months. Obligation to fill out the ESTA, a form that replaces the one that was filled out on planes. It must be completed a maximum of 72 hours before departure. The official website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

Jet lag

D’est en ouest : GMT -5h (Eastern Standard), GMT -6h (Central Standard), GMT -7h (Mountain Standard), GMT -8h (Pacific Standard)

electricity

110V. Provide universal adapter

Telephone

 +1

Emergency number

911

French Embassy in the USA

4101 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007 – tél. +1 (202) 944 6000 ; info@ambafrance-us.org

US Embassy in France

2, avenue Gabriel 75008 Paris – tel. +33 (0)1 43 12 22 22; www.france.usembassy.gov

When to go / Weather

Summer being the major vacation season for Americans, it is best to travel to the United States in autumn or early spring, while planning not to fall during the Spring Break period.

Budget / Argent

1$ = 0,75€  et  1€ = 1,35$

Credit cards are accepted everywhere as well as travelers checks. Change your euros in exchange offices or in banks. Take some Dollars with you and you will change the rest on the spot.

Accommodation Economy budget: less than $40 Average budget: between $40 and $80 High budget: more than $80

Catering Economy budget: less than $12 Average budget: between $12 and $25 High budget: more than $25

Health security

No sanitary problem in the USA. Take out international health insurance with repatriation because medical costs are very expensive. Bring a complete first aid kit to avoid any unnecessary costs.

Take provisions with you in case of long journeys because some gas stations are very far from each other. Do not venture into sensitive neighborhoods at night. Be careful with animals in national parks (bears, grizzly bears, etc.)

Unmissable places

Miami et Key West

New Orleans and Louisiana

The Rocky Mountains

New York City

Washingtown

The major national parks

San Francisco

Chicago

Las Vegas

Route 66

La route Transamerica

Prepare your itinerary

There are many ways to discover the United States, but it is important to prepare your trip well in order to make the most of it. But it all depends first on the type of trip you want to do. Discover only one city, like New York? Make a circuit in a State? Crossing the United States on one of the mythical roads? Get completely out of your way and go on an adventure in North America by traveling through several countries? In any case, it is advisable not to make your trip on the run and to adapt the stages of the trip according to its duration, in order to take full advantage of each place visited. It will then be necessary to choose the city of arrival and departure by plane to define the beginning and the end of the stay or the circuit.

Then we have the choice to move around the country with domestic flights over long distances, or choose the road-trip alternative and take a tour by car, motorhome or Harley Davidson on route 66! This solution brings much more freedom and allows you to soak up more of the country. There is no doubt that an adventure like this leaves unforgettable memories. To define your travel itinerary, you can take inspiration from forums and travel blogs on which you can find a wealth of information and feedback. You can also draw your route by taking inspiration from specialized sites such as Authentik USA or Authentik Canada if you want to continue the adventure of discovering Canada.

#1 Volunteer

Volunteering to travel cheaper is a good option and a great initiative. It’s always gratifying to be able to help people and associations who need it and in exchange obtain food and lodging.

Here, the activities can be varied. You can :

• Help an association to collect clothes,
• Giving a hand for the lunch service in a restaurant,
• Manage entries to a music festival and many more.

A voluntary program called “ European Voluntary Service  ” (EVS) has also been set up for 17 to 30 year olds in order to encourage young people who are going to travel abroad. This service is funded by the European Commission and can last up to 12 months abroad.

#2 Opt for Wwoofing

Wwofing, by its full name “WorldWide Opportunities on Organic Farms”, is an international movement of organic farmers offering volunteer jobs to help them with daily tasks. The principle is simple, give you 3 or 4 hours of your time a day to help in the fields and in return, you are housed and fed .

This can be a good option for traveling without being rich if you are young and have no particular obligations for the coming weeks and months. It is also this process that is regularly used by travelers when they wish to leave for several months in a country, such as Australia and New Zealand.

#3 Accommodation while couchsurfing

In terms of accommodation, opting for couchsurfing brings several advantages. This allows you to stay for free with a local and to meet great people.

To do this, nothing simpler :

• Create an account on the Couchsurfing site,
• Choose a host for your next accommodation,
• Stay one or more nights,
• Leave a comment when you check out.

The community is huge and all members advocate hospitality above all else. But we must not forget that it is a human commitment and that you will be able to meet a lot of people during your trip abroad.

