Q: I will be traveling to New York in June with my parents and seven-year-old daughter. Can you recommend a Broadway show that will appeal to all ages? How should I book? - Waheeda Gani
A; Your best choice is probably the Lion King, the musical depicting life in the Serengeti. The wonder of Africa comes to life to music by Elton John and Tim Rice. The show has just surpasseed Phantom of the Opera as Broadway's all-time highest grossing show. Other big musicals you could consider are Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Sister Act, Evita, Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar and Spider-Man. All tickets are available in advance from www.broadway.com, but booking fees can be as high as 50 dollars per ticket. I checked the price of seats for the Lion King in June and these ranged from 87-199 US dollars, plus booking fee. Other shows are less expensive, with seats from around 50 dollars. Before you book, check www.broadwaybox.com to see if discounts are being offered on the show you want to see. You can get discounts of 25-50 percent, even if you end up buying your tickets at the theatre box office. If you don't really mind which show you end up seeing, then you can get cut-price tickets at the TKTS booth in Times Square.
Saturday, 14 April 2012
UK Transit Visa - Still Confused!
Q: My husband and I will be travelling to the United States and Canada in July with British Airways and will be transit at Heathrow for about seven hours. We have been advised by some travel agents that we do not need a UK transit visa as we have USA and Canadian visas. We are confused and concerned and would greatly appreciate your advice. It would be absolutely disastrous if we were refused entry on the aircraft because we did not apply for the UK transit visa. - Catherine Sun
A: This issue has been causing a great deal of confusion for many travellers in recent months. But we have a final answer on this - from the regional operations manager for the UK Border agency, Mr Andy Newlands. Writing to this column in January, he explained that while South Africans generally required a visa to transit the UK, they were exempted from obtaining transit visas for British airports if they held visas for one of four countries - the United States, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. Other requirements were that they had confirmed air tickets for their destination and did not remain in transit for more than 24 hours. Other South Africans who did not meet the above requirements needed transit visas, even if they did not pass through Immigration control and were catching a flight from the same airport. But his explanation means good news for you - you do not need a transit visa.
Search for Hotel in Rome
Q: I am looking for a comfortable, reasonable and central hotel in Rome (maybe close to the Spanish Steps). When I ask for a recommendation from friends who have been it seems like no one wants to give a recommendation as they were disappointed with their hotel. Can you recommend one or two? - Gloria MacConnell.
A: If you win the lottery, you can stay at the Hassler, a five-star hotel perched at the top of the Spanish Steps (www.hotelhasslerroma.com). You won't find anything similar at rock-bottom rates, but that doesn't mean you have to live in a dump when you visit the Eternal City.
For sheer value, it's hard to beat the two-star Panda Hotel (www.pandahotel.it). Only two minutes walk from the Steps, you can get an air conditioned room with bathroom and free wi-fi from 65 Euros (single). A double costs 85-105 Euros. For three-star comfort, you can stay at the Hotel Smeraldo (www.smeraldoroma.com) with its great rooftop terrace. Located in the heart of old Rome, the hotel has nice rooms with airconditioning and double-glazed windows. Rates range from 115 Euros for a single and 159 Euros for a double.
Another hotel offering great value is the three-star Hotel delle Muse, which lies 500m north of Villa Borghese. Relax in the garden restaurant and 24-hour bar. Expect to pay around 99 Euros for a double room with buffet breakfast (www.hoteldellemuse.com).
If you are happy to pay a little more, one of the best choices is a charming hotel set in the former residence of Hans Christian Andersen, a centuries old townhouse. The Inn at the Spanish Steps features striking rooms with authentic period decor and offers breakfast, internet and a business centre. Room rates start at around 200 Euros (www.atspanishsteps.com).
If you're prepared to splash out and pay around 250 Euros per night, you you can stay in one of the hippest hotels close to the Spanish Steps, the four star Art Hotel (www.hotelartrome.com). Stylish decked out in contemporary art, it is surrounded by great gourmet restaurants and trattorias.
If you don't intend being out late at night and fancy something totally different, you could consider staying in one of the convents run as guesthouses by Dominican nuns. Casa Il Rosario has a 11pm curfew and no TV, but offers good value within walking distance of the Coliseum (from 54 Euros on www.travelpod.com). If it's full, try Casa di Sant'Anna nearby.
You could save money by staying out of the city centre. A great choice would be the Flaminio Village Park on the outskirts of Rome (www.villageflaminio.it). It has good transport links to the city and offers a choice of campsites, bungalows and cabins in a park-like setting. A nice double room will cost you around 50 Euros per night, a campsite a whole lot less.
