Getting to White Beach

Q: What is the easiest way to get to White Beach on Boracay Island in the Philippines? I have details of flights to Manila, but am having difficulty finding details of how to get to White Beach. I would prefer not to travel extended distances by ferry. Can you help? - Helen Rautenbach

A: You cannot fly directly to Boracay, as the island does not have an airport. The easiest way to get to the island is to take a flight from Manila domestic terminal to the island of Panay and then take a boat to Boracay. Airlines flying from Manila to Panay include Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines, Asian Spirit or Cebu Pacific. You can fly to either Kalibo or Caticlan on Panay Island. Caticlan is preferred by many as it is only a 10-minute drive from the airport to the pier for boat services to Boracay. The drive from Kalibo airport to the pier takes 90-120 minutes by bus or minivan. The crossing from Caticlan to Boracay takes only 20 minutes in a traditional banca boat. If you are staying at White Beach, you will disembark at one of three points along the beach. There are no piers - you get dropped off on the beach and may have to wade through knee-high water at high tide. Getting to Boracay is not as arduous as it sounds - and the opportunity to enjoy one of the finest beaches in the world should more than make up for any inconvenience experienced. (25 July 2010)

Is Atlantis Ready for Us?

Q: We are considering taking a short holiday at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai and would like to clear up some of the issues we have before we book. Firstly, we fear being stuck way out in the underdeveloped Palms area without access to the city. Is this the case? Do hotel guests have free entry to both the Aquaventure waterpark and the Lost Chambers? Are there shops at or near the resort? Is alcohol freely available? - Shane Rogers

A: As in many areas of Dubai, development and building work is taking place on the Palms Jumeirah, where Atlantis is located. However, access to the city centre is relatively easy. The hotel has a free shuttle service which runs regularly, there is a monorail which connects the Palms Jumeirah to the mainland, and there is no shortage of taxis for the 20-minute journey from the hotel to the city centre. However, the Atlantis complex covers 113 acres and is home to an amazing variety of entertainment options, so you may not feel the need to venture out too often. Hotel guests get free entrance to the waterpark and the aquarium, but certain attractions (a behind-the-scenes tour and ray feeding) cost extra. You also have to pay to take part in the dolphin encounters. There are boutique-style outlets in the hotel, but for other shopping you can use the free shuttle bus to the city malls. You can buy alcohol in the hotel, but not at shops. You can, however, buy a supply at duty free outlets on arrival at Dubai airport. (25 July 2010)

Self-catering in London

Q: I am going to London at the end of September for five days to visit my son. He stays in West Hampstead, and I would like to be somewhere near there, but not in a hotel. Would it be possible to get self catering for that length of time? - Barbara Baldwin

A: Firstly, you should ask your son to have a look around the area where he lives for guesthouses and apartments for short-term rental. Besides the classified sections of local newsletters, he may find adverts pinned up in supermarkets and stores in the area. This will ensure you find a place close to where he stays. Alternatively, you can check out what is available on the internet and ask him to check them out, as there is nothing better than an onsite inspection to find out what a place is like. Photographs can be misleading.For guesthouses in the Hampstead area, you can try the websites www.londonbb.co.uk and www.bedandbreakfasts.co.uk. One that caught my eye was the Charlotte Guest House. It offers 43 comfortable rooms, with rates ranging from 40 pounds per night in a room with a shared bathroom to 50 pounds for an en-suite room. Prices include breakfast and all taxes. The guest house is located in Sumatra Road, West Hampstead (Tel: +44 20 7794 6476; www.charlotteguesthouse.co.uk). (25 July 2010)

Cruising Croatia

Q: I am going on a cruise of Croatia in September. We arrive at Ploce at 7.30am and there is a morning trip to Mostar. However, my daughter and I would prefer to visit Medugorje on our own. What form of transport is available to get us there and back to the ship by 2pm. Would a taxi be feasible and if so at what range of cost? Thanks for any information you may be able to provide to me. - Rosalie Lotis