#4 Hitchhiking

In terms of transport, hitchhiking can be a good solution to get around at a lower cost . It’s still a matter of following a few rules to make sure you’re legal and also safe.

• Avoid hitchhiking at night.
• Don’t fall asleep during the ride.
• Never leave your belongings unattended.
• Check that you are authorized to hitchhike. In some states of the United States, the practice is completely prohibited.
• Finally, check that the practice is free of charge, in some countries, drivers can take themselves for taxis and take advantage of them.

#5 Do odd jobs on site

Another way to travel without spending too much is to work locally. If you want to stay a long time in the city or the small town where you want to travel, nothing prevents you from finding odd jobs there. The interest here is that you will receive a salary and be able to use this money specifically to travel.

A program has also been set up under the name of Permis Vavances-Travail (PVT) . It allows young people between the ages of 18 and 30 to be able to travel and self-finance their trip by working on site. It’s also a good way to improve your language level, meet new people and gain new professional experience.

#6 Start saving

A safe bet for traveling without being rich is to start saving as soon as you can. Create a travel account to save the amount of your choice every month. It will teach you to be stricter with your personal finances and to realize that some expenses can be largely avoided to save more.

In addition, to guarantee better management of your finances during your trip is to opt for a bank card dedicated solely to this. To do this, I can only advise you to turn to the ULTIM card . This neobank has very competitive fees and you wo n’t even have fees for withdrawing abroad .

#7 Learn to negotiate

Negotiating while traveling is not easy when it is not the custom of the country in which you reside. And yet, it can be very widespread, as in Latin America, Asia or even Africa.

Do not hesitate to negotiate to buy an object, a meal or a service . Sometimes you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it can be to get a discount. Be careful all the same, in Australia or in Ireland, this is very frowned upon, just like in France.

#8 Barter

Barter, although it is a practice that has been in place since the dawn of time, that does not prevent it from always working as well. It is a good alternative to travel without being rich and get what you need.

The principle is to exchange a service in which you have skills and in return, you are housed, fed or you can be dropped off wherever you wish.

#9 Get a gift card

An original way to be able to travel without breaking the bank is to be offered an Ulysse plane ticket gift card . It is valid on all flights offered on the Ulysses website through more than 300 airlines. You have two years to use it and it can even be used several times if the amount is large.

Indeed, the Ulysse gift card ranges from 20 € to 2000 €. It can therefore be a good gift idea for your birthday or for Christmas.

#10 Find Cheap Plane Tickets

It is possible to save money at every opportunity when it comes to traveling without being rich. Thus, finding cheap plane tickets is essential and not impossible. Here are some tips to consider:

• Use and use flight comparison sites, such as Ulysses or Skyscanner , to find the best prices.
• Anticipate the purchase of your plane tickets as much as possible.
• Avoid flying out on weekends.
• If you can, travel during off-peak times.

#11 Obtain partnerships and sponsors

If your trip has a particular ambition, a specific objective or if you are simply very present on social networks, it is possible to finance your trip without having to spend a lot of money.

You can propose to companies, organizations or associations to make a partnership or to sponsor your trip. If this is difficult to obtain and very rare, nothing prevents you from trying.

The request for funding must be made via a presentation with the main information:

• The idea, the common thread of the trip,
• Essential data: Who? When ? What ? How long ? 
• The objectives of the trip: humanitarian, educational, journalistic, environmental, etc.
• The skills you can bring to this project,
• The technical and financial needs you need.

Finally, you can also turn to a crowdfunding organization or even use a crowdfunding platform to give people who support you the opportunity to help you financially.

#12 House sitting

Another way to travel without being rich is to house-sit. As its name suggests, it is about occupying and maintaining a house as well as the animals while the owners are away.

It’s a good way for some to be reassured to have a presence and surveillance in their home, and for others a way to be hosted at lower cost during their stay.

#13 Opt for free activities

It is possible to travel without being rich and still enjoy the cities and countries you visit. So prepare a list of things to do and places to visit absolutely. You will be surprised how many visits are free.

Also, if you want unique experiences at a lower cost, opt for an agency like GetYourGuides.fr . The site offers a multitude of activities according to your affinities and your budget . So you can enjoy the city without breaking the bank.

#14 Devenir digital nomad

Finally, the last tip for traveling without being rich is to become a digital nomad . It is a person who can carry out his activity online and therefore anywhere in the world as long as there is an internet connection.

