• We will be in Milan in October and would like to find a self-catering apartment for a week. None of the travel companies I have contacted make self-catering bookings in Milan, only hotel bookings. Do you have any suggestions?
Paul Cavadino by email
Despite its growing popularity for city breaks, Milan is notorious for offering the priciest accommodation in Italy. But, with a little help and by booking ahead, you should be able to find what you want. The APT (tourist information) offices distribute Milano Hotels, a free 130-page listings guide to hotels, campsites and residenze turistico alberghiere - self catering residences for rent by the week or month. To obtain a copy, contact APT on 00 39 02 725 24 301 or email apt.info@libero.it.
You may wish to consider staying outside Milan. Lake Como (35 minutes by train) is a fantastically scenic base from which to explore the region. APT can advise; see also www.lakecomo.com.
• My husband and I are travelling to Australia next January and hoping to see some Grand Slam tennis at Melbourne Park. How do we get tickets and roughly how much will they cost? Can you recommend a reasonably priced hotel near the venue? And what should we do about visas?
Eileen Williams, by email
The Australian tennis Open takes place from 14-27 January 2002 at the impressive Melbourne Park. Tickets are available from August and, if prices are similar to previous years, you'll be able to get in for as little as £10 for early rounds, rising to £45 for cheapest seats for the final matches. Ticket information is available from www.ausopen.com.
Melbourne Park is just south of the city centre, wedged between the Domain parkland and the huge Melbourne Cricket Ground. Because of this great location, anywhere in the centre gives you good access. However, at Open time, accommodation is impossible to find, so make sure you book well in advance.
The Victoria Hotel (00 61 3 9653 0441; www.victoriahotel.com.au) is a great budget and mid-range option in the heart of the shopping district - doubles start at £30. Try also the City Limits Motel (00 61 3 9662 2544; www.citylimits.com.au) - more expensive but still a great location. Both are an easy stroll or tram ride from Melbourne Park.
You can enter Australia for three months on a tourist visa, though you should call the Australian High Commision visa line (09065 508900) for full information. Try to arrange an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) through your travel agent when you buy your air ticket - it'll save you the hassle of getting a visa.
Letter of the week
• I would like to take a long-distance cruise from the UK to the Far East and back. Do they exist and, if so, which lines operate them? What are the pros and cons of long-haul cruising?
CW Miller by email
There are many Asia cruises on the market, but for a good choice try long-haul cruise specialist P&O (020 7800 2222; www.pocruises.com. It offers a 35 night cruise from Southampton to Hong Kong via Israel, Egypt, Thailand and China. Fares begin at £5,525 and vary according to status and grade of cabin. A 28-night cruise from Southampton to Singapore starts at £4,575 Check out the website for itineraries and further details. Long-haul cruises are ideal for those wanting a stress-free holiday as they usually include a prearranged itinerary and an all-inclusive package. Although they can be expensive, you'll enjoy high levels of comfort and impeccable service. Unfortunately, the rigid itinerary means there is little room for independent exploration and you'll probably spend more time with fellow passengers than with the locals. You'll certainly return home with an album full of photographs, but the short time that you spend on land may not be enough to satisfy your curiosity. Be aware also that there's a 'cruise etiquette'. Most ships have a strict dress code for dinner and tipping is expected.
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