Christmas bargains in Belgium

After enjoyable trips to Vienna and Cologne
Christmas markets, we are planning to visit those
in Belgium this year. We intend to travel by train
and base ourselves in Brussels. Can you advise
which Belgian towns within day-trip distance of
Brussels have the best markets?
Catherine Egan, by email

Most towns and cities throughout Belgium have
traditional Christmas markets, normally in the main
square. The markets run from the beginning of
December, and last anything from a couple of days to
the entire month. Make sure you check in advance to
avoid disappointment.

These events boast traditional fare such as glühwein
(mulled wine) and seasonal biscuits, and you can pick
up fantastic stocking fillers and local specialities while
really getting into the festive mood. Brussels has one
of the best markets, located between the Grand Place
and Place Saint Catherine. After that it's just a case of
picking a town that you're interested in visiting and
hotfooting it to the high street: Bruges, Antwerp,
Tournai and Ghent all have much to see and do.
Markets are open on varying days, so contact the
relevant tourist board for more information and a
complete list. For Flanders and Brussels contact
Tourism Flanders-Brussels (020 7867 0311; or email <a href="mailto:
office@flanders-tourism.org">office@flanders-tourism.org).

For Brussels and the Ardennes, phone 020 7531 0390,
or email info@belgium-tourism.org.

Rome for teenagers

We are going to Rome during the half- term this month with our two sons, aged 15 and17. They have become reluctant to holiday with the rest of the family, but are both keen to make this trip with us.

We went to Rome twice before they were born, and are looking forward to returning to some of the major sites. We know they'll love the food, but wonder whether you can suggest some more offbeat ideas which might be attractive to them.
Sally Longford, by email

Whatever your sons' ages, it's hard not to enjoy Rome. Thousands of years of history and the city's vibrant buzz mean there's never a dull moment. The Hall family went to Rome when my brother and I were the same age as your sons, and had one of our most memorable family holidays.

If they don't wish to spend all their time mingling with other teenagers from all over the world on the Spanish Steps, take them to the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Concezione. This seventeenth-century church contains a Capuchin cemetery which boasts a macabre display of the bones of 4,000 monks.

Along similar lines, the catacombs at various locations are meeting and burial places of the early Christians. These are spooky, fascinating places that should hold your sons' attention. The Catacombe di San Callisto are the largest and most famous.

An intriguing place for visitors of all ages is Ostia Antica, 16 miles from Rome, and the ancient city's main port. Visitors have a great insight into a working ancient town, and it is fascinating to wander round.

For an exciting afternoon, your sons might enjoy a trip to the Stadio Olimpico to see Roma or Lazio play football. Tickets are normally pretty easy to come by a few days beforehand. League games take place on a Sunday.

Maori culture

My boyfriend and I are visiting New Zealand for a month in December, and intend to travel around in a camper van, which we have already booked.

I realise that December is near enough the peak season in New Zealand, and many of the tourist board guides advise it is essential to book the inter-island ferry crossing and motor camps in advance.

However we prefer not to be tied to dates at this stage, and wonder whether you can advise if it is necessary to book in advance? We are willing to be flexible. For example, taking late night or very early-morning crossings would not be a problem.

In addition, we would like to experience some Maori culture, but want to stay away from artificial, staged shows. Where is the best place to get a feel for traditional Maori life in as 'real' a way as possible?
Karen Brown, by email

Ferries across the Cook Strait are very busy from December to March, and though we do hear of people turning up and going you'll get better deals if you book early. If you do get on without booking, you're likely to pay the full fare.

There is a large choice of campsites, so visitors can normally find somewhere each day as you go, or by phoning ahead that morning.

While somewhat commercialised, some of the better Maori concerts and hangi (meals cooked in an earth oven) can be interesting evenings, and are a popular way of absorbing Maori culture. If you're around Rotorua we suggest you attend one.

You can gain an excellent understanding of the country's indigenous culture by going to the fantastic Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) in Wellington. It has an extensive Maori collection, as does the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

There are many marae, or Maori tribal gathering places, and these are great places to see Maori culture as it is now. The largest is in Christchurch, but each one shows the traditions of its tribe.

Swiss rail spectacle

Next summer, I want to go to Switzerland to ride the whole length of the Glacier Express train. I have heard that the scenery is very beautiful. Have you any ideas how I go about arranging such a trip?

I have seen adverts for cheap flights to Zurich, and thought I might try them, although it is a bit awkward to get to Stansted from my home in South Wales. Have you any suggestions?
Marilyn Hughes, Bridgend

Stansted is your best bet for budget airline deals, but you may also wish to think about flying from Liverpool to Geneva with EasyJet (0870 600 0000) Your journey from home to the airport would not be much easier, but Geneva is very well placed for the Glacier Express.

If not, a flight with Go (0870 607 6543), or Buzz (0870 240 7070) from Stansted to Milan will leave you a two-and-a-quarter hour train ride from Brig, where you can pick up the express route.

The express offers a breathtaking seven-and-a-half hour journey from Zermatt to St Moritz or Davos, where the track reaches a height of 6,670ft above sea level.

The Switzerland Travel Centre (020 7734 1921) can book second-class tickets in advance for £55 a head, or £91 first class. Reservations and meals are extra. The centre can also help with hotels and other transport.

If you want to see a bit more of Switzerland you might consider buying a 15-day Swiss Pass, which gives unlimited travel on most trains, boats and buses in the country for £160 second class or £240 first class.

Zermatt is the best base from which to explore the Matterhorn, and Lucerne and Chur are pleasant towns to see just a short detour off the Glacier Express route.

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