A: If you win the lottery, you can stay at the Hassler, a five-star hotel perched at the top of the Spanish Steps (www.hotelhasslerroma.com). You won't find anything similar at rock-bottom rates, but that doesn't mean you have to live in a dump when you visit the Eternal City.
For sheer value, it's hard to beat the two-star Panda Hotel (www.pandahotel.it). Only two minutes walk from the Steps, you can get an air conditioned room with bathroom and free wi-fi from 65 Euros (single). A double costs 85-105 Euros. For three-star comfort, you can stay at the Hotel Smeraldo (www.smeraldoroma.com) with its great rooftop terrace. Located in the heart of old Rome, the hotel has nice rooms with airconditioning and double-glazed windows. Rates range from 115 Euros for a single and 159 Euros for a double.
Another hotel offering great value is the three-star Hotel delle Muse, which lies 500m north of Villa Borghese. Relax in the garden restaurant and 24-hour bar. Expect to pay around 99 Euros for a double room with buffet breakfast (www.hoteldellemuse.com).
If you are happy to pay a little more, one of the best choices is a charming hotel set in the former residence of Hans Christian Andersen, a centuries old townhouse. The Inn at the Spanish Steps features striking rooms with authentic period decor and offers breakfast, internet and a business centre. Room rates start at around 200 Euros (www.atspanishsteps.com).
If you're prepared to splash out and pay around 250 Euros per night, you you can stay in one of the hippest hotels close to the Spanish Steps, the four star Art Hotel (www.hotelartrome.com). Stylish decked out in contemporary art, it is surrounded by great gourmet restaurants and trattorias.
If you don't intend being out late at night and fancy something totally different, you could consider staying in one of the convents run as guesthouses by Dominican nuns. Casa Il Rosario has a 11pm curfew and no TV, but offers good value within walking distance of the Coliseum (from 54 Euros on www.travelpod.com). If it's full, try Casa di Sant'Anna nearby.
You could save money by staying out of the city centre. A great choice would be the Flaminio Village Park on the outskirts of Rome (www.villageflaminio.it). It has good transport links to the city and offers a choice of campsites, bungalows and cabins in a park-like setting. A nice double room will cost you around 50 Euros per night, a campsite a whole lot less.
Transfers from Beijing Airport
Q: I would like to find out about transfers from Beijing Capital Airport to our hotel in the downtown area. Could you find out about the various options and prices? - Riaan Lategan
A: There are three main options for you - shuttle bus, express rail service or taxi. There are six shuttle bus routes from the airport, which run every 30 minutes or when full. The rate is RMB16 (R20) per person. Slightly more expensive is the Airport Express, a light rail service which takes only 16 minutes to travel the 23kms to the city centre. The train departs every three minutes. The main city terminus for the express is Dongzhimen station. Tickets cost RMB25 (R31). Finally, you can take a taxi. Ignore the taxi touts and join the queue for licensed taxis. The fare from the airport to the city centre will cost RMB80-120 (R100-R150) per vehicle.
A: There are three main options for you - shuttle bus, express rail service or taxi. There are six shuttle bus routes from the airport, which run every 30 minutes or when full. The rate is RMB16 (R20) per person. Slightly more expensive is the Airport Express, a light rail service which takes only 16 minutes to travel the 23kms to the city centre. The train departs every three minutes. The main city terminus for the express is Dongzhimen station. Tickets cost RMB25 (R31). Finally, you can take a taxi. Ignore the taxi touts and join the queue for licensed taxis. The fare from the airport to the city centre will cost RMB80-120 (R100-R150) per vehicle.
Taking Booze on Celebrity Cruise
Q: We are booked on a Celebrity cruise out of Civitavecchia in July 2012. On a previous cruise no drinks were allowed to be taken on board and were confiscated for the duration of the cruise and could be collected upon disembarkation at the end of the cruise. I hear that some of the cruise lines have become less rigid and now allow each passenger two bottles at the initial embarkation. Is this true? If so, can they be taken to the main dining room for dinner with a corkage fee? - Colin Townsend
A: While Celebrity Cruises does not allow passengers to bring beer or spirits on board, guests may bring wine onto the vessel at the beginning of the cruise. However, this is limited to two bottles per stateroom (not per person) and there is no corkage charge if this is consumed in your cabin. Bottles consumed in a restaurant, bar or dining venue are subject to a 25 US dollars charge. That's pretty high and not likely to save you too much money. Wine bought from the liner's Bon Voyage Gift selection is not subjected to corkage charges, even when consumed in the dining room or public area. Other alcoholic beverages purchased in ports of call or other onboard shops will be stored and delivered to guest staterooms on the last day of sailing. For a listing of the alcohol policies on all major cruise lines, go to the www.cruisemates.com website.
