Q: I would like to take a train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, with the option of stopping along the way for sightseeing. If there is such a service, could you give me information on booking, prices and a recommended itinerary. - Bert Isaacs
A: The train service from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is known as the Reunification Express. Covering 1726kms, the entire trip takes 30-42 hours. There are four trains every day on this route. However, you can break up the journey at any of the major stops along the way, which allows you to cover the main tourist destinations in the country. The carriages on the train are basic, with different standards of carriage available. These range from hard seats to soft-cushioned sleeping berths. It is best to go for an air-conditioned four-berth sleeper comparments. Bathroom facilities are located at the end of each carriage. Tickets for the journey are very affordable, ranging from 60-100 US dollars when bought in advance through an agency. Each sleeping berth is supplied with a pillow, sheet and duvet and there is an individual reading light. Snacks and drinks are available from a trolley service and you can buy a meal ticket for around 35,000 Vietnamese dong (that's around R12) . The set meal, along with a bottle of mineral water, will be delivered to your compartment later. Judging from other traveller's reports, I recommend you consider consider stopping off at three stations on the route - Nha Trang, Da Nang and Hué. This will give you access to some great beach resorts as well as the historic riverfront town of Hoi An. If you have time, allow for a day or two at each of these destinations. You can get further information and make reservations on the www.vietnam-trains.com and www.vietnamimpressive.com websites. If you prefer a more luxurious ride, you can travel for part of your journey in privately-run Livitrans carriages. These sleeping cars are attached to the Vietnam Railways trains, but their four-berth compartments are of a higher standard. However, this service only runs between Hanoi and Danang. The rate is around 59 US dollars one-way. See www.livitrans.com for fares and online booking. Another luxury option is the shorter journey from Hanoi to the spectacular hillside town of Sapa. A number of operators, including the Orient Express, run luxury carriages on this train. Find out more on the www.seat61.com website, You'll also find some interesting general tips about train travel in Vietnam (such as whether it is advisable to book an entire four-berth cabin for yourself to ensure privacy). (26/2/12)
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Visit Mallorca's Most Famous House
Q: I am planning to visit the village where Robert Graves spent the last 56 years of his life, Deià in Mallorca. What is the best way to get there from Palma? Is it worth staying overnight int he town? Can one visit or stay in the house where he lived or can you recommend a hotel or guest house? - Marjorie Kemp
A: "La Casa de Robet Graves" is the main tourist attraction in Deià (also spelt Deya). It is run as a museum, with an entrance fee of five euros. This includes a movie about the poet and his life. The house is perfectly preserved, with the original furniture, pictures and books (www.lacasaderobertgraves.com). You can take an organised tour from Palma to the village. However, if you want to do it independently, you can take a bus a bus (route 210) or rent a car for the 35km journey from Palma. Make sure that the house is open when you want to visit. It is best to go during the week, as opening hours are shorter on Saturdays and it closed on Sundays and public holidays. Only you can decide whether it is worthwhile staying over for the night. However, it is certainly one of the most picturesque villages in Spain and is home to a number of writers and artists. Hollywood couple Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have a home on the outskirts of the town. The Graves house does not take guests, but there are a number of excellent small hotels (www.hotel.info/Deià). The best of these is the five-star Hotel la Residencia, a manor house with lush gardens and citrus groves on the edge of the village (www.hotel-laresidencia.com). (26/2/12)
A: "La Casa de Robet Graves" is the main tourist attraction in Deià (also spelt Deya). It is run as a museum, with an entrance fee of five euros. This includes a movie about the poet and his life. The house is perfectly preserved, with the original furniture, pictures and books (www.lacasaderobertgraves.com). You can take an organised tour from Palma to the village. However, if you want to do it independently, you can take a bus a bus (route 210) or rent a car for the 35km journey from Palma. Make sure that the house is open when you want to visit. It is best to go during the week, as opening hours are shorter on Saturdays and it closed on Sundays and public holidays. Only you can decide whether it is worthwhile staying over for the night. However, it is certainly one of the most picturesque villages in Spain and is home to a number of writers and artists. Hollywood couple Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have a home on the outskirts of the town. The Graves house does not take guests, but there are a number of excellent small hotels (www.hotel.info/Deià). The best of these is the five-star Hotel la Residencia, a manor house with lush gardens and citrus groves on the edge of the village (www.hotel-laresidencia.com). (26/2/12)
Is Phuket Safe for Children?
Q: I would like to know if it is safe to travel with kids to Phuket? I have a child aged 4 years old and one 5 month old. Do they need to be immunized for something? Where is the best place to stay with kids? And things to do? - Lucy
A: It is perfectly safe to travel with children to Phuket - it is a popular destination for families from around the globe. The tourism industry is geared up for children and you will have no problems keeping them entertained. Babysitters are available in most hotels and there are kids clubs in some resorts. You do not need any special immunisation to visit Phuket. However, you should ensure that your family is fully covered by health insurance in case of unforeseen mishaps. There are excellent international hospitals on the island and the hundreds of pharmacies (including the Boots chain) for all medicines. When it comes to deciding where to stay, I guess it depends on where you can find a good offer and whether you are looking for a quiet beach resort or a fun resort with plenty of shopping and entertainment. All the resorts areas cater for children, but it may be best to skip Patong Beach, which has a particularly wild nightlife and is very busy. Kata and Karon beaches are generally favoured by families. The big resorts, like Club Med and Centara and Laguna hotels, have the best facilities, but even the cheaper resorts will cater for children. The beach will be the major attraction and you can hire umbrellas and beach loungers by the day. Trips that may appeal to you include an elephant ride, a snorkelling trip to the Phi Phi Islands and a boat ride to James Bond Island. One word of warning: think carefully before you rent a jetski on any of the beaches, as they have a reputation for ripping off holidaymakers. Other than that, you are bound to have a wonderful time. (26/2/12)
A: It is perfectly safe to travel with children to Phuket - it is a popular destination for families from around the globe. The tourism industry is geared up for children and you will have no problems keeping them entertained. Babysitters are available in most hotels and there are kids clubs in some resorts. You do not need any special immunisation to visit Phuket. However, you should ensure that your family is fully covered by health insurance in case of unforeseen mishaps. There are excellent international hospitals on the island and the hundreds of pharmacies (including the Boots chain) for all medicines. When it comes to deciding where to stay, I guess it depends on where you can find a good offer and whether you are looking for a quiet beach resort or a fun resort with plenty of shopping and entertainment. All the resorts areas cater for children, but it may be best to skip Patong Beach, which has a particularly wild nightlife and is very busy. Kata and Karon beaches are generally favoured by families. The big resorts, like Club Med and Centara and Laguna hotels, have the best facilities, but even the cheaper resorts will cater for children. The beach will be the major attraction and you can hire umbrellas and beach loungers by the day. Trips that may appeal to you include an elephant ride, a snorkelling trip to the Phi Phi Islands and a boat ride to James Bond Island. One word of warning: think carefully before you rent a jetski on any of the beaches, as they have a reputation for ripping off holidaymakers. Other than that, you are bound to have a wonderful time. (26/2/12)
Do Paris on a Budget
Q: I am going to spend a week in Paris in June this year and I’m looking for single accommodation in the price range of 40 - 50 Euros. The area is of no importance, as long it is near a Metro station. Can you help me? - Greta Bunn
A: You may find it pretty difficult to good accommodation in Paris on your budget. However, seeing you are staying for a week, you can opt to rent a room or apartment which will give you far better value for money. There are plenty of websites to try, all offering different standards of accommodation for varying prices. One of those worth trying is www.housetrip.com. I did a quick scan and found that although most apartments are out of your price range, there are a number of affordable apartments in great locations. For example, you can get a studio apartment near the Moulin Rouge for 49 Euros (R494) per night. The apartment can sleep four and offers a 10 percent discount for stays of more than five nights. Within minutes of a Metro station, this apartment seems to be a real bargain for a room in the heart of old Paris. Another great deal was a studio in Rueil-Malmaison for 35 Euros (R353) per night. It sleeps two and has Internet and cooking facilities. If you would prefer a hotel, you could try the Au Royal Mad, which is located only 300 metres from the Voltaire Metro Station and 10 minutes walk from the Place de la Bastille. Rooms are simple, but have television. A single room with a shared bathroom costs from 40 Euros (R403) on www.booking.com. Another hotel on this website worth considering is the Victory Galou, a 27-room hotel near Gare du Nord. The nearest Metro station is 280 metres from the hotel. Rates for a standard single room start at 39 Euros (R393) including taxes. (19/2/12)
A: You may find it pretty difficult to good accommodation in Paris on your budget. However, seeing you are staying for a week, you can opt to rent a room or apartment which will give you far better value for money. There are plenty of websites to try, all offering different standards of accommodation for varying prices. One of those worth trying is www.housetrip.com. I did a quick scan and found that although most apartments are out of your price range, there are a number of affordable apartments in great locations. For example, you can get a studio apartment near the Moulin Rouge for 49 Euros (R494) per night. The apartment can sleep four and offers a 10 percent discount for stays of more than five nights. Within minutes of a Metro station, this apartment seems to be a real bargain for a room in the heart of old Paris. Another great deal was a studio in Rueil-Malmaison for 35 Euros (R353) per night. It sleeps two and has Internet and cooking facilities. If you would prefer a hotel, you could try the Au Royal Mad, which is located only 300 metres from the Voltaire Metro Station and 10 minutes walk from the Place de la Bastille. Rooms are simple, but have television. A single room with a shared bathroom costs from 40 Euros (R403) on www.booking.com. Another hotel on this website worth considering is the Victory Galou, a 27-room hotel near Gare du Nord. The nearest Metro station is 280 metres from the hotel. Rates for a standard single room start at 39 Euros (R393) including taxes. (19/2/12)
Crossing the Canadian Rockies
Q: We are planning to visit Canada in September and would very much like to do a short (3-5 days) scenic train trip through the Canadian Rockies. Have you any suggestions as to what there is to offer and who to contact? - Flora Caveney
A: Look no further than the Rocky Mountaineer, which is a Canadian company that operates trains on four rail routes through British Columbia and Alberta. it has won numerous awards, including the "World's Leading Travel Experience by Train" at the World Travel Awards. One of the trips that may suit you best is the five day/four night Canadian Rockies Excursion, which gives you two days on the train, two days in Banff National Park and a tour to Lake Louise. This very popular package includes breakfast and lunch on both days on the train, overnight acccommodation In Vancouver, Kamloops and Banff, and an evening wildlife safari. Prices range from 1279 US dollars per person to 2909 US dollars per person for the premier GoldLeaf service. The train runs from April 23 from Vancouver or Calgary, with the last departure on October 2. You can get further details on the www.canadianrockiestrains.com and www.rockymountaineer.com websites. (19/2/12)
A: Look no further than the Rocky Mountaineer, which is a Canadian company that operates trains on four rail routes through British Columbia and Alberta. it has won numerous awards, including the "World's Leading Travel Experience by Train" at the World Travel Awards. One of the trips that may suit you best is the five day/four night Canadian Rockies Excursion, which gives you two days on the train, two days in Banff National Park and a tour to Lake Louise. This very popular package includes breakfast and lunch on both days on the train, overnight acccommodation In Vancouver, Kamloops and Banff, and an evening wildlife safari. Prices range from 1279 US dollars per person to 2909 US dollars per person for the premier GoldLeaf service. The train runs from April 23 from Vancouver or Calgary, with the last departure on October 2. You can get further details on the www.canadianrockiestrains.com and www.rockymountaineer.com websites. (19/2/12)
Affordable Hotels in Sri Lanka
Q: I am keen on visiting Sri Lanka in October 2012 and am looking at spending maybe 3-5 days there. Could you advise me on affordable three-star hotels in Colombo and Negombo? - Bashni Reddy
A: A good option for you could be the Colombo City Hotel, which is located in the heart of this bustling capital. This three-star hotel has 26 comfortable rooms, available from 97 US dollars per night (R734), including all taxes and fees on the www.agoda.com website. If you prefer something a little cheaper, two hotels on the www.booking.com website could suit you. The two-star Shalimar Hotel offers 30 air-conditioned rooms with cable TV, en-suite bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is located 20kms from the airport and 2kms from the main bus terminus and train station. Room rates start at 40 US dollars (R302) plus 27 percent for service charge and taxes. Silvikris Villa is an intimate two-star hotel with only six rooms. free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and a 24-hour front desk. Located only 150 metres from the excellent Odel Shopping Mall, you can get a double room from 55 US dollars (R416) plus 27 percent in taxes and charges per night. In Negombo, the Paradise Beach Hotel offers you seafront accommodation and a swimming pool. A double room with breakfast is available from 70 US dollars per night (R530), plus 22 percent in taxes and service charges on www.booking.com. A more affordable two-star option on the Negombo beachfront is the Topaz Beach Hotel. You can get a room on the www.asiarooms.com website for 50 US dollars per night (R378), including taxes and charges. Before you book on the Internet, you should check with a travel agent to see what they can offer you. They may be able to give you a rate not available to the international market on the Internet. (19/2/12)
A: A good option for you could be the Colombo City Hotel, which is located in the heart of this bustling capital. This three-star hotel has 26 comfortable rooms, available from 97 US dollars per night (R734), including all taxes and fees on the www.agoda.com website. If you prefer something a little cheaper, two hotels on the www.booking.com website could suit you. The two-star Shalimar Hotel offers 30 air-conditioned rooms with cable TV, en-suite bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is located 20kms from the airport and 2kms from the main bus terminus and train station. Room rates start at 40 US dollars (R302) plus 27 percent for service charge and taxes. Silvikris Villa is an intimate two-star hotel with only six rooms. free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and a 24-hour front desk. Located only 150 metres from the excellent Odel Shopping Mall, you can get a double room from 55 US dollars (R416) plus 27 percent in taxes and charges per night. In Negombo, the Paradise Beach Hotel offers you seafront accommodation and a swimming pool. A double room with breakfast is available from 70 US dollars per night (R530), plus 22 percent in taxes and service charges on www.booking.com. A more affordable two-star option on the Negombo beachfront is the Topaz Beach Hotel. You can get a room on the www.asiarooms.com website for 50 US dollars per night (R378), including taxes and charges. Before you book on the Internet, you should check with a travel agent to see what they can offer you. They may be able to give you a rate not available to the international market on the Internet. (19/2/12)
Hotel Close to Hong Kong Convention Centre
Q: I will be in Hong Kong in May and am looking for an affordable hotel. Ideally, the hotel will be located close to the convention centre on Hong Kong island. I am hoping to find a double room for under R1000 a night. - Raymond Done
A: If you don't mind a small room, the North Point Ibis has a great location on Hong Kong island, only 4kms from the convention centre. Rooms have satellite TV, personal safe, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. There is a 24-hour restaurant, Some rooms even have a stunning harbour view. Rooms in May were on offer from 649 HK$ (R629) plus 10% service charge on www.booking.com. You could also try the Y-Loft, which is directly connected to the Chai Wan MTR station. It is some distance from the shopping and entertainment centres, but offers good transport links. It offers stylish rooms from 660 HK$ (R650) on www.wotif.com. Another good choice is the Metropark Hotel, which is located in Causeway Bay. Guests can make use of a free shuttle bus to the city centre. This four-star hotel is available on www.agoda.com from 989 HK$ (R973). Finally, you can try the Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Hong, a four-star high-rise next to the Happy Valley Racecourse and close to the Causeway Bay MTR station. The location provides access to the convention centre and the Airport Express Line. Book it on www.hotels.com for 675 HK$ (R664). (12/2/12)
A: If you don't mind a small room, the North Point Ibis has a great location on Hong Kong island, only 4kms from the convention centre. Rooms have satellite TV, personal safe, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. There is a 24-hour restaurant, Some rooms even have a stunning harbour view. Rooms in May were on offer from 649 HK$ (R629) plus 10% service charge on www.booking.com. You could also try the Y-Loft, which is directly connected to the Chai Wan MTR station. It is some distance from the shopping and entertainment centres, but offers good transport links. It offers stylish rooms from 660 HK$ (R650) on www.wotif.com. Another good choice is the Metropark Hotel, which is located in Causeway Bay. Guests can make use of a free shuttle bus to the city centre. This four-star hotel is available on www.agoda.com from 989 HK$ (R973). Finally, you can try the Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Hong, a four-star high-rise next to the Happy Valley Racecourse and close to the Causeway Bay MTR station. The location provides access to the convention centre and the Airport Express Line. Book it on www.hotels.com for 675 HK$ (R664). (12/2/12)
