Latest news with #DocHoliday
Daily Telegraph
a day ago
- Daily Telegraph
What's the best family stay in Rarotonga?
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. Escape's Doc Holiday, Dilvin Yasa, answers your travel-related questions. Can you suggest some good family accommodation options in Rarotonga? The island doesn't seem to have any familiar chains and we're not sure what will work best for our family. One of the things I love most about the Cook Islands is how little it has changed since I first began visiting in the '90s. Unlike its South Pacific and French Polynesian neighbours which have big hotel names such as Accor, IHG and Marriott, the Cook Island locals prefer smaller, more intimate properties which lend themselves to a sense of place. Now that Jetstar has added a fifth weekly seasonal service between Sydney and Rarotonga, it's expected some 47,000 Australians will visit the Cook Islands in 2025 (up from 36,383 in 2024). That's perfect timing really, because the island's first five-star property, the Grand Resort Rarotonga is scheduled to open at the later end of this year. If you're planning to visit earlier, I recommend the Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium, which offers a wealth of activities for the whole family (and some of the island's best snorkelling). Nautilus Resort, Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa and Pacific Resort Rarotonga are also excellent options covering various price points. Would you consider staying in a self-contained bungalow? That's always my first choice when I'm in Rarotonga with my own family as it gives me the option to occasionally tap out of eating my body weight in ika mata and fish and chips three times a day, plus I enjoy having the space. I speak highly of Tuoro Holiday Villas, Are 'Rimaira Beachfront, Moana Sands Beachfront Villas & Apartments and Pacific Palms Luxury Villas, but you can also find affordable bungalows (usually with their own in-ground pool) on Airbnb, NZ Holiday Homes and My preferred spots are usually near Muri Lagoon, but the island is so small (just over 30km in circumference) that driving here and there is easy. Just be sure to get in early with a rental car if you're travelling with a larger family. My wife has dementia and gets lost easily when using public bathrooms with two-sided entrances. I have booked flights to Laos and I'm wondering if it would be permissible for me to enter the female WC to be with her? I'm 75 and my wife is 80. Unisex toilets have begun popping up in some of the destinations you mention in your email, but your best bet – where possible – is to use bathrooms in Western-style restaurants and hotels. It doesn't matter if you're not eating or staying there; people aren't heartless and it's a rare human who'll turn down your request if you explain the situation. Just be sure to have a sentence or two about your wife's condition printed in the local language on a card you can show them if you get approached. If you find yourself with no choice but to use a two-sided public toilet, you could ask a staff member (sometimes they are manned) or another English-speaking tourist to keep an eye on her (I would have no problem with someone approaching me with this request and I can't imagine I'm alone). Following your wife into a women's WC should only be your last resort but honestly, an awkward moment or two is better than the stress of having your wife go wandering. Again, remember you'll have your card handy to explain your presence. My daughter is travelling around Europe between her studies in the UK but it seems she's about to overstay her 90-day visa-free allowance in the Schengen Area. What can she do? You and your daughter have every right to be concerned. While Australians can enjoy up to 90 days of visa-free travel in the Schengen Area within any 180-day period, those who overstay may be fined, deported or banned. Depending on which countries she's planning to visit during her break, she does have a couple of options. She could travel around non-Schengen countries such as the United Kingdom, Albania, Turkey and Croatia (among others), which will let your daughter make the most of her time away while she waits for the Schengen clock to reset. However, if she's keen to stay within the Schengen Area, she could travel to countries which either have a bilateral agreement in place, allowing eligible travellers to stay for an additional 90 days within that specific country after using up their 90 days in other Schengen countries. Or, she can apply for a long-stay visa such as the Type D (also known as Long-Stay Visa) for the likes of Italy and France. There are a few caveats with these, so they may not be appropriate. That said, they are well worth looking into. Need help? Doc Holiday is on duty to answer your travel questions. Email docholiday@ Personal replies are unfortunately not possible. Originally published as Doc Holiday: What's the best family stay in Rarotonga?
