Bathing in Budapest
Three friends and I are celebrating my thirtieth birthday by visiting Budapest in a couple of weeks. We have managed to get a good hotel in central Pest and as a consequence we are within walking distance of all the bars and clubs but we would also like to see the sights of the city. Any suggestions?
Ian Pitteway, Warrington
The highlight of any trip to Budapest has to be 'taking the waters' at one of the many spa baths. With more than 123 thermal and 400 mineral springs, there's plenty of choice. Prices start at about 500 Ft (£1.35), which usually allows two hours of relaxation time in the complex.
Most baths have medical treatments and massage services available but you don't have to splash out on these if you don't want to. The baths themselves can often look a bit shabby but the majority of them are extremely clean and the water is cleaned continuously.
In order to avoid the crowds, it is best to go early in the morning. Check the opening times for each place and make sure you check to see if there are any restrictions on the bathing sessions - some baths offer segregated sessions for men and women at different times of the day.
The Szechenyi baths (00 36 1 363 3210) are huge, bright and clean and offer good value for money. The temperature of the water is maintained at constant levels. Open to both men and women (segregated), the baths are open from 6am to 7pm on weekdays and 5pm at weekends.
There are sights to see around every corner in Budapest and you are sure to find something to suit everyone's taste in the group. Museums featuring everything from aviation to literature can be found within easy walking distance of the centre. The many markets are also worth a visit, especially if your friends have yet to find that perfect thirtieth birthday gift!
Stocking up for the sun
This August, I will be travelling to Canyonlands National Park in Utah, on an expedition with Earthwatch. My initial concern is the high temperatures, especially as we will be hiking throughout the day. Please could you advise me on the best sunscreens and on stockists of lightweight clothing and footwear in the North West?
Victoria Catton, Manchester
During the summer months, you'll experience temperatures of more than 90F, so protection against the sun is an absolute must. You'll probably need a cream with an SPF of at least 30. Consult a pharmacist to find out which sunscreen best suits your skin type and colouring. Take care to cover up areas that are rarely exposed to such strong sunlight and reapply sunscreen frequently.
You should also be aware of the dangers of dehydration. Always carry plenty of water, no matter how short your intended trip.
There are lots of lightweight clothing and footwear lines on the market. Try the YHA Adventure shop (201 Deansgate, Manchester; 0161 834 7119); The website has excellent advice on choosing footwear and clothing. Other stores that you might like to try include Blacks (200 Deansgate, Manchester; 0161 833 0349) and Millets (Arndale Centre, Manchester; 0161 832 7547).
Northern Lights
I am planning a trip to Denmark in October or November and from there I would like to travel to Greenland to view the Northern Lights. Can you give me any information about flights from Denmark to Greenland, or even on other transport options available, such as ferries?
Kiran Macwana, Brighton
The best times to see the Northern Lights in Greenland are from late August to early November, and from mid-February to April. This is definitely out of the peak of the tourist season, and you're going to be experiencing lengthening nights and plummeting temperatures.
SAS (0845 6072 7727) offers flights from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq and other Greenland destinations for about £390. Air Greenland also serves Greenland from Denmark, and may have lower fares available depending on when you book.
Unless you fancy a cruise, you can't get to Greenland by boat.
Greenland is an expensive place to stay if you don't want to camp, and you can expect to pay £50 for a hotel room. Though youth hostels are available, they're more expensive than in Europe.
Victorian vessels
We are travelling from Seattle to Victoria in mid-July and wonder what would be the best ferry route to take. We would like to see some of the wonderful scenery along the coast and will have a hire car. Will we need to book ahead for the ferries?
Sue and Tom Laffey, by email
Victoria, the capital of British Columbia in Canada, is a popular destination from Seattle and has a laid-back, traditional charm which contrasts with the bustle of one of the USA's fastest growing cities.
The only boat service to Victoria from Seattle is the Victoria Clipper (00 1 800 888 2535), but this is a passenger-only ferry; adult fares in July are from £45 single/£70 return.
To take your car, you need to drive 85 miles north of Seattle to Anacortes, from where a Washington State Ferries (00 1 206 464 6400) service runs to Sidney, a few miles north of Victoria on Vancouver Island. Fares vary depending on the size of your vehicle and number of passengers. Reservations for vehicles are mandatory and you should do so as far in advance as possible.
On both services, you go through immigration formalities on arrival, so don't forget to take your passports. The trips pass by the San Juan Islands and are marvellously scenic journeys - go easy in Seattle's many brew-pubs the night before so your head will be clear enough to enjoy it!
For not much more than the cost of taking your car, you could fly. Kenmore Air (00 1 800 543 9595) offers seaplane flights leaving Seattle's Lake Union and landing in Victoria's Inner Harbour for $110 (£74) single/£114 return per person. It's perfect if, like me, you've always had a thing about taking a flying boat.
Amtrak also has services on its scenic Cascades train service from Seattle to Vancouver; see for details.
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