TRAVEL CLINIC ASK FRANK

QWE’RE thinking of taking a holiday in South Africa next month, possibly flying to Cape Town and driving the Garden Route. We’re concerned about reports of a drought that has hit Cape Town and are worried that this might affect our travel plans. What should we do? Kath, by email

ACAPE TOWN and the surrounding area have been badly affected by a prolonged lack of rainfall. In the long term, the city aims to supplement its diminishing reservoir supplies with boreholes and desalination plants. For the moment, however, the authorities are taking drastic steps to cut down on the use of tap water. These are aimed largely at residents, but hotels are asking guests to have a quick shower rather than a bath and to reuse towels – probably things we should all be doing anyway.

The negative publicity appears to have had an impact on tourism, and room rates at some top hotels are extremely competitive. A double at the four-star Vineyard Hotel, one of Cape Town’s most popular, costs from £180 per night and at the five-star L’Ermitage from £190 – up to 50 per cent off normal prices. With return flights from London to Cape Town starting at £500, short-break packages can come in at under £700pp.

QAS MY daughter is studying E. M. Forster’s A Room With A View, we are planning a trip to Florence and wanted to take a copy of the particular Baedeker guide that features in the story. Where can we get one? Ian, by email

ABAEDEKER’S 1903 guide to northern Italy is available from online secondhand booksellers such as Abebooks (abebooks.co.uk) – expect to pay from about £20. Shapero (shapero.com) in London’s Mayfair specialises in vintage Baedeker guides so would also be worth contacting.