Whistle-stop Tour of London
Q: I will be in transit at Heathrow Airport on two days, April 28 and May 5, for approximately six hours. I will apply for a transit land visa. Please can you advise us on a good four-hour of London as I have never been there before? - Tintswalo
A: If your layover is only six hours, you will not have much time for a tour of London. You need to allow 30-40 minutes to get through customs and immigration on arrival and have to be back at the airport well before your scheduled departure time. Heathrow Airport officials advise passenger departing on long-haul flights to be at the airport three hours before the departure time and those on European flights to be there two hours in advance (www.heathrowairport.com). You can get away with less than that as you will have checked in already and won't have luggage with you, but don't cut it too fine. There are no organised tours that would suit your schedule. You can do it yourself by catching the Heathrow Express Train to Paddington (15 minutes) or the underground to central London (55 minutes), but your best bet may be to organise a private tour. London Layover Tours specialises in trips from the airport and can advise you what is feasible. They advertise a one-hour tour that gives you an overview of central London. If you have three hours to spare, they will add in a visit to one of five attractions (The British Museum, The National Art Gallery, St Paul's Cathedral, The Tower of London or Westminster Abbey). Alternatively, you could opt to skip London and visit Oxford and Windsor Castle. The company (www.londonmagicaltours.com) will get you back to the airport two hours before a long-haul flight and 90 minutes for European routes. Prices start at around 65 British pounds per person. Other private tours from the airport can be found on the www.londontoolkit.com website. (12/2/12)
A: If your layover is only six hours, you will not have much time for a tour of London. You need to allow 30-40 minutes to get through customs and immigration on arrival and have to be back at the airport well before your scheduled departure time. Heathrow Airport officials advise passenger departing on long-haul flights to be at the airport three hours before the departure time and those on European flights to be there two hours in advance (www.heathrowairport.com). You can get away with less than that as you will have checked in already and won't have luggage with you, but don't cut it too fine. There are no organised tours that would suit your schedule. You can do it yourself by catching the Heathrow Express Train to Paddington (15 minutes) or the underground to central London (55 minutes), but your best bet may be to organise a private tour. London Layover Tours specialises in trips from the airport and can advise you what is feasible. They advertise a one-hour tour that gives you an overview of central London. If you have three hours to spare, they will add in a visit to one of five attractions (The British Museum, The National Art Gallery, St Paul's Cathedral, The Tower of London or Westminster Abbey). Alternatively, you could opt to skip London and visit Oxford and Windsor Castle. The company (www.londonmagicaltours.com) will get you back to the airport two hours before a long-haul flight and 90 minutes for European routes. Prices start at around 65 British pounds per person. Other private tours from the airport can be found on the www.londontoolkit.com website. (12/2/12)
Transport in Venice
Q: My husband and I have booked a Celebrity Cruise in September leaving from Venice and we will be spending a few days there prior to embarkation. Our hotel is in Calle Della Pieta, behind Piazza San Marco and near St Marks Square. Could you advise us of the most reasonable transport from near the hotel to the port? - Val Bryan
A: The easiest way to get to the Venice Cruise Terminal is by private water taxi. This would transport you from your hotel directly to the luggage check-in area at the port, where a hostess from the shipping line will guide you to the embarkation point. However, at a cost of 60-90 Euros per taxi, it is not the most economical way of doing it. If you are interested, you can ask your concierge to get you a good deal or book in advance through the www.veniceguideandboat.it website. A cheaper way to do it is to catch the Alilaguna ferry service (www.alilaguna.it). This express service runs between the Piazza San Marco and Marittima pier (Line M) every 30 minutes from morning until late afternoon. The trip takes 20 minutes. You can buy a ticket (which you can use for the entire line to the airport) for 13 Euros on www.venicelink.com, but you may be able to get a ticket at a cheaper rate if you buy it there. Finally, you could take a vaporetto, a shared public water bus, from your hotel to the Piazzale Roma. This is the main transport hub in Venice. Here you can take a free shuttle bus to the port or board a mechanised tram service to the port known as the "Venice people mover" for only one Euro per person. (12/2/12)
A: The easiest way to get to the Venice Cruise Terminal is by private water taxi. This would transport you from your hotel directly to the luggage check-in area at the port, where a hostess from the shipping line will guide you to the embarkation point. However, at a cost of 60-90 Euros per taxi, it is not the most economical way of doing it. If you are interested, you can ask your concierge to get you a good deal or book in advance through the www.veniceguideandboat.it website. A cheaper way to do it is to catch the Alilaguna ferry service (www.alilaguna.it). This express service runs between the Piazza San Marco and Marittima pier (Line M) every 30 minutes from morning until late afternoon. The trip takes 20 minutes. You can buy a ticket (which you can use for the entire line to the airport) for 13 Euros on www.venicelink.com, but you may be able to get a ticket at a cheaper rate if you buy it there. Finally, you could take a vaporetto, a shared public water bus, from your hotel to the Piazzale Roma. This is the main transport hub in Venice. Here you can take a free shuttle bus to the port or board a mechanised tram service to the port known as the "Venice people mover" for only one Euro per person. (12/2/12)
A Cheaper Way to see World's Biggest Dunes
Q: We would like to visit Sossusvlei in Namibia, but have found that the lodges we checked seem to be very expensive. We certainly cannot afford R3500 per night. Can you recommend any affordable accommodation within an hour or two of Sossusvlei? - Mack De Waal
A: The top lodges near Sossusvlei are certainly not cheap, but these resorts are world-class and it is expensive to run a five-star hotel in a desert setting. Luckily, though, there are some more affordable options. One of the best in value terms is the Solitaire Country Lodge, but it is situated some distance from Sossusvlei. The lodge is 83kms from Sesriem and another hour's drive to the dune area. However, you can't beat the room rates, starting from R402 for a double room with breakfast (www.kwathabeng.co.za). The lodge in this small settlement offers spacious rooms that face a central courtyard with a swimming pool. Another good option is the Desert Camp at Sesriem, luxury tented accommodation priced at around R1000 per unit per night (www.combinedhotels.com). Desert Camp comprises 20 self-catering accommodation units sleeping two adults and two children. There is a swimming pool, bar and dining boma, making it a great place to stay. You can also try the Hammerstein Lodge and Camp at Sesriem, which offers rooms from R813 per night (www.otel.com) or the Betesda Lodge, which has rooms for R630 per night (www.namibian.org). When you book a room, always enquire whether they have special rates for SADC (Southern African Development Community) residents. You may find be able to get a substantial discount if the rack rates are aimed at international travellers. (5/2/12)
A: The top lodges near Sossusvlei are certainly not cheap, but these resorts are world-class and it is expensive to run a five-star hotel in a desert setting. Luckily, though, there are some more affordable options. One of the best in value terms is the Solitaire Country Lodge, but it is situated some distance from Sossusvlei. The lodge is 83kms from Sesriem and another hour's drive to the dune area. However, you can't beat the room rates, starting from R402 for a double room with breakfast (www.kwathabeng.co.za). The lodge in this small settlement offers spacious rooms that face a central courtyard with a swimming pool. Another good option is the Desert Camp at Sesriem, luxury tented accommodation priced at around R1000 per unit per night (www.combinedhotels.com). Desert Camp comprises 20 self-catering accommodation units sleeping two adults and two children. There is a swimming pool, bar and dining boma, making it a great place to stay. You can also try the Hammerstein Lodge and Camp at Sesriem, which offers rooms from R813 per night (www.otel.com) or the Betesda Lodge, which has rooms for R630 per night (www.namibian.org). When you book a room, always enquire whether they have special rates for SADC (Southern African Development Community) residents. You may find be able to get a substantial discount if the rack rates are aimed at international travellers. (5/2/12)
Renting a Bike in Ireland
Q: My boyfriend and I would like to rent a motorbike to travel around Ireland. Could you advise us of any agencies that rent out bikes, how old one needs to be, how much we can expect to pay and whether we need an international driving license? - Samantha Rhodes
A: One of the top companies renting out bikes is Celtic Riders, which is based in Dublin (www.motorental.ie). They have a fleet of 24 BMW, Harley Davidson and Yamaha motorcycles. The minimum age to rent a bike is 23, but you need to be 25 years old to carry a passenger on the bike. The cost of a rental including comprehensive insurance and unlimited mileage starts at 115 Euros per day. A seven-day rental of a BMW bike in high season would set you back 910 Euros. However, you will be asked for a damage deposit of 1500 Euros. This will be refunded to you when you return the bike to the agency undamaged. You do not need an international drivers license to rent a bike. Your South African motorcycle driving license is needed, as well as a valid passport. If you want to hit the roads in style, the company also rents out riding gear. The daily cost for a helmet, jacket, trousers, boots and gloves will be 15-20 Euros per day. You can contact the company on the email: info@celticrider.com or by telephone on +353 (0)1 866 5777. Other companies that rent out motorbikes in Ireland include Irish Motorcycle Adventures (www.irishbike.com) and EagleRider (www.eaglerider.com). (5/2/12)
A: One of the top companies renting out bikes is Celtic Riders, which is based in Dublin (www.motorental.ie). They have a fleet of 24 BMW, Harley Davidson and Yamaha motorcycles. The minimum age to rent a bike is 23, but you need to be 25 years old to carry a passenger on the bike. The cost of a rental including comprehensive insurance and unlimited mileage starts at 115 Euros per day. A seven-day rental of a BMW bike in high season would set you back 910 Euros. However, you will be asked for a damage deposit of 1500 Euros. This will be refunded to you when you return the bike to the agency undamaged. You do not need an international drivers license to rent a bike. Your South African motorcycle driving license is needed, as well as a valid passport. If you want to hit the roads in style, the company also rents out riding gear. The daily cost for a helmet, jacket, trousers, boots and gloves will be 15-20 Euros per day. You can contact the company on the email: info@celticrider.com or by telephone on +353 (0)1 866 5777. Other companies that rent out motorbikes in Ireland include Irish Motorcycle Adventures (www.irishbike.com) and EagleRider (www.eaglerider.com). (5/2/12)
Getting from Istanbul to Greek Islands
Q: We will be flying to Istanbul in June and would like to visit Mykonos and Santorini in Greece. Are there direct flights between Istanbul and either of the islands? If so, what would a return ticket cost? Also, what should we expect to pay for a double room or studio at this time and do we need to book in advance? - Janine De Waal
A : There are no direct scheduled flights between Istanbul and Mykonos or Santorini. However, you can fly via Athens to either island. The most convenient airline is likely to be Aegean Airlines (www.aegeanair.com). I did a trial booking and could get a flight which departs Istanbul at 4pm and arrives in Mykonos around three hours later, with a 70-minute stopover in Athens. The return fare was a rather expensive R3151. Flights from Istanbul to Santorini are around the same price and takes 10 minutes longer. Room prices vary wildly, depending on demand and, sometimes, on your bartering ability. You can find some bargains, but these are two of the most popular islands in Greece. In Mykonos you should be prepared to pay 50-80 Euros per night for a comfortable room in a good area. In Santorini you can find rooms within the same price range, but you'll pay much more for a room which has a sea or view. You don't have to book in advance in June (unlike in August, when everything is fully booked). However, it is probably worthwhile booking at least one or two nights so that you have somewhere to go on your arrival. That will give you time to decide whether you want to change rooms or not. Try the www.mykonos-accommodation.com, www.greeka.com, www.visit-santorini.com and www.venere.com websites. (5/2/12)
A : There are no direct scheduled flights between Istanbul and Mykonos or Santorini. However, you can fly via Athens to either island. The most convenient airline is likely to be Aegean Airlines (www.aegeanair.com). I did a trial booking and could get a flight which departs Istanbul at 4pm and arrives in Mykonos around three hours later, with a 70-minute stopover in Athens. The return fare was a rather expensive R3151. Flights from Istanbul to Santorini are around the same price and takes 10 minutes longer. Room prices vary wildly, depending on demand and, sometimes, on your bartering ability. You can find some bargains, but these are two of the most popular islands in Greece. In Mykonos you should be prepared to pay 50-80 Euros per night for a comfortable room in a good area. In Santorini you can find rooms within the same price range, but you'll pay much more for a room which has a sea or view. You don't have to book in advance in June (unlike in August, when everything is fully booked). However, it is probably worthwhile booking at least one or two nights so that you have somewhere to go on your arrival. That will give you time to decide whether you want to change rooms or not. Try the www.mykonos-accommodation.com, www.greeka.com, www.visit-santorini.com and www.venere.com websites. (5/2/12)
Catching the Rajdhani Express
Q: I would love to travel by train during a visit to India and am considering taking the Rajdhani Express from Mumbai to Delhi. I would appreciate any information on this service and whether it is suitable for a solo woman travellers. - Danni Beukes
A: All visitors to India should experience at least one train trip. Once you have made it through the bustling, crowded station, you can relax as you watch the sights of India from your air conditioned compartment. The Rajdhani Express service from Mumbai to New Delhi takes around 16 hours and is fully air conditioned. You leave Mumbai in the afternoon and arrive in Delhi the next morning, passing through five states. It is quite safe for travellers, whether in first or second class. There is a substantial price difference, with a second-class berth costing 1975 rupees (R313) and first class at 3305 rupees (R523). However, I think it is well worth paying the extra for first class. The price includes bedding and all meals on board. There are two types of compartments - a two-sleeper and a four-sleeper - and you can book a lower or upper berth. Be aware when booking that there are a number of Rajdhani Express services running between New Delhi and other cities in India. The Mumbai to New Delhi is run on train number 12951. Get further information on the www.indianrail.gov.in website. (29/1/12)
A: All visitors to India should experience at least one train trip. Once you have made it through the bustling, crowded station, you can relax as you watch the sights of India from your air conditioned compartment. The Rajdhani Express service from Mumbai to New Delhi takes around 16 hours and is fully air conditioned. You leave Mumbai in the afternoon and arrive in Delhi the next morning, passing through five states. It is quite safe for travellers, whether in first or second class. There is a substantial price difference, with a second-class berth costing 1975 rupees (R313) and first class at 3305 rupees (R523). However, I think it is well worth paying the extra for first class. The price includes bedding and all meals on board. There are two types of compartments - a two-sleeper and a four-sleeper - and you can book a lower or upper berth. Be aware when booking that there are a number of Rajdhani Express services running between New Delhi and other cities in India. The Mumbai to New Delhi is run on train number 12951. Get further information on the www.indianrail.gov.in website. (29/1/12)
Cruising the Mighty Amazon
Q: We will be visiting Lima in Peru later this year and would like to do a cruise on the Amazon River. Could you give us details of the companies operating cruises and prices? - Nigel Rennie
A: The starting point for most of the cruises along the mighty Amazon is Iquitos, the main port city of the river and the largest city in the Peruvian jungle. The easiest way to get there from Lima is by flying, which takes 90 minutes. One of the companies offering economical river cruises is Dawn on the Amazon. A four-day cruise would give you a good opportunity to experience river life, is listed at 756 US dollars per person. The cruise takes you deep into the forest and into nature reserves. There are also two-day cruises for as little as 169 US dollars per person. You will either sleep on board the boat on foam mattresses or hammocks, or stay in the company's Little Jungle Lodge. Check out the packages on www.dawnontheamazon.com. One of the most luxurious cruises on this stretch of the Amazon is on the Delfin Riverboat. It offers accommodation for only 14 people in comfortable cabins with private bathrooms. There is also an observation lounge, a library and an air conditioned dining room. Rates, which include meals and excursions, start from 3000 US dollars per person sharing for a three night cruise. For further information check out the www.delfinamazoncruise.com website. Another ship cruising the Amazon is the M/V Aqua, a custom-built craft which holds 24 passengers in luxurious suites with picture windows. A seven-night cruise takes in the Amazon and three powerful tributaries: the Marañón, the Ucayali, and the Puinahua. It also visits several hidden black water lakes. A seven-night cruise will cost around 5000 dollars per person, which includes all meals, beverages and excursions. For further information, visit the www.aquaexpeditions.com website. (29/1/12)
A: The starting point for most of the cruises along the mighty Amazon is Iquitos, the main port city of the river and the largest city in the Peruvian jungle. The easiest way to get there from Lima is by flying, which takes 90 minutes. One of the companies offering economical river cruises is Dawn on the Amazon. A four-day cruise would give you a good opportunity to experience river life, is listed at 756 US dollars per person. The cruise takes you deep into the forest and into nature reserves. There are also two-day cruises for as little as 169 US dollars per person. You will either sleep on board the boat on foam mattresses or hammocks, or stay in the company's Little Jungle Lodge. Check out the packages on www.dawnontheamazon.com. One of the most luxurious cruises on this stretch of the Amazon is on the Delfin Riverboat. It offers accommodation for only 14 people in comfortable cabins with private bathrooms. There is also an observation lounge, a library and an air conditioned dining room. Rates, which include meals and excursions, start from 3000 US dollars per person sharing for a three night cruise. For further information check out the www.delfinamazoncruise.com website. Another ship cruising the Amazon is the M/V Aqua, a custom-built craft which holds 24 passengers in luxurious suites with picture windows. A seven-night cruise takes in the Amazon and three powerful tributaries: the Marañón, the Ucayali, and the Puinahua. It also visits several hidden black water lakes. A seven-night cruise will cost around 5000 dollars per person, which includes all meals, beverages and excursions. For further information, visit the www.aquaexpeditions.com website. (29/1/12)
