I am planning a holiday in January with my sons, aged 18 and 20. I would like to arrange a memorable holiday in Mauritius, as my sons want out of the traditional family holiday with mom. Where can we go where we can jointly and separately have fun at a reasonable price? - Ntokozo Mogorosi
It's hard to beat the packages offered by the big travel operators. Typically, they include airfare, accommodation and some meals, so you should check what your travel agent can offer. You can choose from affordable to super-luxury hotels and they generally represent value for money. If you really want to book yourself, your first issue is to find a reasonable airfare. You don't have to stay in a hotel, as there are some pretty nice guest houses that may give you the family intimacy for this important holiday. Check out the www.tropicscope.com website. You could consider renting a villa, but you are unlikely to get a booking for only four nights in January. Where you stay on the island is not that much of an issue, as taxis are freely available. However, if your sons want to be close to nightlife, the best areas are Grand Baie and Flic-en-Flac. Grand Baie has many popular nightclubs and bars, but the bars and late-night restaurants at Flic-en-Flac give tourists the best chance to mingle with local people. (15 July 2012)
Saturday, 14 July 2012
Transfers in Barcelona
Please could you find me a company providing return transfers between Barcelona airport and our hotel and then from the port back to the hotel. We are a group of 9 adults travelling in late September. - Milandré Allie
You can either join a shuttle bus transfer or hire your own private vehicle. One of the recommended firms offering transfers in Barcelona BCN Travel, charges 77 Euros for 9 passengers joining a shuttle bus transfer from the airport to the hotel. The same price is applicable for the transfer from the port to the airport. That works out at less than 9 Euros per transfer, which is good value. However, hiring you own 13-seater minibus would only cost you 89 Euros per transfer, just under 10 Euros per person. Get further details on www.bcn.travel or telephone +34 931 25 88 01. Another company offering a similar service is Barcelona Airport Transfers. I got an online quotation of 95 Euros for a transfer from the airport to a city hotel for 9 persons. The same rate was quoted for the journey from the port to the airport in a private vehicle (www.barcelona-airport-transfers.com). (15 July 2012)
You can either join a shuttle bus transfer or hire your own private vehicle. One of the recommended firms offering transfers in Barcelona BCN Travel, charges 77 Euros for 9 passengers joining a shuttle bus transfer from the airport to the hotel. The same price is applicable for the transfer from the port to the airport. That works out at less than 9 Euros per transfer, which is good value. However, hiring you own 13-seater minibus would only cost you 89 Euros per transfer, just under 10 Euros per person. Get further details on www.bcn.travel or telephone +34 931 25 88 01. Another company offering a similar service is Barcelona Airport Transfers. I got an online quotation of 95 Euros for a transfer from the airport to a city hotel for 9 persons. The same rate was quoted for the journey from the port to the airport in a private vehicle (www.barcelona-airport-transfers.com). (15 July 2012)
Hotel at KL Airport
Could you kindly suggest a good airport hotel in Kuala Lumpur - not too expensive but also not a tatty budget set-up. I would prefer one with a transfer included to and from the departure hall. - Linette Lintvelt
Your best choice is the Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur International Airport Hotel, which is located alongside the main terminal building. There is a free 24-hour shuttle service to the hotel or you can take the five-minute walk via the skybridge. The hotel has all the facilities you would expect of a five-star hotel, with soundproofed rooms and a swimming pool. I did a test booking in September on www.booking.com and the rate for double room was R1218 plus six percent tax. A cheaper alternative is the three-star Concorde Inn Kuala Lumpur International Airport Hotel, which is located about two miles from the airport. There is a complimentary airport shuttle service. The rate for a double room including breakfast on www.booking.com was R550 plus 16 percent tax. The only other real option is the budget Tune Hotel, which is located at the low cost carrier terminal. This is a 15-minute drive from the international airport and the price of a room varies according to demand. There is a bus service between the two terminals. A test booking in September yielded a price of R327 including taxes per night for the basic room charge (www.tunehotels.com). Don't despair if you can't get into one of the airport hotels. You could catch the express train which gets you to Kuala Lumpur in 28 minutes and stay at one of the two luxury hotels in the terminus building there. A return trip on the express will cost you around R180. In the city terminal you can stay at the Hilton or the Le Meridien from around R1000 per double room (www.kl-hotels.com). (15 July 2012)
Your best choice is the Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur International Airport Hotel, which is located alongside the main terminal building. There is a free 24-hour shuttle service to the hotel or you can take the five-minute walk via the skybridge. The hotel has all the facilities you would expect of a five-star hotel, with soundproofed rooms and a swimming pool. I did a test booking in September on www.booking.com and the rate for double room was R1218 plus six percent tax. A cheaper alternative is the three-star Concorde Inn Kuala Lumpur International Airport Hotel, which is located about two miles from the airport. There is a complimentary airport shuttle service. The rate for a double room including breakfast on www.booking.com was R550 plus 16 percent tax. The only other real option is the budget Tune Hotel, which is located at the low cost carrier terminal. This is a 15-minute drive from the international airport and the price of a room varies according to demand. There is a bus service between the two terminals. A test booking in September yielded a price of R327 including taxes per night for the basic room charge (www.tunehotels.com). Don't despair if you can't get into one of the airport hotels. You could catch the express train which gets you to Kuala Lumpur in 28 minutes and stay at one of the two luxury hotels in the terminus building there. A return trip on the express will cost you around R180. In the city terminal you can stay at the Hilton or the Le Meridien from around R1000 per double room (www.kl-hotels.com). (15 July 2012)
Amsterdam to London
While on holiday in Amsterdam in October, we are thinking of going to London for five days before returning to Amsterdam to catch our return flight. What is the cheapest means of travel to London? - Roja
Probably the most convenient way to travel between the two cities is by air - but only if you can find a cheap ticket. Although fares as low as 39 Euros are advertised by budget carriers, you should be able to get one for around 90 Euros return. Airlines flying this route include easyJet, British Airways, KLM and CityJet. Try www.skyscanner.net for low fares. There are two main options besides air travel. The first is by train. Catch the high-speed Thalys train from Amsterdam to Brussels and then the Eurostar to London. The journey can take as little as four hours 16 minutes. This compares very favourably to air travel, which takes around four hours if you take travelling time to and from the airports to the city centres into account. The fare between London and Amsterdam by Eurostar and Thalys high-speed train is offered from 123 Euros return (www.eurostar.com or www.nshispeed.nl).The second is take the overnight ferry. Take a train from Amsterdam to Hoek van Holland, then Stena Line's ferry to Harwich. From there you take the train to central London. You have to purchase cabins on the night ferry, but this saves you the cost of a hotel in London. The train/ferry fare can be as low as 97 Euros return, while the cabin costs 37 Euros per trip in a single cabin and 103 Euros for a five-bunk cabin. Cabins are optional on the day ferry, ranging from 18.50 Euros for a single and 53 Euros for a five-berth (www.dutchflyer.co.uk). You need to remember that you will have to get a visa to visit Britain. (8 July 2012)
Probably the most convenient way to travel between the two cities is by air - but only if you can find a cheap ticket. Although fares as low as 39 Euros are advertised by budget carriers, you should be able to get one for around 90 Euros return. Airlines flying this route include easyJet, British Airways, KLM and CityJet. Try www.skyscanner.net for low fares. There are two main options besides air travel. The first is by train. Catch the high-speed Thalys train from Amsterdam to Brussels and then the Eurostar to London. The journey can take as little as four hours 16 minutes. This compares very favourably to air travel, which takes around four hours if you take travelling time to and from the airports to the city centres into account. The fare between London and Amsterdam by Eurostar and Thalys high-speed train is offered from 123 Euros return (www.eurostar.com or www.nshispeed.nl).The second is take the overnight ferry. Take a train from Amsterdam to Hoek van Holland, then Stena Line's ferry to Harwich. From there you take the train to central London. You have to purchase cabins on the night ferry, but this saves you the cost of a hotel in London. The train/ferry fare can be as low as 97 Euros return, while the cabin costs 37 Euros per trip in a single cabin and 103 Euros for a five-bunk cabin. Cabins are optional on the day ferry, ranging from 18.50 Euros for a single and 53 Euros for a five-berth (www.dutchflyer.co.uk). You need to remember that you will have to get a visa to visit Britain. (8 July 2012)
A-Z of the Trans-Siberian Express
Which is the best time to consider a trip on the Trans-Siberian Express? - Saritha E. Solms
It may surprise many to discover there is no one train that can claim to be the “Trans-Siberian Express”. There is, though, a Trans-Siberian Railway – the lines along which a number of trains travel. The main route of the Trans-Siberian originates in Moscow and runs to Vladivostok via southern Siberia. However, many western travellers choose options that end in Beijing. These take the Trans-Mongolian or the Trans-Manchurian lines. One of the most luxurious trips is on the specially commisioned train named the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, which was launched in 2007. Whatever train you take, the weather considerations remain the same. Trains operate all-year round and most of them control the temperature on board. Both summer and winter trips have their supporters, but it would be wise not to travel in peak summer (June and July) or the middle of winter (December and January) when conditions are most fierce. When you are booking, you should consider "high class" (spalny in Russian) as you can stay in compartments for two. In "first class" (kupe) there will be four in each carriage. (8 July 2012)
It may surprise many to discover there is no one train that can claim to be the “Trans-Siberian Express”. There is, though, a Trans-Siberian Railway – the lines along which a number of trains travel. The main route of the Trans-Siberian originates in Moscow and runs to Vladivostok via southern Siberia. However, many western travellers choose options that end in Beijing. These take the Trans-Mongolian or the Trans-Manchurian lines. One of the most luxurious trips is on the specially commisioned train named the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, which was launched in 2007. Whatever train you take, the weather considerations remain the same. Trains operate all-year round and most of them control the temperature on board. Both summer and winter trips have their supporters, but it would be wise not to travel in peak summer (June and July) or the middle of winter (December and January) when conditions are most fierce. When you are booking, you should consider "high class" (spalny in Russian) as you can stay in compartments for two. In "first class" (kupe) there will be four in each carriage. (8 July 2012)
Bus from Athens Airport to Piraeus
What is the easiest way to get from Athens Airport to Piraeus port - taxi, metro or bus? I need to make the transfer within three hours. - John Blementhal
Your best bet is the metro. It is modern, clean and efficient and you won't have to worry about the chaotic Athens traffic. From Athens Airport take line 3 (blue) to Monastiraki station. This should take about 45 minutes. At Monastiraki station you change to line 1 (green). This will take you directly to Piraeus port in around 20 minutes. The trip costs 8 Euros for one person and 14 Euros for two. Don't worry about the mid-trip change, it really is very simple and there is plenty of space for luggage. The bus service is cheaper, but can get caught up in traffic. Take the express bus X96 at the airports arrivals level (between doors 4 and 5). It will drop you at Karaiskaki Square in Piraeus, just outside the ferry harbour. The fare is 3.20 Euros and it should take about 75 minutes in normal traffic. The cost of a private taxi from airport to port ranges from 47-63 Euros depending on time of day. There is often a long queue of people, so it is best to book and pay for one online so that it is waiting for you on arrival. (www.taxireservations.gr or www.greecetaxi.gr). (8 July 2012)
Your best bet is the metro. It is modern, clean and efficient and you won't have to worry about the chaotic Athens traffic. From Athens Airport take line 3 (blue) to Monastiraki station. This should take about 45 minutes. At Monastiraki station you change to line 1 (green). This will take you directly to Piraeus port in around 20 minutes. The trip costs 8 Euros for one person and 14 Euros for two. Don't worry about the mid-trip change, it really is very simple and there is plenty of space for luggage. The bus service is cheaper, but can get caught up in traffic. Take the express bus X96 at the airports arrivals level (between doors 4 and 5). It will drop you at Karaiskaki Square in Piraeus, just outside the ferry harbour. The fare is 3.20 Euros and it should take about 75 minutes in normal traffic. The cost of a private taxi from airport to port ranges from 47-63 Euros depending on time of day. There is often a long queue of people, so it is best to book and pay for one online so that it is waiting for you on arrival. (www.taxireservations.gr or www.greecetaxi.gr). (8 July 2012)
