Letter of the week
My flatmate and I are trying to plan a European trip this summer to go to a rock festival as well as doing some whitewater rafting. Is there an area that would provide both these activities? Alternatively, are there two areas that are easy to travel between in the space of two weeks?
Jo and Emma, via email
There are dozens of festivals all over Europe, though many have yet to announce their line-ups. A couple that you may wish to think about are Eurockeennes (29 June-1 July) in Belfort, eastern France which plays host to top rock, indie and pop acts and Exit (12-15 July) which does much the same but in Novi Sad, Serbia. From Belfort you can head easily into Switzerland to any number of good rafting destinations; the nearest ones operate out of Neuchatel in the Jura and raft the Doubs River. From Novi Sad you can tour down via Belgrade into Montenegro, where the Tara Gorge has some fantastic rafting. Both these events announce line-ups and put tickets on sale in March.
Five day safari
My partner and I were thinking of going to Kenya at the beginning of April. The plan is to do a five-day safari at the Masai Mara National Park and then four or five days in Zanzibar. Is this a good time to go? I've looked at a few safari companies, which all look similar. Can you recommend one?
Fritzie Cruz, by email
When it rains - and the wet seasons have been unreliable over the past few years - it generally does so between March and the end of May and from October to December. The peak season is January and February, when animals are congregating around shrinking waterholes, making them easier to spot. Operators don't recommend heading to the Masai Mara in April; not many lodges stay open, and you can find yourself driving through thick mud. It's an even worse time for a beach holiday on Zanzibar. If you have to travel in April, try southern Africa. Botswana's Okavango Delta and Mozambique's gorgeous coast (as visited by Gemma Bowes in last week's Escape) are both excellent at this time.
Aardvark Safaris (01980 849160) suggests four nights at Tanda Tula on the edge of the Kruger National Park, together with five nights at Thonga Beach Lodge on the Indian Ocean coast of South Africa. Prices start from £2,987 per person, including flights, accommodation, all meals and safari activities.
Long haul with kids
We have been invited to stay with friends in Margaret River, Western Australia, in November, and plan to travel business class. We have two children, who will be three and one-and-a-half by that time, and are keen to make the trip as stress-free as possible for them, us and fellow travellers. Any thoughts?
Nigel and Harriet Culkin, by email
This is a big undertaking and one I would not do unless it was essential. In a few years, both your children will be able to appreciate what a lovely part of the world Margaret River is. At their age, your youngsters will probably be just as happy closer to home and you might be happier not having to take on an epic challenge.
If you go, a key question is whether to buy your youngest a seat. BA, in common with many other airlines, allows infants (under two years old) to share your seat, at 10 per cent of the seat price. Buy a separate seat and you'll pay the usual child's fare (valid for those under 12): 75 per cent of the adult rate.
Cartoons, colouring books and games should keep your three-year-old busy. For your toddler, there's going to be a lot of work to do. Take toys that don't include small parts, such as hand puppets. Having a beaker for drinks during take-off and landing will help avoid ear blockages. Try and get a few hours layover so both children can work off some excess energy - Singapore airport has lots for kids to do.
· We welcome letters. Email escape@lonelyplanet.co.uk or write to Lonely Planet, 72-82 Roseberry Avenue, London EC1R 4RW. The writer of the week's star letter wins a Lonely Planet guide of their choice, so please include a daytime telephone number and postal address. No individual correspondence can be entered into.