Renting Apartment in Big Apple is Illegal
Q: We are a family of 4, with older children, who will be visiting New York in August for my birthday. We are looking for good self-catering accommodation near all the action. We have heard that vacation rentals are illegal in NY. What can you recommend? - Claire Marketos
A: It is true that short-term vacation rentals of apartments in New York City are illegal. This law came into effect in May 2011 and bans apartment the rental of apartments for less than 30 days. Of course, in reality, thousands of apartments are still rented out every day and there are plenty of websites advertising apartments by the week. Short-term rentals remain very popular because they represent great value for money. Those who do not take this legislation seriously point out that it is not seriously enforced and is similar to the ruling which bans dancing in most city nightspots. While there is little chance of any legal action, you have less legal recourse if you have problems with your landlord. And there are plenty of scam artists operating in this arena. They take departments on non-existent apartments, or take payments from multiple tenants and then disappear. So, be warned that there are plenty of pitfalls in renting an apartment for a short period. If you take the plunge, you can find some great offers. You should be able to find a nice sel-catering apartment to accommodate your family in Manhatten for around 100 dollars per day. Some of the best sites to try are www.feelnyc.com and www.vacation.new-york-apartment.com, www.airbnb.com and the ever-popular www.craigslist.com. If you would prefer to stay in a hotel, you would be lucky to find a hotel room for two people for under 150 US dollars. Websites to try include www.booking.com, www.expedia.com and www.hotel.com. (29/1/12)
A: It is true that short-term vacation rentals of apartments in New York City are illegal. This law came into effect in May 2011 and bans apartment the rental of apartments for less than 30 days. Of course, in reality, thousands of apartments are still rented out every day and there are plenty of websites advertising apartments by the week. Short-term rentals remain very popular because they represent great value for money. Those who do not take this legislation seriously point out that it is not seriously enforced and is similar to the ruling which bans dancing in most city nightspots. While there is little chance of any legal action, you have less legal recourse if you have problems with your landlord. And there are plenty of scam artists operating in this arena. They take departments on non-existent apartments, or take payments from multiple tenants and then disappear. So, be warned that there are plenty of pitfalls in renting an apartment for a short period. If you take the plunge, you can find some great offers. You should be able to find a nice sel-catering apartment to accommodate your family in Manhatten for around 100 dollars per day. Some of the best sites to try are www.feelnyc.com and www.vacation.new-york-apartment.com, www.airbnb.com and the ever-popular www.craigslist.com. If you would prefer to stay in a hotel, you would be lucky to find a hotel room for two people for under 150 US dollars. Websites to try include www.booking.com, www.expedia.com and www.hotel.com. (29/1/12)
Getting to Koh Tao
Q: We are looking to visit one of the islands in Thailand in June. Koh Tao has been recommended as one of the less developed destinations. Could you please give us information on getting there from Bangkok and any other tips? - Simon Green
A: The cheapest way to get there from Bangkok is to buy a bus/ferry ticket. You go by bus to Chumpon (7-8 hours) and then take a ferry to the island (around 2 hours). However, it would be quicker to fly to Koh Samui (90 minutes) and then take a ferry from there to Koh Tao (2 hours). If you can't get a reasonably priced ticket to Koh Samui, you can fly by one of the budget carriers to Surat Thani on mainland and then take a ferry to Koh Tao (around 4 hours). June and July are great times to visit, as you should not experience any rain. The island is best known for its excellent scuba diving and snorkelling and boasts excellent beaches. It is regarded as undeveloped, but there are probably around 200 resorts on the island, some consisting of only a few small huts. However, the number of luxury resorts is increasing and it is no longer dominated by backpackers as it once was. You'll probably end up in Sairee, a popular beach resort on the west coast which has an excellent beach. You can find the best prices for resorts on discount websites such as www.sawadee.com and www.kohtaohotels.net. (22/1/12)
A: The cheapest way to get there from Bangkok is to buy a bus/ferry ticket. You go by bus to Chumpon (7-8 hours) and then take a ferry to the island (around 2 hours). However, it would be quicker to fly to Koh Samui (90 minutes) and then take a ferry from there to Koh Tao (2 hours). If you can't get a reasonably priced ticket to Koh Samui, you can fly by one of the budget carriers to Surat Thani on mainland and then take a ferry to Koh Tao (around 4 hours). June and July are great times to visit, as you should not experience any rain. The island is best known for its excellent scuba diving and snorkelling and boasts excellent beaches. It is regarded as undeveloped, but there are probably around 200 resorts on the island, some consisting of only a few small huts. However, the number of luxury resorts is increasing and it is no longer dominated by backpackers as it once was. You'll probably end up in Sairee, a popular beach resort on the west coast which has an excellent beach. You can find the best prices for resorts on discount websites such as www.sawadee.com and www.kohtaohotels.net. (22/1/12)
Taking the Boys to Beijing
Q: Can you recommend some places in Beijing that we could visit as a family. We will be travelling with our sons, aged 11 and 14. - Bessie Nilor
A: Top of anyone's list of attractions is the Great Wall. From Beijing you can choose one of many day tours that give you a chance to see this amazing structure. Another must-see is the Forbidden City, which is the best preserved imperial palace in China and the largest ancient palatial structure in the world. Two other historical buidlings worth visiting are the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. As an interesting comparison, you can check out the ultra-modern stadiums built for the 2006 Olympics. Your sons are bound to be impressed by the main "bird's nest" stadium the "water cube" swimming arena. Tiananmen Square is also worth a visit, especially for the early morning flag raising ceremony. Then you can head off to the Beijing Zoo, where the pandas are the main attractions, or take in the vast Beijing Ocean Park. Finally, you can go shopping in WangFujing Street, with a shopping mall at each end of a vast pedestrian street. (22/1/12)
A: Top of anyone's list of attractions is the Great Wall. From Beijing you can choose one of many day tours that give you a chance to see this amazing structure. Another must-see is the Forbidden City, which is the best preserved imperial palace in China and the largest ancient palatial structure in the world. Two other historical buidlings worth visiting are the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. As an interesting comparison, you can check out the ultra-modern stadiums built for the 2006 Olympics. Your sons are bound to be impressed by the main "bird's nest" stadium the "water cube" swimming arena. Tiananmen Square is also worth a visit, especially for the early morning flag raising ceremony. Then you can head off to the Beijing Zoo, where the pandas are the main attractions, or take in the vast Beijing Ocean Park. Finally, you can go shopping in WangFujing Street, with a shopping mall at each end of a vast pedestrian street. (22/1/12)
Find Me a Cruise to Rome
Q: I would like to go on a cruise that allows me to visit Rome. Which cruise companies offer the city as a port of call or destination? I know that the city is not located on the Mediterranean Sea, so which is the closest port? Do any cruise ships dock on the Tiber River? - Lisbeth Simons
A: The main port for Rome is Civitavecchia, which is located about one hour's bus ride from Rome. The Tiber River is far too small for cruise ships to sail on, so that is not an alternative. It is worthwhile starting or ending your cruise at Rome, so that you can spend a few days visiting this amazing city. Most major cruise lines operating in Europe use Civitavecchia for their Rome destination. These include Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn and Silversea Cruises. For further details on these operators check the www.civitavecchiacruises.com website. (22/1/12)
A: The main port for Rome is Civitavecchia, which is located about one hour's bus ride from Rome. The Tiber River is far too small for cruise ships to sail on, so that is not an alternative. It is worthwhile starting or ending your cruise at Rome, so that you can spend a few days visiting this amazing city. Most major cruise lines operating in Europe use Civitavecchia for their Rome destination. These include Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn and Silversea Cruises. For further details on these operators check the www.civitavecchiacruises.com website. (22/1/12)
Join the Celebrities in St Barths
Q: We will be in New York in March and would love to visit St Barths in the Caribbean. Could you give us some guidance on flights and accommodation? - Felicity Ranger
A: . A number of airlines have flights from New York airports into St Maarten, a neighboring island to St Barths (St Barthélemy Island). These include American and Delta, but can involve stopovers en route. JetBlue offers a direct, non-stop servicc between the two centres. From St Maarten. local companies provide connecting flights to the island’s Gustave III Airport. Windward Express Airways, Winair and St-Barth Commuter make the ten minute shuttle flights to St Barths.This airport can only take small aircraft and landing conditions can be hair-raising during poor weather. Luckily, there is a regular ferry service from St Maarten to St Barths. You can also charter a speedboat. A good travel agent should be able to do the bookings for you, with all the connections. There are plenty of websites offering villas for rent on the island, with rates usually calculated by week. If you are travelling as a couple and prefer a shorter stay, you can book into one of the many small hotels dotted along the coast. Websites to try include http://www.st-barths.com/en/villas.html and http://www.stbarth.com/hotels/home.htm. (15/1/12)
A: . A number of airlines have flights from New York airports into St Maarten, a neighboring island to St Barths (St Barthélemy Island). These include American and Delta, but can involve stopovers en route. JetBlue offers a direct, non-stop servicc between the two centres. From St Maarten. local companies provide connecting flights to the island’s Gustave III Airport. Windward Express Airways, Winair and St-Barth Commuter make the ten minute shuttle flights to St Barths.This airport can only take small aircraft and landing conditions can be hair-raising during poor weather. Luckily, there is a regular ferry service from St Maarten to St Barths. You can also charter a speedboat. A good travel agent should be able to do the bookings for you, with all the connections. There are plenty of websites offering villas for rent on the island, with rates usually calculated by week. If you are travelling as a couple and prefer a shorter stay, you can book into one of the many small hotels dotted along the coast. Websites to try include http://www.st-barths.com/en/villas.html and http://www.stbarth.com/hotels/home.htm. (15/1/12)
Driving the Ice Ring Road
Q: For years we have been wanting to drive the Ice Ring Road in Iceland. Can you check whether the route is fully open. I would welcome any suggestions on what to see and where to stay. - Keegan Kotze.
A: As you will know, the Ice Ring Road runs around the island, connecting the most populous parts of the country. The total length of the road is 1,339 kilometres. Also known as Highway One, it connects Reykjavík; Borgarnes; Blönduós; Akureyri; Egilsstaðir; Höfn and Selfoss. However, while part of the route is a double-laned highway, in other parts it is little more than a single lane country road. However, it is one of the world's great journeys and it is popular with tourists because it covers most of the country and many interesting sights are not far from it. and you get to see glaciers, volcanoes and icebergs and visit hot springs and stunning waterfalls. It is best to travel in summer with the long days and give yourself at least a week to do the trip properly. For guesthouse and hotel bookings on the route, your best bet is to use Icelandic Farm Holidays. They can also help you plan your trip (www.farmholidays.is). (15/1/12)
A: As you will know, the Ice Ring Road runs around the island, connecting the most populous parts of the country. The total length of the road is 1,339 kilometres. Also known as Highway One, it connects Reykjavík; Borgarnes; Blönduós; Akureyri; Egilsstaðir; Höfn and Selfoss. However, while part of the route is a double-laned highway, in other parts it is little more than a single lane country road. However, it is one of the world's great journeys and it is popular with tourists because it covers most of the country and many interesting sights are not far from it. and you get to see glaciers, volcanoes and icebergs and visit hot springs and stunning waterfalls. It is best to travel in summer with the long days and give yourself at least a week to do the trip properly. For guesthouse and hotel bookings on the route, your best bet is to use Icelandic Farm Holidays. They can also help you plan your trip (www.farmholidays.is). (15/1/12)
Lots to See and Do in Polokwane
Q: I'm planning on taking my family to Polokwane in mid-February and I'd like to know what local attractions, game parks or small trips can we enjoy in and around Polokwane. - Ras Magosi Magakwe
A: With its mix of jacaranda and coral trees, Polokwane is a pretty city with a number of interesting attractions. One that most visitors find fascinating is the Bakone Malapa Northern Sotho Open-Air Museum, which gives you a chance to experience the way of life of the North Sotho people. See how fire making, maize grinding and beer brewing are carried out as it would have been done centuries ago. You can take a day trip to the Kruger National Park, but if you prefer a more intimate experience closer to the city, try the Polokwane Game Reserve. Located five kilometres south of the city, it has a host of scenic walks and around 21 species of animal. Two of the scenic attractions are the Makapansgat Valley, a beautiful basin with a number of caves, and the Modjadji Cycad Reserve, which is near the home of the fabled rain queen. You can also visit the city's museum, with its fascinating photographic collection, and the art gallery in the Library Gardens building. (15/1/12)
A: With its mix of jacaranda and coral trees, Polokwane is a pretty city with a number of interesting attractions. One that most visitors find fascinating is the Bakone Malapa Northern Sotho Open-Air Museum, which gives you a chance to experience the way of life of the North Sotho people. See how fire making, maize grinding and beer brewing are carried out as it would have been done centuries ago. You can take a day trip to the Kruger National Park, but if you prefer a more intimate experience closer to the city, try the Polokwane Game Reserve. Located five kilometres south of the city, it has a host of scenic walks and around 21 species of animal. Two of the scenic attractions are the Makapansgat Valley, a beautiful basin with a number of caves, and the Modjadji Cycad Reserve, which is near the home of the fabled rain queen. You can also visit the city's museum, with its fascinating photographic collection, and the art gallery in the Library Gardens building. (15/1/12)
Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Q: During a visit to Sydney I would be very interested in climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Could you tell me what costs are involved and if there are limitations. - Adrian Moore
A: There are three types of climbs of Sydney's famous bridge. The Bridge Climb is a 3.5 hour guided journey to the top of the bridge along the outer arch of the bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit at 134 metres. Groups are led by a professional guide and limited to 14 people. The Express Climb gets you up and down in just two hours fifteen minutes. Groups are smaller, there are more helpers and you use internal arches to get there faster. Finally, the Discovery Climb is a 3.5 hour experience that journeys to the top along the inner arch of the Bridge. You will be asked to fill out a health declaration form taking part. The climb is not available for people suffering from a number of conditions, including high blood pressure and damaged limbs, and particpants must be over 10 years in age. Women may not climb if they are more than 24 weeks pregnant. There are different prices for the different climbs and the prices varies depending on the day of the week and the time of the day, with a premium on climbs at dawn and sunset. However, you can count on spending around 200 Australian dollars on a regular guided tour and 300 Australian on one during a peak period. Please note that climbers are not allowed to take personal items with them on the climb (including cameras), but pictures will be taken of you during the climb on the off-chance that you might like to buy one! You should also be aware that breathalyser tests are taken before the climb to make sure that you are sober. For further details, check out the www.bridgeclimb.com website. (15/1/12)
A: There are three types of climbs of Sydney's famous bridge. The Bridge Climb is a 3.5 hour guided journey to the top of the bridge along the outer arch of the bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit at 134 metres. Groups are led by a professional guide and limited to 14 people. The Express Climb gets you up and down in just two hours fifteen minutes. Groups are smaller, there are more helpers and you use internal arches to get there faster. Finally, the Discovery Climb is a 3.5 hour experience that journeys to the top along the inner arch of the Bridge. You will be asked to fill out a health declaration form taking part. The climb is not available for people suffering from a number of conditions, including high blood pressure and damaged limbs, and particpants must be over 10 years in age. Women may not climb if they are more than 24 weeks pregnant. There are different prices for the different climbs and the prices varies depending on the day of the week and the time of the day, with a premium on climbs at dawn and sunset. However, you can count on spending around 200 Australian dollars on a regular guided tour and 300 Australian on one during a peak period. Please note that climbers are not allowed to take personal items with them on the climb (including cameras), but pictures will be taken of you during the climb on the off-chance that you might like to buy one! You should also be aware that breathalyser tests are taken before the climb to make sure that you are sober. For further details, check out the www.bridgeclimb.com website. (15/1/12)
Free Transit Visa at Abu Dhabi
Q: I have an eight-hour stopover at Abu Dhabi airport. Do I need a visa to leave the airport? Alternatively, is there a transit hotel in the airport where I can get a few hours rest without passing through immigration? - Louis Bevan.
