Learning to live with the crowds

This week: a surplus of tourists in Italy and the Cayman Islands; at home with Caravaggio; Japan’s baggage scheme

Struggling to negotiate through the massive crowd on the seafront at the capital, George Town, was a driver’s nightmare. What bliss it was when, in midafternoon, the day-trippers scurried back to their ships and left us in peace. DIANA JONES

Caravaggio in Rome

I agree with Nick Trend (“Caravaggio in Rome: the art of shock and awe”, October 8): surely nothing can surpass standing before the paintings of Caravaggio set within their original home, 400 years after his death.

On a first visit to Rome last year, I did indeed feel awed in the presence of his works. That these paintings are so easily accessible – with some free to view, for as long as, and as often as, you wish – is wonderful. And for us, visiting in November, viewings were virtually crowd-free.

And not only are Caravaggio’s paintings accessible to all – also the artworks of many other great artists of the time. Of course, viewing these masterpieces in Rome, also brings the added pleasure of visiting the magnificent churches and basilicas in which they are held.

Rome is a relatively easy city to just wander at will. However, Italia.it offers a useful itinerary on finding Caravaggio artworks in the city. JOHANNA BLAZE

Luggage free in Japan

If you embark on Danielle Demetriou’s ultimate itinerary (“Marvel at Japan in all its colours”, September 17), I’d recommend using Japan’s luggage forwarding system. We used it extensively on our threeweek, self-guided trip by bus and train.

While the trains are efficient and cheap (especially with a Japan Rail Pass), they have limited luggage space. Each carriage will accommodate one, perhaps two bags at the ends.

The JAL ABC and Takkyubin services will deliver luggage direct to your hotel thus allowing you to travel unencumbered with either a day pack or a small overnight bag.

Costs depend on size, weight and distance but we paid on average $25 (£20) for the transport of our two bags… certainly great value compared to lugging a suitcase around.

Japanese efficiency meant that our bags were always waiting for us when we arrived at our hotel. ROY MESSENGER