Eclipse spotting

Would it be possible to receive some info about trips departing from New Zealand or Patagonia to view the solar eclipse in November 2003? I would be interested to know which British companies are involved and what prices they charge.
Barbara von Kalckreuth, Munich

November 2003's solar eclipse is visible only from a remote area of Antarctica, and there appears to be only one option for viewing it, aboard the Kapitan Khlebnikov icebreaker with Quark Expeditions (01494 464080). This trip leaves from Port Elizabeth, South Africa and heads to Hobart, Tasmania via Antarctica and the French subantarctic territories of the Crozet and Kerguelen islands.

Availability is limited and prices for twin cabins start at £16,000 for the month, but this is a remarkable experience, so break open that piggy bank.

If such a trip is beyond your means, you can find a list of eclipses here. How do you fancy taking a trip to Svalbard, north of Norway to view an eclipse in 2014?

Shopping in New York

My girlfriend and I are going to New York in early December for a three-night shopping break. We would like to know the essential sights to see and best areas to visit in such a short space of time. We would also like to ice-skate outdoors and wonder whether you could recommend the best rink to visit.
Keith Lillywhite, by email

Narrowing New York down to the bare essentials is an almost impossible task, but here are a few recommendations.

Spend some time in Greenwich Village and SoHo, shopping in boutiques, relaxing in cafés, checking out the jazz clubs and generally soaking up the atmosphere. For hardcore shopping, the department stores are not to be beaten: Macy's (151 W 34th St at Broadway) has everything you could wish for and Takashimaya (693 Fifth Ave btw 54th & 55th Sts), with goods from all over the world, is perfect for beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts.

When you fancy a bit of sightseeing, the Statue of Liberty is first choice for iconic value. View it from the Staten Island ferry or visit the grounds around it. The statue itself is closed indefinitely following the terrorist attacks of September 11 2001. For magnificent views of the city at night, visit the Empire State Building. After the tragic destruction of the World Trade Centre, this is once again the tallest building in the city.

A show on Broadway is the archetypal New York evening entertainment; you can queue for cheap tickets on the day in Times Square. Current shows include 42nd Street and Chicago . While you're in the area pop into Grand Central Station - you'll feel as if you're in a film. The Rockefeller Centre is the place for outdoor skating.You can see what it has to offer by logging on to its website.

Finally, if the hustle and bustle gets too much, wander round Central Park and take a ride on the famous carousel. Visit www.nycvisit.com to see whether your visit coincides with any special events.

A surprise in Delft

This time next year, I would like to surprise my wife by taking her to Delft for a long weekend. Excuse the pun, but it's our 'china' (ie twentieth) wedding anniversary. So, can you tell me the best way to get there, a comfortable place to stay, and what there is to see and do, including an opportunity to buy some pots, perhaps? It's a special occasion, so I'm not on a budget, but we're not big fans of flash hotels.
A reader, London

The most civilised way to travel to Europe, I think, is on the Eurostar. Rail Europe (08705 848848) will get you to Amsterdam in six hours for £85 return, £145 first class if you really want to do it in style. Seats go quickly, so book two months ahead if possible. The highly efficient Dutch railway will then take you on to Delft in 50 minutes for only £6. You can also fly to Amsterdam very cheaply with several airlines. They all offer fares of around £50 return if you're flexible about when you travel and book well in advance. Your choice will depend upon which airport you prefer to travel from; for you, I suggest British Midland from Heathrow.

To explore Delft, take a boat tour along the canals; trips leave from Koornmarkt 113. Finding delftware to buy won't be a problem, but beware of fakes. Ensure you're getting the genuine article by visiting a workshop to see the artists in action - try Aardewerkatelier de Candelaer, at Kerkstraat 14, just off the Markt.

Hotel Bridges House is a small, classy establishment in the centre of Delft with prices ranging from £80 to £120 per night. For a selection, visit www.holland.com/uk.

Scoping out Skopje

How does one travel by air to Skopje, Macedonia? How may one travel from Skopje to Ohrid in the south of Macedonia - is car hire available? Is a visa necessary for a holiday in the country and is it now safe? How does one find out about accommodation suitable for a family holiday in Ohrid or the surrounding area?
Peter Bond, Doncaster

The situation in Macedonia has settled down since ethnic tensions flared last year, but it would be wise to avoid the north-west of the country. near the border with Kosovo Check with the Foreign Office (020 7008 0232) before you go. Currently, UK passport holders do not need a visa to enter Macedonia but it's best to check with the Macedonian Embassy (020 7935 2823).

You can fly to Skopje via various European cities, depending on which airline you choose. The cheapest I've found is £225 from Gatwick via Ljubljana with Adria Airways (020 7734 4630). Or you could include two days in Ljubljana en route and then fly to Ohrid. There are car-rental companies at Skopje and Ohrid airports; book in advance with Hertz.

Accommodation in Ohrid is easy to find because it is Macedonia's tourist centre. Lonely Planet's Eastern Europe guide has a chapter on Macedonia, with accommodation listings for Ohrid. One recommendation is Hotel Lebed (00 389 4636 742) on the lake; doubles cost around £35. Or see www.ohrid.org.mk for a full list of hotels. You haven't said when you're going but bear in mind the Balkan Festival of Folk Dance in Ohrid in July, which draws groups from around the Balkans.

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