A: You can get a free transit visa, which is valid for four days (96 hours). This needs to be sponsored by your airline or travel company and needs to be arranged in advance. It can only be issued once you have a valid ticket for an onward flight. Please note that visas are not given to travellers whose passport contains stamps from travel to Israel. There is a transit hotel in the airport. As it only has 40 rooms, early booking is essential (Email: airphotl@emirates.net.ae). (8/1/12)
A: You can get a free transit visa, which is valid for four days (96 hours). This needs to be sponsored by your airline or travel company and needs to be arranged in advance. It can only be issued once you have a valid ticket for an onward flight. Please note that visas are not given to travellers whose passport contains stamps from travel to Israel. There is a transit hotel in the airport. As it only has 40 rooms, early booking is essential (Email: airphotl@emirates.net.ae). (8/1/12)
The Day Bali Closes Down
Q: We will be visiting Bali over their New Year, I understand that much of the island closes down at this time. Should we change our dates? - Helena Graham
A: The Balinese New Year falls on March 23 in 2012, which is the day following the dark moon of the spring equinox. Most people I have met do not find the observance of this Hindu religious day a problem. There is no traffic on the streets, no shops are open and even street restaurants and bars are closed. The ports and the airport are effectively closed down as well. People are expected to stay at home, with the radio or TV turned off. Traditional security men, known as pecalangs, ensure that no-one goes out onto the street or makes a noise. What this means for tourists is that you stay within the hotel property. There will be no entertainment or music, but you can use the pool and meals are available. It may seem dull, but this day of enforced rest can be countered by the fascinating and entertaining festivals and religious ceremonies on either side of Nyepi Day. If you are interested in Balinese culture, this is a great time to visit the island. However, if you feel you will be losing a day of beach and partying, then choose another period for your holiday. (8/1/12)
A: The Balinese New Year falls on March 23 in 2012, which is the day following the dark moon of the spring equinox. Most people I have met do not find the observance of this Hindu religious day a problem. There is no traffic on the streets, no shops are open and even street restaurants and bars are closed. The ports and the airport are effectively closed down as well. People are expected to stay at home, with the radio or TV turned off. Traditional security men, known as pecalangs, ensure that no-one goes out onto the street or makes a noise. What this means for tourists is that you stay within the hotel property. There will be no entertainment or music, but you can use the pool and meals are available. It may seem dull, but this day of enforced rest can be countered by the fascinating and entertaining festivals and religious ceremonies on either side of Nyepi Day. If you are interested in Balinese culture, this is a great time to visit the island. However, if you feel you will be losing a day of beach and partying, then choose another period for your holiday. (8/1/12)
Choosing the Perfect Maldives Resort
Q: We would like to holiday at a resort in the Maldives. We want a resort situated close to the airport, with a speedboat transfer time of less than 20 minutes. Could you recommend a luxury resort within 20kms of the airport? - Lee Reynecke
A: The hotel closest to the airport is the Hulhule Island Hotel, which is located only a short drive away on the same island. While the hotel is quite luxurious, I am sure you would be happier on one of the more traditional "single island resorts" nearby. Resorts located close to the airport that would suit you are the Four Seasons Resort, Soneva Gili, the Banyan Tree Maldives and the Taj Exotica Resort. The Taj is only a five-minute boat ride from the pier near the airport, so you could be checking into this exciting resort while others are still boarding their flights and boats to theirs. The Soneva Gili Resort on Lankanfushi island, the first all overwater resort in the Maldives. also lies within a few minutes boat ride from the airport. One of the most elegant resorts in this archipelago, the Banyan Tree Maldives, which is located 17kms from the airport on Vabbinfaru Island. Another stylish choice is the fabulous Four Seasons on Kudu Haraa Island. If you find these hotels a tad pricey but still want five-star comfort, you can try the Anantara Resort (19kms), the Angsana Resort (17kms) and the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort (6kms). Two all-inclusive resorts that offer great value are Club Faru on Farukolhufushi (a former Club Med only a seven minute trip from the airport) and Club Med Kanifinolhu (19kms). Other more wallet-friendly choices include Bandos Island Resort (7kms), Kurumba Maldives (3kms) and the Paradise Island Resort (10kms). You can find a full list of resorts and their distance from the airport on www.mymaldives.com and a detailed and authoritative report on resorts on the http://www.smarttravelasia.com/maldives.htm website. (8/1/12)
A: The hotel closest to the airport is the Hulhule Island Hotel, which is located only a short drive away on the same island. While the hotel is quite luxurious, I am sure you would be happier on one of the more traditional "single island resorts" nearby. Resorts located close to the airport that would suit you are the Four Seasons Resort, Soneva Gili, the Banyan Tree Maldives and the Taj Exotica Resort. The Taj is only a five-minute boat ride from the pier near the airport, so you could be checking into this exciting resort while others are still boarding their flights and boats to theirs. The Soneva Gili Resort on Lankanfushi island, the first all overwater resort in the Maldives. also lies within a few minutes boat ride from the airport. One of the most elegant resorts in this archipelago, the Banyan Tree Maldives, which is located 17kms from the airport on Vabbinfaru Island. Another stylish choice is the fabulous Four Seasons on Kudu Haraa Island. If you find these hotels a tad pricey but still want five-star comfort, you can try the Anantara Resort (19kms), the Angsana Resort (17kms) and the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort (6kms). Two all-inclusive resorts that offer great value are Club Faru on Farukolhufushi (a former Club Med only a seven minute trip from the airport) and Club Med Kanifinolhu (19kms). Other more wallet-friendly choices include Bandos Island Resort (7kms), Kurumba Maldives (3kms) and the Paradise Island Resort (10kms). You can find a full list of resorts and their distance from the airport on www.mymaldives.com and a detailed and authoritative report on resorts on the http://www.smarttravelasia.com/maldives.htm website. (8/1/12)
Walking Tour of Marrakech
Q: My wife and I will be visiting Marrakech in April 2012. We love discovering a new city on foot and wandered if you know of any organised walking tours that cover the city centre? Also, what other attractions should we visit and what is the weather like in April? - Jean Munro
A: Isango organise a great walking tour of the old city of Marrakesh, which is renowned for its architecture and open-air markets.You get to stroll along along the bustling alleyways and see the mosques, traditional bakeries, old lodging houses and fountains carved of wood. Explore the historical attractions of 14th century Ben Youssef Medersa, and the 12th century Kubba El Baroudyine, known for their contribution to history and architecture. Visit Djemaa el-Fna, a huge square in the medina (old town) with open-air food stalls, storytellers, snake-charmers, musicians and shops selling garments, artwork, jewellery and footwear. The cost starts at around R250 per person, although you and your wife can take a private tour with a guide for around R400 per person. The price includes transfers to and from your hotel. You can find out further details on the www.isango.com website. You can email them on support@isango.com or telephone their United Kingdom office on +44 0203 355 1240. Besides the attractions covered by your walking tour, you should also experience a visit to a hammam for a steam, massage and scrub. If you are adventurous, you can head for one on your own, but you can do it as part of a half-day tour experience, where the guide will take care of everything. Another attraction you may want to visit is the La Bahia Palace. This 19th-century building was once home to a harem and it is known for its painted wood, ceramics and symmetrical gardens. Built by one of the sultans, it was ransacked on his death, but it retains its sense of beauty. Check out the rooms, which vary in size according to the importance of each wife or concubine. Use an on-site guide and you may get to hear some saucy details. If you are interested in the history of the region, head for Maison Tiskin, a private house at 8 derb El-Bahia filled with the arts and crafts collection of a Dutch anthropologist. Among the exhibits are masks from Mali and an entire Berber tent made of camel hair. A museum worth visiting is the Musée de Marrakech, which opened in 1997. Exhibitions change, but it is worth it just to explore the building (www.museedemarrakech.ma).One of the most popular excursions is to take a one-day trip along the Berber trail high up in the Atlas Mountains in a 4x4 vehicle. Meet the Berber people in the valleys and up at the summit. For a real treat, take an overnight trip, staying in one of the villages. If you prefer something more active you can try your hand at quad biking, paragliding or riding a camel on an organised excursion. Most popular is to spend a half-day quad-biking through the dunes followed by a camel ride in the afternoon (www.dunesdesert.com). An alternative is to do a cookery course with the Berber people, where you will visit the markets and learn to bake traditional bread. During April there is a chance of occasional rain, but the temperate weather makes it ideal for walking around. Temperatures during this month range from a minimum of 12 degrees Celsius to a maximum of 23 degrees. (8/1/12)
A: Isango organise a great walking tour of the old city of Marrakesh, which is renowned for its architecture and open-air markets.You get to stroll along along the bustling alleyways and see the mosques, traditional bakeries, old lodging houses and fountains carved of wood. Explore the historical attractions of 14th century Ben Youssef Medersa, and the 12th century Kubba El Baroudyine, known for their contribution to history and architecture. Visit Djemaa el-Fna, a huge square in the medina (old town) with open-air food stalls, storytellers, snake-charmers, musicians and shops selling garments, artwork, jewellery and footwear. The cost starts at around R250 per person, although you and your wife can take a private tour with a guide for around R400 per person. The price includes transfers to and from your hotel. You can find out further details on the www.isango.com website. You can email them on support@isango.com or telephone their United Kingdom office on +44 0203 355 1240. Besides the attractions covered by your walking tour, you should also experience a visit to a hammam for a steam, massage and scrub. If you are adventurous, you can head for one on your own, but you can do it as part of a half-day tour experience, where the guide will take care of everything. Another attraction you may want to visit is the La Bahia Palace. This 19th-century building was once home to a harem and it is known for its painted wood, ceramics and symmetrical gardens. Built by one of the sultans, it was ransacked on his death, but it retains its sense of beauty. Check out the rooms, which vary in size according to the importance of each wife or concubine. Use an on-site guide and you may get to hear some saucy details. If you are interested in the history of the region, head for Maison Tiskin, a private house at 8 derb El-Bahia filled with the arts and crafts collection of a Dutch anthropologist. Among the exhibits are masks from Mali and an entire Berber tent made of camel hair. A museum worth visiting is the Musée de Marrakech, which opened in 1997. Exhibitions change, but it is worth it just to explore the building (www.museedemarrakech.ma).One of the most popular excursions is to take a one-day trip along the Berber trail high up in the Atlas Mountains in a 4x4 vehicle. Meet the Berber people in the valleys and up at the summit. For a real treat, take an overnight trip, staying in one of the villages. If you prefer something more active you can try your hand at quad biking, paragliding or riding a camel on an organised excursion. Most popular is to spend a half-day quad-biking through the dunes followed by a camel ride in the afternoon (www.dunesdesert.com). An alternative is to do a cookery course with the Berber people, where you will visit the markets and learn to bake traditional bread. During April there is a chance of occasional rain, but the temperate weather makes it ideal for walking around. Temperatures during this month range from a minimum of 12 degrees Celsius to a maximum of 23 degrees. (8/1/12)
Websites for New Zealand Trains
Q: In 2009 I did the Wellington/Auckland train trip after reading your column. I really enjoyed the trip and the beautiful scenery. I have, however, mislaid the booking contact details. I want to do the reverse in 2012 and would appreciate it if you could print these details again. - Clarice Blease
A: Two websites you can check are www.railnewzealand.com and www.tranzscenic.co.nz. Both have booking facilities and schedule details. (18/12/11)
A: Two websites you can check are www.railnewzealand.com and www.tranzscenic.co.nz. Both have booking facilities and schedule details. (18/12/11)
Catching the RMS St Helena
Q: I have always wanted to take the mailboat service to St Helena. Would this service still be available early next year? If so, how much does it cost and when does it sail around February? - James Listworth
A: The RMS St Helena service from Cape Town to St Helena is still running. There are voyages from January 26 to February 13 and from February 16 to March 5 next year. The prices vary substantially, depending on cabin choice. Fares are published in British pounds, ranging from 395 to 1783 per person. However, to get the fare in South African Rand for your date of travel you have to contact the Cape Town office on telephone 021 425 1165. For details of the service xisit the www.rms-st-helena.com website. (18/12/11)
A: The RMS St Helena service from Cape Town to St Helena is still running. There are voyages from January 26 to February 13 and from February 16 to March 5 next year. The prices vary substantially, depending on cabin choice. Fares are published in British pounds, ranging from 395 to 1783 per person. However, to get the fare in South African Rand for your date of travel you have to contact the Cape Town office on telephone 021 425 1165. For details of the service xisit the www.rms-st-helena.com website. (18/12/11)
Boxing Day Start for January Sales
Q: When do the January sales at the major departmental stores start in London? - Dorothy Jones
A: You certainly do not have to wait until January to get your hands on a bargain in London as the sales begin just after Christmas these days. Most of the big department stores will be lauching their "January" sales on Boxing Day (Monday December 26, 2011) or the next day. Harvey Nichols opens at 10am on Boxing Day, while Selfridges opens at 11am on the same day. Harrods will be launching its January sale with a celebrity ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9am on Tuesday, 27, 2911. If you take a stroll down Oxford Street on Boxing Day, you certainly will not have a shortage of places to shop! (18/12/11)
A: You certainly do not have to wait until January to get your hands on a bargain in London as the sales begin just after Christmas these days. Most of the big department stores will be lauching their "January" sales on Boxing Day (Monday December 26, 2011) or the next day. Harvey Nichols opens at 10am on Boxing Day, while Selfridges opens at 11am on the same day. Harrods will be launching its January sale with a celebrity ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9am on Tuesday, 27, 2911. If you take a stroll down Oxford Street on Boxing Day, you certainly will not have a shortage of places to shop! (18/12/11)
Swahili Music Festival is Zanzibar Highlight
Q: I would love to attend the Swahili music festival which takes place in Zanzibar in January or February. Could you please give me some details of this event? I would appreciate it if you could provide me with a website with information. - Simon Stein
A. This festival is know as the Sauti za Busara and takes place in Stonetown and Kendwa Beach, Zanzibar from February 8-12, 2012. It is one of East Africa's biggest cultural events and, besides great music, also features theatre and dance. The events take place in old forts, amphitheatres and other historic buildings. If your idea of a relaxation is great African music, skewered meats, lovely sunsets and lots of dancing, then this is the event for you. Among the artists already confirmed are Jagwa Music (Tanzania), Nneka (Nigeria), Ary Morais (Cape Verde) Companhia Nacional de Canto e Dança (Mozambique), Ndere Troupe (Uganda), Kozman Ti Dalon (Reunion) and Swahili Vibes Band (Zanzibar). Tickets range from 26 US dollars for a one-day pass (international visitor) to 120 US dollars for a VIP pass covering the full festival. There are hefty discounts for Tanzanian and East African residents. You can get more details on the www.busaramusic.com website. (18/12/11)
A. This festival is know as the Sauti za Busara and takes place in Stonetown and Kendwa Beach, Zanzibar from February 8-12, 2012. It is one of East Africa's biggest cultural events and, besides great music, also features theatre and dance. The events take place in old forts, amphitheatres and other historic buildings. If your idea of a relaxation is great African music, skewered meats, lovely sunsets and lots of dancing, then this is the event for you. Among the artists already confirmed are Jagwa Music (Tanzania), Nneka (Nigeria), Ary Morais (Cape Verde) Companhia Nacional de Canto e Dança (Mozambique), Ndere Troupe (Uganda), Kozman Ti Dalon (Reunion) and Swahili Vibes Band (Zanzibar). Tickets range from 26 US dollars for a one-day pass (international visitor) to 120 US dollars for a VIP pass covering the full festival. There are hefty discounts for Tanzanian and East African residents. You can get more details on the www.busaramusic.com website. (18/12/11)
Ataturk Airport with Elderly Mom
Q: I am travelling with my elderly mother and we will be in transit at Istanbul Airport for a number of hours. Is there a hotel within the transit area similar to the one in Singapore, where we can have a rest without going through immigration formalities? – Celine Oosthuizen.
A: A: The TAV Airport Hotel at Ataturk Airport offers rather luxurious rooms within the transit area, as well as rooms on the public side of the terminal. Hourly rates are available on the transit side and there are connecting rooms. There is a fitness centre as well as bars and restaurants. Guests can also order food to their rooms from the 24-hour room service menu. Double rooms are priced from 102.60 Euros (R1137) for up to three hours, 140.40 Euros (R1561) for 3-6 hours, 172.80 (R1927) for 6-9 hours and 199.80 Euros (R2218) for 9-15 hours. Get further details on www.airporthotelistanbul.com. (4/12/11)
A: A: The TAV Airport Hotel at Ataturk Airport offers rather luxurious rooms within the transit area, as well as rooms on the public side of the terminal. Hourly rates are available on the transit side and there are connecting rooms. There is a fitness centre as well as bars and restaurants. Guests can also order food to their rooms from the 24-hour room service menu. Double rooms are priced from 102.60 Euros (R1137) for up to three hours, 140.40 Euros (R1561) for 3-6 hours, 172.80 (R1927) for 6-9 hours and 199.80 Euros (R2218) for 9-15 hours. Get further details on www.airporthotelistanbul.com. (4/12/11)
Expect a Freezing Reception in New York
Q: We will be in New York in early January next year. Can you advise us on what to expect weather-wise and if it is a good time to visit? - Heather Styles
A: This is one of the coldest months of the year in New York and there is a good chance of snow. The average high temperature is only 4 degrees Celsius and the average low a bone-chilling -3 degrees Celsius. The number of tall buildings can also make any wind feel colder and stronger. However, if you dress warmly, there are some advantages to visiting the Big Apple at this time. Tourism drops after the New Year celebrations, so you can find cheaper accommodation in this expensive city and you can take advantage of sales at many of the top stores. It is also easier to get tickets to Broadway shows and tables at restaurants. You can still use the hop-on, hop-off double-decker buses, as they cover the open deck when the weather is bad. So, if you are prepared to brave the streets clad in waterproof boots and a thick coat, you can have a good New York vacation. (4/12/11)
A: This is one of the coldest months of the year in New York and there is a good chance of snow. The average high temperature is only 4 degrees Celsius and the average low a bone-chilling -3 degrees Celsius. The number of tall buildings can also make any wind feel colder and stronger. However, if you dress warmly, there are some advantages to visiting the Big Apple at this time. Tourism drops after the New Year celebrations, so you can find cheaper accommodation in this expensive city and you can take advantage of sales at many of the top stores. It is also easier to get tickets to Broadway shows and tables at restaurants. You can still use the hop-on, hop-off double-decker buses, as they cover the open deck when the weather is bad. So, if you are prepared to brave the streets clad in waterproof boots and a thick coat, you can have a good New York vacation. (4/12/11)
