JOAN SCALESanswers our questions...
Q Myself, my husband and two teenagers have been asked to go to Penzance for a week to meet some elderly American relatives. We may also be joined by two more family members. We would like to rent self-catering accommodation around Penzance. Budget is a big consideration, and the Americans like their comforts. Can you suggest where we could find accommodation?
LK, Carlow
Cornwall is lovely, and I think you will all enjoy it. There are many places to see and things to do. Penzance and the Lizard peninsula are very picturesque – and, if you can, take a trip to the Isles of Scilly. The ferry runs from Penzance.
As budget is a consideration, you will find the best value in Cornwall before the middle of July and after the end of August. During high season, prices for accommodation can almost double.
It is always easier to find accommodation for four rather than eight, and you may find there are not many places in this area that can accommodate more than six. You can always take adjoining apartments, however, of which there is a good selection in Penzance.
Try these websites for options: westcornwallcottage holidays.com, cornishcottage holidays.co.uk, purelypenzance. co.uk and bosuns.org.
Judith Marshall has a lovely four-bedroom period property in Penzance with rates from £495 to £650 (€550 to €725) from now until the middle of July. You can contact her on 00-44-1736-360946 (after 5pm) and at homeaway. com/438009.
You will find it useful to have a car in Cornwall. Taking the ferry from Rosslare to Wales makes a lot of sense. The drive will take about six hours. If you choose to fly, there is a daily service from Dublin to Newquay with Air Southwest (airsouthwest.com). Newquay is about an hour’s drive from Penzance.
Q I am planning an around-the-world trip, visiting the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia. I depart at the end of May and will be away for between six months and a year. I am a VHI member and have been quoted €2,707 for insurance for the year. I am aware that the fact I will be spending time in the US will increase my insurance premium. Do you know of any cheaper alternatives for travel/health insurance?
GB, Dublin
VHI is probably quoting you for full membership and the travel insurance. Cheaper insurance is available for health and travel. For example, worldwide cover – including the US – for six months costs from €95.99 and for 12 months from €155.99
Cover is available at backpackertravelinsurance.ie (part of Blue Insurances) or by calling 0818-286455. Policies are underwritten by AXA Insurance, and cover includes cancellation and curtailment, medical, baggage, personal accident, liability, legal expenses, airline failure, missed departure, government travel advice and resumption of journey. Winter-sports cover is optional.
Q I am travelling from Alicante to Malaga and on to the Marbella, Benalmádena and Elvira area in the summer. How can I travel to Marbella or Benalmádena by air or public transport with one suitcase and without speaking any Spanish?
FME, Dublin
Forget about flying, as there are no direct flights from Alicante to Malaga, and there is no direct rail service, either. However, there is a bus that runs from Alicante to Malaga; it takes about seven hours. Once you reach Malaga you can take a local bus to Marbella, which also stops in Benalmádena and Elvira.
Check out the timetables on alsa.es from Alicante and on ctsa-portillo.com for buses to Marbella.
Q Does the Irish College in Rome offer accommodation for a few days? Can you suggest any hotels that are not too expensive? We are going to a wedding in May and need to book soon.
ML, Dublin
The Irish College does not take overnight guests, but Villa Rosa, run by Dominican sisters, does. It is on Via Terme Deciane (00-41-0657-17091, villarosa2000@libero.it), between the Piramide and Circo Massimo, and easily reached by bus or subway.
The rates for bed and breakfast are €50 for a single room; €90 for a double room and €105 for a room with three beds. No other meals are served. Unlike at other convents, there is no curfew.
Otherwise, you can find budget hotels in Rome on hostelworld.com, which has a selection of hotels from about €30pps.
E-mail questions, with your name and address, to jscales@irishtimes.com