Courier-Mail
a day ago
- Courier-Mail
What's the best family stay in Rarotonga?
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. Escape's Doc Holiday, Dilvin Yasa, answers your travel-related questions. Can you suggest some good family accommodation options in Rarotonga? The island doesn't seem to have any familiar chains and we're not sure what will work best for our family. One of the things I love most about the Cook Islands is how little it has changed since I first began visiting in the '90s. Unlike its South Pacific and French Polynesian neighbours which have big hotel names such as Accor, IHG and Marriott, the Cook Island locals prefer smaller, more intimate properties which lend themselves to a sense of place. Now that Jetstar has added a fifth weekly seasonal service between Sydney and Rarotonga, it's expected some 47,000 Australians will visit the Cook Islands in 2025 (up from 36,383 in 2024). That's perfect timing really, because the island's first five-star property, the Grand Resort Rarotonga is scheduled to open at the later end of this year. If you're planning to visit earlier, I recommend the Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium, which offers a wealth of activities for the whole family (and some of the island's best snorkelling). Nautilus Resort, Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa and Pacific Resort Rarotonga are also excellent options covering various price points. Would you consider staying in a self-contained bungalow? That's always my first choice when I'm in Rarotonga with my own family as it gives me the option to occasionally tap out of eating my body weight in ika mata and fish and chips three times a day, plus I enjoy having the space. I speak highly of Tuoro Holiday Villas, Are 'Rimaira Beachfront, Moana Sands Beachfront Villas & Apartments and Pacific Palms Luxury Villas, but you can also find affordable bungalows (usually with their own in-ground pool) on Airbnb, NZ Holiday Homes and My preferred spots are usually near Muri Lagoon, but the island is so small (just over 30km in circumference) that driving here and there is easy. Just be sure to get in early with a rental car if you're travelling with a larger family. My wife has dementia and gets lost easily when using public bathrooms with two-sided entrances. I have booked flights to Laos and I'm wondering if it would be permissible for me to enter the female WC to be with her? I'm 75 and my wife is 80. Unisex toilets have begun popping up in some of the destinations you mention in your email, but your best bet – where possible – is to use bathrooms in Western-style restaurants and hotels. It doesn't matter if you're not eating or staying there; people aren't heartless and it's a rare human who'll turn down your request if you explain the situation. Just be sure to have a sentence or two about your wife's condition printed in the local language on a card you can show them if you get approached. If you find yourself with no choice but to use a two-sided public toilet, you could ask a staff member (sometimes they are manned) or another English-speaking tourist to keep an eye on her (I would have no problem with someone approaching me with this request and I can't imagine I'm alone). Following your wife into a women's WC should only be your last resort but honestly, an awkward moment or two is better than the stress of having your wife go wandering. Again, remember you'll have your card handy to explain your presence. My daughter is travelling around Europe between her studies in the UK but it seems she's about to overstay her 90-day visa-free allowance in the Schengen Area. What can she do? You and your daughter have every right to be concerned. While Australians can enjoy up to 90 days of visa-free travel in the Schengen Area within any 180-day period, those who overstay may be fined, deported or banned. Depending on which countries she's planning to visit during her break, she does have a couple of options. She could travel around non-Schengen countries such as the United Kingdom, Albania, Turkey and Croatia (among others), which will let your daughter make the most of her time away while she waits for the Schengen clock to reset. However, if she's keen to stay within the Schengen Area, she could travel to countries which either have a bilateral agreement in place, allowing eligible travellers to stay for an additional 90 days within that specific country after using up their 90 days in other Schengen countries. Or, she can apply for a long-stay visa such as the Type D (also known as Long-Stay Visa) for the likes of Italy and France. There are a few caveats with these, so they may not be appropriate. That said, they are well worth looking into. Need help? Doc Holiday is on duty to answer your travel questions. Email docholiday@ Personal replies are unfortunately not possible. Originally published as Doc Holiday: What's the best family stay in Rarotonga?