Scuba Diving in Dubai
Q: Is it worthwhile going scuba diving while in Dubai? I am not very experienced, so I would not be trying out any very deep dives. What do you recommend? - Alan Graham
A: Since off-shore construction of the Palm and the World islands, underwater visibility has become slightly obscured. However, the warm sea temperature makes Dubai a great destination for less experienced divers such as you and the many dive schools know which areas to visit for better visibility. A popular spot is the site of a sunken cruise liner, which went down in the 1960s just outside the port of Dubai. You can also do diving trips to Fujayrah, which has great marine life, and Oman. You will find many diving operations in Dubai, two of the better ones being Al Boom Diving (www.alboomdiving.com) and the Pavilion Dive Centre at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel (/www.jumeirah.com). (4/12/11)
A: Since off-shore construction of the Palm and the World islands, underwater visibility has become slightly obscured. However, the warm sea temperature makes Dubai a great destination for less experienced divers such as you and the many dive schools know which areas to visit for better visibility. A popular spot is the site of a sunken cruise liner, which went down in the 1960s just outside the port of Dubai. You can also do diving trips to Fujayrah, which has great marine life, and Oman. You will find many diving operations in Dubai, two of the better ones being Al Boom Diving (www.alboomdiving.com) and the Pavilion Dive Centre at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel (/www.jumeirah.com). (4/12/11)
Go for a Singapore Sling at Raffles
Q: We will be stopping over in Singapore for two nights on our way to Hong Kong in March 2012. Can you recommend any “must see” places of interest? We hope to be able to afford a Singapore Sling at Raffles. Any idea how much they cost? - Robin & Margaret Pallister
A: Don't think that shopping is all you can do in Singapore. It is certainly great for some retail therapy (especially for electronics at Funan Digitalife Mall and Sim Lim Square), but there are plenty of other things to keep you occupied. You can start off with a hop-on, hop-off city bus tour. Choose from the "heritage route" or the "city route" - or opt for both to take in most of the city's top attractions. Sentosa Island is a "must see" for all visitors, as is the Singapore Flyer (their version of the London Eye). And, if there's time, sneak in a visit to the Jurong Bird Park. If you're not lucky enough to be staying at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, head there to check out the fabulous contemporary art collection adorning its walls. Find time to visit the China Heritage Centre where rooms in ancient Chinese homes have been recreated. For some fresh air head for the Botanic Gardens, where you can take in the collection of 1,000 orchid species and 2,000 hybrids. To see the seedy side of Singapore (yes, there is one) head for Geylang, which has taken over from Bujis Street as the home for streetwalkers and all things naughty. But, this being Singapore, you are unlikely to get into too much trouble. You can restore a feeling of tradition and style with your visit to Raffles Hotel. A Singapore Sling in the famous Long Bar costs 35 Singapore dollars (R255) plus tax and service charges of another 17 percent. Don't feel shy about throwing the shells from the complementary peanuts on the floor, it's expected of you. You may find the drink a little sickly sweet and the atmosphere a little touristy, but it is still one of the things you have to do in Singapore. A more contemporary bar worth visiting is KuDeTa at the Marina Bay Sands resort. Based on the famous Bali beach club, it is one of the most fashionable spots in Singapore at the moment. (4/12/11)
A: Don't think that shopping is all you can do in Singapore. It is certainly great for some retail therapy (especially for electronics at Funan Digitalife Mall and Sim Lim Square), but there are plenty of other things to keep you occupied. You can start off with a hop-on, hop-off city bus tour. Choose from the "heritage route" or the "city route" - or opt for both to take in most of the city's top attractions. Sentosa Island is a "must see" for all visitors, as is the Singapore Flyer (their version of the London Eye). And, if there's time, sneak in a visit to the Jurong Bird Park. If you're not lucky enough to be staying at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, head there to check out the fabulous contemporary art collection adorning its walls. Find time to visit the China Heritage Centre where rooms in ancient Chinese homes have been recreated. For some fresh air head for the Botanic Gardens, where you can take in the collection of 1,000 orchid species and 2,000 hybrids. To see the seedy side of Singapore (yes, there is one) head for Geylang, which has taken over from Bujis Street as the home for streetwalkers and all things naughty. But, this being Singapore, you are unlikely to get into too much trouble. You can restore a feeling of tradition and style with your visit to Raffles Hotel. A Singapore Sling in the famous Long Bar costs 35 Singapore dollars (R255) plus tax and service charges of another 17 percent. Don't feel shy about throwing the shells from the complementary peanuts on the floor, it's expected of you. You may find the drink a little sickly sweet and the atmosphere a little touristy, but it is still one of the things you have to do in Singapore. A more contemporary bar worth visiting is KuDeTa at the Marina Bay Sands resort. Based on the famous Bali beach club, it is one of the most fashionable spots in Singapore at the moment. (4/12/11)
Get me to Ponta do Ouro
Q: We are planning to visit Ponta do Ouro over Christmas and plan to enter Mozambique at the Kosi Bay border post. What are the opening and closing times for the border and what documents are needed to get the vehicle through? Which is the last petrol stop before the border and do you need a 4x4 vehicle to get there? - Dan Simpson
A: The Kosi Bay/Ponta do Ouro border post is open from 8am to 5pm daily. You should get there by 4.30pm at the latest, although it is sometimes kept open later during the busy December periods. To take a vehicle into Mozambique you need ownership papers and proof of insurance. If your documents don't state that the vehicle is covered in Mozambique, it is best to buy the 30 day insurance cover available from agents at the border. The last chance to fill up with petrol and buy supplies is in the town of Kwangwanase (Manguzi), which is 20kms before the border. You can get to the South African border in a two-wheel drive, but that's where the tar road ends and you need a 4x4 or a high clearance vehicle to travel on the sandy Mozambican tracks leading to the resorts. If you are in a two-wheel drive you can park at the border police station and then walk across into Mozambique. Most lodges will collect you there. (27/11/11)
A: The Kosi Bay/Ponta do Ouro border post is open from 8am to 5pm daily. You should get there by 4.30pm at the latest, although it is sometimes kept open later during the busy December periods. To take a vehicle into Mozambique you need ownership papers and proof of insurance. If your documents don't state that the vehicle is covered in Mozambique, it is best to buy the 30 day insurance cover available from agents at the border. The last chance to fill up with petrol and buy supplies is in the town of Kwangwanase (Manguzi), which is 20kms before the border. You can get to the South African border in a two-wheel drive, but that's where the tar road ends and you need a 4x4 or a high clearance vehicle to travel on the sandy Mozambican tracks leading to the resorts. If you are in a two-wheel drive you can park at the border police station and then walk across into Mozambique. Most lodges will collect you there. (27/11/11)
New Year Cruise to Mozambique
Q: My friend and I would like to take a cruise to Mozambique, or any other city where we can celebrate the New Year. We would like to leave around December 28, 2011 and be back on January 2, 2012. - Thokozani Dlamini
A: There are two cruises off the South African coast during the New Year period, both offered by Starlight Cruises. The one which suits your dates best is a return cruise from Durban to Madagascar aboard the MSC Melody. This six-night trip departs on December 28 and returns on January 3, with prices starting at R8,680 per person sharing. There is a one-day stop at Fort Dauphin in Madagascar. If that does not appeal to you, you can take an 11-day cruise aboard the MSC Sinfonia, which departs from Durban on December 27 and returns on January 7. You get to spend one day on Reunion Island and three days on Mauritius. Prices start at R18,590 per person sharing. All prices quoted exclude port charges and insurance, but include all meals and entertainment on board. For further details, go to the www.starlightcruises.co.za website. (27/11/11)
A: There are two cruises off the South African coast during the New Year period, both offered by Starlight Cruises. The one which suits your dates best is a return cruise from Durban to Madagascar aboard the MSC Melody. This six-night trip departs on December 28 and returns on January 3, with prices starting at R8,680 per person sharing. There is a one-day stop at Fort Dauphin in Madagascar. If that does not appeal to you, you can take an 11-day cruise aboard the MSC Sinfonia, which departs from Durban on December 27 and returns on January 7. You get to spend one day on Reunion Island and three days on Mauritius. Prices start at R18,590 per person sharing. All prices quoted exclude port charges and insurance, but include all meals and entertainment on board. For further details, go to the www.starlightcruises.co.za website. (27/11/11)
Valentine's Day in Paris
Q: I am hoping to spend Valentine's Day with my wife in Paris next year. As I really want to make it memorable, could you suggest some of the best places to wine and dine. We will be staying near the Place des Vosges in the Le Marais district. - Geoff Carlisle
A: You must realise there is no more romantic place on earth to celebrate the day of love. In Paris, you just can't go wrong. For pre-dinner drinks, head for the Bar Hemingway at the Ritz Paris Hotel. Rub shoulders with the elite as you sip cocktails adorned with orchids and roses. If you prefer a pub with a history, then try Harry's Bar. The story goes that in 1911 a bar owner dismantled his bar in New York and shifted it to Paris, where it was opened by one Harry MacElhone. Harry's Bar was born and you can still find it at 5 Rue Daunou. For dinner, what could be more romantic than the Eiffel Tower? Try Le 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant on the first level or go for broke and book a table at the one-star Michelin restaurant on the second level, Le Jules Verne. Run by the legendary Alain Ducasse, you reach it by a private elevator in the south tower. Another restaurant with superb views is Georges Restaurant on the Centre Georges Pompidou's top floor. As you admire the city vista, you are bound to run into one or two celebrities - this is definitely one of the city's A-list eateries. If you prefer to be at ground level, you can't do better than Les Ambassadeurs restaurant at the Hôtel de Crillon. Under a 25-foot ceiling studded with Baccarat chandeliers, chef Jean-François Piège spins his culinary magic. A final alternative is to take a dinner cruise on the Seine River. It may sound cheesy, but it remains intoxicatingly romantic. If you're in the market for after-dinner drinks, try something very different by heading to Esmerelda's on Rue Xavier Privasin the Latin Quarter. The building is enchantingly ancient and margaritas are the drink of choice. For something more sophisticated, try the 24-hour club at the Mondrian on Boulevard St-Germain. The cocktails are named after famous islands and the atmosphere is ultra-hip. What a great way to end a romantic evening. (27/11/11)
A: You must realise there is no more romantic place on earth to celebrate the day of love. In Paris, you just can't go wrong. For pre-dinner drinks, head for the Bar Hemingway at the Ritz Paris Hotel. Rub shoulders with the elite as you sip cocktails adorned with orchids and roses. If you prefer a pub with a history, then try Harry's Bar. The story goes that in 1911 a bar owner dismantled his bar in New York and shifted it to Paris, where it was opened by one Harry MacElhone. Harry's Bar was born and you can still find it at 5 Rue Daunou. For dinner, what could be more romantic than the Eiffel Tower? Try Le 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant on the first level or go for broke and book a table at the one-star Michelin restaurant on the second level, Le Jules Verne. Run by the legendary Alain Ducasse, you reach it by a private elevator in the south tower. Another restaurant with superb views is Georges Restaurant on the Centre Georges Pompidou's top floor. As you admire the city vista, you are bound to run into one or two celebrities - this is definitely one of the city's A-list eateries. If you prefer to be at ground level, you can't do better than Les Ambassadeurs restaurant at the Hôtel de Crillon. Under a 25-foot ceiling studded with Baccarat chandeliers, chef Jean-François Piège spins his culinary magic. A final alternative is to take a dinner cruise on the Seine River. It may sound cheesy, but it remains intoxicatingly romantic. If you're in the market for after-dinner drinks, try something very different by heading to Esmerelda's on Rue Xavier Privasin the Latin Quarter. The building is enchantingly ancient and margaritas are the drink of choice. For something more sophisticated, try the 24-hour club at the Mondrian on Boulevard St-Germain. The cocktails are named after famous islands and the atmosphere is ultra-hip. What a great way to end a romantic evening. (27/11/11)
I'm Off to Uruguay
Q: We will be spending three weeks in Buenos Aires early next year and I would like to spend a few days in Uruguay. Ideally, I would like to visit Montevideo for a day and then spend two or three days in Punta Del Este. Could you suggest the best way to travel there from Buenos Aires? - Linda Drake
A: There are flights from Buenos Aires to both cities in Uruguay, but a good option (certainly for the forward trip) is to take the ferry to Montevideo and then a bus service to Punta del Este. The ferry takes around three hours and is a pleasant trip across the Rio de la Plata. On arrival in Montevideo you will have spectacular views of the city and the coastline. Ferry tickets sell out well in advance, so you need to book ahead for this trip. Use the www.buquebus.com website for full details. You can also book your trip from Montevideo to Punta Del Este at the same time. The bus service, which leaves from the Tres Cruces terminal in Montevideo, takes around two hours. If you don't want to do the bus/ferry combination on your return journey, you can fly directly from Punta Del Este to Buenos Aires. This will work out to be more expensive than the return bus and ferry ticket, but the flight takes only 45 minutes. Check flights and prices on the www.flypluna.com or www.aerolineas.com.ar websites. (27/11/11)
A: There are flights from Buenos Aires to both cities in Uruguay, but a good option (certainly for the forward trip) is to take the ferry to Montevideo and then a bus service to Punta del Este. The ferry takes around three hours and is a pleasant trip across the Rio de la Plata. On arrival in Montevideo you will have spectacular views of the city and the coastline. Ferry tickets sell out well in advance, so you need to book ahead for this trip. Use the www.buquebus.com website for full details. You can also book your trip from Montevideo to Punta Del Este at the same time. The bus service, which leaves from the Tres Cruces terminal in Montevideo, takes around two hours. If you don't want to do the bus/ferry combination on your return journey, you can fly directly from Punta Del Este to Buenos Aires. This will work out to be more expensive than the return bus and ferry ticket, but the flight takes only 45 minutes. Check flights and prices on the www.flypluna.com or www.aerolineas.com.ar websites. (27/11/11)
Merits of See Melbourne Card
Q: We will be in Melbourne in January and February for the Australian Open Tennis, but will spend a week afterwards to explore the city. Is there is a museum pass or discount card we could buy to visit the city's top attractions? - Jane Botha
A: You have two main options: you can opt for a See Melbourne Card or a Five in One Attraction Pass. The See Melbourne Card gives you access to over 35 attractions over two, three or seven consecutive days. You can purchase the cards with or without free public transport. Prices range from 145 Aus dollars (around R1,190)for a two-day card without transport to 279 Aus dollars (about R2,292) for a seven-day card with transport. In contrast, the Five in One Attraction Pass which allows you to visit five of Melbourne's top 20 attractions over a 3 month period. The cost of this pass is 125 Aus dollars (about R1,027) Among the attractions available on both discount cards are the Melbourne Aquarium, Eureka Skydeck and the Royal Melbourne Zoo. For further details check out the Melbourne tours pages on www.viator.com. (13/11/11)
A: You have two main options: you can opt for a See Melbourne Card or a Five in One Attraction Pass. The See Melbourne Card gives you access to over 35 attractions over two, three or seven consecutive days. You can purchase the cards with or without free public transport. Prices range from 145 Aus dollars (around R1,190)for a two-day card without transport to 279 Aus dollars (about R2,292) for a seven-day card with transport. In contrast, the Five in One Attraction Pass which allows you to visit five of Melbourne's top 20 attractions over a 3 month period. The cost of this pass is 125 Aus dollars (about R1,027) Among the attractions available on both discount cards are the Melbourne Aquarium, Eureka Skydeck and the Royal Melbourne Zoo. For further details check out the Melbourne tours pages on www.viator.com. (13/11/11)
21 Hours in Kuala Lumpur
Q: We are pensioners having to spend a day in Kuala Lumpur in transit from Australia to South Africa. How do you suggest we fill our time there, seeing as much as we can with the least effort? We arrive at 04.30 and leave the following morning at 01.30, 21 hours later. - Rose Haldane
A: With such an early arrival, you should consider taking a hotel room in Kuala Lumpur. You will have a place to rest, store your hand luggage and freshen up before leaving that night. You can check the discount booking sites like www.booking.com or www.agoda.com for cheap rooms, but explain your arrival/departure times before you guarantee payment. You should get a good hotel room for around 60 US dollars. Some hotels have a special day rate from early morning to early evening which you could take advantage of. You could use the high-speed train for your transfers from the airport to the city centre. As for sightseeing, the best way to see the city is by using the Hop On Hop Off bus. The bus makes a circuit of the main tourist sites every 30 minutes throughout the day. The air conditioned double-decker bus allows you to visit places like the main shopping zones like KLCC, Jalan Bukit Bintang and Chinatown. You also have the option of visiting popular sites like Merdeka Square, the Petronas Towers, the Butterfly Park, the National Planetarium and many of the city's museums. The price of a ticket is 38 Malaysian Ringgits (about R97). If you would rather join a traditional guided tour, a full-day tour will take you to the Petronas Towers, the King's Palace and the Batu Caves outside the city. You will also visit Independence Square, the National Monument, the Lake Garden, the Bird Park and shopping outlets. The tour costs around 100 MYR (about R256) per person. You can get further details and book on www.visit-malaysia.com. (13/11/11)
A: With such an early arrival, you should consider taking a hotel room in Kuala Lumpur. You will have a place to rest, store your hand luggage and freshen up before leaving that night. You can check the discount booking sites like www.booking.com or www.agoda.com for cheap rooms, but explain your arrival/departure times before you guarantee payment. You should get a good hotel room for around 60 US dollars. Some hotels have a special day rate from early morning to early evening which you could take advantage of. You could use the high-speed train for your transfers from the airport to the city centre. As for sightseeing, the best way to see the city is by using the Hop On Hop Off bus. The bus makes a circuit of the main tourist sites every 30 minutes throughout the day. The air conditioned double-decker bus allows you to visit places like the main shopping zones like KLCC, Jalan Bukit Bintang and Chinatown. You also have the option of visiting popular sites like Merdeka Square, the Petronas Towers, the Butterfly Park, the National Planetarium and many of the city's museums. The price of a ticket is 38 Malaysian Ringgits (about R97). If you would rather join a traditional guided tour, a full-day tour will take you to the Petronas Towers, the King's Palace and the Batu Caves outside the city. You will also visit Independence Square, the National Monument, the Lake Garden, the Bird Park and shopping outlets. The tour costs around 100 MYR (about R256) per person. You can get further details and book on www.visit-malaysia.com. (13/11/11)
Planning a Visit to Athens
Q: I will be in Athens for a meeting in mid December. At that time of the year is there any island that is worth visiting for a few days after the meeting or should one just plan to visit museums? - A. Okreglicki.