A: While Celebrity Cruises does not allow passengers to bring beer or spirits on board, guests may bring wine onto the vessel at the beginning of the cruise. However, this is limited to two bottles per stateroom (not per person) and there is no corkage charge if this is consumed in your cabin. Bottles consumed in a restaurant, bar or dining venue are subject to a 25 US dollars charge. That's pretty high and not likely to save you too much money. Wine bought from the liner's Bon Voyage Gift selection is not subjected to corkage charges, even when consumed in the dining room or public area. Other alcoholic beverages purchased in ports of call or other onboard shops will be stored and delivered to guest staterooms on the last day of sailing. For a listing of the alcohol policies on all major cruise lines, go to the www.cruisemates.com website.
Travelers cheques - dead and buried?
Q: My wife and I are traveling in the United States in June. We normally take travelers cheques when abroad and I have always found them safe and convenient. Any thoughts on if we should stick with them or maybe change to a cash card for our forex and pros and cons on both? - Eric Bellingham
A: Once it was essential to buy travelers cheques for an overseas trip, but this is no longer the case. Their use has been declining since the 1990s due to the growth in credit card usage and automated teller machines around the globe. These days most people will carry their foreign exchange in a credit or debit card, backed up by some foreign currency notes. The advantage with the cards is that you can draw cash in local currency at ATMs everywhere. The disadvantage is that bank charges can be high and you could lose your money to fraud if someone gets hold of your pin number and card. Travelers cheques are still used in the States, but the acceptance has been in decline due to fraud concerns. You can still take some of your allowance in travelers cheques if it makes you feel secure, but perhaps the time has come to switch to an electronic card. You may not need to use a travel cash card like the Visa TravelMoney Card; you can probably use your own credit and bank card everywhere. If your bank cards have a Visa or Cirrus symbol on them you should be fine. It is advisable to carry more than one card in case one gets damaged or lost.
A: Once it was essential to buy travelers cheques for an overseas trip, but this is no longer the case. Their use has been declining since the 1990s due to the growth in credit card usage and automated teller machines around the globe. These days most people will carry their foreign exchange in a credit or debit card, backed up by some foreign currency notes. The advantage with the cards is that you can draw cash in local currency at ATMs everywhere. The disadvantage is that bank charges can be high and you could lose your money to fraud if someone gets hold of your pin number and card. Travelers cheques are still used in the States, but the acceptance has been in decline due to fraud concerns. You can still take some of your allowance in travelers cheques if it makes you feel secure, but perhaps the time has come to switch to an electronic card. You may not need to use a travel cash card like the Visa TravelMoney Card; you can probably use your own credit and bank card everywhere. If your bank cards have a Visa or Cirrus symbol on them you should be fine. It is advisable to carry more than one card in case one gets damaged or lost.
Travel from Delhi to Jaipur
Q: I will be visiting Delhi later this year and am considering travelling to Jaipur for a day. Would this be too ambitious? If not, what would be the best and quickest form of transport? Also, could you recommend a good and reasonably priced hotel (with air-conditioning) in Delhi? - Riana Rosenbaum
A: Jaipur would be a good choice for a sidetrip from Delhi and is quite feasible. Among the fascinating attractions there are the "Hawa Mahal" Palace of the Winds, the Galta Monkey Temple, the Amber Fort and the elephant safaris. The easiest option to get from Delhi to Jaipur is by plane. There are regular flights between the two cities on Jet Airways, Air India and Kingfisher. The flight only takes 40 minutes and tickets are generally very affordable. Expect to pay 1000-3000 Rupees (R155-R465) each way. However, if you want to see the countryside between the two cities, you could go by rail or road. There is a direct rail service between the cities, with a number of trains each day. The trains take 5-6 hours each way. Although it is possible to do a "day trip", it makes more sense to spend a night or two in Jaipur if you opt for the scenic train service. Finally, you can take a luxury bus or taxi between the cities, as the driving distance is around 265kms. This takes around 3 hours, 30 minutes each way. Return taxi fares are likely to range from 5,000-9,000 Rupees (R775-R1400) per car. The return bus fare would be 400-1000 Rupees (R60-R155). For an affordable, clean room in Delhi you could try the Hospitality Home Bed and Breakfast. A five-minute walk from the Karol Bagh Market it offers free Wi-Fi, free parking and air-conditioned rooms with a TV. Rates for a double room with breakfast start at 40 US dollars per night on www.booking.com. Another popular choice is the two-star Ajanta Hotel, located a 10-minute walk away from the Connaught Place Shopping Center.The hotel has 70 air-conditioned guest rooms with cable TV, fridge and minibar. A double room with free airport pick-up will cost you from 32-40 US dollars on www.agoda.com. If you want to splash out, you can stay at the five-star Shangri-La Hotel New Delhi in the city centre from only 125 US dollars per night (www.booking.com).
