Letter of the week
As I was in various parts of Asia in the late Forties and Fifties, I have always had a sneaking feeling that I would like to return now that I am retired. Accordingly, I would like to see eastern Siberia and in particular Kamchatka, Sakhalin and the Kuril islands; northern Japan could also be a throw-in! Is this at all possible?
D. Taylor-Smith, Norwich
You can see pretty much anything you want in Russia. But it can prove costly and difficult to arrange independently - to see all on your list is likely to cost between £2,000 and £3,000. The destinations you're interested in are certainly off the beaten track. If you do make it to Sakhalin and the Kuril islands, you're likely to have them to yourself.
The Kamchatka peninsula is both spectacularly beautiful and little visited - mountainous and volcanic, with little human encroachment to disturb the large wildlife population. Aside from checking out the effects of geothermal activity, particularly the Valley of the Geysers in the Kronotsky National Park, outdoor activities are the order of the day here.
Sakhalin is about the same size as Scotland, and is a wild land of mountains and overgrown grass and bamboo plains, with plenty for walkers and wildlife lovers.
Given the potential for logistical problems, a tour is a good way to see these destinations. Intourist (020 7727 4100) offers a variety of tours to the region, and Steppes East (01285 651010) can tailor a tour to suit your interests. Both these organisations are knowledgeable and helpful. The xRussian National Tourist Office (020 7495 7555) may also be of assistance. Speaking some Russian is a good idea for your travels.
If you're keen to top it off with a side journey to Japan (which really warrants a whole trip itself), the Japanese National Tourist Office in London (020 7734 9638) can help.
Six hours in Prague
My husband and I booked cheap flights from Stansted to Rome via Prague for an Easter break. We have six hours in Prague and want to take a taxi trip into the city. What could we see in that time?
Jill Williams, Suffolk
If you get your skates on it's feasible to see some of this beautiful city. It's not long enough even to scratch the surface, but more fun than a coffee in the airport bar.
Check in advance that your airline will allow you to do this in transit. It should take about an hour to disembark and get through customs, then 30 minutes to get into the centre. Allow two-and-a-half hours to return and check in, leaving you an hour or two in Prague.
Get 1,500 Czech koruna (about £30) out of an airport ATM - you can normally make up any shortfall in euros. Taxi fares are generally around 500 Koruna. Ask the driver to drop you at Charles Bridge, preferably on the castle side, and take a stroll on the bridge. You get a great view of the city.
The castle is interesting, but has too much to see for you. Instead, head to Wenceslas Square, in the heart of the old town. It is a pleasant place to stroll. You may have time for a sausage and a beer before getting a taxi back to the airport. Resolve, however, to go back and see the place properly - it deserves it!
50th in the Big Apple
My partner and I plan to go to the Big Apple to mark her 50th birthday. Can you recommend any decent hotels? My partner is diabetic. Can she take her insulin and injection needles on the flight?
John Oates, Shropshire
For a real treat the Library Hotel on Madison Avenue is perfect. Each room is dedicated to a different literary genre to suit book lovers of all kinds, and it is centrally located. A special deal is now on offer for £115 per room per night,including breakfast, tea and evening hors d'oeuvres. See www.hoteldiscounts.com for deals at this and other hotels.
Airlines still allow diabetics to carry syringes and other insulin-delivery systems in hand luggage. But at the very least you will require a doctor's letter. Better still get an insulin user's identity card for £5 from Diabetes UK (020 7424 1000).
When flying to the US you may also need to produce a vial of insulin with a pre-printed pharmaceutical label that clearly identifies the medication. Always check with the airline in advance.
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