A: There is so much to see and do in Athens that you could easily forego a trip to one of the islands, but you will miss out on one of the country's greatest attractions. December is certainly not a great time to visit as it can be cold and rainy, but there should be some warm days as well. Most of the big islands, like Mykonos, Santorini and Crete, are open for business, catering to the many locals and expats who live there. Holidaymakers may be a little thin on the ground, but some actually prefer visiting the islands when it is quiet. If you don't want to travel too far, then the islands close to Athens that are open year-round include Kea, Hydra, Spetses, Poros and Aegina. You can happily spend a day or two, as long as you are not put off by the fact that many of the big resorts and tourist restaurants are closed and the pace of life is quiet. If you are unsure about staying on an island, it may be a good idea to take a one-day island cruise from Athens. One of the better ones takes you to Hydra and then Aegina. The package includes transfers to and from your hotel to the port, the ferry crossings and lunch. After an early morning departure, you will have plenty of time to explore Hydra. In the early afternoon you depart for Aegina and enjoy lunch on board the boat as you pass through the narrow strait separating the Peloponnesian coast from Poros Island. On Aegina you can either join the excursion to the Temple of Aphaiaor or discover the main town by yourself. Finally, you pay a short visit to Poros and then head for Piraeus Port for a transfer back to your hotel. The cost of the package is around 89 Euros (R976). (13/11/11)
A: There is so much to see and do in Athens that you could easily forego a trip to one of the islands, but you will miss out on one of the country's greatest attractions. December is certainly not a great time to visit as it can be cold and rainy, but there should be some warm days as well. Most of the big islands, like Mykonos, Santorini and Crete, are open for business, catering to the many locals and expats who live there. Holidaymakers may be a little thin on the ground, but some actually prefer visiting the islands when it is quiet. If you don't want to travel too far, then the islands close to Athens that are open year-round include Kea, Hydra, Spetses, Poros and Aegina. You can happily spend a day or two, as long as you are not put off by the fact that many of the big resorts and tourist restaurants are closed and the pace of life is quiet. If you are unsure about staying on an island, it may be a good idea to take a one-day island cruise from Athens. One of the better ones takes you to Hydra and then Aegina. The package includes transfers to and from your hotel to the port, the ferry crossings and lunch. After an early morning departure, you will have plenty of time to explore Hydra. In the early afternoon you depart for Aegina and enjoy lunch on board the boat as you pass through the narrow strait separating the Peloponnesian coast from Poros Island. On Aegina you can either join the excursion to the Temple of Aphaiaor or discover the main town by yourself. Finally, you pay a short visit to Poros and then head for Piraeus Port for a transfer back to your hotel. The cost of the package is around 89 Euros (R976). (13/11/11)
Jakarta can be Fascinating
Q: My husband and I have decided to visit Jakarta, as it is one of the places we have never visited. Since making the booking we have had “not so good" reports about the place. What can you suggest for the two days we will be there? - Nadine le Roux
A: Don't despair - Jakarta is a fascinating city to visit. Although it may not have the glamour of some of its Asian rivals, the Indonesian capital has its own charm. For one, the former Dutch colony is steeped in a rich culture, with interesting architecture and cultural relics. Of the various parts of the city, you should head for south Jakarta if you are interested in upmarket malls and the best shopping in the city, while the western part is home to a fabuous Chinatown, nightlife and entertainment. Some of the attractions you might consider visiting are the National Museum, which documents the Dutch colonisation; the Ragunan Zoo, with its Komodo dragons and orangutans; the Sunda Kelapa, a fish market at the mouth of the Ciliwung River; and the Taman Mini Indonesia park, if only for the stunning orchid garden. (6/11/11)
A: Don't despair - Jakarta is a fascinating city to visit. Although it may not have the glamour of some of its Asian rivals, the Indonesian capital has its own charm. For one, the former Dutch colony is steeped in a rich culture, with interesting architecture and cultural relics. Of the various parts of the city, you should head for south Jakarta if you are interested in upmarket malls and the best shopping in the city, while the western part is home to a fabuous Chinatown, nightlife and entertainment. Some of the attractions you might consider visiting are the National Museum, which documents the Dutch colonisation; the Ragunan Zoo, with its Komodo dragons and orangutans; the Sunda Kelapa, a fish market at the mouth of the Ciliwung River; and the Taman Mini Indonesia park, if only for the stunning orchid garden. (6/11/11)
Take the Express Train to Hong Kong
Q: We have to decide whether to book a transfer from Hong Kong Airport to our hotel in Kowloon or rather take the express train into the city. The hotel transfer would cost 650 Hong Kong dollars (HKD) for two people, so which one would be the best for us to choose? – Arnold Du Plessis.
A: The Hong Kong Airport Express is very convenient and hassle-free, with departures every 12 minutes for the 21-minute journey to Kowloon. At Kowloon station you can take the free shuttle bus to your hotel or pay for a taxi if you are in a rush. A single one-way ticket from the airport to Kowloon costs 90 Hong Kong Dollars. While the airport-hotel limousine service is probably more convenient overall, the train service is much more cost-effective. If you don’t have too much luggage, it would be your best bet. (6/11/11)
A: The Hong Kong Airport Express is very convenient and hassle-free, with departures every 12 minutes for the 21-minute journey to Kowloon. At Kowloon station you can take the free shuttle bus to your hotel or pay for a taxi if you are in a rush. A single one-way ticket from the airport to Kowloon costs 90 Hong Kong Dollars. While the airport-hotel limousine service is probably more convenient overall, the train service is much more cost-effective. If you don’t have too much luggage, it would be your best bet. (6/11/11)
Stops on Cruise to Cape Town
Q: We cannot find details of the MSC Melody cruise from Barcelona to Cape Town in November. We would like to know how long the stops are at each port. - Barbara Barker
A: The MSC Melody sails out of Barcelona on November 19 at 7.30pm. The first port of call is Cadiz in Spain (9am-5pm) and then Santa Cruz de Tenerife in Spain (10am-6pm). The ship's next stop is on the African continent in Dakar, Senegal (8am-2pm) and then Walvis Bay (8am-4pm) before sailing into Table Bay at midday on December 6. (6/11/11)
A: The MSC Melody sails out of Barcelona on November 19 at 7.30pm. The first port of call is Cadiz in Spain (9am-5pm) and then Santa Cruz de Tenerife in Spain (10am-6pm). The ship's next stop is on the African continent in Dakar, Senegal (8am-2pm) and then Walvis Bay (8am-4pm) before sailing into Table Bay at midday on December 6. (6/11/11)
finding a Hotel at Vic Falls
Q: We are driving to the Victoria Falls in early January 2012 and are struggling to find reasonably priced four-star accommodation without a fly-in package deal. We can pay up to $100 a night per person for a double room. We will be at the Falls for four nights and are happy to stay in either Zimbabwe or Zambia. - Alicia Thompson
A: It is difficult to find four-star hotels within your price range at that time of the year. However, perhaps you would like to consider the three available hotels I found on the discount website, www.hotels.com. Only one is officially rated four-star, but all offer good quality accommodation and service. The Kingdom Hotel has standard rooms on offer from 180 US dollars (90 US dollars per person). This hotel is located very close to the Falls on the Zimbabwean side, and has great facilities such as three outdoor swimming pools and three restaurants. It is rated three-star, but is very popular among South Africans. The second hotel is the Protea Hotel Livingstone, which is located in Livingstone on the Zambian side. However, it is only 6kms from the Falls and offers very comfortable rooms and good facilities. For a more natural setting, you can try the Old Ursula Camp, which has a four-star rating. This intimate lodge is available from 144 US dollars per night on www.hotels.com. If you opt for something cheaper, you can try the Vic Falls Restcamp, which is located in the centre of the village on the Zimbabwe side. The camp has good security and a big swimming pool. The best accommodation is in self-catering lodges with private facilities. A two-bedroom lodge used by 1-3 people cost 93 US dollars per night, while a chalet with communal bath is 34 US dollars and a dome bungalow tent 60 US dollars. For further details check the www.vicfallsrestcamp.com website. (6/11/11)
A: It is difficult to find four-star hotels within your price range at that time of the year. However, perhaps you would like to consider the three available hotels I found on the discount website, www.hotels.com. Only one is officially rated four-star, but all offer good quality accommodation and service. The Kingdom Hotel has standard rooms on offer from 180 US dollars (90 US dollars per person). This hotel is located very close to the Falls on the Zimbabwean side, and has great facilities such as three outdoor swimming pools and three restaurants. It is rated three-star, but is very popular among South Africans. The second hotel is the Protea Hotel Livingstone, which is located in Livingstone on the Zambian side. However, it is only 6kms from the Falls and offers very comfortable rooms and good facilities. For a more natural setting, you can try the Old Ursula Camp, which has a four-star rating. This intimate lodge is available from 144 US dollars per night on www.hotels.com. If you opt for something cheaper, you can try the Vic Falls Restcamp, which is located in the centre of the village on the Zimbabwe side. The camp has good security and a big swimming pool. The best accommodation is in self-catering lodges with private facilities. A two-bedroom lodge used by 1-3 people cost 93 US dollars per night, while a chalet with communal bath is 34 US dollars and a dome bungalow tent 60 US dollars. For further details check the www.vicfallsrestcamp.com website. (6/11/11)
Organised Tours of the Vatican
Q: I will be on holiday in Rome in December and have allocated one day to see the Vatican. Is it possible to see the most important sites in a day on my own or is there a tour I could join? - Nathan Rensburg
A: It would be possible to get to all the sites, but it would be far easier to join one of the organised tours. For one, they will arrange your visit in advance and you won't have to queue for tickets. The website www.viator.com is offering a guided walking tour that gets to most of the major attractions in eight hours. The cost of the tour is 90 Euros (R986) and can be booked on the site. This tour, a combination of two tours, takes you to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Gallery of Maps, Raphael's Rooms, St. Peter's Basilica and the most important Basilicas of the Vatican. This is the only Vatican City tour that incorporates all of the Basilicas along with the Vatican Museums to ensure you see everything in one day. Numbers on the tour are limited to 25 people. (23/10/11)
A: It would be possible to get to all the sites, but it would be far easier to join one of the organised tours. For one, they will arrange your visit in advance and you won't have to queue for tickets. The website www.viator.com is offering a guided walking tour that gets to most of the major attractions in eight hours. The cost of the tour is 90 Euros (R986) and can be booked on the site. This tour, a combination of two tours, takes you to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Gallery of Maps, Raphael's Rooms, St. Peter's Basilica and the most important Basilicas of the Vatican. This is the only Vatican City tour that incorporates all of the Basilicas along with the Vatican Museums to ensure you see everything in one day. Numbers on the tour are limited to 25 people. (23/10/11)
Train from Perth to Sydney
Q: We are planning to fly to Perth in April next year and then take the scenic train journey to Sydney. Could you tell me whether this service is still available, how much it costs and how we can book. - Alistair King
A: Known as the Indian Pacific after the two oceans it joins, this is one of the world's great train journeys and it is still running very successfully. Covering a distance of 4,352km, it takes three days and nights to make the journey to Sydney. As you cross from the west to the east coast, you will pass through some of Australia’s most beautiful and unspoiled landscapes, from the majestic Blue Mountains to the grand wilderness of the Nullarbor. The service runs both ways and there are a number of opportunities to leave the train. Fares for the journey go up in April 2012. The new fares are 2160 Aus$ (R17,500) in gold class and 1498 Aus$ (R12,000) in a standard sleeper cabin. You can get further details and book on the www.greatsouthernrail.com.au website. You will find the cabins very comfortable, with the gold service offering greater luxuries like private bathrooms in the twin berth cabins. The gold fare includes meals in the restaurant car and complimentary tea and coffee during the journey. (23/10/11)
A: Known as the Indian Pacific after the two oceans it joins, this is one of the world's great train journeys and it is still running very successfully. Covering a distance of 4,352km, it takes three days and nights to make the journey to Sydney. As you cross from the west to the east coast, you will pass through some of Australia’s most beautiful and unspoiled landscapes, from the majestic Blue Mountains to the grand wilderness of the Nullarbor. The service runs both ways and there are a number of opportunities to leave the train. Fares for the journey go up in April 2012. The new fares are 2160 Aus$ (R17,500) in gold class and 1498 Aus$ (R12,000) in a standard sleeper cabin. You can get further details and book on the www.greatsouthernrail.com.au website. You will find the cabins very comfortable, with the gold service offering greater luxuries like private bathrooms in the twin berth cabins. The gold fare includes meals in the restaurant car and complimentary tea and coffee during the journey. (23/10/11)
Planning a Honeymoon in Samui
Q: My niece is getting married in Koh Samui next year and we are trying to get the cheapest flights or packages to Bangkok. We would like to spend two nights there before going to Samui. Where should we stay and which is the best way to get from Bangkok to Samui? - Gwyneth Plummer
A: You will probably find that the cheapest way to get from South Africa to Bangkok is to buy a package which includes two or three nights accommodation in the city. This would suit you perfectly. To find packages check the advertisements in this magazine or try the websites http://www.seekers.co.za/ or http://www.thompsons.co.za/. If you are looking for flights without accommodation, your best bet may be via the Middle East on Emirates, Etihad or Qatar Airways. Have a look at http://www.flightcentre.co.za/. If you need to book your hotels separately, you should definitely check out the discount hotel websites. Among the best are http://www.bookings.com/, http://www.asiarooms.com/ and http://www.bangkok.com/. The best areas to stay in are the Sukhumvit Road and Siam Square shopping areas, the Silom/Sathorn entertainment district and along the riverfront. Both Bangkok Airways and Thai International fly directly from Bangkok to Koh Samui, but the flights are not cheap. You can save money by flying from Bangkok to Surat Thani on Nok Air (or Thai International) and then taking the ferry across the bay to Samui. (23/10/11)
A: You will probably find that the cheapest way to get from South Africa to Bangkok is to buy a package which includes two or three nights accommodation in the city. This would suit you perfectly. To find packages check the advertisements in this magazine or try the websites http://www.seekers.co.za/ or http://www.thompsons.co.za/. If you are looking for flights without accommodation, your best bet may be via the Middle East on Emirates, Etihad or Qatar Airways. Have a look at http://www.flightcentre.co.za/. If you need to book your hotels separately, you should definitely check out the discount hotel websites. Among the best are http://www.bookings.com/, http://www.asiarooms.com/ and http://www.bangkok.com/. The best areas to stay in are the Sukhumvit Road and Siam Square shopping areas, the Silom/Sathorn entertainment district and along the riverfront. Both Bangkok Airways and Thai International fly directly from Bangkok to Koh Samui, but the flights are not cheap. You can save money by flying from Bangkok to Surat Thani on Nok Air (or Thai International) and then taking the ferry across the bay to Samui. (23/10/11)
Try the Santa Fe Hotel in Disneyland Paris
Q: We are planning a road trip around France for early April next year and would like to stop at Disneyland Paris for 2-3 nights and spend some time there. Can you suggest any good quality, affordable accommodation nearby or at the resort for 4 adults and 1 child? - Devon Winkler
A: Of the Disney hotels at the park, your best choice would probably be the Sante Fe Hotel. Rooms have two double beds, so two rooms should comfortably suit your needs.I was quoted 636 British pounds (R8,127) for a two night/three day package for three adults and one child sharing a room. This includes two nights accommodation, breakfast and entrance tickets to the park. The same room for two adults costs 525 British pounds (R6,715) for the two-night package. These quotations were obtained on www.visitdisneylandparis.com. If these rates are too expensive for you and you don't mind a short journey to the park, then you could try the Ibis Marne La Vallée Val d'Europe - Montevrain, which is located only two kilometres from the park entrance. Double rooms are available in April from 115 US dollars (R952) per night (www.hotels.com). You could also try the Premiere Classe Marne la Vallée - Bussy St Georges. This bright, modern hotel is only two metro stops from Disneyland Paris and 20 minutes from Paris by train. A triple room with a double and a single bed costs 62 US dollars (R515) per night, while a quadruple room with four single beds costs 84 US dollars (R695) from www.booking.com. (16/10/11)
A: Of the Disney hotels at the park, your best choice would probably be the Sante Fe Hotel. Rooms have two double beds, so two rooms should comfortably suit your needs.I was quoted 636 British pounds (R8,127) for a two night/three day package for three adults and one child sharing a room. This includes two nights accommodation, breakfast and entrance tickets to the park. The same room for two adults costs 525 British pounds (R6,715) for the two-night package. These quotations were obtained on www.visitdisneylandparis.com. If these rates are too expensive for you and you don't mind a short journey to the park, then you could try the Ibis Marne La Vallée Val d'Europe - Montevrain, which is located only two kilometres from the park entrance. Double rooms are available in April from 115 US dollars (R952) per night (www.hotels.com). You could also try the Premiere Classe Marne la Vallée - Bussy St Georges. This bright, modern hotel is only two metro stops from Disneyland Paris and 20 minutes from Paris by train. A triple room with a double and a single bed costs 62 US dollars (R515) per night, while a quadruple room with four single beds costs 84 US dollars (R695) from www.booking.com. (16/10/11)
Play Golf in Namib Desert
Q: Our group of seven travellers is to visit Namibia for six days in December, setting off on the 15th. We need your advice to find simple and affordable accommodation in Windhoek and Swakopmund and some of the best attractions. - Gaogakwe Clifton Sechogo
A: A good bet for a reasonably-priced hotel in Windhoek is the Hotel Pension Uhland. It is a family-run hotel located in Windhoek's diplomatic district, close to the city centre. Rooms have TV and en-suite bathrooms and there is a swimming pool and on-site parking. Double rooms range from R595 to R735 per night, including breakfast and taxes. Find out more on http://www.hoteluhland.com/ or telephone +264 61 389 700. If you prefer a guest house, Rivendell is a small, old style house located in a quiet neighbourhood. Prices range from R448 for a twin room with shared bathroom to R598 for a double bed room with private bathroom. Breakfast is available or you can opt for the self-catering option. The guest house has a swimming pool, TV lounge, laundry facilities and internet access. Check it out on http://www.rivendellnamibia.com/ or telephone +264 61 250 006. Places to visit in Windhoek include the Alte Feste (Old Fortress), Joe's Beerhouse brewery, the National Botanical Garden, the NamibRand Nature Reserve and the Christuskirche. Accommodation in Swakopmund may be a little more difficult to find as this is a very popular holiday destination and you are travelling in peak season. A popular place to stay is Tina's Bed and Breakfast. Located about one kilometre from the sea, the rooms have well-equipped kitchenettes, ensuite bathrooms and televisions. Barbecue facilities are available. A double room is available on http://www.booking.com/ for 80 US dollars (R660) per night, including breakfast and taxes. You could also try Guesthouse Fischreiher, which has seven double rooms only a few minutes stroll from the sea. The guest house is about 10 minutes drive from the centre of town and a few minutes from a shopping centre. Room rates range from R350 per person in a double room, including breakfast and all taxes. Visit the http://www.fischreiher.net/ website for further details. Some of the things you could try in Swakopmund is play golf on the famous Rössmund Golf Course, ride quad biking on the dunes, go sandboarding or take a dolphin cruise. (16/10/11)