A: Jaipur would be a good choice for a sidetrip from Delhi and is quite feasible. Among the fascinating attractions there are the "Hawa Mahal" Palace of the Winds, the Galta Monkey Temple, the Amber Fort and the elephant safaris. The easiest option to get from Delhi to Jaipur is by plane. There are regular flights between the two cities on Jet Airways, Air India and Kingfisher. The flight only takes 40 minutes and tickets are generally very affordable. Expect to pay 1000-3000 Rupees (R155-R465) each way. However, if you want to see the countryside between the two cities, you could go by rail or road. There is a direct rail service between the cities, with a number of trains each day. The trains take 5-6 hours each way. Although it is possible to do a "day trip", it makes more sense to spend a night or two in Jaipur if you opt for the scenic train service. Finally, you can take a luxury bus or taxi between the cities, as the driving distance is around 265kms. This takes around 3 hours, 30 minutes each way. Return taxi fares are likely to range from 5,000-9,000 Rupees (R775-R1400) per car. The return bus fare would be 400-1000 Rupees (R60-R155). For an affordable, clean room in Delhi you could try the Hospitality Home Bed and Breakfast. A five-minute walk from the Karol Bagh Market it offers free Wi-Fi, free parking and air-conditioned rooms with a TV. Rates for a double room with breakfast start at 40 US dollars per night on www.booking.com. Another popular choice is the two-star Ajanta Hotel, located a 10-minute walk away from the Connaught Place Shopping Center.The hotel has 70 air-conditioned guest rooms with cable TV, fridge and minibar. A double room with free airport pick-up will cost you from 32-40 US dollars on www.agoda.com. If you want to splash out, you can stay at the five-star Shangri-La Hotel New Delhi in the city centre from only 125 US dollars per night (www.booking.com).
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Airport Transfers at Phuket Airport
Q: We desperately need advice on who to contact in Phuket for return transfers from and to the airport to our hotel in Patong Beach. I have seen on the internet that the fee for a single transfer is around 70 Thai baht, and thought that we could ask the hotel to arrange it, but not so! Can you please suggest a company that can help or should we just try to bargain with taxis at the airport? - Linda van den Berg
A: There are a number of ways to get from Phuket Airport to Patong Beach. The low-cost bus service you mention will only get you to Phuket City and then you face the hassle (and haggle with taxis) to get to Patong Beach 20kms away. My advice to you is not to book in advance but to organise your transfer at the counter in the airport terminal, located just after you collect your luggage and before you reach the public arrivals hall. All prices are listed on a large board, with a seat in a minibus costing from 180-250 baht (R45-R60) per person and a private car to Patong Beach seating 3-4 people starting at around 750 baht (R180) per car. You pay at this counter and a representative will accompany you to the car (usually referred to as a limousine). It is a very slick operation. Be aware that some minibus drivers stop off at a travel office midway to Patong where they try to get you to book hotels or tours. Fortunately, the cars normally go directly to your hotel. An alternative is to take one of the metered taxis which line up to the left of the terminal as you exit. This can cost you around 500 baht (R125) to Patong. However, you have to walk the gauntlet of independent taxi drivers to get to the booth and then you may have to haggle with the driver to put the meter on. If you are determined to book in advance, you could ask your hotel to send a car and driver to meet you, but the charge could be 1000-2000 baht (R250-R400). Overall, taking the organised limousine service from inside the terminal is the best bet. Unless you are on a very tight budget, it will be worth the R180 or so it will cost for the 45-minute journey.
