Letter of the week
Is there anyone out there who can tell us how to book accommodation in Vilnius, Lithuania, and what visa formalities there are (if any)?
Anna and Derek Hayward, Bristol
The list of nationalities that are allowed to travel in Lithuania without a visa is constantly on the increase. Citizens of most EU countries can travel for a period of up to 90 days without applying for a visa - if you hold a British passport you can stay for up to six months. Regulations can change quite quickly so always check before you go. The best source of information is the Lithuanian embassy (020 7486 6404).
The easiest way to book a hotel is to call direct using a guidebook (LP has one - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania (£12.99). The dialling code for Lithuania is 370, adding 2 for Vilnius. Another good way to book is through www.inyourpocket.com on the internet, which lists a range of hotels. The downside is that you can't see what they look like.
If you'd rather not book independently then Lithuanian Holidays (0161 286 0830) will tailor-make a holiday to suit you.
Mind the gap
After my A-levels in June, I will begin a 15-month 'gap year' holiday. I have been researching air courier companies that send you to faraway destinations to deliver a parcel. Do you have any advice on such companies, the risks involved, whether the offers are as good as they sound and finally any contact information?
Alexander Kumar, Derbyshire
Air courier travel has taken a pounding over the last few years. Email has destroyed the need for international couriers, while the growth in discounted airfares means courier travel no longer seems such a bargain.
The system is still the same - in exchange for your baggage allocation, a courier broker will sell you a seat on flights to major cities worldwide for a discounted price. You won't be bowled over by the bargains in comparison to other cheap flights, but should still save £50-£150 on the usual price of most flights.
There are a few more catches. Stays are usually (though not always) limited to 14 days, which would prevent you using courier flights as part of an extended trip, and flights are hard to come by during summer and Christmas. The best deals are for last-minute travel. Contact the International Association of Air Travel Couriers (IAATC, 0800 0746 481). ACP Worldwide (020 8897 5130).
In rural Sweden
We are planning to visit Gothenburg, Sweden, for a few days in the summer and would like to extend our trip to see more of the country. I have read that there are cruises on the Gota canal from Gothenburg to Stockholm and would like to find out more about this trip. I would also like to know whether we could then hire a car to drive back to Gothenburg. Are there any good places to stay or visit on the return journey?
Martin Duckham by email
The Gota canal links Sweden's largest cities via its finest Lakes - Vattern, Vannern and Viken, and is a great way to see the country. A four-day cruise on board the MS Juno, the world's oldest registered passenger vessel (built in 1874), or one of two other period ships, will cost from £730 for a double cabin, full board. See www.gotacanal.se for information, and you can book through Scantours which also offers a flight-inclusive package starting at £929 (020 7839 2927).
Though hiring a car is expensive (£60 a day), the flexibility a car gives you is worth it. The journey back to Gothenburg will give you the chance to see anything you miss on the boat journey - the fairytale castle of Lacko Slott near Lidkoping is fun. North of Gothenburg, the Bohuslan coast has some of Sweden's best seaside scenery.
Sardinia by bus
My partner and I are thinking of taking a Ryanair flight to Alghero, Sardinia in September. Will it be easy to get reasonably priced accommodation when we get there or should we book something first? Also, how good is public transport? Is it better to hire a car?
R.Meadows, Ipswich
By September the crowds that flock to Alghero on Sardinia's north-west coast during the summer months will have left for home, and you should have few problems finding somewhere to stay. The tourist office (00 39 079 97 90 54) will be able to help if you have any trouble.
It's possible to get a tourist pass to travel on buses, which link major resorts, but it's necessary to hire a car to get into the country. Trains on the island are slow, but a great way to see Sardinia - the 'Trenino Verde' (Green Train) in particular takes you through some spectacular unspoilt scenery.
Have wheelchair, take New York
I have to use a wheelchair and would appreciate any advice you could give me on taking a short break in New York, for example accessible hotels and venues, getting around and seeing the sights.
Sally Wood, Stourbridge
New York is one of the world's most accessible cities and you should have a rewarding visit. Though the subway system is as useless as London's when it comes to being wheelchair-friendly, the Big Apple's buses are designed with wheelchair travellers in mind - rides are cheap and drivers are accommodating. You can see most of Manhattan's attractions by bus.
Most sights are suitable for wheelchair visitors - the Metropolitan Museum has helpful staff and elevators, and there is a spiral ramp at the Guggenheim Museum.
Central Park and Greenwich Big Apple Greeters (001 212 669 3602) is a group of volunteers who offer to show wheelchair travellers around the city. For tips on restaurants, visit Wendy Ballard's website. Many hotels in the city are accessible but it's important to call ahead. Day's Hotel (001 212 581 7000) offers wheelchair-friendly rooms for £90-£105 for a double.
• We welcome letters and our experts Tom Hall and Rachel Suddart try to answer as many as possible on this page. We cannot answer those not published. Include a daytime phone number and postal address. Email us at travel.tips@observer.co.uk, or write to Escape, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER. Lonely Planet will send the writer of the star letter a free guidebook of their choice.
