Will we be safe on a break in Sharm?
We’re hoping to go to
Q
Egypt in June for a big birthday. Is it safe? We’re considering Sharm El Sheik. Any hotel recommendations? Pauline Shaw, via email
Yes, it’s safe, according to
A
the Foreign Office, despite regional volatility and official warnings against visiting North Sinai by the Israeli border. Tourism remains an important part of Egypt’s economy (10-15 per cent of GDP) and the silver lining is sterling is now worth 60 Egyptian pounds compared to 39 pounds a month ago (due to a long-awaited government devaluation). Seven nights at the five-star Savoy Hotel in Sharm El Sheik in June is from £786pp all-inclusive with flights (travelrepublic.co.uk).
Q Does any company offer stays in Berlin and Vienna on one trip? I live in Belfast. Lynne Press, via email
Railbookers has five-day A train trips from London to Berlin and onwards to Vienna, with two nights in each city, from £949pp – length of stays extendable (railbookers.co.uk). Belfast-London return flights from £30 (ryanair.com). Or four nights in each city with four-star hotels, transfers and flights is from £2,198pp on a B&B basis (kirkerholidays.com).
Q I renewed my passport last year, but it doesn’t recognise me at e-gates so I have to be manually checked. A Border Force employee said this was not unusual. Can I get the passport changed?
Peter Wilson, via email
Yes, but you would have to A apply for a new one and probably pay for doing so. The assumption will be the passport is not working because you damaged it and unless the Passport Office deems that damage was present when the passport was issued you will be charged. Which seems deeply unfair, but these are the rules.
Q My wife and I, and our two small dogs, are looking for a budget break anywhere in England, preferably Devon. We are pensioners and do not have a lot of money. Can you help? Martin Clark, Hambledon, Hants
Try a holiday park, most of A which are dog-friendly. A ‘Silver Caravan (Pet)’ by Combe Martin Beach in North Devon is from £360 for a week on May 31. (hoseasons.co.uk).
My wife and I are in our
Q mid-80s and, although not disabled, find it very hard to drag heavy suitcases across large airports. We are flying with British Airways from Istanbul on May 20. Can we ask BA for mobility assistance? David Jenkins, via email
Yes – call BA’s accessibility A line at least 48 hours before going (0800 4081100). See ‘How to request assistance’ at ba.com.
We are travelling to Cyprus Q soon, returning in May. My wife’s passport was issued in June 2014 and expires in October 2024. Will this be OK? Tony Strafford, via email
A Yes, as it will have been issued within ten years of your date of travel and she will have three months’ validity left on your return date.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
If you need advice the Holiday Guru is here to answer your questions. Email us at holidayplanner@dailymail.co.uk