A: A good bet for a reasonably-priced hotel in Windhoek is the Hotel Pension Uhland. It is a family-run hotel located in Windhoek's diplomatic district, close to the city centre. Rooms have TV and en-suite bathrooms and there is a swimming pool and on-site parking. Double rooms range from R595 to R735 per night, including breakfast and taxes. Find out more on http://www.hoteluhland.com/ or telephone +264 61 389 700. If you prefer a guest house, Rivendell is a small, old style house located in a quiet neighbourhood. Prices range from R448 for a twin room with shared bathroom to R598 for a double bed room with private bathroom. Breakfast is available or you can opt for the self-catering option. The guest house has a swimming pool, TV lounge, laundry facilities and internet access. Check it out on http://www.rivendellnamibia.com/ or telephone +264 61 250 006. Places to visit in Windhoek include the Alte Feste (Old Fortress), Joe's Beerhouse brewery, the National Botanical Garden, the NamibRand Nature Reserve and the Christuskirche. Accommodation in Swakopmund may be a little more difficult to find as this is a very popular holiday destination and you are travelling in peak season. A popular place to stay is Tina's Bed and Breakfast. Located about one kilometre from the sea, the rooms have well-equipped kitchenettes, ensuite bathrooms and televisions. Barbecue facilities are available. A double room is available on http://www.booking.com/ for 80 US dollars (R660) per night, including breakfast and taxes. You could also try Guesthouse Fischreiher, which has seven double rooms only a few minutes stroll from the sea. The guest house is about 10 minutes drive from the centre of town and a few minutes from a shopping centre. Room rates range from R350 per person in a double room, including breakfast and all taxes. Visit the http://www.fischreiher.net/ website for further details. Some of the things you could try in Swakopmund is play golf on the famous Rössmund Golf Course, ride quad biking on the dunes, go sandboarding or take a dolphin cruise. (16/10/11)
Place to Stay on Koh Phangan
Q: Any suggestions on reasonably priced places to stay in Koh Phangan in Thailand during December for two adults? - B. Berman
A: The availability of accommodation on Koh Phangan has always been dependent on the famous full moon parties held there. With thousands of travellers arriving on the island for these parties, accommodation for a day or two on either side of the parties is at a premium. In December this is exacerbated by the end-of-year holiday season and the fact that there are three major "full moon" parties during December. They are on Saturday December 10, Sunday December 25 and Saturday December 31. Therefore, it would be very difficult to find rooms on Haad Rin beach, where the parties are held. There may be some rooms on other parts of the island. You can find a big selection of hotels on the www.fullmoonpartykohphangan.com website, which has a handy listing of minimum stay requirements and distance from the noise of the party beach. Prices range from 200 to 5900 baht (R50-R1475) per night. You can book rooms with them even if you have no intention of going to the parties. Other websites with good selections of accommodation are www.sawadee.com and www.asiarooms.com. (16/10/11)
A: The availability of accommodation on Koh Phangan has always been dependent on the famous full moon parties held there. With thousands of travellers arriving on the island for these parties, accommodation for a day or two on either side of the parties is at a premium. In December this is exacerbated by the end-of-year holiday season and the fact that there are three major "full moon" parties during December. They are on Saturday December 10, Sunday December 25 and Saturday December 31. Therefore, it would be very difficult to find rooms on Haad Rin beach, where the parties are held. There may be some rooms on other parts of the island. You can find a big selection of hotels on the www.fullmoonpartykohphangan.com website, which has a handy listing of minimum stay requirements and distance from the noise of the party beach. Prices range from 200 to 5900 baht (R50-R1475) per night. You can book rooms with them even if you have no intention of going to the parties. Other websites with good selections of accommodation are www.sawadee.com and www.asiarooms.com. (16/10/11)
Sol's Resort Still Tops in Mauritius
Q: I am considering a wedding anniversary trip to honeymoon to Mauritius and want to stay in a really special hotel. Besides a good beach, choice of restaurants and luxurious accommodation, we would like a golf course at the resort or nearby. Is Sol Kerzner's hotel still the best on the island? - Rodney Serfontein
A: Sol Kerzner's One&Only Le Saint Géran is still up there with a best and is rightly regarded with awe by other hoteliers on the island. Part of its continued appeal is its magnificent setting in a palm grove, with 60 acres of tropical garden and 1.5kms of white sandy beach. Suites are spacious, there is a 24-hour butler service and three excellent restaurants. To keep you busy, the resort has a nine-hole golf course designed by Gary Player and a superb spa. (www.oneandonlyresorts.com) Probably the closest competitor is the Royal Palm Hotel, a top-notch hotel on a near-perfect beach near Grand Baie. Nicknamed Royal Calm because of its quiet, exclusive atmosphere, it offers spectacularly good service. It does not have its own golf course, but you can use one of the two courses at hotels in the same group (www.beachcomber-hotels.com). A resort with a superb golf course is the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita. This exclusive retreat is home to the Ernie Els-designed 18-hole championship course, which features six oceanfront holes. There are 123 villas, but the ones to go for are the Lagoon Pool Villas on a private 11-acre island, Ile aux Chats (www.fourseasons.com). Another luxurious resort with its own island (and golf course) is the Le Touessrok Hotel, which has the stunning Ile aux Cerfs. This is where you'll find the 18-hole Bernhard Langer-designed championship golf course. The resort is elegant and romantic, with its best rooms across a wooden bridge from the main hotel on Frangipani Island (www.letouessrokresort.com). Another five-star hotel with good gold credentials is the Constance Belle Mare Plage Hotel, which has two championship courses (www.bellemareplagehotel.com). There are a number of other five-star hotels considering, like the Grand Mauritian and the Oberoi Mauritius. You should not worry too much about having access to golfing facilities. At last count there were 12 golf courses on the island. (16/10/11)
A: Sol Kerzner's One&Only Le Saint Géran is still up there with a best and is rightly regarded with awe by other hoteliers on the island. Part of its continued appeal is its magnificent setting in a palm grove, with 60 acres of tropical garden and 1.5kms of white sandy beach. Suites are spacious, there is a 24-hour butler service and three excellent restaurants. To keep you busy, the resort has a nine-hole golf course designed by Gary Player and a superb spa. (www.oneandonlyresorts.com) Probably the closest competitor is the Royal Palm Hotel, a top-notch hotel on a near-perfect beach near Grand Baie. Nicknamed Royal Calm because of its quiet, exclusive atmosphere, it offers spectacularly good service. It does not have its own golf course, but you can use one of the two courses at hotels in the same group (www.beachcomber-hotels.com). A resort with a superb golf course is the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita. This exclusive retreat is home to the Ernie Els-designed 18-hole championship course, which features six oceanfront holes. There are 123 villas, but the ones to go for are the Lagoon Pool Villas on a private 11-acre island, Ile aux Chats (www.fourseasons.com). Another luxurious resort with its own island (and golf course) is the Le Touessrok Hotel, which has the stunning Ile aux Cerfs. This is where you'll find the 18-hole Bernhard Langer-designed championship golf course. The resort is elegant and romantic, with its best rooms across a wooden bridge from the main hotel on Frangipani Island (www.letouessrokresort.com). Another five-star hotel with good gold credentials is the Constance Belle Mare Plage Hotel, which has two championship courses (www.bellemareplagehotel.com). There are a number of other five-star hotels considering, like the Grand Mauritian and the Oberoi Mauritius. You should not worry too much about having access to golfing facilities. At last count there were 12 golf courses on the island. (16/10/11)
Child-friendly Hotels in New York
Q: We will be in New York over Christmas for three nights with our eight-year-old son. Do you have any suggestions for hotel accommodation that is centrally located and that is child friendly? We would also like to enjoy a nice lunch on Christmas Day, any recommendations? – Yolandi Ditchfield
A: You will surely want to stay in Manhattan, close to all the tourist attractions. Many of the hotels here have special facilities for children and kids programmes. Here are a few. The Doubletree Guest Suites in Midtown West has a great "Kids Club" program, which includes "child-proofed" rooms, kid-friendly items on the room service menu and Sony Playstations in rooms. 70 Park Avenue Hotel in Murray Hill hs a "Kids Rule" program, with in-room features like a Nintendo, enormous TVs and great audio systems. Another hotel offering Nintendo in the rooms is the Belvedere, which also has in-room kitchenettes. Kids under 18 stay free at the Sheraton Manhattan in Midtown West, which also has the advantage of a year-round indoor pool. Of the upmarket hotels, the Four Seasons has a reputation of going the extra mile for their young guests, with their own shampoo and bathrobes. Rooms have a DVD and there is a video lending library. Many restaurants in Manhattan are closed on Christmas Day, but there are still plenty of options for you. The easiest way to find an available restaurant is to go to the www.opentable.com website and check options for New York City. When I tried early in October there were 159 restaurants available. If you check in mid-November, the listings will have greater detail, such as special Christmas menus. Buffets are particularly popular. Remember that sales tax of 8.25% will be added to any price quoted and waiters expect a 20 percent tip. Some of the restaurants that you may wish to consider include two swish favourites, The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel and the Rainbow Room. However, if you feel your son might feel ill at ease there, you could try the buffet at Murals on 54th or one of many smaller diners. For a particularly Christmas atmosphere, the Rock Center Cafe is near the massive Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and The Sea Grill, which overlooks the center's ice skating rink. One restaurant that may appeal to your son is the Jekyll & Hyde Club on Sixth Avenue. Designed in the form of a haunted mansion with four floors of live interactive entertainment and spooky special effects, it prides itself on being open 365 days a year. You won't have a traditional Christmas lunch, but it is likely to be one your son won't forget. (16/10/11)
A: You will surely want to stay in Manhattan, close to all the tourist attractions. Many of the hotels here have special facilities for children and kids programmes. Here are a few. The Doubletree Guest Suites in Midtown West has a great "Kids Club" program, which includes "child-proofed" rooms, kid-friendly items on the room service menu and Sony Playstations in rooms. 70 Park Avenue Hotel in Murray Hill hs a "Kids Rule" program, with in-room features like a Nintendo, enormous TVs and great audio systems. Another hotel offering Nintendo in the rooms is the Belvedere, which also has in-room kitchenettes. Kids under 18 stay free at the Sheraton Manhattan in Midtown West, which also has the advantage of a year-round indoor pool. Of the upmarket hotels, the Four Seasons has a reputation of going the extra mile for their young guests, with their own shampoo and bathrobes. Rooms have a DVD and there is a video lending library. Many restaurants in Manhattan are closed on Christmas Day, but there are still plenty of options for you. The easiest way to find an available restaurant is to go to the www.opentable.com website and check options for New York City. When I tried early in October there were 159 restaurants available. If you check in mid-November, the listings will have greater detail, such as special Christmas menus. Buffets are particularly popular. Remember that sales tax of 8.25% will be added to any price quoted and waiters expect a 20 percent tip. Some of the restaurants that you may wish to consider include two swish favourites, The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel and the Rainbow Room. However, if you feel your son might feel ill at ease there, you could try the buffet at Murals on 54th or one of many smaller diners. For a particularly Christmas atmosphere, the Rock Center Cafe is near the massive Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and The Sea Grill, which overlooks the center's ice skating rink. One restaurant that may appeal to your son is the Jekyll & Hyde Club on Sixth Avenue. Designed in the form of a haunted mansion with four floors of live interactive entertainment and spooky special effects, it prides itself on being open 365 days a year. You won't have a traditional Christmas lunch, but it is likely to be one your son won't forget. (16/10/11)
Will We Freeze in Iceland?
Q: My husband and I, both pensioners, are thinking of going on a cruise to Iceland in July 2012. The ship will dock at Bergen in Norway and visit ports in Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Island of Torshaven. Friends are warning us that the temperature will be below freezing all the way. Is this so? - Rodney George
A: You have no need to worry. July is a favourite month for travel to Scandanavian countries because of the warm and sunny days. You should always take some warm clothing for chilly nights, but you don't have to worry about coping with sub-zero temperatures. The average daily temperatures in Norway range from 13-22 degrees Celsius during July. The same goes for Iceland, where the warm North Atlantic Current ensures generally higher temperatures than in most places of similar latitude in the world. The average temperatures for July range from 10-16 degrees Celsius. (9/10/11)
A: You have no need to worry. July is a favourite month for travel to Scandanavian countries because of the warm and sunny days. You should always take some warm clothing for chilly nights, but you don't have to worry about coping with sub-zero temperatures. The average daily temperatures in Norway range from 13-22 degrees Celsius during July. The same goes for Iceland, where the warm North Atlantic Current ensures generally higher temperatures than in most places of similar latitude in the world. The average temperatures for July range from 10-16 degrees Celsius. (9/10/11)
Adaptor Needed in Italy
Q: I will be travelling to Rome, Italy for a conference and I would like to know what type of adaptor I need to buy to be able to use my laptop there. - Thokozani Ian Nzimakwe
A: Electricity in Italy is 220 volts with 50 cycles alternating current (AC), which is the same as in South Africa. This means that you will not need a currency converter to use your appliance. However, you will definitely need an adaptor as the wall socket consists of three round holes in a row as opposed to South Africa's triangle format. Adaptors sometimes use only the two outer holes in a two round-pronged plug. This is commonly known as the "Europlug" as it is used in many European countries and is probably the most used international plug. You should easily find an adaptor to use on your trip. You need to note that Italian plugs can be of two different sizes, with a larger pronged plug used for large applicance like refrigerators and washing machines. As a tourist, though, you will only need to use the smaller-pronged plug. (9/10/11)
A: Electricity in Italy is 220 volts with 50 cycles alternating current (AC), which is the same as in South Africa. This means that you will not need a currency converter to use your appliance. However, you will definitely need an adaptor as the wall socket consists of three round holes in a row as opposed to South Africa's triangle format. Adaptors sometimes use only the two outer holes in a two round-pronged plug. This is commonly known as the "Europlug" as it is used in many European countries and is probably the most used international plug. You should easily find an adaptor to use on your trip. You need to note that Italian plugs can be of two different sizes, with a larger pronged plug used for large applicance like refrigerators and washing machines. As a tourist, though, you will only need to use the smaller-pronged plug. (9/10/11)
An Affordable Pad in Dubai
Q: We will be visiting family in Dubai over New Year, but they cannot accommodate four more adults. Can you help us to find reasonably-priced central accommodation over this period? - Jeane Gere
A: You will find some great offers if you book early, with some discount websites offering discounts of around 50 percent on some apartments. I checked the availability of self-catering accommodation for four adults on www.booking.com and found some excellent deals. The best offer I could find was a two-bedroom apartment in the new Emirates Stars Hotel Apartments in Al Qusais, a popular residential area. The building is located only 3kms from the airport and close to major malls. The total price for four nights is US$372, which works out at US$93 per night. There were three buildings offering two-bedroom apartments for a total of US$490 for four nights, which is US$125 per night. These buildings, all located in Bur Dubai, are the Fortune Grand Hotel Apartments, the Grand Midwest Hotel Apartments and the Ascot Hotel Apartment. All offer a host of facilities, including swimming pools. One of the most popular buildings among South Africans, the Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, offers a family suite for US$143 per night. This has two double beds, one in the living room. If you want to splash out for more swanky accommodation, you could try the Flora Creek Deluxe Hotel Apartments, where a luxurious two-bedroom apartment with a creek view will cost you US$245 per night. There is a spa and an indoor swimming pool. If you want a view of the landmark Burj Al Arab Hotel, you could opt for a two-bedroom suite in the Grand Midwest Tower in Sheik Zayed Road. Expect panoramic views of the Burj and the Palm and an expansive pool area for US$218 per night. (9/10/11)
A: You will find some great offers if you book early, with some discount websites offering discounts of around 50 percent on some apartments. I checked the availability of self-catering accommodation for four adults on www.booking.com and found some excellent deals. The best offer I could find was a two-bedroom apartment in the new Emirates Stars Hotel Apartments in Al Qusais, a popular residential area. The building is located only 3kms from the airport and close to major malls. The total price for four nights is US$372, which works out at US$93 per night. There were three buildings offering two-bedroom apartments for a total of US$490 for four nights, which is US$125 per night. These buildings, all located in Bur Dubai, are the Fortune Grand Hotel Apartments, the Grand Midwest Hotel Apartments and the Ascot Hotel Apartment. All offer a host of facilities, including swimming pools. One of the most popular buildings among South Africans, the Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, offers a family suite for US$143 per night. This has two double beds, one in the living room. If you want to splash out for more swanky accommodation, you could try the Flora Creek Deluxe Hotel Apartments, where a luxurious two-bedroom apartment with a creek view will cost you US$245 per night. There is a spa and an indoor swimming pool. If you want a view of the landmark Burj Al Arab Hotel, you could opt for a two-bedroom suite in the Grand Midwest Tower in Sheik Zayed Road. Expect panoramic views of the Burj and the Palm and an expansive pool area for US$218 per night. (9/10/11)
Campsites During London Olympics
Q: My girlfriend and I hope to be in London during the Olympics next year. To save on accommodation costs we are considering camping as an option. Are there any camping sites within the greater London area? How much could we expect to pay? - Brendon Decker
A: There are at least five camping sites within the M25. You can pitch your own tent in these camps or rent equipment. The parks range from the popular Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park near Epping Forest to the Crystal Palace Campsite, which has a direct bus link to Oxford Circus. The average nightly rate at the camps runs from 11-15 GBP per site per night. You can see a full listing at the www.ukcampsite.co.uk website. At least two camps are being set up specifically for the Olympics. Both will be run by the Camping and Caravanning Club. The first is the Waterworks Campsite in the Lee Valley. With space for 320 sites, this temporary facility will be open from July 20 - August 16 next year. Nightly prices start at 45 GBP. The second is the Westlands Romford Campsite, which will occupy large playing fields in Romford, a town in northeast London. The facility will have 430 sites and will be open from July 24 to August 20, 2012. The rate for a site will be around 30 GBP per night. To book either at either of these campsites call +44 (0)845 130 7633. (9/10/11)
