The Escape article of 25 March on cheap air travel suggested that booking early could save money. This has not been my experience with Ryanair. On 21 January I booked a flight to Brescia, Italy, for 14 April on the internet. The flight for two people was £326.80. On the 25 March the same flights were being quoted at £188.40. Ryanair says I have made my choice! Do I have any redress? Is booking early unwise?
Jim Newton, by email
Fares on most 'no-frills' airlines are calculated depending on the number of seats available at the time of reservation and vary depending on when you want to go. Though it is normally a good idea to book early, if the flight does not fill up, the price is likely to drop closer to the departure date.
Once you've booked and paid at one price, your ticket is fixed at that price - regardless of what other travellers pay. Purchasing your ticket 14 days in advance gives you the best chance of a good fare, but the flight might sell out.
I'd like to rent a big house or castle in the UK in August for 20 people for a party weekend. Any recommendations?
Cliff Kaye, by email
Renting for such large numbers of people is difficult. Wedderburn Castle (01361 882190) can handle up to 22 guests in a relaxed and luxurious setting 15 miles from Berwick in the Scottish borders. Prices start at £3,250 for a long weekend. Most other cottages, rental homes and castles hold eight to 10 people - a list of castles can be obtained from the Scottish Tourist Board (0131 332 2433). The Landmark Trust (01628 825925) is worth contacting. You could also investigate hiring a whole hotel. Try contacting the tourist board of an area you're interested in. The Youth Hostel Association (0870 870 8808) rents whole hostels out of season.
My husband and I will be in Cyprus from 13 October for two weeks. I have heard there are mini-cruises to Egypt and Israel from there. Do you have information on these?
Pat Murray, by email
Louis Cruises runs mini cruises between Limassol in Cyprus to Port Said in Egypt and Haifa in Israel, however, due to the current political situation, the passage to Israel has been cancelled until further notice. The Egypt cruise is still operating and you can choose between a two-day or three-day excursion. The two-day cruise makes a round trip between Limassol and Port Said and includes a day in Cairo. Departures take place twice weekly and cost £73-£198 per person depending on the standard of your cabin (fares are on full-board basis & include shore excursions). The three-day cruise follows the same itinerary but sails on to Alexandria for a day. Cabins cost £122-£257 per person. Contact Viamare Travel Ltd (020 7431 4560).
I was interested to read in Escape (1 April) of an insect repellent called Alfresco, and will probably try it when I travel to Kenya. But what do you recommend when one needs an insect repellent and a sunscreen? Does applying them both reduce the efficiency of either? Madeline Weston, by email
The experts at Nomad Traveller Store (020 8889 7014) say using a sunscreen in conjunction with a mosquito repellent can reduce the efficiency of both products by up to 50 per cent. Add to this the amount of protection you will lose through sweating and you could be in for a very uncomfortable holiday! Avoid these problems by ensuring that you use a sunscreen with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF). Apply the mosquito repellent over the top and reapply both at regular intervals (every hour or so ).
No repellent can prevent every bite, so ensure you take professional medical advice and follow a course of anti-malarial tablets as prescribed by your doctor.To minimise the risk of being bitten try to wear long, loose fitting clothing and avoid going out around dusk when the mosquitoes are most active.
For more information on staying healthy while you travel visit www.masta.org.
• Our experts Tom Hall and Rachel Suddart reply to as many questions as possible. Email: travel.tips@observer.co.uk or write to Escape, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER.
