I'm going on holiday to Goa with a friend in September, but since seeing the news about Cheryl Cole contracting malaria I'm worried that we will be at risk. Is India a high risk area and what can we do to prevent getting malaria?
Carly Elia, by email
I've just visited all sorts of websites I don't normally frequent trying to find out whether Cheryl Cole was taking anti-malarial pills and other preventatives, but while my life is now richer for knowing who Derek Hough is, the answer is inconclusive. While no treatment is 100% effective, you can dramatically reduce the risk of contracting malaria by taking the course of tablets for where you're going, and reduce it even further by liberally using mosquito repellent and covering your arms and legs with loose, light clothing. The useful Malaria Hotspots website suggests that the risk of contracting malaria in Goa is variable and anti-malarials are usually advised. Not everyone does though, and you will find different opinions if you look around the web. It always seems odd to me, however, that given what a dismal and dangerous experience having malaria is so many people don't take prophylactics. Speak to your doctor and get what you need. Useful for general travel health advice is the website fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk.
I have recently decided to go to Australia over New Year. I was wondering if it's best to book flights out there now or leave it to the last minute? Would there be a big price difference the later I leave it?
Alice Laura Jenkins, by email
If you're travelling anywhere between early December and early January you should book early. There are no late deals available for this, the busiest of times to travel. When it comes to Australia, demand for economy fares is high and you may find that choice is already restricted.
Ben Briggs of Austravel says: "It's not a case of how much flights will be if customers wait until the last minute to book, it's a case of whether there will be any seats left. Currently, December is Austravel's most requested departure month and customers are realising that the most popular dates around 9 December have already sold out. It is around this date that airfares also tend to rise significantly. What's more, there is also very little availability to return before 12 January." The fact that January is summer holiday time in Australia adds to the congestion.
Austravel also notes that if customers are flexible with their travel dates, good-value fares are still available. Malaysia Airlines has an offer flying to Sydney from £899 departing 2 December and returning 13 January. For dates nearer to Christmas, Thai Airways has availability departing 15 December and returning 5 January from £1,499. Briggs also suggests that "if you are happy to stop over en route for a couple of days more options become available".
We will be in Dubrovnik next May. I've been trying to figure out the best way to get from Dubrovnik to Verona in Italy. I thought about a boat from Split to Ancona and then the train, but that means about two hours from Dubrovnik to Split, 4 1/2 hours on the ferry (if there is a fast boat at that time of year) and then four or more hours on the train to Verona. Of course that doesn't include time to make the connections. What about a flight from Dubrovnik to Venice or Bologna and then the train? Which airlines do those routes? How much do you think it might cost?
David Chudnovsky, by email
Ironically, the cheapest route I have found involves flying back to the UK from Dubrovnik with British Airways, changing planes at Gatwick and catching another flight to Verona – both legs are currently on offer in May for around £160 in total and the whole journey takes 10 hours. But I'm assuming this isn't what you had in mind.
Dubrovnik's transport links reflect the fact that Croatia's Dalmatian coast is a holiday destination rather than a national capital or business and travel hub. Therefore fast ferries are seasonal – last year the SNAV-operated Split to Ancona fast boats ran from early June to early September – and most flights go to and from northern European destinations.
If you want to get somewhere out of the main season then the journey is complicated. Slower ferries will be your main no-fly option unless you wanted to do the whole route by bus. There is a bit of land travel involved whichever route you take, either heading direct from Dubrovnik to Bari or first heading north and going from Split to Ancona. Both these services are run by Jadrolinija and fares depend on which class and route you opt for.
The only faster option is taking two flights to Verona, requiring travel via Rome and costing at least £250 with Croatia Airlines and Alitalia. It would be cheaper to travel to Milan or Bergamo instead of Verona, via Rome, Zagreb or both, but you then need to travel onward to Verona by rail.
I've been invited to visit a mate who lives in Singapore and to watch the Grand Prix while I'm there in September. I'd like to combine my trip with a few weeks of sunshine and had planned to head up to Thailand for 10 days or so with my girlfriend but from the various forums I've read, it looks like it might be a bit wet.
Should we risk it? If so, where should we go for a bit of peace and quiet, maybe a bit of pampering. Looking at a budget of £100 a night between the two of us. Also, what's the latest situation in Thailand in terms of the protests?
Simon Towndrow, by email
There's a remarkably detailed and helpful post on Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree about wet-season travel to Thailand, which is well worth a read. The usual advice on this – that it rains most days but is sunny in between downpours – is essentially true, but it's important to note that there's no guarantee that this will be the case. At the end of September it is drier on the southern Gulf islands, such as Koh Samui, than it is on the Andaman Coast, which bears the brunt of the southwest monsoon. While there shouldn't be enough rain to ruin your trip, you will find that some smaller or more remote resorts are closed. You may wish to play it safe by heading somewhere you're not dependent on getting to by boat, but many travellers also suggest the only precaution you need take is packing an umbrella.
If you do choose to head for a flight-only option, you can fly direct with Bangkok Airways from Singapore to Koh Samui (returns from £170; bangkokair.com) and either settle in here or divide your time between this island and neighbouring Koh Pha-Ngan. Both have a real mix of accommodation available, from cheap and cheerful shacks to blow-out resorts, with lots of reasonably priced and fashionable options available. I-escape has a good selection of places to stay on these islands. One stand-out is the Muang Kulaypan resort on Koh Samui (kulaypan.com), a design hotel whose rates drop to £85 per night in the wet season.
It's business as usual for many in Thailand after the protests in May and June – even though the state of emergency has been extended. For the latest FCO advice, visit fco.gov.uk