Sleep in a Lighthouse
I am interested in staying in one of the lighthouses on the coast. Where can I find out more about them and make reservations? - Lilian Ginsberg
Accommodation is available at five of South Africa's lighthouses. There are three in the Western Cape. Choose from the Cape Columbine Lighthouse near Paternoster. the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse at Mossel Bay and the Danger Point Lighthouse near the fishing village of Gansbaai. The other lighthouses offering self-catering accommodation are the Great Fish Point Lighthouse near Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape and the North Sand Bluff Lighthouse near Port Edward in KwaZulu Natal. For more information on visiting or staying in a lighthouse, contact the SA Lighthouse Adventure Tour Operations (SALATO) on Tel: +27 21 449 4729 or 083 284 6470. For details on tours, check out The Lighthouse Company (www.lighthouses.co.za). (1 July 2012)
Accommodation is available at five of South Africa's lighthouses. There are three in the Western Cape. Choose from the Cape Columbine Lighthouse near Paternoster. the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse at Mossel Bay and the Danger Point Lighthouse near the fishing village of Gansbaai. The other lighthouses offering self-catering accommodation are the Great Fish Point Lighthouse near Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape and the North Sand Bluff Lighthouse near Port Edward in KwaZulu Natal. For more information on visiting or staying in a lighthouse, contact the SA Lighthouse Adventure Tour Operations (SALATO) on Tel: +27 21 449 4729 or 083 284 6470. For details on tours, check out The Lighthouse Company (www.lighthouses.co.za). (1 July 2012)
Watch out for 'Resort Fees"
While booking a hotel in Miami I was shocked to discover that there was a mandatory "resort fee" of 10 dollars per night. Apparently, this covered the use of pool loungers and towels, the gym and internet access. Surely this should be included in the room charge? Could I refuse to pay? - Roelene Gordon
Resort fees have become a controversial issue in the United States and have now become a widespread practice in many cities. The hotels claim that the fee covers use of gym and pool facilities, business centres and other alleged perks. The fee is mandatory and all guests are forced to pay up, whether they used the facilities or not. In Las Vegas, many of the big hotels charge an average resort fee of 25 US dollars a night. Consider yourself lucky that you found out about this fee in advance. Many people only discover it on their bill when checking out and it is not included in room rate quotes or the rates charged by booking agencies. You pay when you check out. I agree with travelers that the charge is outrageous. Yet, it seems there is little you can do about it. If you were not informed of it in advance, you could dispute the charge with your credit card company. However, the practice is becoming so widespread that it will become less easy to fight. For example, I checked five popular hotels in Las Vegas and they all enforced a 25 US dollar resort fee per night. They were the MGM Grand, the Mandalay Bay, Treasure Island, the Venetian and the Mirage. Some of the alleged perks were access to nightclubs and prior booking facilities for restaurants and shows, but you cannot refuse to pay. Other areas where hotels are charging this fee are in Hawaii, Atlantic city, the Bahamas, Texas and the Niagara Falls. Alarmingly, the first hotels in New York City are levying this fee and it is also being enforced at Rio's top hotel, the Copacabana Palace. I have not heard of it popping up in South Africa yet. It seems the only way you can fight it where you find it is to choose a hotel that doesn't charge the fee and reward it with your booking. Among the hotels bucking the trend in the Vegas are Caesars Palace, the Golden Nugget, Rio, Ballys and the Four Seasons. (1 July 2012)
Resort fees have become a controversial issue in the United States and have now become a widespread practice in many cities. The hotels claim that the fee covers use of gym and pool facilities, business centres and other alleged perks. The fee is mandatory and all guests are forced to pay up, whether they used the facilities or not. In Las Vegas, many of the big hotels charge an average resort fee of 25 US dollars a night. Consider yourself lucky that you found out about this fee in advance. Many people only discover it on their bill when checking out and it is not included in room rate quotes or the rates charged by booking agencies. You pay when you check out. I agree with travelers that the charge is outrageous. Yet, it seems there is little you can do about it. If you were not informed of it in advance, you could dispute the charge with your credit card company. However, the practice is becoming so widespread that it will become less easy to fight. For example, I checked five popular hotels in Las Vegas and they all enforced a 25 US dollar resort fee per night. They were the MGM Grand, the Mandalay Bay, Treasure Island, the Venetian and the Mirage. Some of the alleged perks were access to nightclubs and prior booking facilities for restaurants and shows, but you cannot refuse to pay. Other areas where hotels are charging this fee are in Hawaii, Atlantic city, the Bahamas, Texas and the Niagara Falls. Alarmingly, the first hotels in New York City are levying this fee and it is also being enforced at Rio's top hotel, the Copacabana Palace. I have not heard of it popping up in South Africa yet. It seems the only way you can fight it where you find it is to choose a hotel that doesn't charge the fee and reward it with your booking. Among the hotels bucking the trend in the Vegas are Caesars Palace, the Golden Nugget, Rio, Ballys and the Four Seasons. (1 July 2012)
Athens on Foot
I am going to Athens to attend a conference from 11-13 July. From 14-15 I will be free to explore the sites of Athens. Can you suggest any tours I can cover on foot? - Alethea de Villiers
One of the best options for you would be to join one of the organised walking tours of the city. A company called Athens Walking Tours has set up a number of excellent guided tours, with small groups escorted by trained university student. Ranging from three-hour tours to full day itineraries, they cover the Acropolis, Agrippa monument, Dionysus Sanctuary, Zeus Temple. Hadrian's Arch, the Parthenon and Nike Temple. You can choose to watch the Changing of the Guard at the House of Parliament, enjoy a meal on the colourful Plaka and tour the National Gardens.There are also some speciality tours such as an Athens Food Tour, where the tour ends with lunch or dinner. Costs start at 36 Euros per person and you will be liable for entrance fees where applicable. Check out the tours on www.athenswalkingtours.gr. There is another company offering more exclusive walking tours. They are more expensive, with an average price of around 70 Euros, but groups are restricted to six people and they have very interesting itineraries. Find out more on www.contexttravel.com. Finally, you can also take a free walking tour which covers most of the major attractions (www.athensfreewalkingtours.com). However, dates and times vary, depending on demand. In priniciple you do not have pay for tickets to join the tour, but guides do expect to be tipped for their services. (1 July 2012)
One of the best options for you would be to join one of the organised walking tours of the city. A company called Athens Walking Tours has set up a number of excellent guided tours, with small groups escorted by trained university student. Ranging from three-hour tours to full day itineraries, they cover the Acropolis, Agrippa monument, Dionysus Sanctuary, Zeus Temple. Hadrian's Arch, the Parthenon and Nike Temple. You can choose to watch the Changing of the Guard at the House of Parliament, enjoy a meal on the colourful Plaka and tour the National Gardens.There are also some speciality tours such as an Athens Food Tour, where the tour ends with lunch or dinner. Costs start at 36 Euros per person and you will be liable for entrance fees where applicable. Check out the tours on www.athenswalkingtours.gr. There is another company offering more exclusive walking tours. They are more expensive, with an average price of around 70 Euros, but groups are restricted to six people and they have very interesting itineraries. Find out more on www.contexttravel.com. Finally, you can also take a free walking tour which covers most of the major attractions (www.athensfreewalkingtours.com). However, dates and times vary, depending on demand. In priniciple you do not have pay for tickets to join the tour, but guides do expect to be tipped for their services. (1 July 2012)
Best Afternoon Teas in London
While I am in London in October my wife and I want to stretch our budget by using traditional afternoon teas to enjoy some of the top hotels in the city. Which are the "in" spots these days? Could you make some recommendations? - Roger Dreyer
Practically all the top London hotels offer a traditional afternoon tea, as there has been a resurgence in this delightful custom. Among those that excel are the Connaught, the Ritz, the Royal Horseguards, the Dorchester, and Brown's. One that has an added cachet these days is the Goring, the hotel that Kate Middleton's family booked out for last year's royal wedding. And you can always check out the Tea Guild's list of award winners for ideas of where to go. This year's top spot went to the Anthenaeum's honey tea, which uses the best honey gathered from the bees of London parks. Expect sandwiches, scones, crumpets cakes and a glass of honey fizz. And you'll get your choice of tea, of course (£39. www.athenaeumhotel.com). If you want to see and be seen, head to the Savoy Hotel on the Strand to enjoy tea in the Thames-side foyer. Everyone's been flocking to this renovated gem, so why not enjoy prime googgle time as you enjoy the finest in traditional afternoon fare, with the added option of a glass of champagne (£40, www.fairmont.com). If you are really serious about tea, your choice should be the Lanesborough. Besides it's prime location a pearl's throw from Buckingham Palace, this five-star hotel has a tea sommelier on hand to advise guests on which blend will suit them. Nibble the pastries in elegant Apsleys Restaurant and pretend you've been coming here for years (£35; www.lanesborough.com). Of course, there's no reason why you should stick to the very traditional teas. There are some wonderfully quirky otpions that are drawing the cream of society. For one, there's the Mad Hatter's Tea at the wonderful Sanderson Hotel in Fitzrovia. You start off with a potion in a bottle which reads "Drink Me" and enjoy your choice of items like brightly-coloured sandwiches and blueberry lollipops (£35; www.sandersonlondon.com) Then there's the fashionista's favourite, the Pret-A-Portea at the Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge. The pastry chefs copy items from the each season's London Fashion Week to create some divine treats (£39; www.the-berkeley.co.uk) Another fun offering is the Chocolate Tea at the Halkin Hotel (£37.50; www.halkin.como.bz). (1 July 2012)
Practically all the top London hotels offer a traditional afternoon tea, as there has been a resurgence in this delightful custom. Among those that excel are the Connaught, the Ritz, the Royal Horseguards, the Dorchester, and Brown's. One that has an added cachet these days is the Goring, the hotel that Kate Middleton's family booked out for last year's royal wedding. And you can always check out the Tea Guild's list of award winners for ideas of where to go. This year's top spot went to the Anthenaeum's honey tea, which uses the best honey gathered from the bees of London parks. Expect sandwiches, scones, crumpets cakes and a glass of honey fizz. And you'll get your choice of tea, of course (£39. www.athenaeumhotel.com). If you want to see and be seen, head to the Savoy Hotel on the Strand to enjoy tea in the Thames-side foyer. Everyone's been flocking to this renovated gem, so why not enjoy prime googgle time as you enjoy the finest in traditional afternoon fare, with the added option of a glass of champagne (£40, www.fairmont.com). If you are really serious about tea, your choice should be the Lanesborough. Besides it's prime location a pearl's throw from Buckingham Palace, this five-star hotel has a tea sommelier on hand to advise guests on which blend will suit them. Nibble the pastries in elegant Apsleys Restaurant and pretend you've been coming here for years (£35; www.lanesborough.com). Of course, there's no reason why you should stick to the very traditional teas. There are some wonderfully quirky otpions that are drawing the cream of society. For one, there's the Mad Hatter's Tea at the wonderful Sanderson Hotel in Fitzrovia. You start off with a potion in a bottle which reads "Drink Me" and enjoy your choice of items like brightly-coloured sandwiches and blueberry lollipops (£35; www.sandersonlondon.com) Then there's the fashionista's favourite, the Pret-A-Portea at the Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge. The pastry chefs copy items from the each season's London Fashion Week to create some divine treats (£39; www.the-berkeley.co.uk) Another fun offering is the Chocolate Tea at the Halkin Hotel (£37.50; www.halkin.como.bz). (1 July 2012)
Elephant-back safari at Vic Falls
I would love to go on an elephant-back safari when I visit the Victoria Falls later this year. Could you supply me with contact information and an idea of what it might cost? - Samantha Lelenne
On the Zimbabwean side, the Wild Horizons Trust manages a herd of orphaned elephants at Elephant Camp. Trek along the edge of the Zambezi gorges or the grasslands of the Victoria Falls National Park. Get further details on www.wildhorizons.co.za or telephone +263 (13) - 44571. On the Zambian side, elephant-back safari trails begin at Thorntree Lodge in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. This is operated by Zambezi Elephant Trails You can get further information on www.victoriafalls.net and www.thorntreelodge.net. Prices differ according to your exact package, but you can expect to pay around 130 US dollars (R1200) per person. (24 June 2012)