A: There are a number of ways to get from Phuket Airport to Patong Beach. The low-cost bus service you mention will only get you to Phuket City and then you face the hassle (and haggle with taxis) to get to Patong Beach 20kms away. My advice to you is not to book in advance but to organise your transfer at the counter in the airport terminal, located just after you collect your luggage and before you reach the public arrivals hall. All prices are listed on a large board, with a seat in a minibus costing from 180-250 baht (R45-R60) per person and a private car to Patong Beach seating 3-4 people starting at around 750 baht (R180) per car. You pay at this counter and a representative will accompany you to the car (usually referred to as a limousine). It is a very slick operation. Be aware that some minibus drivers stop off at a travel office midway to Patong where they try to get you to book hotels or tours. Fortunately, the cars normally go directly to your hotel. An alternative is to take one of the metered taxis which line up to the left of the terminal as you exit. This can cost you around 500 baht (R125) to Patong. However, you have to walk the gauntlet of independent taxi drivers to get to the booth and then you may have to haggle with the driver to put the meter on. If you are determined to book in advance, you could ask your hotel to send a car and driver to meet you, but the charge could be 1000-2000 baht (R250-R400). Overall, taking the organised limousine service from inside the terminal is the best bet. Unless you are on a very tight budget, it will be worth the R180 or so it will cost for the 45-minute journey.
Where to Stay in LA
Q: Which area of Los Angeles should we stay in for a 10-day holiday that will include visits to all the main tourist attractions. Secondly, is it easy to get around the city without a car? Alternatively, is hiring a car an easy and safe option? - Ryan Lowrie
A: While you will probably find the best hotel offers in the downtown area, this is not the best area to stay in and can be risky after dark. The same goes for the eastern part of Hollywood, which has become seedy and rundown. Areas you could choose include West Hollywood, which has a number of affordable hotels; and Beverly Hills, which has some of the city's priciest places to stay; and Century City, which is great for shopping and entertainment. However, my choice would be to head for Santa Monica, Marina del Ray or the beachfront of Venice Beach. You can find some good accommodation offers there and enjoy the city's bustling beach scene. Wherever you stay, a hired car is probably the best way to get around. It does get busy and there always seem to be millions of cars on the roads, but getting about is not that difficult. This is a city built for cars. If you really don't want to drive, you will have to use taxis or the tourist shuttle services.
Want a Woman-Only Spa
Q: I would like to find out if there are any women-only Turkish-style spas in Budapest. I will be in the city during July and would to spent time in a traditional bath house for women, not a new hotel spa. Can you assist me? - Riana Mostert
A: I don't know of any women-only traditional spas in the city, but some of the finest bath-houses do have days reserved for women. However, the pickings are rather slim. The famous thermal Rudas Baths is reserved for women only on a Tuesday, while men get four days of the week to themselves. This spa has a central octagonal pool with five smaller pools. There are also three saunas and two steam rooms. At the Gellert Baths, the indoor thermal pools are separated by gender during the week (Monday to Saturday), but the three outdoor pools are open to both sexes. These baths, built in immaculate Art Nouveau style, is home to a wave pool and an evervescent bath in additional to nine medicinal pools. The Kiraly Baths used to be reserved for women on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but since May last year it opened to both sexes throughout the week. When you are in Budapest, ask your hotel concierge to check the status of the spas as changes can take place.
Get from Gatwick to Heathrow
Q: What is the easiest way to get from Gatwick Airport to Heathrow Airport in London. I would prefer not to catch the train into central London. - Joe Van Der Spuy
A: The easiest way to travel between airports is to book a limousine or saloon car, which will be waiting for you at Gatwick and take you straight to Heathrow. I did a trial booking (www.londonairporttransport.co.uk) for a salon car and the rate offered was 61 British pounds. A bus service would be cheaper, but that involves waiting time and luggage issues. A one-way bus ticket on National Express costs just under 25 British pounds (www.nationalexpress.com).
A: The easiest way to travel between airports is to book a limousine or saloon car, which will be waiting for you at Gatwick and take you straight to Heathrow. I did a trial booking (www.londonairporttransport.co.uk) for a salon car and the rate offered was 61 British pounds. A bus service would be cheaper, but that involves waiting time and luggage issues. A one-way bus ticket on National Express costs just under 25 British pounds (www.nationalexpress.com).
Flying to Sri Lanka: The Options
Q; We would like to visit Sri Lanka and have been checking for reasonable airline tickets. As there are no direct flights, we are looking at flying via the Middle East on Emirates or Etihad. Do you have any other suggestions? - Des Reddy
A: Etihad and Emirates are good Middle East choices, but you can also check Qatar Airways via Doha. It flies direct from Doha to Colombo in five hours. If you are building up Voyager miles, then you can fly SAA to Mumbai and then take Sri Lankan Airlines or one of the Indian budget airlines to Colombo. However, using a single airline is usually more cost-effective. If you are struggling to get seats, then you could also try flying via Singapore (with Singapore Airlines) and Bangkok (on Thai International). There are a number of budget airlines that fly to Colombo from Singapore and Bangkok, including Tiger Air and Airasia.
