Travel Q and A

Your travel queries answered

05/08/2008

We are travelling to the USA early next year & understand from 1 August 2008 we need to get electronic authorisation instead of the old visa-waver system. Can you tell us what information is wanted under this new system. We have heard that we are required to give our credit card number - is this true? A Hancock

Currently visitors from 27 countries (including the UK) within the US Visa waiver program only have to fill out a paper form once they enter US territory at airports or seaports.

The new Electronic System of Travel Authorisation (ESTA) requires that all travellers - include those travelling visa-free - must be approved through an online security screening check before they enter the US from Jan 12 next year. The process is currently voluntary. It is recommended that you apply for the ESTA form as early as possible or at the least, a minimum of 72 hours before you intend to fly.

The information you need to provide on the ESTA form includes: personal and contact details, passport information, flight details, as well as an address in the US where you intend to stay. Credit card details are not required. The form is free at present.

01/07/2008

We are going to Crete and want to do an overnight trip to Santorini. Shall we leave this until we get there or pre-book? If so, how?Gillian Thompson, Orkney

There are no overnight ferries between the two islands.

However, there are regular high-speed day-time catamarans from Herakion in Crete to Thira in Santorini with Hellenic Seaways's Flying Cat. The journey lasts two hours. You should book in advance, especially if you intend to travel in August and September. There are also slower ferry options. For more information, go to www.cretetravel.com.

29/07/2008

I am going to Cyprus and have been told that they are now in the Euro, but that they still use the Cypriot pound. What currency should I should take?James, Ambleside

Since January this year Cyprus accepted the euro as its official currency, though Cypriot pounds and coins were accepted as legal tender, but only until the end of that month.

According to the European Central Bank, it was possible to exchange Cypriot pounds free of charge until June 2008. You are best advised to take euros.

If travelling with large quantities of money, Travellers Cheques are a useful, safer way of carrying currency, though exchanging the cheques for cash when in Cyprus may involve paying a small fee. Credit cards are in wide use throughout Cyprus and there are many ATMS on the island.

The Turkish republic of northern Cyrpus still uses the Turkish new lira as its currency though.

25/07/2008

Where are there water parks in Europe for a holiday?Joseph Killop

In Spain, PortAventura theme park has a sister park called Caribe Aquatic Park. It is child-friendly and has tons of different rides and attractions. It's a great place to holiday as the parks are close to Salou, a well-established package holiday resort on the Costa Dorada teeming with bars, restaurants, watersports and clubs.

Another option is Aquapolis near Golden Sands resort, in Bulgaria. It's probably prettier than Caribe Aquatic Park as it's situated in the forest and has a Med theme with pools, water slides, Jacuzzis, fountains, waterfalls, ancient towers and ruins. Golden Sands itself is growing in popularity as a beach resort among Brits - and is the perfect place to holiday if you're on a budget.

If you want to travel outside the peak summer holidays, Tenerife's new Siam Water Park claims it will be the biggest water park in Europe when it opens in September. Located on the Costa Adeje coastline, it will include 14 different water-based attractions set amid Thai-like surroundings.

22/07/2008

Can you tell me about the island of Texel just off the Dutch coast? I want to know what I could do there if I take my grandchildren.Betty Young

Texel is the largest of the Wadden Islands and has 18 miles of sandy beaches to explore. It also has an extensive network of walking and cycling paths. Texel attracts bird lovers, is the centre for sheep farming in the Netherlands and has a thriving fishing fleet. The capital is Den Burg but there are also seven villages on the island.

If your grand kids like the outdoors, take them along the cycling paths, which link the villages and wind through pretty nature reserves. Visit EcoMare seal centre, Egg Land which atttacts thousands of breeding birds and a lighthouse situated on the most northern tip in the village of Cocksdorp. The best seaside resort is probably De Koog - active kids can go swimming, windsurfing, canoeing or sailing.

Alternatively, visit Calluna which has a sub-tropical leisure pool or Texel's harbour in Oudeschild on the Wadden Sea which is full of fishing boats and yachts.

18/07/2008

Are there any naturist camps in Yorkshire/Derbyshire? I don't have the internet and would like an address so I can obtain more information. Anon, Rotherham

There are several clubs in the Yorkshire area. Yorkshire Sun Society is a naturist club located in 25 acres of woodlands on the outskirts of Hull. Accommodation is provided - there are chalets, static caravan sites and tents, as well as communal facilities. For more infor, write to YSS, P.O. Box No. 226, Beverley, HU17 0WA or ring 0774 231 1143.

Other options include: Ashdene in the Calderdale Valley (01422 379500); Valley Sun Club near Harrogate (0113 2503336); Leeds Naturist Group (0798 394 7152), and the White Rose Club near York (01904 468293).