Your questions: My daughter is doing the Americas solo. Is it safe?
A. Robinson, Camberwell, Vic
What parent does not feel your pain? But your daughter is possibly more resilient than you realise. After all, she has made a life of her own in the UK and that requires problem-solving and overcoming challenges. However, Central and South America, and solo, comes with next-level challenges. Communicate your concern. You might ask that she takes some steps to reduce her risk and give you peace of mind. For example, you could suggest she starts her travels with a group tour, perhaps in Mexico. She'll be in the company of like-minded travellers, she'll be well taken care of, she'll probably pick up some useful tips for travelling in Central America and that helps build a solid foundation for the rest of her travels in the region. There are plenty of tours that qualify, perhaps G Adventures might appeal. You might also suggest that she carry a personal safety alarm. These are small devices that fit easily into a pocket, yet they can be activated instantly and they emit an ear-splitting shriek. The international emergency number is 112, get that locked into her phone. In most of the world, the number can be dialled on mobiles, even without a SIM card or when locked. Uber is a safe way to get around in many cities in Central America. In Nicaragua, Aventon provides the same service. Travel insurance is of course a given. Bad things can happen, but the world is more frightening from a distance than it is close-up. The kindness of strangers is very real, and underestimated. One of my daughters has worked in Afghanistan since 2019 and she's totally OK.
My partner and I are planning a trip on Amtrak's Silver Meteor from New York City to Miami. What are the top three to four must-see stops along the way? Does Amtrak have a ticket that allows for multiple stopovers?
S. McLeod, Breakfast Point, NSW
Make Washington DC your first stop and spend at least three nights to take in the Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Hill, the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, Constitution Avenue and lively neighbourhoods such as Georgetown. One hotel I particularly like is The Line in the Adams Morgan district, known for its pop-up restaurants, bars and flea markets. Next stop, South Carolina's Charleston. One of the most historic cities in the country, Charleston charms with its cobblestoned streets and antebellum architecture. Some of its plantation houses including Middleton Place and Boone Hall and their surrounding gardens evoke memories of Tara in the film version of Gone with the Wind. Fort Sumter National Monument, reached by ferry from the city, is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. From there your next stop is Savannah, Georgia, famous for its Savannah Historic District, the largest National Historic Landmark District in the US. In its grid of streets there are 22 landscaped squares with fountains, sculptures, and live oaks and highlights including Chippewa Square, Madison Square and Monterey Square. The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters explores the asymmetric relationship between slaves and masters, a moving and powerful experience. While Amtrak does not have a provision for multiple stopovers on one ticket, look for Amtrak's Multi-City link, and you can book separate tickets for each sector, with up to four segments.
We will end our European trip with about eight days in Malta, any recommendations on where to stay? Preferably two places, with a view of the water with good access to transport and restaurants. We would like to explore the historical sites and also have some time to relax at beaches and swim. Would you recommend using public transport or hiring a car?
K. King, Springwood, NSW
Malta is small and there's no real need to stay in more than one place, although you could stay for a few days on the neighbouring island of Gozo if you want a change of scenery. Either Sliema or St Julian's would qualify, both are close to the city of Valetta, where most of the main attractions are located and these you can easily explore on foot. The Plum Guide has a few high-quality suggestions for self-contained apartments in Valetta and Casa Rocca Piccola and Palazzo Consiglia are also great choices. From there you can take a tour to visit places that are further away such as the Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk, Mdina and Hagar Qim. Take a boat tour to visit the nearby islands of Gozo and Camino. You need to take a few tours but unless you go in peak season you don't need to book in advance. Malta Tours covers everything you need and Viator has more options. A hire car gives you more freedom, and the rewards include hidden beaches, remote temples and villages that are hard to reach any other way. However roads are narrow and congested if you're there in peak period, and parking can be problematic.
My husband and I will arrive in Tokyo's, Haneda Airport at 8.15pm, staying at the ANA Intercontinental in Minato City. As we are elderly, could we travel by airport coach or public bus after 9pm? Any suggestions on tours available in Tokyo and Aomori?
M. Gomes, Baulkham Hills, NSW
Public bus is not a great option when you're arriving in a strange city late in the evening, and the limousine bus that usually operates to the ANA Intercontinental is currently out of service. At Haneda's Terminal 3, the taxi stand is on the first floor, just outside the terminal building. You can expect to pay between ¥9000 to ¥11,000 ($95 to $116), and there's no fear of bad behaviour with Tokyo taxi drivers. Another option is a private transfer. You'll be met at the terminal, a representative will take your luggage and you to the waiting car, and you'll be whisked off to your hotel. Blacklane is one operator, or use NearMe, an airport taxi transfer app. Tokiotours is a tour agency based in Minato with a range of food and cultural tours, Arigato Travel is another tour operator. Both have excellent reviews. In Aomori, the Aomori Tourist Information Center in Shin Aomori Station is your best bet for finding local tours.
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