I plan to visit Peru later this month to do the four-day hike along the Inca trail to Machu Picchu with a guide.
I have heard rumours of recent restrictions on the number of people allowed to use the trail, and that it might be necessary to book as much as 30 days in advance to make the trip.
Please would you clarify the position and tell me also if any extra restrictions have been imposed because of the recent landslides around Machu Picchu?
Andonnia Arestidis, by email
The Inca Trail is hugely popular as it's one of the world's great walks and ends at South America's best known sight, the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu.
Yes, you should book ahead. Only 500 hikers a day are able to start the trail in the city of Cuzco, and far more would like to go. Travellers who turn up without a prior booking can face a long wait even to start the walk.
You must hike with a registered tour operator who will arrange all your permits and other papers. If you want to book with a company in Cuzco, you will find a list of reputable tour operators on the not-for-profit internet site, Andean Travel Web (www.andeantravelweb.com). The landslides that hit the area last month have damaged the approach by rail to Machu Picchu and the nearby town of Aguas Calientes but not the trail itself. No extra restrictions have been placed on it as a result of the slides. It's unlikely the trail will close again for the foreseeable future, apart from the normal annual four-day shutdown each February.
My boyfriend and I have booked flights to Bali for three weeks in August but have yet to pay the full fare. We are hesitating because the Foreign Office website says there is evidence of further terrorist threats to tourists.
Our travel agent assures us that Bali will be fine. Having been there three times before, I am eager to return to enjoy the beauty of the scenery, people and culture, but I cannot help feeling a little uneasy.
I wondered if you could give me your opinion: would you unhestitatingly travel to Bali this year.
Sally Stewart, by email
The ultimate decision must be yours. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office continues to advise British nationals against all non-essential travel to Bali and the rest of Indonesia following the terrorist bombing by a group linked to al-Qaeda in which more than 200 people were killed in October 2002.
However, both Britons and travellers of other nationalities have continued to go there in large numbers, and report having a wonderful, peaceful time. Among them was The Observer'sWill Buckley. You can read about his experiences by visiting www.observer.co.uk/travel.
To further cloud the picture, unlike the UK, many Western countries do not advise against travel to Bali.
One problem you may have is insurance. Many companies are reluctant to cover people to travel against Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice, and those that will do so are unlikely to offer insurance against terrorist incidents. However, the Online Insurance Company (www.oinc.com) will normally sell policies that do cover Bali.
We are a retired couple in our mid-sixties planning a trip to New Zealand next January and February.
My husband wants to experience some hillwalking during our visit to both islands, but as l cannot walk very far we would like advice on centres where l could pursue gentler activities while he stretches his legs.
A Sugarman, via email
New Zealand is a great destination whether you like stomping around on mountains or just looking at them. If you're able to drive, drop your husband off somewhere around Lake Taupo, on the North Island's central plateau.
He can head off exploring Tongariro National Park, possibly doing the wonderful Tongariro Crossing, a superb one-day walk through volcanic mountain scenery. While he's doing that, you can take in a choice of fantastic destinations an accessible drive away. A key one of these is Rotorua, 50 miles north of Taupo. This is one of the great centres of Maori culture as well as being home to fascinating geothermal activity areas.
There are also lots of scenic drives around Taupo, although it's fair to say that there is no need to have a car to explore many parts of New Zealand. In the South Island there are a few great bases. Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura are beautiful locations north of Christchurch, where you can either soak in hot springs or go whale and dolphinwatching while your husband tramps around exploring the surrounding hills.
Another great place is Wanaka, a peaceful town in a stunning lakeside location, where you can explore the renowned wineries and cruise the lake. For more information contact Tourism New Zealand (09069 101010; www.purenz.com).
Letter of the week
My daughter and I have always wanted to go to the Melbourne Comedy Festival. When is this held and would we have trouble finding accommodation then?
Chris Denham, Norfolk
Melbourne's International Comedy Festival is rivalled in size only by the festivals in Edinburgh and Montreal. It takes place in late March and early April, and attracts comics from around the world to complement up-and-coming local acts. To give you some idea of the high standard, this year's festival featured Ross Noble and Dave Gorman.
Next year's dates have yet to be announced. Keep an eye on www.comedyfestival.com.au for full details.
You should probably book ahead, but there's a huge amount of accommodation in Melbourne so it won't be hard to find something. Find out more about the city, including accommodation listings, at www.visitmelbourne.com.
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