Daily Telegraph
3 days ago
- Daily Telegraph
How to deal with lost luggage: Always take this photo before flying
Escape's Doc Holiday, Dilvin Yasa, answers your travel-related questions. On a recent holiday, our luggage was mistakenly sent to another city where it remained for five days, but our claim for compensation for out-of-pocket expenses has been denied by the airline. What are our options? I was quite annoyed when I read your email. There's nothing worse than 'Sorry, but there's nothing we can do' from a service provider. So annoyed, in fact, that I emailed my contacts at the airline right away to understand why your claim was denied. Long story short, it seems wires were crossed during communications between the two airlines operating the codeshare, but you'll be happy to know that the issue has now been resolved and they will be in touch this week to reimburse you for your out-of-pocket expenses. Contacting the airline in question is always the first step in situations like these, but it's helpful to remember that travellers can also make a claim for delayed luggage through their travel insurance, provided this is included in their policy. A claim can usually be made 12 hours after a bag first goes AWOL and this type of benefit (designed to cover the cost of day-to-day essentials such as toiletries and underwear) is generally excess free. Of course, you'll need to show your insurer you've first tried to resolve the issue with your airline and provide them with any relevant documentation that you've shared with the airlines. You'll also need to provide copies of the receipts for any essentials you wish to claim. If reimbursement through your insurer remains fruitless, you can take your complaint to the Airline Customer Advocate which provides a free and independent service to eligible customers of major Australian airlines by facilitating the resolution of unresolved complaints about airline services. You can also file a report with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. The ACCC will not resolve individual complaints, but the collective data from such reports informs what they investigate and what enforcement action they'll take. Yep, filling out the form is all about playing the long game. This is a timely reminder to photograph your open luggage before checking it in. You're always going to be asked for descriptions and/or proof that you own, and were travelling with, the items you are claiming (in lost baggage claims), so taking a few snaps can take a few stressful steps out of the equation. It's about an hour's drive from Rotterdam Cruise Terminal to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. I'm taking a cruise that ends in Rotterdam. Is it better for me to fly to London to get back to Sydney? I'm not young and don't want to take my luggage on a train to a more major airport to get home. No need to fly to another major airport; it's about an hour's drive from Rotterdam Cruise Terminal to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, or with a direct high-speed train from Rotterdam Central Station, it takes just over 30 minutes. I know you said 'no trains please' but it could actually be the easiest option for you because the Dutch rail operator NS International offers a variety of services for passengers with limited mobility, including luggage assistance and help boarding and disembarking. You'll just need to let them know you need help at least 24 hours before boarding the train by calling 030 235 78 22. Don't forget that your cruise line is likely to offer either a straight shuttle service to Schiphol, or a shore excursion which finishes at the airport too. Holland America, for example, has an Easy Rotterdam with Airport Transfer shore excursion you can book which will take in the city's top sights before getting you to the airport in time for your flight. Private transfers are also available to book (check out Transfeero and Suntransfers), although prices vary widely depending on the company you book with. You also have the option to spend a few days in London before making your way home. If you're keen to avoid travelling to nearby Amsterdam altogether, you can fly to London City from Rotterdam The Hague Airport where you can catch the train across to Heathrow (the Heathrow Express makes the journey in around 50 minutes, if you're pressed for time). You also have the option to spend a few days in London before making your way home. If you'd prefer to tack on a few extra days of holiday time but would prefer a somewhat cheaper destination, you could also consider flying from Rotterdam The Hague Airport to either Lisbon or Istanbul. Both cities offer plenty of sights to see at a significantly lower price point than London and flying with Qatar Airways or Turkish Airlines is always a wonderful experience. Something to think about. Need help? Doc Holiday is on duty to answer your travel questions. Email docholiday@ Personal replies are unfortunately not possible. Originally published as Doc Holiday's expert guide to dealing with lost luggage
Courier-Mail
3 days ago
- Courier-Mail
