Letter of the week
Don't laugh - I'm 35, I've only ever been to France and have not been abroad for more than 12 years. I want to go to India and would be grateful for any advice, as I have heard way too many very, very ill stories and am terrified. Also I have blond dreadlocks and have been told I would receive hostility, and to cut them off (no) or keep them covered. What do you advise?
Su Singer, Brighton
In a country where the poverty is confronting, bureaucracy totally over the top and a stomach bug only a piece of unpeeled fruit away, it's easy to get frustrated. However, there is plenty to amaze and inspire, an astonishing array of sacred sites, breathtaking palaces, bustling cities, outrageous festivals, Himalayan treks... I could go on and on.
For first-timers, Kerala in southern India is a good place to start. With less of the extreme poverty of other parts, the region shows the gentle and more relaxed side of India. It offers beautiful beaches, trips through peaceful lagoons and canals, tea plantations, wildlife sanctuaries and complex cultural customs. Visit www.keralatourism.org for more information.
The best deals on flights to south India can be found through agents such as STA Travel (0870 1 600 599) or Trailfinders (020-7628 7628). Flights are typically £450-£600, but shop around; the best deals usually involve changing in the Middle East. Or some companies offer packages to Kerala, including flights, accommodation and some meals. Gateway to India (0870 442 3204) is an expert on the country.
I haven't been able to discover if your dreads will be a problem. To hear about the experiences of other visitors, and ask questions, visit our travellers' forum, the Thorn Tree. There is a section on the subcontinent. You probably won't be the only dreadlocked Westerner there.
Mid-life maintenance
My wife and I are looking for some mid-life maintenance that won't take until retirement to pay off (about £500 each). We are dreaming of a long weekend in an interesting city where we can enjoy the sights, the history and a spot of health spa pampering. There was a feature a few years ago in The Observer on just this type of break in Middle Europe, but we can't remember any detail (advanced years?). Any suggestions gratefully received.
Andrew Tinsley, Tunbridge Wells
It's a good bet you were reading about Budapest, which has hundreds of thermal springs. Among the best are Gellert Baths, with its magnificent art-nouveau interior, and Szechenyi Bath, notable for its immense size and chess-playing old men. For pampering, Lukacs has thermal and mud treatments. Though these baths may look a little rough around the edges (take flip-flops and a swimming hat), they're great value and you will feel you have given yourself a treat. Budapest has centuries of history, beautiful architecture and is a great year-round destination. For information contact the Hungary Tourist Board (020 7823 1032). Kirker Holidays (020 7231 3333) offers three nights in Budapest from £325.
Adventure trips without adrenalin kicks
Are there any other companies (reasonable prices and for just turned 40-year-olds) that do adventure trips without adrenalin kicks for maximum two-week trips. I would especially like to find more short breaks in the UK (these seem to be very expensive). Happy to camp and rough it. But not just glorified dating agencies!
Caroline Banks, Broadbridge Heath
ATG Oxford (01865 315678) has a wide selection of walking, cycling and residential courses that may be of interest, from whale-watching in the Azores to cruising in the Turkish Aegean. Walks Worldwide (01524 262255) has weekend excursions in the Peak District, Lakes or Yorkshire Dales for £120 per person, among other options. Bents Tours offers cycling and walking in Bavaria and Austria (01568 780800).
· We welcome letters. Tom Hall and Fiona Christie from Lonely Planet address as many as possible here. Email travel.tips@observer.co.uk or write to Escape, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER. The writer of the week's star letter wins a Lonely Planet guide of their choice (so include a daytime telephone number and postal address). No individual correspondence can be entered into.
