My girlfriend and I are going to Portugal in late August after finishing our nursing course. We've got about two weeks and will be flying into Faro. We would like to explore a lot of the country and are thinking of doing it by train. Is this the easiest and cheapest way to see the real Portugal?
David Salter, Cardiff

There is no direct rail link from Faro and the south of Portugal to Lisbon. This involves a ferry across Rio Tejo to Barreiro. But otherwise trains are a cheap way of getting around Portugal, thanks to government subsidies. Rail Europe will be able to provide you with information on rail passes (www.raileurope.com). There is, on the other hand, a good network of bus services. If you are under 26 you can get reductions on all your journeys although normal fares are not bad - Faro to Lisbon, express, takes five hours and costs €13.50. (One of the biggest firms is Renex www.eva-bus.com). Why not use both, as the trains will take you along the scenic route and buses will fill in the gaps.

I have often thought of booking a cheap weekend in a European city, but have been put off by the pot-luck nature of low-cost airlines.

Now that the 'proper' airlines are offering bargains, I have taken the plunge with two return tickets to Madrid next March on BMI for £73. Now I need to plan what to do there. I want to avoid the tourist trail, but still see the real Madrid. I would like some culture but don't like crowds and queues, and I would like at least one vegetarian restaurant.

Can it be done?
Gerald Dawson, by email

Visitor numbers to Madrid have not been affected by the terrorist bombing in March. Good news, but it will mean you will have to be tactical about avoiding queues. Madrid's main attraction is the so-called Art Triangle: the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza. To visit all three at once would be lunacy. Go as early or late in the day as possible to have the best chance of missing queues. Do try to take in a Sunday-morning stroll in the Parque del Buen Retiro and enjoy a beer and magnificent views to the Sierra de Guadarrama at Las Vistillas. There are also bargains to be had at El Rastro flea market.

Vegetarians, and especially vegans, can have a hard time in Spain, but in Madrid a growing battery of vegetarian restaurants offer welcome relief. A long-standing vegetarians' paradise is La Biotika (Calle del Amor de Dios 3); meals are priced at around €10.

Letter of the week

I am going to a wedding on an island off Townsville, Queensland in August. Can you recommend a company that organises group walking trips or day walks and other activities in that area?
Angela Edwards, north London

There are some wonderful areas around Cairns for rainforest, and none more so than the area north of the city between the Daintree River and Cape Tribulation. This area is celebrated for its ancient forests and rugged mountains. Tours can be arranged in Cairns or Port Douglas or before you go. The Australian Tourist Commission (09068 633 235; www.australia.com) can supply details of the many firms that organise day tours or longer. Lonely Planet's Bushwalking in Australia has details of walks in every state and territory.

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