How to deal with lost luggage: Always take this photo before flying
Escape's Doc Holiday, Dilvin Yasa, answers your travel-related questions. On a recent holiday, our luggage was mistakenly sent to another city where it remained for five days, but our claim for compensation for out-of-pocket expenses has been denied by the airline. What are our options? I was quite annoyed when I read your email. There's nothing worse than 'Sorry, but there's nothing we can do' from a service provider. So annoyed, in fact, that I emailed my contacts at the airline right away to understand why your claim was denied. Long story short, it seems wires were crossed during communications between the two airlines operating the codeshare, but you'll be happy to know that the issue has now been resolved and they will be in touch this week to reimburse you for your out-of-pocket expenses. X Contacting the airline in question is always the first step in situations like these, but it's helpful to remember that travellers can also make a claim for delayed luggage through their travel insurance, provided this is included in their policy. A claim can usually be made 12 hours after a bag first goes AWOL and this type of benefit (designed to cover the cost of day-to-day essentials such as toiletries and underwear) is generally excess free. Of course, you'll need to show your insurer you've first tried to resolve the issue with your airline and provide them with any relevant documentation that you've shared with the airlines. You'll also need to provide copies of the receipts for any essentials you wish to claim. If reimbursement through your insurer remains fruitless, you can take your complaint to the Airline Customer Advocate which provides a free and independent service to eligible customers of major Australian airlines by facilitating the resolution of unresolved complaints about airline services. You can also file a report with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. The ACCC will not resolve individual complaints, but the collective data from such reports informs what they investigate and what enforcement action they'll take. Yep, filling out the form is all about playing the long game. This is a timely reminder to photograph your open luggage before checking it in. You're always going to be asked for descriptions and/or proof that you own, and were travelling with, the items you are claiming (in lost baggage claims), so taking a few snaps can take a few stressful steps out of the equation. It's about an hour's drive from Rotterdam Cruise Terminal to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. I'm taking a cruise that ends in Rotterdam. Is it better for me to fly to London to get back to Sydney? I'm not young and don't want to take my luggage on a train to a more major airport to get home. No need to fly to another major airport; it's about an hour's drive from Rotterdam Cruise Terminal to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, or with a direct high-speed train from Rotterdam Central Station, it takes just over 30 minutes. I know you said 'no trains please' but it could actually be the easiest option for you because the Dutch rail operator NS International offers a variety of services for passengers with limited mobility, including luggage assistance and help boarding and disembarking. You'll just need to let them know you need help at least 24 hours before boarding the train by calling 030 235 78 22. Don't forget that your cruise line is likely to offer either a straight shuttle service to Schiphol, or a shore excursion which finishes at the airport too. Holland America, for example, has an Easy Rotterdam with Airport Transfer shore excursion you can book which will take in the city's top sights before getting you to the airport in time for your flight. Private transfers are also available to book (check out Transfeero and Suntransfers), although prices vary widely depending on the company you book with. You also have the option to spend a few days in London before making your way home. If you're keen to avoid travelling to nearby Amsterdam altogether, you can fly to London City from Rotterdam The Hague Airport where you can catch the train across to Heathrow (the Heathrow Express makes the journey in around 50 minutes, if you're pressed for time). You also have the option to spend a few days in London before making your way home. If you'd prefer to tack on a few extra days of holiday time but would prefer a somewhat cheaper destination, you could also consider flying from Rotterdam The Hague Airport to either Lisbon or Istanbul. Both cities offer plenty of sights to see at a significantly lower price point than London and flying with Qatar Airways or Turkish Airlines is always a wonderful experience. Something to think about. Need help? Doc Holiday is on duty to answer your travel questions. Email docholiday@ Personal replies are unfortunately not possible. Originally published as Doc Holiday's expert guide to dealing with lost luggage
Daily Telegraph
25-04-2025
- Daily Telegraph
Should we extend our travel insurance in case there are delays?
