Grenada’s great for a carefree getaway
Q My husband and I love Malaysia, particularly the street-food markets of Penang and Langkawi – but getting there via Heathrow (we live in Yorkshire) and Kuala Lumpur is a pain. Is there somewhere similar in the Caribbean where we can wander round and see how locals live? We would rather not stay in an all-inclusive hotel.
Rose Gauden, via email
A Try Grenada in the Windward Islands. Saint George’s, its capital, has a vibrant market plus restaurants galore used by locals and tourists alike. The island has beautiful beaches, the best being Grand Anse, near Saint George’s, which has its own street-food market. Seven nights room-only at the Blue Horizons Garden Resort is from £1,223pp with Manchester flights (virginholidays.co.uk).
Q Are there any ‘adults only’ hotels in Malta?
Brian Reed, via email
A Yes, quite a few. For good value and nightlife, H Hotel in the bustling town of St Julian’s has modern rooms, a rooftop pool and a whisky lounge. In April, a week is from £557pp room-only with Gatwick flights (tui.co.uk).
Q I travel to Australia soon and hold a passport issued in 2017. Is it still OK or do I need a new blue passport?
Stewart Dilks, via email
A It’s fine – the old burgundy ones still work, if still in date.
Q How do you get from Birmingham Airport to Birmingham International
Railway Station? My wife and I use mobility scooters.
Bryan Wilde, via email
A Catch the free, two-minute Air-Link train, which is connected by lifts. See ‘assisted travel’ at birminghamairport.co.uk.
Q I want a faraway cruise/stay package but I’m a heavy smoker and don’t want to end up on a ship where lighting-up is frowned upon or even banned. I’d be climbing the walls! Any ideas?
Ken McMaster, via email
A Most cruise ships allow smoking in designated areas. Fred Olsen is among the more lenient with smoking allowed from some cabin balconies and on deck. A 14-night cruise from Portsmouth to the Canary Islands and Cape Verde is from £1,599pp (fredolsencruises.com).
Q We booked a BA holiday to Rome from Edinburgh via Heathrow. Our Heathrow flight was delayed and we missed our connection, plus our luggage went missing. We stayed at a Heathrow hotel. In Rome, our bags still did not arrive and BA said to buy replacement clothing – two outfits each came to more than £1,000. We have made a claim but heard nothing. Can you help?
Caroline Fairbairn, Selkirk
A BA apologises and promises to resolve this.
Q I read with interest last week that you do not need a passport to enter Ireland. My partner is 62 and has never had a passport or a driving licence. Will she be allowed in?
Graham Ludlam, South Wingfield, Derbyshire
A British citizens do not need passports according to Common Travel Area rules between the UK and Ireland. However, some airlines require identification and Irish immigration officials may request proof of citizenship. See Ireland’s ‘entry requirements’ at gov.uk. Her birth certificate may be OK, but you will need to check with your airline or ferry company.
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If you need advice, the Holiday Guru is here to answer your questions. Email us at holidayplanner@dailymail.co.uk.