A: There are at least five camping sites within the M25. You can pitch your own tent in these camps or rent equipment. The parks range from the popular Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park near Epping Forest to the Crystal Palace Campsite, which has a direct bus link to Oxford Circus. The average nightly rate at the camps runs from 11-15 GBP per site per night. You can see a full listing at the www.ukcampsite.co.uk website. At least two camps are being set up specifically for the Olympics. Both will be run by the Camping and Caravanning Club. The first is the Waterworks Campsite in the Lee Valley. With space for 320 sites, this temporary facility will be open from July 20 - August 16 next year. Nightly prices start at 45 GBP. The second is the Westlands Romford Campsite, which will occupy large playing fields in Romford, a town in northeast London. The facility will have 430 sites and will be open from July 24 to August 20, 2012. The rate for a site will be around 30 GBP per night. To book either at either of these campsites call +44 (0)845 130 7633. (9/10/11)
Lisbon Weather in December
Q: We will be in Lisbon for two weeks in December. How severe is the winter weather likely to be and what attractions can be enjoy if it rains? - Rochelle van der Westhuizen
A: In weather terms, this is not the ideal time to visit the Portuguese capital. Daily temperatures range from 9-15 degrees and it is the rainiest time of the year. There is an average of only 4.6 hours of sunshine daily, the lowest for any month. However, the city centre is beautifully illuminated for Christmas and it can seem magical. If it rains, there is still plenty to see and do. When the weather is poor, you can visit one of the many museums (the Gulbenkian, the Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the Ancient Art Museum and MuDe - the design and fashion museum). You don't need great weather to visit two of the city's must-see attractions, the Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower. You should also check out the Oceanarium, housed in a state-of-the-art building. You might consider buying a Lisboa Card, which gives you discounted or free access to the city's major museums, sights and tours. Your transport around the city is also free, because the Lisboa Card includes all trips on the Metro, public buses, the trams and the funiculars known as the Elevadores. The card costs from 17 Euros for 24 hours to 33.50 euros for 72 hours. (2/10/11)
A: In weather terms, this is not the ideal time to visit the Portuguese capital. Daily temperatures range from 9-15 degrees and it is the rainiest time of the year. There is an average of only 4.6 hours of sunshine daily, the lowest for any month. However, the city centre is beautifully illuminated for Christmas and it can seem magical. If it rains, there is still plenty to see and do. When the weather is poor, you can visit one of the many museums (the Gulbenkian, the Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the Ancient Art Museum and MuDe - the design and fashion museum). You don't need great weather to visit two of the city's must-see attractions, the Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower. You should also check out the Oceanarium, housed in a state-of-the-art building. You might consider buying a Lisboa Card, which gives you discounted or free access to the city's major museums, sights and tours. Your transport around the city is also free, because the Lisboa Card includes all trips on the Metro, public buses, the trams and the funiculars known as the Elevadores. The card costs from 17 Euros for 24 hours to 33.50 euros for 72 hours. (2/10/11)
Getting from Heathrow to Bloomsbury
Q: I am taking my Mom to London in January 2012. I would like your advice on the best way to get from Heathrow to our hotel in Bloomsbury. I don't want to use the underground as I don't see my Mother managing luggage up and down escalators or stairs. I would prefer a bus and then a taxi. We are on rather a tight budget. - Ingrid Sweeney
A: The cheapest way to get to your hotel without using the tube would be to catch a National Express bus to Victoria bus station and then take a black cab to your hotel. Tickets for the bus would be five GBP each and the cab should cost you around 15GBP, so the total cost would be 25 GBP. Of course, it would be much more convenient to take a black cab from Heathrow to the hotel, but this is likely to cost 60-70 GBP. A less expensive choice would be to book a transfer with one of the companies serving Heathrow. I checked on the website www.airport-pickups-london.com and I was quoted 44 British pounds for the journey from Heathrow Airport to your hotel. You will be greeted at the airport on arrival and taken to the vehicle. Another excellent option is the Heathrow Shuttle, which is a door to door shuttle service in a shared minibus. This would take you and your mother from your Heathrow terminal to your hotel in Bloomsbury. Using the website www.heathrowshuttle.com I was quoted 38 GBP for the journey. I think you will agree that the private taxi and shuttle services are worth paying a little more for than the bus/cab option through Victoria station. With regard to your hotel, remember to check that it has a lift or request a room on a lower floor. Many of the smaller family-run hotels in this area do not have lifts. (2/10/11)
A: The cheapest way to get to your hotel without using the tube would be to catch a National Express bus to Victoria bus station and then take a black cab to your hotel. Tickets for the bus would be five GBP each and the cab should cost you around 15GBP, so the total cost would be 25 GBP. Of course, it would be much more convenient to take a black cab from Heathrow to the hotel, but this is likely to cost 60-70 GBP. A less expensive choice would be to book a transfer with one of the companies serving Heathrow. I checked on the website www.airport-pickups-london.com and I was quoted 44 British pounds for the journey from Heathrow Airport to your hotel. You will be greeted at the airport on arrival and taken to the vehicle. Another excellent option is the Heathrow Shuttle, which is a door to door shuttle service in a shared minibus. This would take you and your mother from your Heathrow terminal to your hotel in Bloomsbury. Using the website www.heathrowshuttle.com I was quoted 38 GBP for the journey. I think you will agree that the private taxi and shuttle services are worth paying a little more for than the bus/cab option through Victoria station. With regard to your hotel, remember to check that it has a lift or request a room on a lower floor. Many of the smaller family-run hotels in this area do not have lifts. (2/10/11)
Places To Visit in Washington
Q: I plan to visit Washington with my family next year. I have a good idea of the museums on offer and the main government buildings such as the White House, the Senate and the Supreme Court, but would like to know of other good places to visit in the city. - Howard Long
A: You can start off with a walk through Georgetown, the city's beautiful historic district, with great shopping, restaurants and and plenty of historic sites. For outdoor fun, take a picnic and enjoy spectacular views of the Potomac River at Great Falls Park. This 800 acre park located 20kms from Washington, it offers hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, bicycling, and horseback riding. You could enjoy a great day out at Mount Vernon, the 500-acre estate where George Washington and his family lived. There's plenty to explore, including the 14-room mansion and the slave quarters. Whatever their ages, your children are bound to enjoy a visit to Six Flags America, a thrilling theme park just 30 minutes from dowtown. The park offers more than 100 rides and a vast water park. It is open from April to October. For entertainment, check what is showing at the Kennedy Center for the Performing arts, which features some great shows and events. Alternatively, you can attend a concert at Wolftrap Farm Park. The park hosts indoor and outdoor concerts and is located in Vienna, Virginia, only 20 minutes from Washington. You will find the city's liveliest nightlife in Adams Morgan neighbourhood, which features cuisine from Asia to Africa and Latin America. You will also find a wide range of nightclubs, coffee houses, bars and shops. (2/10/11)
A: You can start off with a walk through Georgetown, the city's beautiful historic district, with great shopping, restaurants and and plenty of historic sites. For outdoor fun, take a picnic and enjoy spectacular views of the Potomac River at Great Falls Park. This 800 acre park located 20kms from Washington, it offers hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, bicycling, and horseback riding. You could enjoy a great day out at Mount Vernon, the 500-acre estate where George Washington and his family lived. There's plenty to explore, including the 14-room mansion and the slave quarters. Whatever their ages, your children are bound to enjoy a visit to Six Flags America, a thrilling theme park just 30 minutes from dowtown. The park offers more than 100 rides and a vast water park. It is open from April to October. For entertainment, check what is showing at the Kennedy Center for the Performing arts, which features some great shows and events. Alternatively, you can attend a concert at Wolftrap Farm Park. The park hosts indoor and outdoor concerts and is located in Vienna, Virginia, only 20 minutes from Washington. You will find the city's liveliest nightlife in Adams Morgan neighbourhood, which features cuisine from Asia to Africa and Latin America. You will also find a wide range of nightclubs, coffee houses, bars and shops. (2/10/11)
Train from Moscow to Beijing
Q: I would like to find out about the new Moscow to Beijing tourist train. We are interested in the schedule and itinerary for the train. Could you possibly supply us with an email address? - Diana Erskine
A: This new luxury train service had its inaugural run in August, leaving from Moscow's Kazaknsky railway terminal to Beijing. The 15-day trip makes stopovers in Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyerask, Irkutsk, Ulan Ude, Ulan Bator and Erlian. Included in the journey is a sojourn at Baikal Lake and a night in a Mongolian nomadic tent. Accommodation is in first class compartments with shared bathrooms and luxury compartments with their own shower and toilet. The train has two dining cars, a bar car and a cafe car. The next trips take place in 2012: from July 1 - July 15 and August 11 - August 25. The listed prices range from 7,380 US dollars per person sharing to 13,993 US dollars per person sharing in a deluxe compartment. The price includes all meals and hotel accommodation in Moscow and Beijing. The organisers are Russian Railway Tours and Intourist. You can contact them on the email address: info@travelallrussia.com or visit their website www.travelallrussia.com. Please note that the train trip referred to above is the "Grand Deluxe" service. There are more affordable train trips from Moscow to Beijing. One passes through Ulan-Bator (priced from 3,038 US dollars), while the other travels via Irkutsk (priced from 3,825 US dollars). These trips also have stops along the way and used standard Russian trains, with first and second class cabins. (2/10/11)
A: This new luxury train service had its inaugural run in August, leaving from Moscow's Kazaknsky railway terminal to Beijing. The 15-day trip makes stopovers in Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyerask, Irkutsk, Ulan Ude, Ulan Bator and Erlian. Included in the journey is a sojourn at Baikal Lake and a night in a Mongolian nomadic tent. Accommodation is in first class compartments with shared bathrooms and luxury compartments with their own shower and toilet. The train has two dining cars, a bar car and a cafe car. The next trips take place in 2012: from July 1 - July 15 and August 11 - August 25. The listed prices range from 7,380 US dollars per person sharing to 13,993 US dollars per person sharing in a deluxe compartment. The price includes all meals and hotel accommodation in Moscow and Beijing. The organisers are Russian Railway Tours and Intourist. You can contact them on the email address: info@travelallrussia.com or visit their website www.travelallrussia.com. Please note that the train trip referred to above is the "Grand Deluxe" service. There are more affordable train trips from Moscow to Beijing. One passes through Ulan-Bator (priced from 3,038 US dollars), while the other travels via Irkutsk (priced from 3,825 US dollars). These trips also have stops along the way and used standard Russian trains, with first and second class cabins. (2/10/11)
Hotel near Dubai Airport
Q: During a stopover in Dubai in December, I would like to book a night in a hotel at or close to the airport. I would not like to pay more than 100 US dollars. Do you have any suggestions? - Simone Anderson
A: The most convenient hotel would be the five-star Dubai International Terminal Hotel, which is located inside the airport building. However, at around 190 US dollars per room, the price is way above your budget (http://www.booking.com/). A more affordable bet for you is the Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport, It is located opposite terminal 3 and there is a free shuttle service. The rate is around 94 US dollars (http://www.asiarooms.com/). This includes a complimentary breakfast. If you can't get a room there, try the Premier Inn Dubai International Airport. This hotel is located under 2kms from the airport and offers free wi-fi and a rooftop swimming pool. The best rate I could find was 125 US dollars (http://www.hotels.com/). (18/9/11)
A: The most convenient hotel would be the five-star Dubai International Terminal Hotel, which is located inside the airport building. However, at around 190 US dollars per room, the price is way above your budget (http://www.booking.com/). A more affordable bet for you is the Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport, It is located opposite terminal 3 and there is a free shuttle service. The rate is around 94 US dollars (http://www.asiarooms.com/). This includes a complimentary breakfast. If you can't get a room there, try the Premier Inn Dubai International Airport. This hotel is located under 2kms from the airport and offers free wi-fi and a rooftop swimming pool. The best rate I could find was 125 US dollars (http://www.hotels.com/). (18/9/11)
Finding a Cornwall Cottage
Q: I would like to rent a cottage, house or apartment in Cornwall for two weeks in April next year. The first towns that spring to mind are Newquay and St Ives, but I don't really mind. The most important things are affordability and at least two bedrooms, to sleep a family of four. - Jenny Gladstone
A: You can start off by checking out the places on offer in Cornwall on the www.bluechipholidays.co.uk website. It has a wide variety of apartments and cottages, particularly in Newquay. One place that caught my eye was Little Barn at Glebe House Cottages in Bude, North Cornwall. Priced from 409-819 GBP per week, it three bedrooms and an open-plan living are with exposed beams and stonework. Facilities on the property include a heated outdoor pool and tennis court. In St Ives, you can rent 2 Oceanis, a two-bedroom apartment only five minutes walk from the harbour. Weekly rate starts from 379-719 GBP. Another website you can check is www.cornishcottageholidays.co.uk. I found a really nice stone barn conversion in a secluded setting just three miles from the Trebarwith Strand on the north Cornish coast. Named Fig Tree Barn it is located near Port Isaac and offers two bedrooms from 280-679 GBP per week. For a good selection of properties in St Ives, try the www.ownersdirect.co.uk website. One I liked there was the charming Sunflower Cottage, which has three bedrooms and a lovely seaview. Rates range from 650-2150 GBP per week. (18/9/11)
A: You can start off by checking out the places on offer in Cornwall on the www.bluechipholidays.co.uk website. It has a wide variety of apartments and cottages, particularly in Newquay. One place that caught my eye was Little Barn at Glebe House Cottages in Bude, North Cornwall. Priced from 409-819 GBP per week, it three bedrooms and an open-plan living are with exposed beams and stonework. Facilities on the property include a heated outdoor pool and tennis court. In St Ives, you can rent 2 Oceanis, a two-bedroom apartment only five minutes walk from the harbour. Weekly rate starts from 379-719 GBP. Another website you can check is www.cornishcottageholidays.co.uk. I found a really nice stone barn conversion in a secluded setting just three miles from the Trebarwith Strand on the north Cornish coast. Named Fig Tree Barn it is located near Port Isaac and offers two bedrooms from 280-679 GBP per week. For a good selection of properties in St Ives, try the www.ownersdirect.co.uk website. One I liked there was the charming Sunflower Cottage, which has three bedrooms and a lovely seaview. Rates range from 650-2150 GBP per week. (18/9/11)
Deep Sea Fishing in Malaysia
Q: My husband wants to go deep sea fishing on the East coast of Malaysia. Since it is such a long coastline, what would the best area be? - Janny Humphreys
A: The best place for deep sea fishing on the east coast of Malaysia is near the islands of Pulau Aur, Pulau Pemanggil and Tioman in the South China Sea. This is where anglers head to catch game fish, including the blue marlin. Most boats headed for these waters depart from Mersing town on the Malaysian peninsular. The ferry to Tioman takes around 90 minutes, while fishing boats from Mersing to Aur and Pemanggil take approximately six hours. You can hire a boat in Mersing or join other trips. The best place to find out about these trips is from travel agents or the resorts. Mersing is a six-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. A resort worth considering is Fishing Bay Resort in Mersing, which offers deep sea fishing (www.fishingbayresort.com/) If you don't mind staying on the islands, you could try Lanting Beach Resort on Pulau Pemanggil (www.lantingresort.com.my). You could also fly from Kuala Lumpur to Tioman Island, where there are a number of resorts to choose from. (18/9/11)
A: The best place for deep sea fishing on the east coast of Malaysia is near the islands of Pulau Aur, Pulau Pemanggil and Tioman in the South China Sea. This is where anglers head to catch game fish, including the blue marlin. Most boats headed for these waters depart from Mersing town on the Malaysian peninsular. The ferry to Tioman takes around 90 minutes, while fishing boats from Mersing to Aur and Pemanggil take approximately six hours. You can hire a boat in Mersing or join other trips. The best place to find out about these trips is from travel agents or the resorts. Mersing is a six-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. A resort worth considering is Fishing Bay Resort in Mersing, which offers deep sea fishing (www.fishingbayresort.com/) If you don't mind staying on the islands, you could try Lanting Beach Resort on Pulau Pemanggil (www.lantingresort.com.my). You could also fly from Kuala Lumpur to Tioman Island, where there are a number of resorts to choose from. (18/9/11)
71-year-old Heading for Petra
Q: My 71 year old mother has set her heart on visiting Petra in Jordan. She leads an active lifestyle and plays bowls, but I am worried that it may prove too strenuous for her. How much walking would be involved? - Fiona Hinton
A: A visit to Petra usually involves a great deal of walking, but this is not the only way to see this historic city carved into the rock. Although motorized vehicles are not allowed to enter the site, you can hire a horse or horse-drawn carriage to take you through the Siq, a 1km-long gorge flanked by 80m high cliffs. Elderly or handicapped visitors can get a permit at the Visitor's Centre which will allow the carriage to go inside Petra to visit the main attractions. Once inside the site, you can hire a donkey, or for the more adventurous, a camel - both come with handlers and take designated routes throughout the site. Be sure to see the treasury, the Nabataean king's tomb and the theatre. I am sure your mother would enjoy visiting the two museums: the Petra Archaeological Museum and the Petra Nabataean Museum. I don't think your mother should attempt to visit the monastery as this involves a lengthy and strenuous hike along a path with at least 800 steps and loose rocks. For more information go to the www.petrapark.com website. (18/9/11)
A: A visit to Petra usually involves a great deal of walking, but this is not the only way to see this historic city carved into the rock. Although motorized vehicles are not allowed to enter the site, you can hire a horse or horse-drawn carriage to take you through the Siq, a 1km-long gorge flanked by 80m high cliffs. Elderly or handicapped visitors can get a permit at the Visitor's Centre which will allow the carriage to go inside Petra to visit the main attractions. Once inside the site, you can hire a donkey, or for the more adventurous, a camel - both come with handlers and take designated routes throughout the site. Be sure to see the treasury, the Nabataean king's tomb and the theatre. I am sure your mother would enjoy visiting the two museums: the Petra Archaeological Museum and the Petra Nabataean Museum. I don't think your mother should attempt to visit the monastery as this involves a lengthy and strenuous hike along a path with at least 800 steps and loose rocks. For more information go to the www.petrapark.com website. (18/9/11)
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