A: I had not heard of Medugorje and was fascinated to discover why it has become an attraction. Medugorje is a beautiful little town located in the lush green mountains of Bosnia & Herzegovina, famous for the apparitions of the Virgin Mary which came to six villagers in 1981. Apparently, each of the villagers will be told ten "secrets" or happenings that will occur on earth in the near future. Millions of people have visited Medugorje since 1981 and claim to have left spiritually strengthened and renewed. Getting to Medugorje should not be difficult, but you will need an experienced operator to ensure you have enough time to enjoy the sights bearing in mind the border crossings. Your time limitation rules out using a train or bus. You could use a taxi (negotiated directly with the driver), but if you prefer to have your transport organised in advance, your best bet is to have a pre-arranged transfer or tour. A company offering private tours and transfers is Medjugorje Tours and Travel (/www.travel-medjugorje.com/tours). A private tour with your own guide and transfers should cost around 90 Euros per person.You could also try the tour company which is organising the excursion to Mostar, as they will be well aware of your time restrictions. (25 July 2010)

Camping in Mykonos

Q: We are hoping to visit Mykonos in Greece during August. However, as it is peak season, we are finding it very difficult to find reasonably priced accommodation. We are now thinking of camping while we are there. Are there campsites available? What would it cost? Do we need to book in advance? - Stanley Boardman

A: There are a number of campsites available on the island and prices seem very reasonable compared to hotels and villas. One of most popular is the Paradise Beach Resort, which offers great sites close to the beach. Facilities include communal ablutions with hot water, electricity power points, dishwashing areas and laundry, safety boxes for luggage storage and a mini-market. Peak season rates are 5-8 Euros (R48-R77) per tent per night, depending on size, plus 10 Euros (R95) per adult and 5 Euros (R48) per child. The Paradise Beach Resort also has permanent triple tents for rental, furnished with a double and single bed, for 66 Euros (R630) per tent per day. You can contact the resort by email: reception@paradisemykonos.com or by telephone +30 22890 22852. Another popular resort is Mykonos Camping on Paraga Beach, which is only 15 minutes bus ride from town. One of the newer resorts, it offers modern facilities. Rates in August are 5-8 Euros (R48-R77) per tent per day, plus 10 Euros (R95) per adult and 5 Euros (R48) per child. Rental of a furnished tent costs 25 Euros (R240) per person per day, while accommodation in a dorm room costs 20 Euros (R190) per day. You can contact Mykonos Camping by email: info@mycamp.gr or by telephone +30 22890 25915-6. You should definitely book in advance, especially from August 1-18, when the island is usually packed to capacity. Accommodation is much cheaper outside of the July/August holiday season. (18 July 2010)

Perth to Sydney by Train

Q: My sister and I would like to travel from Perth to Sydney on the Indian Pacific service. Could you provide me with cost and booking details?. We would prefer a two-berth sleeper cabin. Are there concessionary fares for pensioners? - Sylvia du Toit

A: Travelling from the Indian to the Pacific Ocean, this is one of the world's great rail journeys. Covering 4,352kms, it takes three days and three nights. The fare in a two-sleeper cabin (red service) is 1362 Aus dollars (about R9000) per person. The fares include GST and a fuel surcharge. There are concessionary fares for pensioners and students, but these are only valid for Australian citizens. Your cabin consists of two facing lounge chairs which convert into two sleeping births at night. There are wash basin facilities in the cabin, but the toilets and showers are located at the end of each carriage. Meals, snacks and beverages are on sale on the train. There are also premium gold service cabins on the train, which provide meals and additional perks. The price per person in a premium cabin (gold service) is 2008 Aus dollars (about R13,300). For further details you can telephone Great Southern Railways (Tel: +61 8 8213 4592) or book on their website (www.railaustralia.com.au). (18 July 2010)