On the Zimbabwean side, the Wild Horizons Trust manages a herd of orphaned elephants at Elephant Camp. Trek along the edge of the Zambezi gorges or the grasslands of the Victoria Falls National Park. Get further details on www.wildhorizons.co.za or telephone +263 (13) - 44571. On the Zambian side, elephant-back safari trails begin at Thorntree Lodge in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. This is operated by Zambezi Elephant Trails You can get further information on www.victoriafalls.net and www.thorntreelodge.net. Prices differ according to your exact package, but you can expect to pay around 130 US dollars (R1200) per person. (24 June 2012)
Doing the Camino Walk
We are planning to do the Camino walk – the Camino Frances – and we hope to walk from St jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Lugo Compostela in four weeks. However, we can’t seem to find information on how to get to St jean Pied de Port. Assuming we fly to Madrid, what is the best way of getting to St jean Pied de Port? Also, how do we get from Santiago de Lugo Compostela to Madrid to catch a flight back? - Gugu Nyanda
The first step of your journey is to get from Madrid to Pamplona by flight, bus or train. The distance between the two cities is just over 400kms and the bus takes 4-5 hours. The bus fare from Madrid to Pamplona should be around 30 Euros (check http://www.autobusesdenavarra.com/siv/internet/busquedas.jsp) Many people chose to go by bus, as it takes you directly to the bus station in Pamplona, where you catch another bus to Roncesvalles. These buses only run until 6pm during the week and 4pm on Saturdays. There is no service on Sundays. From Roncesvalles you catch a taxi to St Jean. Sharing the taxi with other travelers should bring the cost down to around 25 Euros per person. To get back from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid you can also choose between flying, taking the bus or the train. The bus service takes about eight hours and costs 60 euros. (24 June 2012)
The first step of your journey is to get from Madrid to Pamplona by flight, bus or train. The distance between the two cities is just over 400kms and the bus takes 4-5 hours. The bus fare from Madrid to Pamplona should be around 30 Euros (check http://www.autobusesdenavarra.com/siv/internet/busquedas.jsp) Many people chose to go by bus, as it takes you directly to the bus station in Pamplona, where you catch another bus to Roncesvalles. These buses only run until 6pm during the week and 4pm on Saturdays. There is no service on Sundays. From Roncesvalles you catch a taxi to St Jean. Sharing the taxi with other travelers should bring the cost down to around 25 Euros per person. To get back from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid you can also choose between flying, taking the bus or the train. The bus service takes about eight hours and costs 60 euros. (24 June 2012)
Cutting Costs in Malawi
A life-long dream is to visit Lake Malawi. Looking at the official Malawi Tourism website, I find the prices for flights and accommodation quite steep. Do you have any suggestions ? - Willie van der Schyff
While it is true that a holiday in Malawi can cost as much as one on a tropical island, it is one of Africa's most unique destinations. Thompsons is offering a seven-night stay at the three-star Makokola Retreat for R13,500 person sharing including taxes. The package is all-inclusive, which means that besides the flight from Johannesburg to Lilongwe, hotel transfers and seven nights accommodation, you also get three meals a day and free drinks (including local alcohol). You will also get free non-motorised watersports. The resort is located north of Mangochi, on the southern shores of Lake Malawi (www.thompsons.co.za). That may seem expensive, but the resort usually charges $184-$292 (R1,500-R2,300) per person per day for full board. You could get the cost down by making your own bookings and choosing a cheaper resort. I checked flights and the average price of a return ticket from Johannesburg to Lilongwe on SAA cost around R5500 including taxes. You could find a comfortable hotel from R350-R650 per night, bringing the package cost down substantially. One of the cost-effective resorts at the lake is Nkopola Lodge (R647 per person). You could opt for one of the chalets or rooms at the Gecko Lounge at Cape Maclear. These are priced from only R459 per room per night. A rustic choice would be the Safari Cottage in Nkhata Bay (R539 per cottage). In the Liwonde National Park you can stay at Hippo View Lodge (R350 per person). All these discounted rates are on offer on www.malawi-direct.com.(24 June 2012)
While it is true that a holiday in Malawi can cost as much as one on a tropical island, it is one of Africa's most unique destinations. Thompsons is offering a seven-night stay at the three-star Makokola Retreat for R13,500 person sharing including taxes. The package is all-inclusive, which means that besides the flight from Johannesburg to Lilongwe, hotel transfers and seven nights accommodation, you also get three meals a day and free drinks (including local alcohol). You will also get free non-motorised watersports. The resort is located north of Mangochi, on the southern shores of Lake Malawi (www.thompsons.co.za). That may seem expensive, but the resort usually charges $184-$292 (R1,500-R2,300) per person per day for full board. You could get the cost down by making your own bookings and choosing a cheaper resort. I checked flights and the average price of a return ticket from Johannesburg to Lilongwe on SAA cost around R5500 including taxes. You could find a comfortable hotel from R350-R650 per night, bringing the package cost down substantially. One of the cost-effective resorts at the lake is Nkopola Lodge (R647 per person). You could opt for one of the chalets or rooms at the Gecko Lounge at Cape Maclear. These are priced from only R459 per room per night. A rustic choice would be the Safari Cottage in Nkhata Bay (R539 per cottage). In the Liwonde National Park you can stay at Hippo View Lodge (R350 per person). All these discounted rates are on offer on www.malawi-direct.com.(24 June 2012)
Cheap Hostels in Singapore
My boyfriend and I are looking for a cheap, clean hostel in Singapore. Bunk beds in shared dorms are fine. Can you help? - Stacey King
There are plenty of hostels to choose from and, being Singapore, there are some trendy ones that take bunk living to a new level. You can check out what's available on www.hostelbookers.com and www.hostelworld.com, but here are some of the best. A boutique-style newcomer is the Bunc Hostel, located in Little India. Selling points are the custom-made roomy bunk beds with cozy duvets and facilities like an outdoor tanning deck. Bunks range from 31-39 US dollars per night, and there are also two-sleeper rooms with private bathroom for 70 US dollars per person (www.bunchostel.com). Experience flashpacker style at Wink Hostel, which targets trendy travellers with pod beds, designer lighting and speedy wifi. Housed in a three-storey historic shophouse in Chinatown, it is two minutes from a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station and close to the Clarke Quay nightlife area. Get a bed from 39 US dollars per night (www.winkhostel.com). You can also try Matchbox The Concept Hostel, which offers pod-style bed cabins and designer touches. Bed rates start at 39 US dollars (www.matchbox.sg). A fun place to stay is A Beary Good Hostel in Pagoda Street. It's one of three "beary hostels" offering free breakfast, wifi and local phone calls. This one is only a few steps from the Chinatown train station and close to many attractions. Bunk beds are available for US$25 (ww.abearygoodhostel.com). Fernloft Little India is the flagship branch of the Fernloft Group. Located in the heart of the Indian community, with great restaurants and shops, the hostel offers bunks from 15-25 US dollars (www.fernloft.com). (24 June 2012)
There are plenty of hostels to choose from and, being Singapore, there are some trendy ones that take bunk living to a new level. You can check out what's available on www.hostelbookers.com and www.hostelworld.com, but here are some of the best. A boutique-style newcomer is the Bunc Hostel, located in Little India. Selling points are the custom-made roomy bunk beds with cozy duvets and facilities like an outdoor tanning deck. Bunks range from 31-39 US dollars per night, and there are also two-sleeper rooms with private bathroom for 70 US dollars per person (www.bunchostel.com). Experience flashpacker style at Wink Hostel, which targets trendy travellers with pod beds, designer lighting and speedy wifi. Housed in a three-storey historic shophouse in Chinatown, it is two minutes from a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station and close to the Clarke Quay nightlife area. Get a bed from 39 US dollars per night (www.winkhostel.com). You can also try Matchbox The Concept Hostel, which offers pod-style bed cabins and designer touches. Bed rates start at 39 US dollars (www.matchbox.sg). A fun place to stay is A Beary Good Hostel in Pagoda Street. It's one of three "beary hostels" offering free breakfast, wifi and local phone calls. This one is only a few steps from the Chinatown train station and close to many attractions. Bunk beds are available for US$25 (ww.abearygoodhostel.com). Fernloft Little India is the flagship branch of the Fernloft Group. Located in the heart of the Indian community, with great restaurants and shops, the hostel offers bunks from 15-25 US dollars (www.fernloft.com). (24 June 2012)
Visa For India
We plan to go to India in November and would like to know the best way to obtain Indian visas. We are travelling on South African passports. - Rosemarie Innes
The good news is that visas for India are free of charge for South African passport holders. There may be processing charges if you use a travel agent or commercial visa company to get your visa, but you can do it for free yourself by going directly to one of the Indian Consulates. The office in Johannesburg is located at 1 Eton Road (Corner Jan Smuts Avenue and Eton Road) Parktown, Johannesburg (tel: 011 581 9800-99980). THe Durban office is at 1 Kingsmead Boulevard (2nd Floor), Kingsmead Office Park, Durban (tel: 031-335 0300). You need to submit a completed application form, available from the consulate, along with a passport valid for at least six months, copy of your ID document, two passport-sized colour photographs, a copy of your airline ticket and itinerary and proof of accommodation in India (such as a hotel booking). Applicants are advised to file the application in person, but they can send it by mail, preferably by courier. It normally takes 2-3 working days to process an application. For further information, check out the www.indiainsouthafrica.com website. (17 June 2012)
The good news is that visas for India are free of charge for South African passport holders. There may be processing charges if you use a travel agent or commercial visa company to get your visa, but you can do it for free yourself by going directly to one of the Indian Consulates. The office in Johannesburg is located at 1 Eton Road (Corner Jan Smuts Avenue and Eton Road) Parktown, Johannesburg (tel: 011 581 9800-99980). THe Durban office is at 1 Kingsmead Boulevard (2nd Floor), Kingsmead Office Park, Durban (tel: 031-335 0300). You need to submit a completed application form, available from the consulate, along with a passport valid for at least six months, copy of your ID document, two passport-sized colour photographs, a copy of your airline ticket and itinerary and proof of accommodation in India (such as a hotel booking). Applicants are advised to file the application in person, but they can send it by mail, preferably by courier. It normally takes 2-3 working days to process an application. For further information, check out the www.indiainsouthafrica.com website. (17 June 2012)
What To Do in Dubai
I’m travelling to Europe in early October and am considering stopping over in Dubai for a day or two. Other than visiting souks and experiencing a desert dinner, do you have any other recommendations for a short stay? - Genevieve Millar
Dubai is a more diverse and sophisticated tourism destination than it is often given credit for and there is little you can't do here! But if you only have two or three days, you'll want to choose some things that are unique to this exciting metropolis. Firstly, it is a great beach destination. Built along 40kms of coastline, there are plenty of swimming beaches as well as watersports. One of the best spots for people watching is one of the many pavement cafes on the Jumeirah Beach Walk in the Dubai Marina. Keep an eye out for some of the extravagant cars that will glide past, like gold-plated Rolls Royces and two-tone Ferraris. You can't ignore the buildings going up everywhere - the one worth visiting is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest structure on the planet right now. Get a view of the city from the observation deck on the 134th floor. There's no shortage of malls. The one you shouldn't miss is the Dubai Mall, which has an indoor theme park, a giant aquarium with underwater zoo and an ice-rink. For indoor ice ski-ing, you'll have to head for the Mall of the Emirates. If you have time, you can pop into Sol Kerzner's palace and waterpark named Atlantis. Treat yourself to a dolphin ride if that floats your boat. Or you can check out the city's most expensive hotel, the iconic Burj Al Arab. If you want to dine in the underwater seafood restaurant or have high tea or cocktails in the Skyview Bar, you will need to book at least a week in advance. If desert dining doesn't rattle your cage, you can still experience the desert by renting a 4x4 for a desert drive. You’ll be bathing in the natural rock pools of Hatta in under an hour or splashing around at Wadi Wurrayah, home of the UAE's only natural waterfall. If you still have time on your hands, you can watch camel racing, visit the Al Ain Oasis or marvel at the 40,000-capacity Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the only mosque in the UAE open to non-Muslims. (17 June 2012)