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. Escape's Doc Holiday, Dilvin Yasa, answers your travel-related questions. When it comes to travel insurance, should we add a few days past our return date (in case of delays) or can we extend the insurance during the trip? Up until earlier this year, I habitually bought an annual travel insurance policy, which generally solved issues when one of my flights was invariably delayed or cancelled. Disruptions are still occurring, of course, so now I simply tack on a couple of extra days to any single-trip policy I buy – just in case I don't make it back to Oz before my policy runs out. You don't have to do that of course; in most instances, most insurers will extend your policy if unforeseen circumstances prevent you from getting home in time, explains Natalie Ball from Compare Travel Insurance. 'If you're in a medical delay, for example, your policy would be automatically extended, so if you experience a medical emergency overseas, you should contact your insurer's emergency assistance team as soon as possible,' she says. 'In non-emergency situations where you are unable to return home on your scheduled return date (flight delays, etc), you may be required to extend your policy and claim for a refund later.' Ball recommends travellers experiencing difficulties overseas contact their travel insurer and request their specific advice. If your insurer refuses to extend your policy, Australian citizens and residents can buy a new 'already overseas' policy. The biggest problem faced by travellers in these situations? Insurers can – and do – impose a 48- or 72-hour waiting period before the new cover kicks in – not ideal if your delay is last-minute and your original policy is about to run out. Whether your insurer decides to override the waiting period will depend on the insurer and the policy you've chosen – another reason why it's essential to read the PDS before you decide on a policy. My wife and I have cruised many times but now that my wife has dementia, she tends to wander at night. Are there any cruise lines in the Pacific which cater for passengers with dementia? There are quite a few specialised dementia-friendly sailings around the Caribbean, Alaska and the Mexican Riviera (visit Elite Cruises & Vacations Travel for details), but sadly, this kind of forward-thinking cruising has not yet made its way here. I'm keen for you and your wife to enjoy a wonderful cruise so I called Dr Kaele Stokes, executive director, services, advocacy and research for Dementia Australia. She said that the nature of an individual's symptoms, plus the kind of dementia they have, will inform whether a particular activity or holiday type is considered safe or unsafe, and that it's best to speak with your wife's doctor or specialist before you make a decision. 'If (you and your wife) are cruisers from way back, it may be a familiar environment for her, which can help with potential disorientation,' she says. While no one cruise line stands out in this regard, ships already familiar to you, and those that have plenty of calm, quiet spaces (such as Holland America Line), tend to be a better choice, but Dr Stokes says it's important to call each one beforehand to see what kind of assistance they can offer. You'll also need to ensure everyone from your travel agent to the cabin steward is aware of your wife's condition so plenty of eyes are looking out for you both. You will need to keep the doors to your (interior or porthole window) cabin locked (all doors on these ships lock from the inside), and possibly bring along a portable alarm. 'Mats which can be placed beside the bed or at the door which indicate when someone is stepping on it can be a good choice,' Dr Stokes says. For more information, visit the Travelling with Dementia page at Dementia Australia or call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. Can you recommend a reputable company specialising in Alcatraz tours please? I'm glad you asked. A number of online outfits advertise 'Alcatraz tours' but what they bury deep in their copy is that while they offer narrated tours around the island, they don't dock. Alcatraz City Cruises is the only commercial ferry service authorised by the National Park Service to allow passengers to disembark on the island. They have a range of tours: a 2.5-hour day tour, a three-hour night tour and a 4.5-hour Behind the Scenes tour that's double the price of the others, but offers a guided stroll around off-limits areas and a chance to hear little-known stories in a small-group setting. Finally, there's the 5.5-hour Alcatraz & Angel Island Combination Tour. If cost isn't an issue, I'd go with the Behind the Scenes, which includes the full Alcatraz Night Tour once the sun goes down. Have a great time. Need help? Doc Holiday is on duty to answer your travel questions. Email docholiday@ or keep up with Doc at Personal replies are unfortunately not possible. Originally published as Doc Holiday: Should we extend our travel insurance in case there are delays?
