Myself, my sister and three children, aged nine, 15 and 16, go to Malta for the first time on 25 July for two weeks. Our original plans to stay with family there have fallen through, so we need to book accommodation. We will be on a budget, so what would be the most reasonable option?
Megan and Gabrielle, by email
The island has a huge variety of accommodation, from camp sites to grand hotels.
With five people, you might consider a self-catering apartment. Sunspot Tours (01580 715222; ) can book you a variety of locations near the sea at prices from around £345 per adult (children aged 12 or above count as adults) for two weeks.
The Malta Tourist Office (020 8877 6990; www.visitmalta.com) can help with contacts and further information about Malta and its neighbouring island, Gozo.
My boyfriend and I would like to explore some of the new European Union countries, such as Poland and Hungary, this summer.
We have two weeks available and are keen to travel by train once we are there. Could you suggest a possible itinerary for us, and advise us on some of the must-see places?
Claudia Browning, Nottingham
If you haven't explored any of the EU accession states in Central and Eastern Europe then you have some great journeys ahead of you.
A fantastic introduction to the area is to visit three wonderful cities in two weeks, spending three to four days in each. Ideal for this are Prague, Krakow and Budapest or Bratislava.
However, Prague and Budapest will be busy in August, so if you can visit them outside this time you will be more comfortable. Their highlights are well known.
In Krakow don't miss the castle, cathedral and old town which are so central to the history of Poland. The mountain town of Zakopane is the gateway to some brilliant hiking in the Tatra Mountains.
Bratislava has a beautiful old centre in a lovely River Danube setting. For now, this city has few of the crowds that flock to its rivals.
Seeing three of these capitals is straightforward and possible in two weeks.
A 16-day Inter-rail pass covering the region costs £159 if you're under 26, or £223 if you're older.
You can take your pick of budget flights in and out of these cities. EasyJet (www.easyjet.co.uk) flies from East Midlands airport, near your home, to Prague.
If you don't mind travelling further, Sky Europe (www.skyeurope.com) has services from London to Bratislava and Budapest.
I plan an autumn trip to Armenia, and want to go by train from there to see England play Azerbaijan in a World Cup qualifier in Baku in October. But I'm told I will have to travel via Tbilisi in Georgia as the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closed due to a territorial dispute.
As the situation between the two countries is tense, is there a problem visiting Azerbaijan with an Armenian visa and entry stamp in my passport?
Geir Engene, by email
Though you should clarify this with the Azeri Embassy (020 7938 3412) closer to the time, the only visa stamp which will prevent your entry into Azerbaijan is that of the breakaway enclave of Nagorno Karabakh, which you're highly unlikely to visit anyway.
Otherwise, you shouldn't have any problems travelling from Armenia to Azerbaijan via Georgia.
Of the three Caucasus countries, Armenia is the safest and easiest to visit.
Lake Sevan and the Dilijan forests are wonderful natural sights, but it's the history of ancient monasteries at Tatev and Sanahin and the hundreds of stone monoliths at Zorats Karer that really make the trip special.
British Mediterranean flies from London direct to Yerevan. Flights cost from £460, including taxes. Book through British Airways (0870 850 9850; www.ba.com).
It's also possible to fly from Cologne to Tbilisi in Georgia with the German budget airline Germania Express (00 49 805 737 100; www.gexx.de) for £253 return including taxes.
The rival German Wings (www.germanwings.com) flies from London to Cologne for as little as £4, so this could prove the cheapest route for you.
Letter of the week
I will visit my daughter in Perth, Western Australia, in August, and want to see the Karijini National Park. However, it seems quite difficult to reach except by driving about 1,000 miles. Is it possible to fly there from Perth and what is the best way to get into the park? I would also be grateful for information about the sort of weather I can expect.
D. Naylor, Harlow
Karijini National Park is famous for its stunning gorges, waterfalls and beautiful swimming holes. It's near the mining town of Tom Price and in the Pilbara, a vast arid region of outback. It's incredibly remote, and much of the drive is through desert.
It is possible to take a short cut by air, however. Qantaslink (book through Qantas, 0845 774 7767; www.qantas.com) flies daily from Perth to Paraburdoo, where you can get a bus to Tom Price. I was quoted a return air fare of £153 per person. In Tom Price you can hire a car - do take advice about driving conditions and equipment - or take a tour to get to Karijini National Park. The town website, www.tompricewa.com.au, has details of companies offering tours.
In August the weather in the park should be dry and warm, with temperatures of about 28C. Perth should be mild and, possibly, wet, with daytime averages of 18C. See www.westernaustralia.com for more.
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