Dubai is a more diverse and sophisticated tourism destination than it is often given credit for and there is little you can't do here! But if you only have two or three days, you'll want to choose some things that are unique to this exciting metropolis. Firstly, it is a great beach destination. Built along 40kms of coastline, there are plenty of swimming beaches as well as watersports. One of the best spots for people watching is one of the many pavement cafes on the Jumeirah Beach Walk in the Dubai Marina. Keep an eye out for some of the extravagant cars that will glide past, like gold-plated Rolls Royces and two-tone Ferraris. You can't ignore the buildings going up everywhere - the one worth visiting is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest structure on the planet right now. Get a view of the city from the observation deck on the 134th floor. There's no shortage of malls. The one you shouldn't miss is the Dubai Mall, which has an indoor theme park, a giant aquarium with underwater zoo and an ice-rink. For indoor ice ski-ing, you'll have to head for the Mall of the Emirates. If you have time, you can pop into Sol Kerzner's palace and waterpark named Atlantis. Treat yourself to a dolphin ride if that floats your boat. Or you can check out the city's most expensive hotel, the iconic Burj Al Arab. If you want to dine in the underwater seafood restaurant or have high tea or cocktails in the Skyview Bar, you will need to book at least a week in advance. If desert dining doesn't rattle your cage, you can still experience the desert by renting a 4x4 for a desert drive. You’ll be bathing in the natural rock pools of Hatta in under an hour or splashing around at Wadi Wurrayah, home of the UAE's only natural waterfall. If you still have time on your hands, you can watch camel racing, visit the Al Ain Oasis or marvel at the 40,000-capacity Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the only mosque in the UAE open to non-Muslims. (17 June 2012)
Car-free Islands
We recently spent time on Rottnest Island in Australia. We loved the fact that no cars were allowed on the island, ensuring a laid-back vibe. Can you suggest similar car-free tourist destinations we could visit, especially islands? - Miranda Els
There are a number of vehicle-free islands around the globe, the closest to South Africa being Lamu Island in Kenya. This preserved Swahili island settlement has become a glamorous holiday resort. There are no roads, so people move around by foot or boat, and donkeys are used to transport goods. A little futher away is the island of La Digue in Seychelles, where people get around by bicycle or ox-cart. On the Greek Islands, motorised transport is banned in beautiful Hydra. The main port town is big enough to stroll around and you can catch a boat to the rest of the island. In Asia, the best-known car-free destination is probably Ko Phi Phi, which lies off the coast of Phuket in Thailand. There are no vehicles and transport is by foot. Goods are transported by bicycle. In Malaysia, the Perhentian Islands provide great diving destinations without any motorised transport. The same goes for the Gili Islands in Indonesia. You can rent bicycles to get around when you are not diving or relaxing in one of the many beachfront cafes. In Hong Kong, you can visit Cheung Chau Island for a car-free environment, while Galangyi island near Xiamen in China even bicycles are banned. Other car-free destinations around the globe include Little Corn Island in Nicaragua, Kadavu island in Fiji, Caye Caulker in Belize and Paquetá Island off Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Options in the United States inlcuded Monhegan Island in Maine, Governor's Island in New York, Catalina Island near Los Angeles and Tangier Island in Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. Finally, there is the most famous car-free destination of all, Venice. Besides the bus station square, transport around this amazing Italian city is by foot or by water taxi. (17 June 2012)
Saturday, 9 June 2012
The Legalities of an Island Wedding
Q: My girlfriend and I would like to get married on a tropical island, preferably Bali or Mauritius. Can you tell us what legal requirements there are for foreign marriages in both countries? We are both Christian South Africans. - Shaun Jacobs
A: There are a number of legal requirements involved in getting married in both Bali and Mauritius. As a result, many foreigners opt to officially register their marriages in their home countries and then have a blessing and wedding ceremony on a tropical island. I would recommend this for you. However, if you would prefer to get married on island, your best bet is to get one of the major hotel groups to help you or to hire a wedding organiser who will asssit you with the legal requirements. In Bali, the most important thing you need to do is get a "CNI" (Certificate of Non Impediment to Marriage), which is a letter from a South African government department stating that there is no objection to you getting married in Indonesia. You will also need birth certificates, valid passports and documents from your church. After the religious ceremony, every non-Islamic marriage must be recorded with a government office or it is not legal (as Jerry Hall discovered after her marriage to Mick Jagger on Bali). In Mauritius documents relating to the couple are usually required 12 weeks prior to arrival on the island. At least three days before the wedding, the couple must visit the Supreme Court and the Civil Status Office to complete various formalities. To contact organisers try www.baliweddingplanners.com or, in Mauritius, www.mywedding.mu.
Drive from Sao Paulo to Rio
Q: We are considering driving from Sao Paulo to Rio to see some of the countryside. Should we be doing this, how long would it take and should we overnight en route? - Lionel Chang
A: Getting in and out of these huge cities can take time and test a driver's patience, but this is still a drive worth considering. Rent a car with a GPS navigation device and you should not have a problem. The route runs along the Costa Verde, a stretch of coast with mountains, rain forests, lagoons and islands. The distance is around 400kms, which means you can do it in a day. However, as you are on holiday, it makes more sense to break your journey and and enjoy some of the scenery. A perfect stopover is the charming colonial town of Paraty, which is sandwiched between secluded beaches and steep mountains. You may strike it lucky and visit when they are holding one of their colourful local festivals. An alternative is to visit the Ilha Grande, an island just off the coast of Angra Dos Reis. It is the type of place that will make you want to stay a day or two. Driving yourself gives you flexibility to decide as your journey progresses. However, a Brazilian friend said you should consider going by bus. He said you would see just as much of the scenery, but would not have the hassle of city driving. Going by bus means you could still stop over in Paraty for a night. Car or bus - the decision is yours.
Delights of the Pontine Islands
Q: Many years back, a couple we met told us of the Pontine Islands off the coast of Italy. We have lost touch with them, but would like to visit these islands when we are in Rome in August/September. We would like to know which (if any) of these islands are worth visiting, how to get there and where to stay. Any information would be welcome. - Sally Rademeyer
A: There are only two islands you should consider staying on as they have good accommodation options and transport connections to the mainland. These are Ponza and Ventotene. Ponza is more popular and offers great swimming. boating and tourist facilities. It is considered a lower-key version of Capri, and attracts many celebrities and rich Romans who want to keep a lower profile, as well as young travellers over weekends. Ventotene is much smaller and its greatest offerings - besides superb views - are peace and quiet. Both islands have interesting histories. From these islands you can do day trips to sights on some of the other islands, such as the prison on Santo Stefano and a ruined monastery and nature reserve on Zannone. You can also check out the Grotte di Pilato, three caves where the Romans dug fishpools to raise their seafood supper. You can make the 42km journey from the mainland to Ponza by hydrofoil or ferry, which runs from Anzio. To get to Anzio from Rome is an hour's train trip. The easiest way to get to Ventotene is to take a ferry from Terracina or Fornia, both on the coastline between Rome and Naples. There is plenty of accommodation available on Ponza, either in the port of the town of Le Forno. The best beach on the island is close to the port, so this is very popular. All standards of accommodation is on offer - from basic rooms to luxurious hotels. If you want to live it up, book into the five-room boutique guesthouse opened by fashion designer Anna Fendi. You can't get more classy than that. But you'll do just fine in the three-star Hotel Mari in the port. It has a great location with good views. Prices are highest in July and August, so you would get a better rate the later you can go in September. Expect to pay around R1000-R1500 for a double room. You can book the hotel on www.hotelmari.it or www.booking.com. You can find more information about the hydrofoil service on www.vitor.it and contact the local tourism office on www.prolocodiponza.it.
Best Way to Japan
Q: We are pensioners and are looking for the easiest and most economical way of visiting relatives in Hokkaido, Japan; Queensland, Australia and North Island, New Zealand. Would it better to fly to a central point like Singapore and travel from there, or would it be better to break it into two trips from South Africa, one to Japan and one to New Zealand and Australia? - Marj Martin
A: You need to find a good travel agent to help you, as your routing may well depend on what specials are available at the time you want to fly. Under normal circumstances, it would be better to use Singapore, Bangkok or Hong Kong as a hub and make two separate return trips from the hub - one to Japan and the other to Australia and New Zealand. Using one airline (in this case Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways or Cathay Pacific) is usually better value than using different carriers. However, you would need to book domestic flights in Japan, Australia and New Zealand on local airlines. A good agent should be able to find the most cost-effective flights. For example, if there are particularly good prices on Qantas to Australia and New Zealand, you could make your hub in Sydney. Then you could take sidetrips to New Zealand and Japan on Qantas from there.
Golf Mecca in Vietnam
Q: We are planning to visit Hua Hin, Thailand in September and would like to visit Vietnam for a week as well. Can you suggest the best, least expensive and most pleasurable way to get there? As we are golfers, we would prefer a place with a golf course nearby. - Cathy Kamstra
A: You can travel to Vietnam by plane or bus. The journey from Thailand to Vietnam by bus is long and tiring and you have to deal with the border crossings, so air travel is the only real option. There are no direct flights from Hua Hin to Vietnam, so you would have to travel by road to Bangkok (around 200kms) and then by air to Vietnam. Transport from your hotel in Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok is not a problem. You can either go by bus, shuttle van, taxi or limousine. You can book that when you are in Hua Hin, where the prices are very competitive. There are a number of choices for a beach and golf holiday, but I recommend the Danang area. To get there, you would have to fly to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and then take a one-hour flight to Danang. The area is home to a number of coastal resorts including the famous China Beach, the picturesque old town of Hoi An, the historical city of Hue and two excellent golf courses. Montgomerie Links on My Khe beach was designed by Colin Montgomerie. It was voted the best course in Vietnam in 2010 and 2011. Another award-winning course is the Dunes Course at the Danang Golf Club. Designed by Greg Norman, it was voted one of the 15 best new golf courses in the world in 2010 by Golf Magazine USA. Affordable hotels in Danang include the two-star Mango Hotel (R166 for a double room with breakfast), the three-star Song Thu Hotel (R247) and the luxury four-star Mercure Danang (R726). All prices from www.booking.com.
One Day in Paris
Q: We will be in Paris for only one day. We arrive at 07h30 and depart at 23h00. Please give us some advice on what we can fit in without travelling too much. - Arlene Emmenes
A: Two of the ways to enjoy your day in Paris is to choose three or four attractions and explore them thoroughly or try to see as many of the city's thrilling sights as you can. The easiest way to accomplish both these objectives is to join a hop-on hop-off bus tour. You get to see most of the attractions, with the opportunity of stopping off at two or three to check them out more fully. The Paris L'Open tour has four interconnected routes, giving you total flexibility in where you want to go. You can visit the Left Bank, the Eiffel Tour, the Louvre and get your picture taken at the Arc de Triomphe. The Paris Grand Tour gets you to these as well as other major attractions - the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Champs-Elysees, Saint-Germain-des-Pres, Orsay Museum, Concorde, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Trocadero, Invalides, the Montmartre and Saint-Paul. The tour runs from from 9:30am to 6:00pm, which suits your itinerary. You can buy a day ticket for 31 Euros on the www.parislopentour.com website. You should check out the interactive map on the website and plan where you want to go. You can also decide where you want to have lunch. If you want to try out one of the famous Michelin star restaurants, lunch is the best time to do it as it is cheaper than at night. You will get great value at most restaurants at lunch, so you could just try your luck wherever you end up. If you want to book in advance and plan your sightseeing around that, check out the www.bestrestaurantsparis.com website. If I was forced to decide in advance, I would go for one of the traditional bistros that never seems to change like L’Ambassade d’Auvergne at 22 rue du Grenier St-Lazare (www.ambassade-auvergne.com). It serves up food from central France, such as lentil salad with bacon and goose fat, and sausages with aligot (cheesy mashed potato). And I would stop off at Angelina at 226 rue de Rivoli for its famous deserts.
