As an alternative to the five-hour bus ride between the Croatian towns of Split and Dubrovnik, consider taking the 10-hour fast ferry, one of the classic journeys of Europe. Ferries leave twice a week and the schedule is available on jadrolinija.hr. By taking the ferry, you will see the islands at sea level and get a better view of the coastal towns and limestone mountain range.

Michael Holder

The Czech immigration authorities do not allow children over 15 years of age to enter the country when travelling on their parents' passports; they must have a passport of their own. We got caught by this at Easter, and it cost us £130 for an emergency passport, plus extreme anxiety as the Czech authorities tried to make my son return to the UK on his own.

Jane Goodwin

If you are an occasional smoker and want to buy a packet of cigarettes before a flight, don't wait until you go through to the departure lounge. In most airports, it's cartons of 200 or nothing.

Jim K

When using an earth lavatory at a festival or in some remote part of the world, don't keep your wallet in the back pocket of your jeans.

Ben