In the swim in Andalucia
My partner and I are flying to Jerez in
mid-September for a few weeks. We've booked a
Buzz flight and plan to hire a car and have
mini-city breaks in Cordoba, Seville and Cadiz,
plus some swimming in the Costa de la Luz.
The Lonely Planet guide to Andalucia is
comprehensive and it's easy to work out an
itinerary for our stay. However, I cannot seem to
find a reference to a coastal area which has a
relatively calm stretch of sea. Is this because
there isn't one? We both adore swimming in the
sea but are fearful of large waves!
Noel Talbot, by email
The Costa de la Luz, which runs for 60 miles between
Cadiz and Tarifa, has generally calm waters, though
the coast can be hit by winds which can make things a
bit choppy. However, it's unlikely you'll encounter
conditions unpleasant enough to stop you getting into
the water.
Beaches recommended by Lonely Planet authors and
readers include Zahara de los Atunes and Los Canos
de Meca.
On the other side of the Cabo de Trafalgar, Conil de la
Frontera has some secluded coves that are a good bet
when the wind is blowing.
A good rundown of the best beaches in Andalucia is
available in detail from <a href="http://
www.andalucia.com/beaches/">
www.andalucia.com
Alaska by kayak
I'm planning to go to Alaska or British Columbia on a sea kayak trip, but I've been told most places are absolutely inundated with tourists during the holiday season. Is there anywhere you can suggest with fewer tourists which still has good opportunities for seeing whales, particularly orcas, and grizzlies?
Trevor Skingle, by email
Alaska and British Columbia have a short, intense summer season with packs of tourists. To beat the crowds, try to visit during May or September, when prices will be lower, the weather is better and you'll have a far greater chance of some solitude.
In British Columbia, the coast of Vancouver Island offers ample opportunity to get out on to the water. Tofino, Telegraph Cove and Ucluelet all report regular whale sightings; pods of orcas live permanently off the southern coast of this island and you may also see porpoise, dolphin, seals and otters. If you're fortunate, you might spot bears prowling the beaches.
Port Hardy, at the island's northern end, and the Queen Charlotte Islands are also great kayaking areas. Visit Canada (0906 871 5000) can provide more information.
Places such as Sitka and Petersburg in south-east Alaska have kayak rental businesses and not nearly as many crowds as busier destinations such as Whittier on Prince William Sound. If you're based around Juneau, rent a kayak there and catch the Alaska Marine Highway ferry (001 800 526 6731) to remoter villages offering real isolation and a great chance of seeing wildlife.
Volunteering at a price
I am planning a lone, round-the-world trip and want to start it off by doing voluntary work in south-east Asia. I want to do something worthwhile that will enable me to learn more about the culture, and meet people.
The problem is that the only organisations I can find all want to charge around £1,000 for me to do this! Surely there must be something I can do for a month or so that will only involve paying for board and lodging?
I'm happy to do anything, from teaching English to conservation, and I'm not afraid of hard work, as long as I can be in a group. Any ideas?
Rachel (surname witheld), by email
Many organisations do ask volunteers to raise large sums before joining an expedition, but you can get involved with projects that require only a bit of motivation and planning.
WWOOF (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) offers board, meals and an insight into farming in exchange for work. You register with WWOOF in the country you are travelling to and it provides contacts. Details are available on the website or write to PO Box 2675, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1RB.
Work camps are a good way to live cheaply abroad and do useful work. EIL (0800 018 4015) is the main UK provider of volunteers. You often have to pay a fee.
You may well run into worthwhile causes while travelling. It is worth checking out www.idealist.org, a world database of volunteer organisations and vacancies.
Ensuring insurance
I'm flying to Northern Ireland to visit my family in a few weeks. The airline says it is now a legal requirement to have travel insurance. Is this correct?
Sue Clark, by email
It isn't a legal requirement, but it is essential that you're covered in case anything goes wrong. For this reason, many tour operators make it compulsory for customers to have insurance when travelling on their packages.
Beware of banks offering free cover. It is often limited, so check the small print.
Morocco bound
Morocco is one of our favourite countries and we are thinking of a long weekend in Essaouira in January to celebrate a birthday. Accommodation is no problem but we would be glad of advice on the best way to get there, Research so far suggests London to Marrakesh, Casablanca or Agadir, but how do we do the final leg?
Les Galloway, Leicester
Essaouira has a fantastic beach, fascinating hybrid architecture and a laidback vibe, with little hustling. It's also north Africa's surfing capital. There're cheap flights to Marrakesh and Agadir, but both are up to three hours by bus.
The Morocco Tourist Board has more information (020 7437 0073). Best Of Morocco (01380 828533) offers four nights in Essaouira from£490, including flights and accommodation. Royal Air Maroc (020 7439 4361) flies there for £339, but you must stay overnight in Casablanca both ways.
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