Mykonos or Ios?
Q: I went to Ibiza last summer and want to take friends, all aged under 30, to another island in early July. I am trying to decide between Mykonos and Ios in Greece. Which do you recommend for a good nightlife? Any information on cheap transport and accommodation would be appreciated. - Tom Blake
A: Both are great party islands, but Ios is the more affordable of the two. It attracts thousands of young travelers every year, so is geared towards this market. Mykonos is more upmarket, but you can spend a night or two there, as there are ferries between the two islands. There is no airport on Ios, so the island is only accessible by ferry. Most people fly to Athens and then take a ferry from the port of Piraeus to the island. The trip takes 5-7 hours and costs around 35 Euros each way in economy class. If you fly to Santorini, the ferry trip to Ios will only take one hour and costs 17.50 Euros each way. The main town on the island is Chora, which transforms from an idyllic village into a wild party zone at night. The best beach on the island is Mylopotas beach, which also has plenty of bars and restaurants, so you can decide where you want to base yourself. There is usually plenty of accommodation available in all price brackets, although prices soar in July and August. Most young travelers don't book accommodation in advance, as it is better to see what you are getting and negotiate your rate. The www.loveiosgreece.com website has plenty of interesting tips about Ios. You can book ferry tickets on this site, as well as the popular www.greeka.com.
Hotel in Buenos Aires
Q: We will be spending three days in Buenos Aires on our way back from the Antartica in December. We are looking for 3 or 4 star hotel in a central position. Do you have any suggestions? - Maureen Michaels
A: Buenos Aires is not the cheapest city for hotel rooms, but there are still plenty of value-for-money choices. Here is a selection of hotels that could suit you. The rates quoted are from a discount website, www.booking.com, and they exclude 21 percent compulsory tax. A good mid-range hotel in the city is the Hotel Bristol, located on 9 de Julio Avenue, across from the Obelisk. It offers free Wi-Fi, gym facilities and comfortable bedrooms. Double rooms with breakfast start at R883 (www.hotelbristol.com.ar). Go trendy and stay at the Art Suites and Gallery, which is located in the smart Recoleta district with its chic cafes and designer stores. A studio apartment with breakfast will cost R1083(www.artsuites.com.ar). A very affordable choice is the three-star Hotel Impala, which offers clean double rooms with breakfast from R630 per night. The hotel is located in the very desirable Recoleta district, close to the city's most famous street, 9 de Julio Avenue (www.hotelimpala.com.ar). If you prefer smaller hotels, then you could give the Le Fresque Hotel a try. Located in downtown Buenos Aires four blocks from the Obelisk, it offers 34 rooms in an old colonial building. It's rather eccentric, with antique furniture, wooden floors and modern touches. Rates range from only R492 (www.lafresquehotel.com). For a totally different feel, try Five Cool Rooms, a four-star boutique hotel in the Palermo area. All 17 bedrooms are classy and there's a great rooftop terrace with an tub offering views of the city. Rates for a double room with breakfast start at R759 (www.fivehotelbuenosaires.com). If you decide you want to live it up, the five-star Claridge Hotel is a great neo-classical choice in the heart of the city. Enjoy stylish rooms, a heated outdoor pool and 24 hours service. Double rooms with breakfast start at R1275, a good rate for a luxury hotel.
Rail From Sicily to Rome
Q: We are travelling in and around Sicily in September and would like to go by rail back to Rome. Can you please assist us with some suggestions? - Arlene Emmenes
A: The decision to take a train would have to be one of choice, as flying is so much more convenient and cheaper. However, it would be enjoyable for those who enjoy travelling by train and those who seek adventure. The journey from Palermo to Rome takes around 11 hours 20 minutes. There are three departures per day - at 7am, 10.07am and 6.30pm. I did a test booking on the www.eurorailways.com website for the 7am train. The one-way fare in first class came to 163 US dollars including booking and handling fees. In second class it costs 130 US dollars. If, like me, you are wondering how the train crosses the ocean, here's the secret: the cars are rolled onto barges for the crossing of the Strait of Messina. The trip takes about an hour and during the crossing you can stay in the train or go on deck. You will arrive in the port of Villa San Giovanni near Reggio Calabria in southern Italy and travel on to Rome. Another alternative is to make the trip by ferry. Ferries run from Palermo to Civitavecchia, the port for Rome. GNV ferries run three times a week (www.gnv.it). Prices I was quoted were 95 Euros for airline-style seating and cabins with beds from 267 Euros (internal) and 285 Euros (external). The journey takes around 13 hours.
Where To Stay For US Open
We want to go to the US Open Tennis later this year and would like to know whether it is advisable to stay in Manhattan. We would prefer not to spend too much time travelling and want to be able to attend the late matches. Should we try to find accommodation in Queens, closer to the complex? - Riana Miller
Most visitors to the US Open stay in Manhattan, as there is limited accommodation in Queens. From Manhattan, it is easy to use the public transport system to get to the complex, officially known as the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The cheapest way to get there is to take the number 7 subway, which stops at Mets/Willets Point Station, a short walk from the complex. However, you can also use the Long Island Railroad (LIRR), which runs from Penn Station to Mets/Willets Point for extended hours. It costs more than the subway, but it is faster, has a set schedule and has comfortable seats. It only takes 18 minutes each way. Therefore, it makes sense to stay close to a number 7 subway stop or Penn station. If you are worried about the time it takes to get to matches, then try to avoid carrying a handbag. There are two queues at the entrances - one for those with bags, and one for those without. You can guess which one is unsufferably long. So, unless you desperately need to bring a handbag, leave it at the hotel. Secondly, the lines at the East Gate (closest to the subway and the LIRR) are very long. Rather walk around to the South Gate, which is directly in front of the Unisphere. It will be much quieter.
Visit Ferrari World
Q: We will be travelling to Dubai next month and are particularly interested in visiting Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi. Do you think it is worthwhile and how would we organise it? - Farouk Kadwa
A: You don't have to be a fan of the Ferrari brand to enjoy this attraction, which is the largest indoor amusement park in the world. It has more than 20 rides and is home to the world's fastest roller coaster. Other attractions include a carousel featuring only cars, an interactive 3-D show which follows the life of a Ferrari engineer, a driving school for children, a virtual tour of the factory and a spaceshot tower which launches riders over 62m up and out of the building. The cost of a day pass is AED225 (R500). It is located on Yas island, only 90kms from Dubai. You can either join an organised excursion or take your own transport or taxi there (www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com).
No Flights From Istanbul to Islands
Q: My wife and I are going to Istanbul in late June. We would like to visit the Greek Islands and spend two nights on Mykonos and two nights on Santorini. What's the best way of doing this? Is a ferry from Kusadasi an option? - Mohamed Rahim
A: There are no direct ferries from Istanbul to the Greek islands. You can go via other Turkish ports to some Greek islands, but not the two you plan to visit. Going via Kusadasi is an option, but it is a time-consuming journey. You would take two bus journeys to get from Istanbul to Kusadasi and then a ferry trip to Samos and another ferry to Mykonos. It is easier to fly to Mykonos or Santorini, but you will have to go via Athens. Expect to pay around R2300 for a return ticket on Aegean Air.
How to get to Dalian
Q: What would be the easiest way to get to the city of Dalian in China in early August? Can you recommend a Western-style hotel there. - Arnold Roebuck
A: SAA now flies from Johannesburg to Beijing three times a week and Dalian is a 50-minute flight from there, so this is your best choice. There are plenty of connecting flights on China Southern and China Air. An alternative is to fly through Hong Kong on SAA or Cathay Pacific and then connect to Dalian on China Air, but you won't have the wide choice of connecting flights and you may be in for a long wait at Hong Kong Airport. Dalian has a population of more tha six million people, so it has a wide range of international hotels. I checked on the discount site www.booking.com and your options include the Hilton Dalian (from R1307 per double room), the Hotel Ibis Sanba (R422), Holiday Inn Dalian Software Park Apartments (R369) and the five-star Shangri-la (R1668).
Saturday, 14 April 2012
Family-friendly Broadway Show
Q: I will be traveling to New York in June with my parents and seven-year-old daughter. Can you recommend a Broadway show that will appeal to all ages? How should I book? - Waheeda Gani
A; Your best choice is probably the Lion King, the musical depicting life in the Serengeti. The wonder of Africa comes to life to music by Elton John and Tim Rice. The show has just surpasseed Phantom of the Opera as Broadway's all-time highest grossing show. Other big musicals you could consider are Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Sister Act, Evita, Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar and Spider-Man. All tickets are available in advance from www.broadway.com, but booking fees can be as high as 50 dollars per ticket. I checked the price of seats for the Lion King in June and these ranged from 87-199 US dollars, plus booking fee. Other shows are less expensive, with seats from around 50 dollars. Before you book, check www.broadwaybox.com to see if discounts are being offered on the show you want to see. You can get discounts of 25-50 percent, even if you end up buying your tickets at the theatre box office. If you don't really mind which show you end up seeing, then you can get cut-price tickets at the TKTS booth in Times Square.
A; Your best choice is probably the Lion King, the musical depicting life in the Serengeti. The wonder of Africa comes to life to music by Elton John and Tim Rice. The show has just surpasseed Phantom of the Opera as Broadway's all-time highest grossing show. Other big musicals you could consider are Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Sister Act, Evita, Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar and Spider-Man. All tickets are available in advance from www.broadway.com, but booking fees can be as high as 50 dollars per ticket. I checked the price of seats for the Lion King in June and these ranged from 87-199 US dollars, plus booking fee. Other shows are less expensive, with seats from around 50 dollars. Before you book, check www.broadwaybox.com to see if discounts are being offered on the show you want to see. You can get discounts of 25-50 percent, even if you end up buying your tickets at the theatre box office. If you don't really mind which show you end up seeing, then you can get cut-price tickets at the TKTS booth in Times Square.
UK Transit Visa - Still Confused!
Q: My husband and I will be travelling to the United States and Canada in July with British Airways and will be transit at Heathrow for about seven hours. We have been advised by some travel agents that we do not need a UK transit visa as we have USA and Canadian visas. We are confused and concerned and would greatly appreciate your advice. It would be absolutely disastrous if we were refused entry on the aircraft because we did not apply for the UK transit visa. - Catherine Sun
A: This issue has been causing a great deal of confusion for many travellers in recent months. But we have a final answer on this - from the regional operations manager for the UK Border agency, Mr Andy Newlands. Writing to this column in January, he explained that while South Africans generally required a visa to transit the UK, they were exempted from obtaining transit visas for British airports if they held visas for one of four countries - the United States, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. Other requirements were that they had confirmed air tickets for their destination and did not remain in transit for more than 24 hours. Other South Africans who did not meet the above requirements needed transit visas, even if they did not pass through Immigration control and were catching a flight from the same airport. But his explanation means good news for you - you do not need a transit visa.
Search for Hotel in Rome
Q: I am looking for a comfortable, reasonable and central hotel in Rome (maybe close to the Spanish Steps). When I ask for a recommendation from friends who have been it seems like no one wants to give a recommendation as they were disappointed with their hotel. Can you recommend one or two? - Gloria MacConnell.
A: If you win the lottery, you can stay at the Hassler, a five-star hotel perched at the top of the Spanish Steps (www.hotelhasslerroma.com). You won't find anything similar at rock-bottom rates, but that doesn't mean you have to live in a dump when you visit the Eternal City.