WHEN TO GO? Avoid summer because even if the region remains unknown to foreign tourists, it is popular with Italians, many of whom come to sunbathe on its beaches and coves in high season. Spring or autumn remain the best seasons: fewer people, less heat. If you are more of a beach person, opt for autumn, the sea will still be warm. If you are more into hiking/nature, then choose spring!

TIME DIFFERENCE : none

ITINERARY PROPOSED IN THIS ARTICLE:

• Inland and more specifically the Itria Valley. An agricultural region dotted with beautiful villages and these typical constructions called trulli
• A small stretch of the Adriatic coast to discover 2 charming villages (Monopoli and Polignano a Mare) and the nature reserve of Torre Guaceto
• Lecce, baroque jewel not to be missed!
• If you have time, push the discovery towards Basilicata, a region adjoining Puglia and which reserves a major surprise: the city of Matera. I had planned it on the program but the winding roads of southern Italy and my fat belly as a pregnant woman of almost 7 months encouraged me to go there piano piano and to give up a few visits including this one, at the benefit from relaxation and contemplation.
  

  Visit Puglia in 5 days, essential n°1: Alberobello and the Trulli

  

  For simplicity, let’s start with what is undoubtedly the most emblematic element of Puglia , the most Instagrammed, photographed element, in short, impossible to miss when we talk about tourism in this region: I mean the Trulli in the plural or Singular trullo

  But what is a trullo? Visually, it boils down to a traditional small house with dry stone walls and a summarily carved conical roof at the top. As decoration?

  • The pinnacle first, of more or less complex shape depending on the level of wealth of the owner.
  • The symbols painted in white then, which adorn the roof and often borrow from Christian or pagan culture. They would be there to ward off bad luck.

  Symbolically the trulli go far beyond simple architectural curiosity. They bear witness to a way of life that no longer exists today and to dry stone construction techniques that are thousands of years old;

  And why these buildings by the way? Originally in the 17th Century, these strange houses were built by peasants unwilling to pay property tax, the dry stone technique having the advantage of being easily dismantled… before the tax collector arrived, for example….

  

  

  The village of Alberobello has the largest concentration of trulli in all of Puglia . Let it be said, the place classified by Unesco in 1996 has become a tourist trap, a vast cash machine that you take the full brunt of on arrival since you have to pay 2€/hour to get park in the various car parks that surround the village and “touristify” the place a little more.

  I hardly wanted to linger in its alleys where souvenir shops follow one another with their products derived from more or less dubious trulli: in key rings, postcards, placemats… The only consolation, out of season the tourist influx remains reasonable. Left at the end of March, I was able to take a few photos without my lens having to suffer from an instagrammer in full ridiculous pose or from an armada of Japanese

  

  In fact, the best way to admire these typical constructions is to drive through the Itria Valley. Along the way, we come across them, most often abandoned, placed here and there in the middle of a field of olive or almond trees.

  Visit Puglia in 5 days, essential n°2: Lecce or baroque florence

  

  Of all the heritage treasures of Puglia, my favorite is definitely Lecce , a sort of open-air manifesto of the extent of decorative extravagance offered by Baroque architecture.

  This little jewel full of elegance and refinement is a delight for the eyes. Each square, each building, each facade is an opportunity for retinal pleasure that can last for hours if you take the time to examine every detail.

  

  

  Because one of the characteristics of the Baroque and more particularly of the “Barocco Leccese” is the abundance of richly worked decorations made possible thanks to the use of “pietra leccese”, a local limestone so soft that it offers a playground ideal for those creators of the Baroque overflowing with virtuosity and creativity.

  

  

  These architects, who all lived in the 17th Century, gave their city a remarkable unity, whether in the style or the material used.

  The homogeneity is such that when you stroll there, you have the impression of evolving in a theater set, a huge theater set…

  …which unfolds in a maze of alleys punctuated by countless churches (there are 23 in the old centre), squares and more or less large and always ornamented palaces. This theatrical effect finds its climax in the Piazza del Duomo , a square enclosed on each side by a monument. The whole forms a stunning whole of beauty.

  • Where to sleep in Lecce?

  B&B PALAZZO BIGNAMI

  Halfway between a small family hotel and a charming bed and breakfast, I particularly liked the decor chosen with care, originality and elegance, the beautiful entrance and its very appreciable elevator (it avoids the stairs with a lot of luggage), the large breakfast room and its all-you-can-eat buffet of sweet or savory Italian specialities, the panoramic terrace and finally the location in a quiet and residential area 10 minutes from the center of Lecce (if you don’t get lost in the maze of alleys!)

