Nicola Doering wants to know if she can renew her travel insurance while out of the country.

I spent a lot of time trying to buy backpacker insurance while travelling. The only answer is to renew the one you have. Failing that you will have to return to the UK to buy one. To avoid the problem, buy from Endsleigh (0800 028 3571, endsleigh.co.uk) as they will always renew.

Anne Mackintosh

Trailfinder's (trailfinders.com) single-trip travel insurance can be purchased from outside the UK, even if your original policy has expired and includes worldwide repatriation. Should you already have a valid Trailfinders policy, they will extend the original cover, provided the policy has not yet expired.

Lisa Warner, Trailfinders

Sacha Tejani is a single parent desperate to go somewhere different.

I suggest joining the Youth Hostels Association (01629 592600, yha.org.uk) or International Youth Hostel Federation (iyhf.org) and travel to a place in Britain or abroad you've always wanted to see. People of all ages stay at hostels, and in the informal atmosphere it's very easy to make friends. It's economical, and it's fun. For something more structured, try a holiday fellowship, which has centres throughout Britain, some especially suited to children.

Valerie Spentzos

Ed Summerell's 70-year-old mother is hoping to go to Argentina and learn to tango.

With the current boom in all things tango, visitors to Buenos Aires are spoilt for choice. In the tourist information kiosks, there are free sheets listing all the milongas (dance salons), shows and classes. For a start, go along to any of the following academies: Centro Cultural Torquato Tasso, Centro Cultural Konex, Confiteria Ideal or the Academia Nacional del Tango (above the Cafe Tortoni). If you want a fancier setting, try the new Piazzolla Tango venue, which has classes before the show. One or two teachers will always speak enough English to get you going: tangodata.com.ar lists classes. In other big cities like Rosario, Córdoba, Mendoza and the touristy towns, tango is also taught. Extensive listings in Time Out Buenos Aires (new edition out in May).

Chris Moss

Alexandra Tomkinson wants to cycle around Vietnam

Anyone planning a cycling trip to Vietnam should be aware of how dangerous the roads are. Road accidents are the leading cause of death in the 18-30 age group in Vietnam. There are about 3,000 reported accidents and 1,000 deaths per month on the roads. The back roads are OK to cycle on, but there are no good maps. The country is beautiful and cycling should be a great way to get around. Unfortunately it can be more than a little scary.

Edward H B Pollard, Hanoi

Lonely Planet's Cycling Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia is a useful guide and takes you off the beaten track: I didn't see a another western cyclist for 2,700km. The north-west loop from Hanoi to Sapa is a great trip that could be covered in under two weeks with a wide variety of landscapes - don't let the hills put you off! Last September they were in the process of widening the road.

The traffic on Highway 1 is too busy to make it enjoyable and the scenery varies little. Sleeper trains are a great way of getting around the country quickly with your bike, but in two weeks you're best sticking to the same region. Enjoy. Or, for an even better trip, go to Cambodia!

Lawrence Friell

This week's questions

I'm travelling to Damascus and would like advice on places to see, things to avoid, how to stay out of trouble and so on.

Glenn Wheeler

I'm going to Nuweiba in the Sinai in Egypt. Apart from the extensive diving, is there anything to do nearby?

Simon Yeowart

If Cuban immigration officials stamp my passport, will it cause me problems entering the US in the future?

Alan Hayes

· If you have questions or advice, please write to: Ask a fellow traveller, The Guardian, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R, 3ER. Or email: ask.a. fellow.traveller@theguardian.com