For sheer value, it's hard to beat the two-star Panda Hotel (www.pandahotel.it). Only two minutes walk from the Steps, you can get an air conditioned room with bathroom and free wi-fi from 65 Euros (single). A double costs 85-105 Euros. For three-star comfort, you can stay at the Hotel Smeraldo (www.smeraldoroma.com) with its great rooftop terrace. Located in the heart of old Rome, the hotel has nice rooms with airconditioning and double-glazed windows. Rates range from 115 Euros for a single and 159 Euros for a double.
Another hotel offering great value is the three-star Hotel delle Muse, which lies 500m north of Villa Borghese. Relax in the garden restaurant and 24-hour bar. Expect to pay around 99 Euros for a double room with buffet breakfast (www.hoteldellemuse.com).
If you are happy to pay a little more, one of the best choices is a charming hotel set in the former residence of Hans Christian Andersen, a centuries old townhouse. The Inn at the Spanish Steps features striking rooms with authentic period decor and offers breakfast, internet and a business centre. Room rates start at around 200 Euros (www.atspanishsteps.com).
If you're prepared to splash out and pay around 250 Euros per night, you you can stay in one of the hippest hotels close to the Spanish Steps, the four star Art Hotel (www.hotelartrome.com). Stylish decked out in contemporary art, it is surrounded by great gourmet restaurants and trattorias.
If you don't intend being out late at night and fancy something totally different, you could consider staying in one of the convents run as guesthouses by Dominican nuns. Casa Il Rosario has a 11pm curfew and no TV, but offers good value within walking distance of the Coliseum (from 54 Euros on www.travelpod.com). If it's full, try Casa di Sant'Anna nearby.
You could save money by staying out of the city centre. A great choice would be the Flaminio Village Park on the outskirts of Rome (www.villageflaminio.it). It has good transport links to the city and offers a choice of campsites, bungalows and cabins in a park-like setting. A nice double room will cost you around 50 Euros per night, a campsite a whole lot less.
A: If you win the lottery, you can stay at the Hassler, a five-star hotel perched at the top of the Spanish Steps (www.hotelhasslerroma.com). You won't find anything similar at rock-bottom rates, but that doesn't mean you have to live in a dump when you visit the Eternal City.
For sheer value, it's hard to beat the two-star Panda Hotel (www.pandahotel.it). Only two minutes walk from the Steps, you can get an air conditioned room with bathroom and free wi-fi from 65 Euros (single). A double costs 85-105 Euros. For three-star comfort, you can stay at the Hotel Smeraldo (www.smeraldoroma.com) with its great rooftop terrace. Located in the heart of old Rome, the hotel has nice rooms with airconditioning and double-glazed windows. Rates range from 115 Euros for a single and 159 Euros for a double.
Another hotel offering great value is the three-star Hotel delle Muse, which lies 500m north of Villa Borghese. Relax in the garden restaurant and 24-hour bar. Expect to pay around 99 Euros for a double room with buffet breakfast (www.hoteldellemuse.com).
If you are happy to pay a little more, one of the best choices is a charming hotel set in the former residence of Hans Christian Andersen, a centuries old townhouse. The Inn at the Spanish Steps features striking rooms with authentic period decor and offers breakfast, internet and a business centre. Room rates start at around 200 Euros (www.atspanishsteps.com).
If you're prepared to splash out and pay around 250 Euros per night, you you can stay in one of the hippest hotels close to the Spanish Steps, the four star Art Hotel (www.hotelartrome.com). Stylish decked out in contemporary art, it is surrounded by great gourmet restaurants and trattorias.
If you don't intend being out late at night and fancy something totally different, you could consider staying in one of the convents run as guesthouses by Dominican nuns. Casa Il Rosario has a 11pm curfew and no TV, but offers good value within walking distance of the Coliseum (from 54 Euros on www.travelpod.com). If it's full, try Casa di Sant'Anna nearby.
You could save money by staying out of the city centre. A great choice would be the Flaminio Village Park on the outskirts of Rome (www.villageflaminio.it). It has good transport links to the city and offers a choice of campsites, bungalows and cabins in a park-like setting. A nice double room will cost you around 50 Euros per night, a campsite a whole lot less.
Transfers from Beijing Airport
Q: I would like to find out about transfers from Beijing Capital Airport to our hotel in the downtown area. Could you find out about the various options and prices? - Riaan Lategan
A: There are three main options for you - shuttle bus, express rail service or taxi. There are six shuttle bus routes from the airport, which run every 30 minutes or when full. The rate is RMB16 (R20) per person. Slightly more expensive is the Airport Express, a light rail service which takes only 16 minutes to travel the 23kms to the city centre. The train departs every three minutes. The main city terminus for the express is Dongzhimen station. Tickets cost RMB25 (R31). Finally, you can take a taxi. Ignore the taxi touts and join the queue for licensed taxis. The fare from the airport to the city centre will cost RMB80-120 (R100-R150) per vehicle.
A: There are three main options for you - shuttle bus, express rail service or taxi. There are six shuttle bus routes from the airport, which run every 30 minutes or when full. The rate is RMB16 (R20) per person. Slightly more expensive is the Airport Express, a light rail service which takes only 16 minutes to travel the 23kms to the city centre. The train departs every three minutes. The main city terminus for the express is Dongzhimen station. Tickets cost RMB25 (R31). Finally, you can take a taxi. Ignore the taxi touts and join the queue for licensed taxis. The fare from the airport to the city centre will cost RMB80-120 (R100-R150) per vehicle.
Taking Booze on Celebrity Cruise
Q: We are booked on a Celebrity cruise out of Civitavecchia in July 2012. On a previous cruise no drinks were allowed to be taken on board and were confiscated for the duration of the cruise and could be collected upon disembarkation at the end of the cruise. I hear that some of the cruise lines have become less rigid and now allow each passenger two bottles at the initial embarkation. Is this true? If so, can they be taken to the main dining room for dinner with a corkage fee? - Colin Townsend
A: While Celebrity Cruises does not allow passengers to bring beer or spirits on board, guests may bring wine onto the vessel at the beginning of the cruise. However, this is limited to two bottles per stateroom (not per person) and there is no corkage charge if this is consumed in your cabin. Bottles consumed in a restaurant, bar or dining venue are subject to a 25 US dollars charge. That's pretty high and not likely to save you too much money. Wine bought from the liner's Bon Voyage Gift selection is not subjected to corkage charges, even when consumed in the dining room or public area. Other alcoholic beverages purchased in ports of call or other onboard shops will be stored and delivered to guest staterooms on the last day of sailing. For a listing of the alcohol policies on all major cruise lines, go to the www.cruisemates.com website.
A: While Celebrity Cruises does not allow passengers to bring beer or spirits on board, guests may bring wine onto the vessel at the beginning of the cruise. However, this is limited to two bottles per stateroom (not per person) and there is no corkage charge if this is consumed in your cabin. Bottles consumed in a restaurant, bar or dining venue are subject to a 25 US dollars charge. That's pretty high and not likely to save you too much money. Wine bought from the liner's Bon Voyage Gift selection is not subjected to corkage charges, even when consumed in the dining room or public area. Other alcoholic beverages purchased in ports of call or other onboard shops will be stored and delivered to guest staterooms on the last day of sailing. For a listing of the alcohol policies on all major cruise lines, go to the www.cruisemates.com website.
Travelers cheques - dead and buried?
Q: My wife and I are traveling in the United States in June. We normally take travelers cheques when abroad and I have always found them safe and convenient. Any thoughts on if we should stick with them or maybe change to a cash card for our forex and pros and cons on both? - Eric Bellingham
A: Once it was essential to buy travelers cheques for an overseas trip, but this is no longer the case. Their use has been declining since the 1990s due to the growth in credit card usage and automated teller machines around the globe. These days most people will carry their foreign exchange in a credit or debit card, backed up by some foreign currency notes. The advantage with the cards is that you can draw cash in local currency at ATMs everywhere. The disadvantage is that bank charges can be high and you could lose your money to fraud if someone gets hold of your pin number and card. Travelers cheques are still used in the States, but the acceptance has been in decline due to fraud concerns. You can still take some of your allowance in travelers cheques if it makes you feel secure, but perhaps the time has come to switch to an electronic card. You may not need to use a travel cash card like the Visa TravelMoney Card; you can probably use your own credit and bank card everywhere. If your bank cards have a Visa or Cirrus symbol on them you should be fine. It is advisable to carry more than one card in case one gets damaged or lost.
A: Once it was essential to buy travelers cheques for an overseas trip, but this is no longer the case. Their use has been declining since the 1990s due to the growth in credit card usage and automated teller machines around the globe. These days most people will carry their foreign exchange in a credit or debit card, backed up by some foreign currency notes. The advantage with the cards is that you can draw cash in local currency at ATMs everywhere. The disadvantage is that bank charges can be high and you could lose your money to fraud if someone gets hold of your pin number and card. Travelers cheques are still used in the States, but the acceptance has been in decline due to fraud concerns. You can still take some of your allowance in travelers cheques if it makes you feel secure, but perhaps the time has come to switch to an electronic card. You may not need to use a travel cash card like the Visa TravelMoney Card; you can probably use your own credit and bank card everywhere. If your bank cards have a Visa or Cirrus symbol on them you should be fine. It is advisable to carry more than one card in case one gets damaged or lost.
Travel from Delhi to Jaipur
Q: I will be visiting Delhi later this year and am considering travelling to Jaipur for a day. Would this be too ambitious? If not, what would be the best and quickest form of transport? Also, could you recommend a good and reasonably priced hotel (with air-conditioning) in Delhi? - Riana Rosenbaum
A: Jaipur would be a good choice for a sidetrip from Delhi and is quite feasible. Among the fascinating attractions there are the "Hawa Mahal" Palace of the Winds, the Galta Monkey Temple, the Amber Fort and the elephant safaris. The easiest option to get from Delhi to Jaipur is by plane. There are regular flights between the two cities on Jet Airways, Air India and Kingfisher. The flight only takes 40 minutes and tickets are generally very affordable. Expect to pay 1000-3000 Rupees (R155-R465) each way. However, if you want to see the countryside between the two cities, you could go by rail or road. There is a direct rail service between the cities, with a number of trains each day. The trains take 5-6 hours each way. Although it is possible to do a "day trip", it makes more sense to spend a night or two in Jaipur if you opt for the scenic train service. Finally, you can take a luxury bus or taxi between the cities, as the driving distance is around 265kms. This takes around 3 hours, 30 minutes each way. Return taxi fares are likely to range from 5,000-9,000 Rupees (R775-R1400) per car. The return bus fare would be 400-1000 Rupees (R60-R155). For an affordable, clean room in Delhi you could try the Hospitality Home Bed and Breakfast. A five-minute walk from the Karol Bagh Market it offers free Wi-Fi, free parking and air-conditioned rooms with a TV. Rates for a double room with breakfast start at 40 US dollars per night on www.booking.com. Another popular choice is the two-star Ajanta Hotel, located a 10-minute walk away from the Connaught Place Shopping Center.The hotel has 70 air-conditioned guest rooms with cable TV, fridge and minibar. A double room with free airport pick-up will cost you from 32-40 US dollars on www.agoda.com. If you want to splash out, you can stay at the five-star Shangri-La Hotel New Delhi in the city centre from only 125 US dollars per night (www.booking.com).
