Letter of the week

To celebrate a 'significant' birthday in August, I am planning to walk with a group of friends into Santiago de Compostela, in north west Spain, covering the final stage of the 'Camino' pilgrimage. However, we only have between seven and 10 days free. Can you suggest a route and give any pertinent advice?

Simon Winn, Northolt

The Camino de Santiago, the 'Way of St James', originated as a medieval pilgrimage. The whole walk from Roncesvalles on the French border to Santiago - 461 miles - takes a month. So with 10 days, take on the final section from Astorga or Molinaseca to Santiago - around 150 miles. The Confraternity of St James (020 7928 9988; www.csj.org.uk) can advise on how to get a document that gives access to albergues (hostels) along the way and stamps to prove you completed the walk.

We have a flight from Gatwick at 7am one day in March. Can you please advise us of reasonably priced places that provide a bed, car parking and transport to the airport?

DM Wilkes, Leek, Staffordshire

There are two options. The Hilton, which is connected to the airport, offers packages which include parking. You are looking at at least £150 for a double room with a week's parking, but obviously this hotel is by far the most convenient for a 5am check in. The cheaper alternative is to go to one of the hotels in the towns near the airport. Less than three miles away, in Horley, is the Corner House Hotel (01293 784574; www.thecornerhouse.co.uk), offering en suite double rooms for £67 per night, with free transport to the airport and secure parking for £40 per week. At Little Foxes Hotel (01293 529206; www.littlefoxeshotel.co.uk) car parking is £10 per week if you stay overnight and doubles start at £60. You will have to book your own taxi to Gatwick, but it's only a few minutes' drive. Try www.bedandbreakfasts-uk.co.uk for more options.

We need inspiration. I like beaches and clubbing, my boyfriend likes wilderness and climbing. Where in Europe can we do both during a fortnight's holiday this summer?

Julia Wilkinson, London

Try Corsica. The cliche is that it's like the Alps dumped into the middle of the Mediterranean - there are stunning mountains for your boyfriend and beautiful beaches. Less well known is that, despite the sleepy reputation and postcards majoring on old villagers making boar sausages, there are some serious nightclubs. Probably the finest beaches, including the picture-perfect Palombaggia, are just south of Porto Vecchio, where you will also find Europe's biggest outdoor nightclub, Via Notte (www.vianotte.com). It hosts big-name DJs, has a swimming pool and numerous bars and is open all night. Spend a week on the beaches around here, then head up north for a week in the little villages around the biggest mountains. For £1,356 per person, VFB Holidays (01242 240331; www.vfbholidays.co.uk) offers a week in A Liscia, a private villa for two with a pool near Via Notte and a week in U Casone, a stylish apartment in an old house in a mountain village, including flights and hire car.

Help - next year I will be 40! After giving up smoking a few years ago I announced to the world that I would be running the Sydney marathon in my 40th year. I will be taking my wife and 18-month-old son to watch me suffer too. The marathon is on 16 September. What would be your advice to our family about getting the most out of the trip?

Michael Shipley, Sheffield

Arriving three or four days beforehand will give you a chance to shake off the worst of the jetlag and stretch your legs with a gentle jog before the big day. Treat yourself to somewhere a bit special to rest your weary limbs afterwards. The Saville offers luxury 'apartment-style' accommodation at 2 Bond Street (00 61 2 9250 9555; www.savillesuites.com) with free babysitting, full kitchen facilities and a central location for around £100 a night.

The big attractions in Sydney are well known, but exploring the walking trails of Sydney Harbour National Park and getting into the Blue Mountains are worthwhile side trips.

There is at least a week's worth of things to do around the city, but when you're ready to move on the whole country is your oyster as a result of good air, road and rail networks. In September you'll probably want to head north for some warmth and relaxation.

A flight or train ride - good for letting your son run around - to Byron Bay will take you to beaches popular and quiet as well as good walks and a huge range of accommodation. Alternatively, fly to Cairns from Sydney and spend a while exploring the tropical hinterland and beaches around Port Douglas and Mission Beach. Austravel (0870 166 2020; www.austravel.com) is one company that specialises in Australia.

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