Letter of the week
We want to book a trip to the Indian Ocean for our honeymoon next October. We're looking for somewhere special which is relaxed, independently owned (not part of a chain), eco-friendly and well run, with good scuba diving on hand. We'd like to stay in a hut/bungalow with no TV, phone, minibar or air-conditioning. Any suggestions?
Jane Hannon, Muswell Hill
Most people's image of a palm-fringed honeymoon paradise can be found in the Maldives where there are some great places, as long as all you want to do is eat, sleep, swim and get better acquainted with your beloved. The diving is excellent too. Kuoni (01306 747002) offers the Reethi Rah Resort as a laid-back, low-key destination - prices vary depending on season and length of trip.
However, you might welcome a little more action, and looking elsewhere in the Indian Ocean can provide this. Zanzibar has the fascinating Stone Town which is great for exploring and well worth a couple of days of your trip, then head north to Nungwi, a large village with a few tourist settlements in a stunning beach setting. The place that matches your requirements is Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel, most notable for its diving. It's about £200 a night, but well worth splashing out on. There are lots of cheaper, simpler options nearby if that doesn't fit the bill.
If you're planning on doing the trip yourself, try to arrange a flight that allows you to stop in Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro - a few days' safari thrown in would make it an unforgettable honeymoon. Africa Travel Centre (020 7387 1211) is a specialist in travel to the continent and can provide tailor-made honeymoon itineraries.
Southern comforts
After being bumped off a United Airlines flight from NYC to London I was given around $500 (£324) in UA flight vouchers. I'm determined to use them - but any flight must be to the USA. I would like to find some sunshine for 10-14 days in November with the combination of beach laziness and city sightseeing. I'll be travelling alone so I want to go somewhere safe and I won't be hiring a car so things need to be close together. Am I asking too much?
Angela Walton, London
The obvious choice is Florida - warm weather and great beaches. However, United Airlines doesn't fly direct to Miami and I'm not sure it fulfils all your criteria. Why not try something a little different and visit Savannah, Georgia, for a truly 'Southern' experience.
You still have to fly via Washington, but from there you can pick up a no-frills flight to Savannah with AirTran for only $150 return. Start off with a few days in the city - it's made for walking so you'll be more than happy without a car. Soak up the Old South ambience with a wander round the historic district and enjoy fabulous seafood at the riverfront. Quality Inn (00 1 912 236 6321) is close to the centre and good value at around $90. The best beach in the area is at Tybee Island where you'll find three miles of unspoilt sand (see www.savcvb.com for tours) and temperatures still reach 20C in November. For a change of scene head up the coast to Charleston, South Carolina; the Greyhound bus only takes three hours. Here you'll find plenty more southern hospitality, a charming city centre and, just to the south, several beautiful beaches.
Walking the Kungsleden Trail
I would like to walk the Kungsleden Trail in Lapland, Sweden. When is the best time of year to do the 450km walk? Where can I get practical advice that is not all in Swedish?
Susan Waldschmidt, London
'The Royal Trail' is Sweden's premier waymarked route. Most popular is the 450km stretch from Abisko to Hemavan in the far north, some of which lies within the Arctic Circle. Lonely Planet's Sweden guide (£11.99) has a section on the Kungsleden. Once there, tourist offices can help. For information on hostels, contact Svenska Turistforeningen (00 46 8 463 2100).
The best time to hit the trail is early summer, when the temperature is comfortable but the mosquitoes aren't at full strength.
· We welcome letters. Tom Hall and Fiona Christie from Lonely Planet address as many as possible here. Email travel.tips@observer.co.uk or write to Escape, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER. The writer of the week's star letter wins a Lonely Planet guide of their choice (so include a daytime phone number and postal address). No individual correspondence can be entered into.