A: Jaipur would be a good choice for a sidetrip from Delhi and is quite feasible. Among the fascinating attractions there are the "Hawa Mahal" Palace of the Winds, the Galta Monkey Temple, the Amber Fort and the elephant safaris. The easiest option to get from Delhi to Jaipur is by plane. There are regular flights between the two cities on Jet Airways, Air India and Kingfisher. The flight only takes 40 minutes and tickets are generally very affordable. Expect to pay 1000-3000 Rupees (R155-R465) each way. However, if you want to see the countryside between the two cities, you could go by rail or road. There is a direct rail service between the cities, with a number of trains each day. The trains take 5-6 hours each way. Although it is possible to do a "day trip", it makes more sense to spend a night or two in Jaipur if you opt for the scenic train service. Finally, you can take a luxury bus or taxi between the cities, as the driving distance is around 265kms. This takes around 3 hours, 30 minutes each way. Return taxi fares are likely to range from 5,000-9,000 Rupees (R775-R1400) per car. The return bus fare would be 400-1000 Rupees (R60-R155). For an affordable, clean room in Delhi you could try the Hospitality Home Bed and Breakfast. A five-minute walk from the Karol Bagh Market it offers free Wi-Fi, free parking and air-conditioned rooms with a TV. Rates for a double room with breakfast start at 40 US dollars per night on www.booking.com. Another popular choice is the two-star Ajanta Hotel, located a 10-minute walk away from the Connaught Place Shopping Center.The hotel has 70 air-conditioned guest rooms with cable TV, fridge and minibar. A double room with free airport pick-up will cost you from 32-40 US dollars on www.agoda.com. If you want to splash out, you can stay at the five-star Shangri-La Hotel New Delhi in the city centre from only 125 US dollars per night (www.booking.com).
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Airport Transfers at Phuket Airport
Q: We desperately need advice on who to contact in Phuket for return transfers from and to the airport to our hotel in Patong Beach. I have seen on the internet that the fee for a single transfer is around 70 Thai baht, and thought that we could ask the hotel to arrange it, but not so! Can you please suggest a company that can help or should we just try to bargain with taxis at the airport? - Linda van den Berg
A: There are a number of ways to get from Phuket Airport to Patong Beach. The low-cost bus service you mention will only get you to Phuket City and then you face the hassle (and haggle with taxis) to get to Patong Beach 20kms away. My advice to you is not to book in advance but to organise your transfer at the counter in the airport terminal, located just after you collect your luggage and before you reach the public arrivals hall. All prices are listed on a large board, with a seat in a minibus costing from 180-250 baht (R45-R60) per person and a private car to Patong Beach seating 3-4 people starting at around 750 baht (R180) per car. You pay at this counter and a representative will accompany you to the car (usually referred to as a limousine). It is a very slick operation. Be aware that some minibus drivers stop off at a travel office midway to Patong where they try to get you to book hotels or tours. Fortunately, the cars normally go directly to your hotel. An alternative is to take one of the metered taxis which line up to the left of the terminal as you exit. This can cost you around 500 baht (R125) to Patong. However, you have to walk the gauntlet of independent taxi drivers to get to the booth and then you may have to haggle with the driver to put the meter on. If you are determined to book in advance, you could ask your hotel to send a car and driver to meet you, but the charge could be 1000-2000 baht (R250-R400). Overall, taking the organised limousine service from inside the terminal is the best bet. Unless you are on a very tight budget, it will be worth the R180 or so it will cost for the 45-minute journey.
A: There are a number of ways to get from Phuket Airport to Patong Beach. The low-cost bus service you mention will only get you to Phuket City and then you face the hassle (and haggle with taxis) to get to Patong Beach 20kms away. My advice to you is not to book in advance but to organise your transfer at the counter in the airport terminal, located just after you collect your luggage and before you reach the public arrivals hall. All prices are listed on a large board, with a seat in a minibus costing from 180-250 baht (R45-R60) per person and a private car to Patong Beach seating 3-4 people starting at around 750 baht (R180) per car. You pay at this counter and a representative will accompany you to the car (usually referred to as a limousine). It is a very slick operation. Be aware that some minibus drivers stop off at a travel office midway to Patong where they try to get you to book hotels or tours. Fortunately, the cars normally go directly to your hotel. An alternative is to take one of the metered taxis which line up to the left of the terminal as you exit. This can cost you around 500 baht (R125) to Patong. However, you have to walk the gauntlet of independent taxi drivers to get to the booth and then you may have to haggle with the driver to put the meter on. If you are determined to book in advance, you could ask your hotel to send a car and driver to meet you, but the charge could be 1000-2000 baht (R250-R400). Overall, taking the organised limousine service from inside the terminal is the best bet. Unless you are on a very tight budget, it will be worth the R180 or so it will cost for the 45-minute journey.
Where to Stay in LA
Q: Which area of Los Angeles should we stay in for a 10-day holiday that will include visits to all the main tourist attractions. Secondly, is it easy to get around the city without a car? Alternatively, is hiring a car an easy and safe option? - Ryan Lowrie
A: While you will probably find the best hotel offers in the downtown area, this is not the best area to stay in and can be risky after dark. The same goes for the eastern part of Hollywood, which has become seedy and rundown. Areas you could choose include West Hollywood, which has a number of affordable hotels; and Beverly Hills, which has some of the city's priciest places to stay; and Century City, which is great for shopping and entertainment. However, my choice would be to head for Santa Monica, Marina del Ray or the beachfront of Venice Beach. You can find some good accommodation offers there and enjoy the city's bustling beach scene. Wherever you stay, a hired car is probably the best way to get around. It does get busy and there always seem to be millions of cars on the roads, but getting about is not that difficult. This is a city built for cars. If you really don't want to drive, you will have to use taxis or the tourist shuttle services.
Want a Woman-Only Spa
Q: I would like to find out if there are any women-only Turkish-style spas in Budapest. I will be in the city during July and would to spent time in a traditional bath house for women, not a new hotel spa. Can you assist me? - Riana Mostert
A: I don't know of any women-only traditional spas in the city, but some of the finest bath-houses do have days reserved for women. However, the pickings are rather slim. The famous thermal Rudas Baths is reserved for women only on a Tuesday, while men get four days of the week to themselves. This spa has a central octagonal pool with five smaller pools. There are also three saunas and two steam rooms. At the Gellert Baths, the indoor thermal pools are separated by gender during the week (Monday to Saturday), but the three outdoor pools are open to both sexes. These baths, built in immaculate Art Nouveau style, is home to a wave pool and an evervescent bath in additional to nine medicinal pools. The Kiraly Baths used to be reserved for women on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but since May last year it opened to both sexes throughout the week. When you are in Budapest, ask your hotel concierge to check the status of the spas as changes can take place.
Get from Gatwick to Heathrow
Q: What is the easiest way to get from Gatwick Airport to Heathrow Airport in London. I would prefer not to catch the train into central London. - Joe Van Der Spuy
A: The easiest way to travel between airports is to book a limousine or saloon car, which will be waiting for you at Gatwick and take you straight to Heathrow. I did a trial booking (www.londonairporttransport.co.uk) for a salon car and the rate offered was 61 British pounds. A bus service would be cheaper, but that involves waiting time and luggage issues. A one-way bus ticket on National Express costs just under 25 British pounds (www.nationalexpress.com).
A: The easiest way to travel between airports is to book a limousine or saloon car, which will be waiting for you at Gatwick and take you straight to Heathrow. I did a trial booking (www.londonairporttransport.co.uk) for a salon car and the rate offered was 61 British pounds. A bus service would be cheaper, but that involves waiting time and luggage issues. A one-way bus ticket on National Express costs just under 25 British pounds (www.nationalexpress.com).
Flying to Sri Lanka: The Options
Q; We would like to visit Sri Lanka and have been checking for reasonable airline tickets. As there are no direct flights, we are looking at flying via the Middle East on Emirates or Etihad. Do you have any other suggestions? - Des Reddy
A: Etihad and Emirates are good Middle East choices, but you can also check Qatar Airways via Doha. It flies direct from Doha to Colombo in five hours. If you are building up Voyager miles, then you can fly SAA to Mumbai and then take Sri Lankan Airlines or one of the Indian budget airlines to Colombo. However, using a single airline is usually more cost-effective. If you are struggling to get seats, then you could also try flying via Singapore (with Singapore Airlines) and Bangkok (on Thai International). There are a number of budget airlines that fly to Colombo from Singapore and Bangkok, including Tiger Air and Airasia.
A: Etihad and Emirates are good Middle East choices, but you can also check Qatar Airways via Doha. It flies direct from Doha to Colombo in five hours. If you are building up Voyager miles, then you can fly SAA to Mumbai and then take Sri Lankan Airlines or one of the Indian budget airlines to Colombo. However, using a single airline is usually more cost-effective. If you are struggling to get seats, then you could also try flying via Singapore (with Singapore Airlines) and Bangkok (on Thai International). There are a number of budget airlines that fly to Colombo from Singapore and Bangkok, including Tiger Air and Airasia.
Find a Good Hotel in Burma
Q: We hope to visit Burma later this year and need to find a good hotel in Yangon to persuade my wife to join me. I have heard that much of the accommodation is rundown and uncomfortable. Can you recommend a good hotel in the city centre? - John Leslington
A: The most famous hotel in Yangon is the Strand, a three-storey Victorian hotel with marble flooring, butlers and top-notch restaurants. This quiet luxury does not come cheap, with discounted rates ranging from 200-250 dollars per night including breakfast and taxes (www.booking.com). Competing with the Strand for exclusivity is the five-star Governor's Residence. A colonial building with a swimming pool set in beautiful gardens, it is very popular among dignitaries and executives. Rates range from 246 to 354 US dollars per night (www.booking.com). My favourite hotel in the city is the mid-range Traders Hotel, which is part of the Shangri-La group. This high-rise hotel is in the city centre and offers comfortable rooms. However, like many businesses and hotels in Myanmar today, the hotel is undergoing a refurbishment programme which will be completed by mid-year. You can book rooms on www.shangrila.com. Other reasonable choices are the Sedona Hotel at Inya Lake (from 82 US dollars), the colonial Savoy Hotel in the city centre (150 US dollars) and the Micasa Hotel Apartments (from 100 US dollars). Check out the latest rates for these hotels on www.directrooms.com.
A: The most famous hotel in Yangon is the Strand, a three-storey Victorian hotel with marble flooring, butlers and top-notch restaurants. This quiet luxury does not come cheap, with discounted rates ranging from 200-250 dollars per night including breakfast and taxes (www.booking.com). Competing with the Strand for exclusivity is the five-star Governor's Residence. A colonial building with a swimming pool set in beautiful gardens, it is very popular among dignitaries and executives. Rates range from 246 to 354 US dollars per night (www.booking.com). My favourite hotel in the city is the mid-range Traders Hotel, which is part of the Shangri-La group. This high-rise hotel is in the city centre and offers comfortable rooms. However, like many businesses and hotels in Myanmar today, the hotel is undergoing a refurbishment programme which will be completed by mid-year. You can book rooms on www.shangrila.com. Other reasonable choices are the Sedona Hotel at Inya Lake (from 82 US dollars), the colonial Savoy Hotel in the city centre (150 US dollars) and the Micasa Hotel Apartments (from 100 US dollars). Check out the latest rates for these hotels on www.directrooms.com.
Choose an Island in Greece
Q: I will be joining a group of friends, all in their early-20s, in Greece. As I only have five days, what should I do? Which islands should I visit? - Bridget Mann
A: I recommend you head straight for the Cyclades islands, which are the picture postcard islands and the ones that people think of. First should be Mykonos, the most fashionable and glamorous island of all. Mingle with the international jet-set as you enjoy the finest restaurants, nightlife and shopping that the isles have to offer. After two days or so here, head for Santorini, the island with "the view". There is no more romantic island, so expect to fall in love as you overlook the deep blue sea from one of the hilltop tavernas. This is the image that sells Greece to travellers around the globe. You will find that accommodation in Mykonos and Santorini can be very pricey, but you should be able to find some reasonable rooms in late June. There's no need to book - you'll get the best bargains by negotiating when you arrive. You can easily travel by ferry from Piraeus, which is part of the island experience (www,greeka.com). However, as your time is valuable, you may consider travelling one way by plane (www.aegeanair.com). If you are on a very strict budget and prefer to stay on one islands with thousands of young party animals, then head for Ios. An eight-hour ferry trip from Piraeus takes you to "party central". Meet revellers from around the globe who are more interested in partying than absorbing any Greek culture. Check out the www.greektravel.com website for an expert view of the different islands. Unless your travel plans make it necessary, I would not stay overnight in Athens. If you have the time, you can check out some of the attractions, but I think you will have far more fun on the island trail.
