Hot hiking in Jamaica
We're going to Jamaica for my daughter's wedding at the end of May. What are the prospects, if any, for walking?
Keith Carter, via email
The possibilities for hiking are endless. The Jamaican countryside is criss-crossed with a network of bridle trails that are slowly being developed as part of the Protected Areas Resource Conservation Project.
These routes are classified as guided walks, non-guided walks and wilderness trails. They range in difficulty from a gentle stroll to a minor expedition. Popular walking areas include the Cockpit Country in the North, the Hellshire Hills to the west of Kingston and the renowned Blue Mountains.
The best source of hiking information can be found at the Jamaica Alternative Tourism Camping and Hiking Association, which is based at Maya Lodge (PO Box 216, Kingston 7; tel 00 1876 702 0112). Destinations, another group based in the same place, makes reservations for guides, sells maps and books, organises guided walks and will also plan hiking itineraries.
It's worth noting that many individuals nationwide freelance as hiking guides, so you should never be stuck for local knowledge.
When out walking, bear in mind that the heat and humidity will slow you down. Travel light and always carry water. The weather can change rapidly, so always seek advice from locals about trail conditions. Wear sensible clothing, use sufficient insect repellent and always follow established trails.
For more information on hiking try The Adventure Guide to Jamaica, by Steve Cohen, published by LMH at £15.96.
Adventure in Iceland
My father and I plan to visit Iceland for three or four days in April or May. We would like to do some sightseeing with a little bit of adventure. Can you suggest a package?
Jonathan Perrott, Middlesex
Iceland doesn't really crank up for tourism until June or July, but visitors do still arrive in the springtime.
Arctic Experience (01737 214214) offers a wide variety of trips. The shorter breaks are centred on the capital, Reykjavik, with lots of possible excursions.
There is horse trekking and snowmobile trips - weather and numbers permitting - and visits to Akureyi, a growing urban community with endless outdoor possibilities. You could also go to the Myvatn region with its lake and odd geological formations.
The trips cost from £364 for three nights, with dozens of possible extras - see the website or a brochure for full details.
The budget airline Go no longer flies to Reykjavik, leaving Icelandair (020 7874 1000) as the main carrier. It offers a selection of short breaks and adventurous excursions.
For a real adventure, take the day trip to east Greenland, which runs from late May throughout the summer and costs from £229 from Reykjavik. The incredible scenery of Greenland is a shock for most visitors and an unforgettable experience that shouldn't be missed.
Bilbao for kids
We have cheap flights to Bilbao at the beginning of June. We have five nights there, and want to go to the Guggenheim. How can we keep our children, aged five and eight, entertained?
Phil Hemmings, via email
Bilbao, the largest Basque city, is quickly becoming a popular tourist destination. It is not immediately recognisable as a family-friendly destination, but there's still plenty to keep the little ones amused.
They might enjoy a trip on the Funicular de Artxanda, a small train that offers sweeping panoramic views of the city. The funicular runs every 15 minutes from 7.15am until 11pm every night, though less frequently in the off season. There are some great beaches just outside Bilbao. Closest is Las Arenas (21km away), but Azkori (29km away) is better for swimming and cleaner. The best beaches are east of Plentzia, a fishing port and holiday resort 25km east of the city. All of the beaches are accessible by public transport.
The Castillo de Butron is worth a visit. Its crenellated towers and pretty park setting make it the archetypal fairytale castle. The castle, which dates from the fourteenth century, now boasts audio-visual commentary, souvenir stalls and wax figures. It is 20km north-east of the city, and is open daily from 10.30am to 8pm.
Remember, almost anywhere can be made interesting with a little imagination. We suggest your children make diaries or scrapbooks of their holiday, take along favourite books and toys and play games such as I Spy. For more information try Lonely Planet's Travel With Children by Cathy Lanigan, priced £8.99.
Teeming Thailand
We will be in Thailand next January and would like to travel to the island of Koh Samui. Must we go by air, or is it possible to get there by train or boat?
Jacqueline Tompkins, Norwich
Koh Samui has become extremely popular, and as January falls in Thailand's high season, expect the island to be teeming with tourists. Its popularity is reflected in its accessibility. Whether you like planes, trains or automobiles, there are plenty of ways to reach your destination.
Bangkok Airways runs 17 daily flights from Bangkok. The flight takes 90 minutes and costs around 7,000 baht (£113) for an adult return.
Two express boats sail daily between Tha Thong pier in Surat Thani and Koh Samui. The journey takes about two and a half hours. Times and fares are extremely competitive and vary a great deal depending on the season. A normal one-way passage costs around £2.50.
At night, a slow boat leaves Surat Thani at around 11pm. The crossing takes about six hours and costs about £1.60 one-way. Theft can be a problem so keep an eye on your luggage.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) issues combinations of train, bus and ferry tickets from Bangkok right through to Ko Samui. You'll pay slightly more than if you buy each leg of the journey separately, but it's probably worth it to avoid awkward connections and changes.
Several bus companies operate routes between Bangkok and Koh Samui. A typical one-way fare is around £6.50. Not all of them include the ferry crossing in their prices, so check with the operator before purchase.
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