Take me there: Nefta, Tunisia
This year is the 35th anniversary of the first Star Wars film, and where better to celebrate it than in the otherworldly desertscape of southwest Tunisia, where much of the movie was shot? The Dar HI hotel, with its startling architecture, makes a suitably futuristic base for both sci-fans and those in search of some designer sunshine. Nearby attractions include the oasis town of Tozeur and the salt lake of Chott el-Jerid (better known to movie buffs as Tatooine). A seven-night stay costs from £840pp on an all-inclusive basis (dar-hi.net/en). Flights with Tunisair from £180 return (tunisair.com).
Travel clinic: Family cycling holidays
The dilemma We're feeling brave enough to tackle our first family cycling holiday with our sons, aged eight and 10. Can you recommend a suitable base for a few days of gentle and independent exploration on two wheels? Richard, by email
Joanne replies Combining cosy bunkhouse accommodation with a great little café on Devon's Tarka Trail – a gentle and traffic-free cycle route which follows disused railway lines through unspoilt countryside – Yarde Orchard (yarde-orchard.co.uk) could be the answer to your prayers. Book into the en-suite family room (£50 for the first night, £40 for subsequent nights) and you'll have access to a kitchen and lounge with wood-burning range for self-catering, or tuck into a hearty cyclist's breakfast, pizzas, homemade pies and cakes at the adjacent café.
A similar set-up, albeit in more rugged and challenging terrain, is offered by the excellent Dales Bike Centre in Richmond, Yorkshire (dalesbikecentre.co.uk) – a hostel, bike shop and café rolled into one right on the Yorkshire Dales Cycleway. A four-bed family room normally costs £28pp per night but they currently have a half-price deal on accommodation in February.
If you have a travel dilemma, email Joanne O'Connor at magazine@observer.co.uk
Three of the best… hot springs
From natural lakes to state-of-the art spas, take to the waters and soak away the winter chill in one of Europe's most spectacular geothermal pools
1. Bains de Dorres, Andorra
Tear up the slopes then ease aching limbs while admiring the view from these Roman baths. Admission €4.20 (bains-de-dorres.com)
2. Hveravellir, Iceland
This geothermal hotspot, 200km from Rejkyavik, beats the Blue Lagoon hands down for natural beauty (hveravellir.is/english.html)
3. Therme Vals, Switzerland
Soak in style at this ultra-hip spa complex, which has indoor and outdoor pools – and a designer hotel. Admission €31 (therme-vals.ch)
