Children in Malawi
For two weeks next Easter we are visiting friends who work for an organisation that helps street children in Malawi. Can you suggest activities, where to stay and whether there are any health and safety issues? We have two children, aged eight and nine.
Laura Cowan, Bath
Malawi is a friendly, relaxed and largely safe African destination whose most famous feature is the lake of the same name. In two weeks you can see a lot. You'll probably start in Lilongwe, the capital. Unless your friends are based here you will probably want to move on to some of the lake's beaches. Senga Bay and Cape McClear are two of the best, and accommodation at all standards is plentiful. The water-based parasite bilharzia exists along much of the lakeshore, so seek local advice before getting in.
From there, take a bus down to Liwonde National Park, the best in Malawi. Expect to see elephant, antelope, hippo, and, if you're lucky, rhinoceros. If you enjoy trekking, from Liwonde you can spend the remainder of your time exploring the highlands. Alternatively, take some of the lake steamers that pass through remote villages and visit neighbouring islands.
Malawi is a fun place to travel with kids. Attractions are varied, locals are friendly and distances are short. For more information, visit www.malawitourism.com
One day in Athens
I am travelling to Samos via Athens this month. My flight arrives at 1.05pm and the ferry from Piraeus is at 7pm. I will have a large bag and a day pack, and I would like to go sightseeing in Athens.
Can I leave luggage at the airport or the harbour? How do I get from one to the other, and what are the routes into town?
JC Thorpe, by email
With preparation for the Olympics taking place, getting hard and fast information about Athens can be tricky. There is a left luggage facility at the airport, but it can take an hour to get there from downtown. A better bet is the left luggage in Piraeus, 10km by metro from Athens - check at a tourist office that this is open. The central ticket office of the ferry company you are sailing with may also be willing to look after your bag. Facilities at Larisis train station are also likely to be open.
With a few hours in Athens, pick either the Acropolis and sights around, or the world-class National Archaeological Museum. See www.culture.gr for more information. The Plaka district at the foot of the Acropolis is a great way to see some of the history of the city. Contact the Greek National Tourist Board (020 7495 9300; www.gnto.gr).
Budget family holiday in Egypt
I want to take my daughters, aged 11 and eight, to Egypt next Easter for a week. Ideally we will spend time looking at the antiquities but would also like time to relax. I am on a tight budget. Any suggestions on where to go, what to do and where to stay?
Jo Holliday, by email
Egypt is very child-friendly and having kids with you can be a useful icebreaker. With some imagination, easily bored youngsters can also have fun visiting temples and antiquities. Cairo is the best place to start. Seeking out gruesome artefacts or searching for Tutankhamun's toys in the Egyptian Museum is sure to interest them. The Pyramids will amaze, no matter how old you are, and you can balance visits to ancient sites with a trip to one of the water parks on the outskirts of Cairo. Dr Ragab's Pharaonic Village (www.touregypt.net/village) is another way to learn about ancient wonders. Andrea's, an open-air restaurant near the pyramids, is popular with families in the evening and has a playground and gardens.
Children will also enjoy the adventure of the sleeper train to Luxor. Once there, check out the tombs and temples and take a felucca ride on the Nile. Go swimming (away from the Nile) or take a camel or donkey ride. Pension Roma (00 20 2 391 1088) in Cairo and the Marsam (00 20 95 372 403) on Luxor's west bank are good budget options, with doubles and triples for less than £15 a night.
Barcelona at 60
My husband will be 60 in December and I'm thinking of taking him for a city break. I'd like a place to wander, with lively people, interesting bars, friendly restaurants, good museums and galleries.
Would Barcelona be a good choice, and can you recommend a hotel? We're quite fit and adventurous.
Pamela Butler, Matlock
Barcelona is the perfect city, and you can see the best of it without wearing out your wallet. The Modernista architecture and Barri Gotic old town can be sampled on foot for free, as can Parc Guell, designed by Gaudi. Museums are good value at €5-€10, including the Picasso Museum. The Barri Gotic and Cuitat Vella are central locations with plenty of places to stay. Hostel Campi (00 34 93 301 3545) has doubles from around £30 per night. Look out for the 'Menu de Dia', for less than £10.
For an excursion, head up the coast to Figueres, with its Dali Museum, and to the monastery town of Montserrat, 40 minutes away from Barcelona by train. For more, visit Barcelona Tourism at www.barcelonaturisme.com.
Over to you ... readers' feedback
In response to David Salter's letter on getting round Portugal (4 July).
There's now a direct fast rail link between Lisbon, right, and Faro. Trains depart from Oriente station in the west of Lisbon for a very pleasant journey that takes about three hours. The line has been electrified and journey times cut by more than 40 minutes. Visit www.cp.pt for timetables and stations.
Daniel Silva, by email
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