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A: I recommend you head straight for the Cyclades islands, which are the picture postcard islands and the ones that people think of. First should be Mykonos, the most fashionable and glamorous island of all. Mingle with the international jet-set as you enjoy the finest restaurants, nightlife and shopping that the isles have to offer. After two days or so here, head for Santorini, the island with "the view". There is no more romantic island, so expect to fall in love as you overlook the deep blue sea from one of the hilltop tavernas. This is the image that sells Greece to travellers around the globe. You will find that accommodation in Mykonos and Santorini can be very pricey, but you should be able to find some reasonable rooms in late June. There's no need to book - you'll get the best bargains by negotiating when you arrive. You can easily travel by ferry from Piraeus, which is part of the island experience (www,greeka.com). However, as your time is valuable, you may consider travelling one way by plane (www.aegeanair.com). If you are on a very strict budget and prefer to stay on one islands with thousands of young party animals, then head for Ios. An eight-hour ferry trip from Piraeus takes you to "party central". Meet revellers from around the globe who are more interested in partying than absorbing any Greek culture. Check out the www.greektravel.com website for an expert view of the different islands. Unless your travel plans make it necessary, I would not stay overnight in Athens. If you have the time, you can check out some of the attractions, but I think you will have far more fun on the island trail.
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See The Tulips in Amsterdam
Q: I am investigating the possibility of taking my mother to see the flowers in Holland. When would be the best time to go, where should we go and do you have any special tips? - Rene Thompson
A: The best time to visit is during April and May, as spring breaks out. The best place to see the tulips in bloom is in the Keukenhof Garden near Lisse. Most visitors stay in Amsterdam and travel to Lisse for the floral display. It is an amazing collection of gardens, with more than seven million flowers. It can take a few days to see all the displays thoroughly, but even a day visit will be a memorable experience. If you book a flight and hotel in Amsterdam, you should be able to join one of the organised tours to Keukenhof (www.keukenhof.com). As you are booking close to the actual event, you may find that prices are high. You can start planning for next year or visit the Netherlands later in the year. There are always wonderful flower markets to visit and you can check out the flower-growing industry without the spring crowds.
A: The best time to visit is during April and May, as spring breaks out. The best place to see the tulips in bloom is in the Keukenhof Garden near Lisse. Most visitors stay in Amsterdam and travel to Lisse for the floral display. It is an amazing collection of gardens, with more than seven million flowers. It can take a few days to see all the displays thoroughly, but even a day visit will be a memorable experience. If you book a flight and hotel in Amsterdam, you should be able to join one of the organised tours to Keukenhof (www.keukenhof.com). As you are booking close to the actual event, you may find that prices are high. You can start planning for next year or visit the Netherlands later in the year. There are always wonderful flower markets to visit and you can check out the flower-growing industry without the spring crowds.
I Wanna Be A Pilgrim
Q: I would like to join a group of people or possibly get a group together who would like to go on a pilgrimage to Compostella in Spain. It starts in France and ends in Compostella. Can you give me any information about travel costs and whether it includes accommodation. When does the pilgrimage begin? - Linde le Ray.
A: Much has been written about the famous pilgrim trail to the city of Santiago de Compostela. I am sure you realise that it is not an organised "tour" or "excursion" - thousands of pilgrims do it at their own leisure and how they see fit. Luckily there are a number of websites that offer excellent advice. One of the best is the www.santiago-compostela.net website, which has a section on the Frances trail. It divides the 450 mile (725km) route into 30 stages, starting from St.-Jean-Pied-de-Port. All along the route, there are refugios - similar to youth hostels - that provide shelter for pilgrims for a minimal fee or contribution. You should budget for at least 25 Euros a day, as a bed in a refugio costs 4-10 Euros a night and substantial 'pilgrim menus' at restaurants on the route cost 7-10 Euros. Bottled water, sandwiches and fruit along the route is not expensive. If you decide to take a break along the route, you can usually find a cheap hotel for 25-35 Euros. For a list of refugios (also known as alberques), check out the www.caminodesantiago.me.uk website. Your most convenient airport from South Africa would probably be Paris, but the arrival/departure airport is not that important, as there are good train links to airports in France and Spain. People walk the trail all year, but the refugios are very crowded in summer. September is a good time to do the trail.
Train Travel in Thailand
Q: I would like to take the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and then on to Koh Samui. Do you have information on booking and prices? - Joe Fortuin
A: Train travel between Bangkok and Chiang Mai is a very popular option, even though budget airlines have brought down the cost of flying. Most of the journeys are overnight and you should choose between first and second class. In second class you can travel in an airline-style seat (from 541 baht - R135) or an air-conditioned sleeper (from 751 baht - R185). In first class the fare starts at 1253 baht (R313). The bottom bunk is slightly more expensive than the top one. If a single traveller wants to have a two-berth compartment to themselves, they can pay an additional 500 baht. There is no direct train service from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui - you would have to travel back to Bangkok and change trains. You may wish to consider flying directly from Chiang Mai on Bangkok Airways, even though this is more expensive. Of course, you cannot get from Bangkok to the island of Samui by train. You would catch a train to Surat Thani and then take a bus and a ferry to the island. The price of the train ticket varies from 308 baht (R77) in a fan-cooled second class seat to 1139 baht (R285) in a first class sleeper. The journey takes 11-12 hours. You can buy a ticket which includes the bus fare from the station to the ferry point and the ferry ticket to Samui for an additional 350 baht (R88). Websites worth visiting for information and bookings include www.seat61com, www.thairailticket.com, www.travelconnecxion.com and www.1stopchiangmai.com.
Private Lodge in Kruger Park
Q: We are planning a family gathering in July and would like to stay at a lodge or camp in the Kruger Park. There will be 10-13 people in the group. Are there any self-catering camps that can be rented for private use at an affordable rate? - Shane Villiers.
A: You don't say what you regard as affordable, but you can count on spending around R500 per person for exclusive use of a camp or lodge. The Roodewaal Bush Lodge, which is located 40kms from the Olifants rest camp, can be rented in full by a single party. It sleeps a total of 16 guests on a self-catering basis. The daily rate is R4720 for up to eight people. Each additional adult costs R510 and there is a R260 charge for additional children. A special feature of this camp is a lookout platform that resembles a treehouse. It is constructed around an enormous Nyala tree, and hangs suspended over the banks of the Timbavati. An alternative is Boulders Bush Lodge, which is located 25 kilometres from the Mopani rest camp. This facility accommodates 12 people, with a daily rate of R2470 for up to 4 people and then R510 for each additional adult and R260 for children. This rustic camp has no perimeter fence, but raised cottages and platforms make it safe for guests. The camp is powered by solar energy, but there are not plug points. There is no cellphone reception. For further details and booking, check out the www.krugerpark.co.za website. Besides the accommodation charge, guests also have to pay a daily 'conservation fee'. This currently costs R48 per person per day for South African residents. International visitors pay R192 for adults and R96 for children under 12 per day. For further details and booking, check out the www.krugerpark.co.za website or telephone central reservations on 021 422 3111.
A: You don't say what you regard as affordable, but you can count on spending around R500 per person for exclusive use of a camp or lodge. The Roodewaal Bush Lodge, which is located 40kms from the Olifants rest camp, can be rented in full by a single party. It sleeps a total of 16 guests on a self-catering basis. The daily rate is R4720 for up to eight people. Each additional adult costs R510 and there is a R260 charge for additional children. A special feature of this camp is a lookout platform that resembles a treehouse. It is constructed around an enormous Nyala tree, and hangs suspended over the banks of the Timbavati. An alternative is Boulders Bush Lodge, which is located 25 kilometres from the Mopani rest camp. This facility accommodates 12 people, with a daily rate of R2470 for up to 4 people and then R510 for each additional adult and R260 for children. This rustic camp has no perimeter fence, but raised cottages and platforms make it safe for guests. The camp is powered by solar energy, but there are not plug points. There is no cellphone reception. For further details and booking, check out the www.krugerpark.co.za website. Besides the accommodation charge, guests also have to pay a daily 'conservation fee'. This currently costs R48 per person per day for South African residents. International visitors pay R192 for adults and R96 for children under 12 per day. For further details and booking, check out the www.krugerpark.co.za website or telephone central reservations on 021 422 3111.
Visa for Singapore
Q: As a South African passport holder,. do I need visas to visit Singapore and Bali? - Greg Anderson
A: You do not need to get a visa in advance for Singapore or Bali. However, all South African passport holders need to buy a visa on arrival at Denpasar Airport in Bali. This costs 25 US dollars and is valid for a stay of up to 30 days. The visa process is pretty slick and takes 3-5 mintues per applicant.
A: You do not need to get a visa in advance for Singapore or Bali. However, all South African passport holders need to buy a visa on arrival at Denpasar Airport in Bali. This costs 25 US dollars and is valid for a stay of up to 30 days. The visa process is pretty slick and takes 3-5 mintues per applicant.
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Visit Sleeping Beauty's Castle
Q: I will be in Fankfurt and Munich during summer and want to visit the castle that was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's Castle in Disneyland. I think it is near Munich. Could you give me details of how to get there, what it costs and any other recommendations? - Mandy Gibson
A: The place you are referring to is Castle Neuschwanstein, which is probably the most famous castle in the world. It was built by King Ludwig II (also called Mad Ludwig) and is located on a hill above the village of Hohenschwangau in Bavaria. To get there from Munich, you can take an organised tour. Alternatively, catch the train from Munich to Fussen, which takes two hours, and then take the bus to Hohenschwangau. You can walk up the steep hill to the castle or take a carriage for six Euros one way or nine Euros return. You can only visit the castle as part of a guided tour at a cost of 12 Euros per adult. You can book in advance on the http://www.hohenschwangau.de/ website or you will be allocated a time when you buy your entry ticket at the booth in Hohenschwangau. The tours only take 35 minutes but there is plenty to explore in the area around the castle. During the tour, you climb up 165 steps and go down 181 steps, so be prepared for a little exercise. You will learn that the castle was ahead of its time in that every floor has running water, indoor heating and a flush toilet. One of the exceptional rooms you will visit is the main bedroom, which features sumptuous carving. It is said it took 14 woodcarvers nearly five years to create this masterpiece. You will also discover that Ludwig was a fan of the composer Richard Wagner and scenes from his operas appear in many of the rooms. If you also intend to visit the other two main attractions in the area, the Hohenschwangau castle and the Museum of the Bavarian Kings, you can buy a ticket that covers all three for 28.50 Euros.
A: The place you are referring to is Castle Neuschwanstein, which is probably the most famous castle in the world. It was built by King Ludwig II (also called Mad Ludwig) and is located on a hill above the village of Hohenschwangau in Bavaria. To get there from Munich, you can take an organised tour. Alternatively, catch the train from Munich to Fussen, which takes two hours, and then take the bus to Hohenschwangau. You can walk up the steep hill to the castle or take a carriage for six Euros one way or nine Euros return. You can only visit the castle as part of a guided tour at a cost of 12 Euros per adult. You can book in advance on the http://www.hohenschwangau.de/ website or you will be allocated a time when you buy your entry ticket at the booth in Hohenschwangau. The tours only take 35 minutes but there is plenty to explore in the area around the castle. During the tour, you climb up 165 steps and go down 181 steps, so be prepared for a little exercise. You will learn that the castle was ahead of its time in that every floor has running water, indoor heating and a flush toilet. One of the exceptional rooms you will visit is the main bedroom, which features sumptuous carving. It is said it took 14 woodcarvers nearly five years to create this masterpiece. You will also discover that Ludwig was a fan of the composer Richard Wagner and scenes from his operas appear in many of the rooms. If you also intend to visit the other two main attractions in the area, the Hohenschwangau castle and the Museum of the Bavarian Kings, you can buy a ticket that covers all three for 28.50 Euros.
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