A: Etihad and Emirates are good Middle East choices, but you can also check Qatar Airways via Doha. It flies direct from Doha to Colombo in five hours. If you are building up Voyager miles, then you can fly SAA to Mumbai and then take Sri Lankan Airlines or one of the Indian budget airlines to Colombo. However, using a single airline is usually more cost-effective. If you are struggling to get seats, then you could also try flying via Singapore (with Singapore Airlines) and Bangkok (on Thai International). There are a number of budget airlines that fly to Colombo from Singapore and Bangkok, including Tiger Air and Airasia.
Find a Good Hotel in Burma
Q: We hope to visit Burma later this year and need to find a good hotel in Yangon to persuade my wife to join me. I have heard that much of the accommodation is rundown and uncomfortable. Can you recommend a good hotel in the city centre? - John Leslington
A: The most famous hotel in Yangon is the Strand, a three-storey Victorian hotel with marble flooring, butlers and top-notch restaurants. This quiet luxury does not come cheap, with discounted rates ranging from 200-250 dollars per night including breakfast and taxes (www.booking.com). Competing with the Strand for exclusivity is the five-star Governor's Residence. A colonial building with a swimming pool set in beautiful gardens, it is very popular among dignitaries and executives. Rates range from 246 to 354 US dollars per night (www.booking.com). My favourite hotel in the city is the mid-range Traders Hotel, which is part of the Shangri-La group. This high-rise hotel is in the city centre and offers comfortable rooms. However, like many businesses and hotels in Myanmar today, the hotel is undergoing a refurbishment programme which will be completed by mid-year. You can book rooms on www.shangrila.com. Other reasonable choices are the Sedona Hotel at Inya Lake (from 82 US dollars), the colonial Savoy Hotel in the city centre (150 US dollars) and the Micasa Hotel Apartments (from 100 US dollars). Check out the latest rates for these hotels on www.directrooms.com.
A: The most famous hotel in Yangon is the Strand, a three-storey Victorian hotel with marble flooring, butlers and top-notch restaurants. This quiet luxury does not come cheap, with discounted rates ranging from 200-250 dollars per night including breakfast and taxes (www.booking.com). Competing with the Strand for exclusivity is the five-star Governor's Residence. A colonial building with a swimming pool set in beautiful gardens, it is very popular among dignitaries and executives. Rates range from 246 to 354 US dollars per night (www.booking.com). My favourite hotel in the city is the mid-range Traders Hotel, which is part of the Shangri-La group. This high-rise hotel is in the city centre and offers comfortable rooms. However, like many businesses and hotels in Myanmar today, the hotel is undergoing a refurbishment programme which will be completed by mid-year. You can book rooms on www.shangrila.com. Other reasonable choices are the Sedona Hotel at Inya Lake (from 82 US dollars), the colonial Savoy Hotel in the city centre (150 US dollars) and the Micasa Hotel Apartments (from 100 US dollars). Check out the latest rates for these hotels on www.directrooms.com.
Choose an Island in Greece
Q: I will be joining a group of friends, all in their early-20s, in Greece. As I only have five days, what should I do? Which islands should I visit? - Bridget Mann
A: I recommend you head straight for the Cyclades islands, which are the picture postcard islands and the ones that people think of. First should be Mykonos, the most fashionable and glamorous island of all. Mingle with the international jet-set as you enjoy the finest restaurants, nightlife and shopping that the isles have to offer. After two days or so here, head for Santorini, the island with "the view". There is no more romantic island, so expect to fall in love as you overlook the deep blue sea from one of the hilltop tavernas. This is the image that sells Greece to travellers around the globe. You will find that accommodation in Mykonos and Santorini can be very pricey, but you should be able to find some reasonable rooms in late June. There's no need to book - you'll get the best bargains by negotiating when you arrive. You can easily travel by ferry from Piraeus, which is part of the island experience (www,greeka.com). However, as your time is valuable, you may consider travelling one way by plane (www.aegeanair.com). If you are on a very strict budget and prefer to stay on one islands with thousands of young party animals, then head for Ios. An eight-hour ferry trip from Piraeus takes you to "party central". Meet revellers from around the globe who are more interested in partying than absorbing any Greek culture. Check out the www.greektravel.com website for an expert view of the different islands. Unless your travel plans make it necessary, I would not stay overnight in Athens. If you have the time, you can check out some of the attractions, but I think you will have far more fun on the island trail.