  Price: 65€/night with breakfast in low season

  

  

  • Where to eat in Lecce?

  TRATTORIA GRANDMA TETTI

  

  A good address for a traditional trattoria discovered thanks to a happy meeting with a French woman who has lived in Lecce for 20 years. Compassionate on seeing us, my boyfriend, me and my fat 7-month-old baby walking painfully through the streets of the city in search of a restaurant; she kindly came to help us and even drove us to the entrance of said restaurant! On the menu: small, varied and excellent starters, homemade pasta and efficient service, all in good quantities, speaking of a pregnant woman!

  Visit Puglia in 5 days, essential n°3: the perched villages of the Itria Valley

  

  Locorotondo, Ostuni, Cisterno or even Martina Franca, all these villages are located in a valley in the center of Puglia. On the road you have to look up because very often they are perched on a hill. You also take your foot off the accelerator and take the small country roads framed by olive groves carpeted in this month of March with small bright yellow flowers. This environment gives a very “natural” accent to our trip and contrasts with the km of coast that make up the identity of Puglia.

  

  Each of these villages has its own charm and at the end of March, we met a lot of Italian families over the weekend. What bring all this life and this animation inseparable for me in the South of Italy .

  In Ostuni you have to aim for the cathedral. Easy to spot (but not to find unless you have a minimum sense of direction, which is far from my case) it overcomes a jumble of white facades.

  

  

  At Locorotondo, which was our base camp for 2 days, you have to get lost in the maze of alleys and soak up the false air of a Greek village.

  In Cisterno, after a short tour of the village, we had a drink on a mini terrace overlooking the famous Itria Valley. It is the meeting place for young people and we felt so good there that it was difficult to get out of it to take a little tour of the village which is going well.

  • Where to sleep in Valle d’Itria?

  BED AND BREAKFAST PIETRA PESARA in LOCOROTONDO

  Francesca is a child from Puglia but not precisely from the Itria Valley. This did not prevent him from settling there and magnificently restoring an old farmhouse with trulli to transform it into 3 guest rooms with stripped down and rustic luxury. Francesca is available 24 hours a day for her guests. She is the one who prepares all the good things for breakfast: focaccia, cakes, yogurts… everything is homemade and always based on local products! We only stayed two nights and it was with regret that we left this place surrounded by centuries-old olive trees (the region is the country’s leading olive oil producer) and calm, all strategically placed for radiate in the region. .

  Price: 70€/night with breakfast in low season

  

  

  

  

  • Where to eat in Vallé d’Itria?

  CASA PINTO in LOCOROTONDO

  No ostentatious storefront, just a discreet door sheltered from a small alley. Inside, a few tables, a wood-fired oven and delicious pizzas at unbeatable prices (around €10). Served ultra fast, perhaps barely too much.

  Visit Puglia in 5 days, essential n°4: seaside villages

  

  This is what I love about Puglia  : in a few kilometers you can go from the countryside to the sea (or vice versa); from beautiful green expanses dotted with buttercups to the captivating blue of the sea. We pass from the gnarled trunks of olive trees to the small fishing boats that clump together in tiny ports or seen differently from olive to fish the two products phrase of the cuisine of Puglia, rooted in an arid land bordered by two seas (Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea)

  

  

  

  

  From Monopoli I remember this perfect balance between a charming historic center with winding streets and a turquoise sea. Polignano a Mare stands out for its cliffside location. Undeniably it bears its name well because it could not be more “on the sea”, which gives it a little air of the end of the world. The rocky promontories plunging into the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic are like an invitation to take the leap of the angel. As for the 3 panoramic terraces, they simply invite us to contemplate and fill our eyes with blue and infinity.

  Visit Puglia in 5 days, essential n°5: Protected marine area of ​​Torre Guaceto

  

  The iodine shoot continues at the marine reserve of Torre Guaceta, a strip of land 6 to 8 km long made up of dunes and small coves that are inevitably deserted on this day in March. This was our last step before saying goodbye to this beautiful southern sun that warms the face and the heart at the end of winter. Farewell to these joyful visual snapshots typical of the summer holidays and particularly appreciated at the end of March. Farewell to the South, the sea, the olive trees, see you for a next southern cure soon!