Modernist trek to Eritrea
I am fascinated by Asmara in Eritrea and would love to go and see its Italian modernist architecture. I remember reading about the Keren Hotel, once known as the Albergo Italia, reopening after renovation, but I couldn't find any information on it, nor alternative options to the always mentioned Inter-Continental Hotel Asmara, which is not to my taste. Are there locally organised tours, especially for the architecture?
Massimo Marcucci, London
Asmara is gaining a reputation for its wonderful modernist architecture (see Jonathan Glancey's recent article at http://travel.theguardian.com). Tourism to Eritrea, however, is still in its infancy. For this reason you won't find much in the way of guided tours and information can be hard to come by.
The best thing to do is get yourself to Asmara and see if you can find a local expert to show you around, or take a self-guided stroll.
There are three walking tours of Asmara's architectural gems in Lonely Planet's Ethiopia and Eritrea guide (£15.99). You may also enjoy Asmara:Eritrea's Secret Modernist City by Edward Denison (Merrell, £35) and Ciao Asmara by Justin Hill (Abacus, £10.99). I haven't been able to ascertain the status of the Keren Hotel, but there are plenty of options in the guides mentioned above.
The cheapest way to get to the Eritrean capital is via Paris and Djibouti with Daallo Airlines (00 33 1 44 09 91 90; www.daallo.com) - you should get a flight for around £550.
Caribbean jaunt for mum-to-be
My husband and I wish to plan a two-week trip in September or October when I will be five or six months pregnant. We originally planned to visit Rajasthan but now feel this may not be suitable. We are thinking of somewhere preferably outside Europe with low-key, beautiful beaches, good access to local hospitals and healthy, well prepared food. Have you any suggestions?
Name supplied, London
I'm sure you've read up on all the available information on flying while pregnant, so I'll limit my suggestions to checking with your airline and doctor that you're alright to fly at this stage in your pregnancy.
It's important to do lots of pre-trip research. First, you'll feel happier not being stuck in an uncomfortable plane seat for long periods of time.
Presumably you're avoiding India due to health concerns, which might rule out plenty of other Asian destinations. Have you considered the Caribbean? Though you would be there during the storm season, the chances of encountering a storm are not much greater than on the southern portion of the east coast of the US.
Islands you might enjoy include Dominica, a quiet and beautiful place with a good reputation for eco-tourism, and Grenada, which has one of the region's best beaches as well as idyllic tropical landscapes.
There's no need to limit yourself to lounging by the pool of an all-inclusive resort on either of these islands. More interesting options are well within your budget.
It would be a good idea to start your pre-trip planning at www.caribbean.co.uk, which is the best source of general tourist information on the Caribbean region.
Karoake in Tokyo
My partner and I have a complimentary overnight stop in Tokyo on our way back from Sydney. The hotel is at the airport, some distance from central Tokyo. Is there a quick and reasonably priced way to get into the city centre, gulp down some rice wine, scoff some noodles and belt out some karaoke music before using public transport to get back to the hotel? Please suggest, too, an area of the city to head for to maximise our Japanese fun and games?
Phil Baker, Totnes
You've identified the main problem: transport to and from Narita airport.
You can easily get into town by road and rail (see www.narita-airport.jp/en/ access/, but after about 10pm your only option is a hideously expensive taxi. Make sure you catch the last train back!
The Skyliner train service runs into Ueno station on the Yamanote Line,the best train route for the main centres of fun, commerce and community in the tangle of places that make up Tokyo. If readers have better suggestions, I'd love to hear.
With only a few hours and a hedonistic agenda, you could head for the expats' favourite destination of Roppongi, where you'll find bars meeting your requirements. The neon lights of Shinjuku would also be good. To dine or quaff cocktails with a city view, visit the New York Grill and Peak Lounge, both in the Park Hyatt (http://tokyo.park.hyatt.com/). You will have seen this place before - it was the location for much of Lost In Translation.
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