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A: I recommend you head straight for the Cyclades islands, which are the picture postcard islands and the ones that people think of. First should be Mykonos, the most fashionable and glamorous island of all. Mingle with the international jet-set as you enjoy the finest restaurants, nightlife and shopping that the isles have to offer. After two days or so here, head for Santorini, the island with "the view". There is no more romantic island, so expect to fall in love as you overlook the deep blue sea from one of the hilltop tavernas. This is the image that sells Greece to travellers around the globe. You will find that accommodation in Mykonos and Santorini can be very pricey, but you should be able to find some reasonable rooms in late June. There's no need to book - you'll get the best bargains by negotiating when you arrive. You can easily travel by ferry from Piraeus, which is part of the island experience (www,greeka.com). However, as your time is valuable, you may consider travelling one way by plane (www.aegeanair.com). If you are on a very strict budget and prefer to stay on one islands with thousands of young party animals, then head for Ios. An eight-hour ferry trip from Piraeus takes you to "party central". Meet revellers from around the globe who are more interested in partying than absorbing any Greek culture. Check out the www.greektravel.com website for an expert view of the different islands. Unless your travel plans make it necessary, I would not stay overnight in Athens. If you have the time, you can check out some of the attractions, but I think you will have far more fun on the island trail.
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See The Tulips in Amsterdam
Q: I am investigating the possibility of taking my mother to see the flowers in Holland. When would be the best time to go, where should we go and do you have any special tips? - Rene Thompson
A: The best time to visit is during April and May, as spring breaks out. The best place to see the tulips in bloom is in the Keukenhof Garden near Lisse. Most visitors stay in Amsterdam and travel to Lisse for the floral display. It is an amazing collection of gardens, with more than seven million flowers. It can take a few days to see all the displays thoroughly, but even a day visit will be a memorable experience. If you book a flight and hotel in Amsterdam, you should be able to join one of the organised tours to Keukenhof (www.keukenhof.com). As you are booking close to the actual event, you may find that prices are high. You can start planning for next year or visit the Netherlands later in the year. There are always wonderful flower markets to visit and you can check out the flower-growing industry without the spring crowds.
A: The best time to visit is during April and May, as spring breaks out. The best place to see the tulips in bloom is in the Keukenhof Garden near Lisse. Most visitors stay in Amsterdam and travel to Lisse for the floral display. It is an amazing collection of gardens, with more than seven million flowers. It can take a few days to see all the displays thoroughly, but even a day visit will be a memorable experience. If you book a flight and hotel in Amsterdam, you should be able to join one of the organised tours to Keukenhof (www.keukenhof.com). As you are booking close to the actual event, you may find that prices are high. You can start planning for next year or visit the Netherlands later in the year. There are always wonderful flower markets to visit and you can check out the flower-growing industry without the spring crowds.
I Wanna Be A Pilgrim
Q: I would like to join a group of people or possibly get a group together who would like to go on a pilgrimage to Compostella in Spain. It starts in France and ends in Compostella. Can you give me any information about travel costs and whether it includes accommodation. When does the pilgrimage begin? - Linde le Ray.
A: Much has been written about the famous pilgrim trail to the city of Santiago de Compostela. I am sure you realise that it is not an organised "tour" or "excursion" - thousands of pilgrims do it at their own leisure and how they see fit. Luckily there are a number of websites that offer excellent advice. One of the best is the www.santiago-compostela.net website, which has a section on the Frances trail. It divides the 450 mile (725km) route into 30 stages, starting from St.-Jean-Pied-de-Port. All along the route, there are refugios - similar to youth hostels - that provide shelter for pilgrims for a minimal fee or contribution. You should budget for at least 25 Euros a day, as a bed in a refugio costs 4-10 Euros a night and substantial 'pilgrim menus' at restaurants on the route cost 7-10 Euros. Bottled water, sandwiches and fruit along the route is not expensive. If you decide to take a break along the route, you can usually find a cheap hotel for 25-35 Euros. For a list of refugios (also known as alberques), check out the www.caminodesantiago.me.uk website. Your most convenient airport from South Africa would probably be Paris, but the arrival/departure airport is not that important, as there are good train links to airports in France and Spain. People walk the trail all year, but the refugios are very crowded in summer. September is a good time to do the trail.
