Green honeymoon
We're having trouble finding a European destination for our honeymoon as we don't want to fly or drive due to the high environmental impact of these methods, and don't want to spend too long travelling. We prefer somewhere undeveloped near beaches, mountains and generally unspoilt countryside, with as few tourists as possible and profits going to the local community. We're quite sporty and would consider cycling/camping or even something a bit different, but a degree of comfort would be good. We know we're asking a lot; can you help?
Eleanor and Bharat, by email
You'll be riding the rails, so you'll travel quickly in comfort and can start your honeymoon on the journey. Most of your requirements can be met in Switzerland. It's an easy trip from London to Geneva, changing in Paris, where you could stop over. Book a first-class sleeper: fares are around £360 return, with £40 extra for the sleeper. You can book with Rail Europe (08705 848848). Switzerland has rail passes - a one-zone Inter Rail pass for 12 days is £125.
It's is an activities hotspot. You can do anything from chilling on the shores of lakes to windsurfing and mountaineering. You can hire bikes, and there is a national cycle paths network.If that's too active, try spas and thermal baths. There's fine accommodation but book ahead. You can get good deals, hotel bookings and advice from Switzerland Tourism (020 7851 1700).
Alternatively, find activities and unspoilt scenery galore in Slovenia, and pop into Croatia for idyllic beaches.
If you don't mind risking bad weather, Orkney is remote, unspoilt, beautiful and a day's train and boat ride from London.
Preparing for Thailand
My partner and I are to spend three weeks in Thailand at the end of the year. It will be our first visit to the north. Where would be a good base? We want to go elephant trekking or rafting, but not as part of a tour or a large group. Learning Thai cookery appeals, too.
Is a malaria vaccination necessary for December. My partner is allergic to mosquito repellents containing DEET. Finally, which beach is best for a recovery week? It mustn't require a flight.
Keith Angus, Northampton
Chiang Mai, the largest city in northern Thailand, is a fun, friendly base for exploring the region, with its mixture of historic temples and its old town/big city atmosphere.
Cookery classes can be easily fixed. So can lessons in the Thai language, massage, meditation and yoga, and you can chat to novice monks.
It's easy to escape to the hills, and you will not be short of offers of elephant trekking or walks to hill tribe villages. This can provide an insight into a disappearing culture, but be sure the firm you use behaves ethically. Some visitors feel like voyeurs in the villages. www.lanna.com has good advice. Multi-day treks start at around £40.
The risk of malaria in urban areas and on the main tourist routes is virtually nil, but seek up-to-date advice before going.
The best way to avoid infection is not to be bitten, so get some non-DEET repellent and use it liberally. Cover your arms and legs with long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and socks. Nomad's travel health line (09068 633414) is a good source of advice.
The beaches of Ko Samet and Ko Chang are easy to get to by bus and ferry from Bangkok and offer a balance between quietness and a variety of accommodation. Get details from the Thai Tourism Authority (0870 900 2007).
Fortnight in Mexico
My partner and I hope to travel to Mexico in January or February, but my partner's job makes it hard for us to be away for more than a fortnight. Can you recommend areas that we can explore in two weeks.
Jeremy Dixon, Bristol
I'll set out a couple of possible itineraries.
It's best to stay in Mexico City because it's in the heart of the country, and take the first couple of days to get your bearings. See some of its fine museums, and take a trip to nearby Teotihuacan, Mexico's biggest ancient city with two giant pyramids and remains spread across a large area. Getting around by bus is easy.
A possible route from here is to head towards the beach resort Puerto Vallarta via the colonial highland towns of Morelia and Patcuaro, relaxed places with historic links.
Puerto Vallarta is a pleasant place to wind down, despite large-scale development. Its white, sandy beaches stretch for miles, but there are secluded coves, too.
Alternatively, head in a totally different direction. Puebla, east of the capital, has dozens of historic buildings and a more discernible Spanish influence than other Mexican towns.
From there it's a short hop to Jalapa, a jumping off point for trekking, waterfalls, rafting and archaeological sites, with a a cool artistic atmosphere. A fitting end would be the fun port of Veracruz. The Mexican Tourism Board has more information on 020 7488 9392 or www.visitmexico.com.
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