Train Travel in Thailand
Q: I would like to take the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and then on to Koh Samui. Do you have information on booking and prices? - Joe Fortuin
A: Train travel between Bangkok and Chiang Mai is a very popular option, even though budget airlines have brought down the cost of flying. Most of the journeys are overnight and you should choose between first and second class. In second class you can travel in an airline-style seat (from 541 baht - R135) or an air-conditioned sleeper (from 751 baht - R185). In first class the fare starts at 1253 baht (R313). The bottom bunk is slightly more expensive than the top one. If a single traveller wants to have a two-berth compartment to themselves, they can pay an additional 500 baht. There is no direct train service from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui - you would have to travel back to Bangkok and change trains. You may wish to consider flying directly from Chiang Mai on Bangkok Airways, even though this is more expensive. Of course, you cannot get from Bangkok to the island of Samui by train. You would catch a train to Surat Thani and then take a bus and a ferry to the island. The price of the train ticket varies from 308 baht (R77) in a fan-cooled second class seat to 1139 baht (R285) in a first class sleeper. The journey takes 11-12 hours. You can buy a ticket which includes the bus fare from the station to the ferry point and the ferry ticket to Samui for an additional 350 baht (R88). Websites worth visiting for information and bookings include www.seat61com, www.thairailticket.com, www.travelconnecxion.com and www.1stopchiangmai.com.
Private Lodge in Kruger Park
Q: We are planning a family gathering in July and would like to stay at a lodge or camp in the Kruger Park. There will be 10-13 people in the group. Are there any self-catering camps that can be rented for private use at an affordable rate? - Shane Villiers.
A: You don't say what you regard as affordable, but you can count on spending around R500 per person for exclusive use of a camp or lodge. The Roodewaal Bush Lodge, which is located 40kms from the Olifants rest camp, can be rented in full by a single party. It sleeps a total of 16 guests on a self-catering basis. The daily rate is R4720 for up to eight people. Each additional adult costs R510 and there is a R260 charge for additional children. A special feature of this camp is a lookout platform that resembles a treehouse. It is constructed around an enormous Nyala tree, and hangs suspended over the banks of the Timbavati. An alternative is Boulders Bush Lodge, which is located 25 kilometres from the Mopani rest camp. This facility accommodates 12 people, with a daily rate of R2470 for up to 4 people and then R510 for each additional adult and R260 for children. This rustic camp has no perimeter fence, but raised cottages and platforms make it safe for guests. The camp is powered by solar energy, but there are not plug points. There is no cellphone reception. For further details and booking, check out the www.krugerpark.co.za website. Besides the accommodation charge, guests also have to pay a daily 'conservation fee'. This currently costs R48 per person per day for South African residents. International visitors pay R192 for adults and R96 for children under 12 per day. For further details and booking, check out the www.krugerpark.co.za website or telephone central reservations on 021 422 3111.
A: You don't say what you regard as affordable, but you can count on spending around R500 per person for exclusive use of a camp or lodge. The Roodewaal Bush Lodge, which is located 40kms from the Olifants rest camp, can be rented in full by a single party. It sleeps a total of 16 guests on a self-catering basis. The daily rate is R4720 for up to eight people. Each additional adult costs R510 and there is a R260 charge for additional children. A special feature of this camp is a lookout platform that resembles a treehouse. It is constructed around an enormous Nyala tree, and hangs suspended over the banks of the Timbavati. An alternative is Boulders Bush Lodge, which is located 25 kilometres from the Mopani rest camp. This facility accommodates 12 people, with a daily rate of R2470 for up to 4 people and then R510 for each additional adult and R260 for children. This rustic camp has no perimeter fence, but raised cottages and platforms make it safe for guests. The camp is powered by solar energy, but there are not plug points. There is no cellphone reception. For further details and booking, check out the www.krugerpark.co.za website. Besides the accommodation charge, guests also have to pay a daily 'conservation fee'. This currently costs R48 per person per day for South African residents. International visitors pay R192 for adults and R96 for children under 12 per day. For further details and booking, check out the www.krugerpark.co.za website or telephone central reservations on 021 422 3111.
Visa for Singapore
Q: As a South African passport holder,. do I need visas to visit Singapore and Bali? - Greg Anderson
A: You do not need to get a visa in advance for Singapore or Bali. However, all South African passport holders need to buy a visa on arrival at Denpasar Airport in Bali. This costs 25 US dollars and is valid for a stay of up to 30 days. The visa process is pretty slick and takes 3-5 mintues per applicant.
A: You do not need to get a visa in advance for Singapore or Bali. However, all South African passport holders need to buy a visa on arrival at Denpasar Airport in Bali. This costs 25 US dollars and is valid for a stay of up to 30 days. The visa process is pretty slick and takes 3-5 mintues per applicant.
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