Live webchat with Debbie Marshall, MD of Silver Travel Advisor

I can't believe that the hour has flown by so quickly and I know that there are still a few questions left to answer. Thanks for a great time at Gransnet and for the delicious avocado wrap!

wireless

We would like to spend the winter in Portugal but can't find an airline that will allow our pet Yorkie (2lbs in weight) to travel in the cabin from the UK. Do you know of any airlines that will allow this? (We don't want to drive and we won't put her in the hold)

Thanks.

Hi Wireless

I did once hear a true story about a lady who couldn't find an airline in Canada who would let her dog travel in the cabin.... so she chartered the whole aircraft!!

Back in the real world, dogs do need to travel in the hold unless they are Assistance Dogs for the disabled, visually or hearing impaired persons.

Have you considered the train which might be a good compromise - check first that this is allowed through the entire route - but it's a lovely way to look at the scenery and allow for stops from time to time.

petitpois

Hi Debbie

Some good advice here, thank you! My question is on jetlag? I have family in Australia and honestly I feel like death warmed up for at least a week afterwards. I've tried setting my watch as soon as I get on the plane, trying to stay awake to fit in with the country I'll be landing in, drinking lots of water, but still I feel bloody awful!

Hi Petitpois

I have some friends who travel frequently back and forth from Australia, but are lucky enough to be able to do this in Business Class which they say makes all the difference. Getting a good sleep on a flat bed is transformational. If you are travelling economy, the journey alone is enough to make you feel under the weather, never mind the jetlag at the end. My own recommendation is the one which you try ie. setting your watch just as soon as you get on the plane, and putting mind over matter. I have heard that homeopathic sleeping remedies work well. Also going dancing somewhere as soon as you arrive! Good luck, and I hope that the experience at the other end makes that journey worthwhile. It's such a wonderful country, and once you are over the worst, have a great time.

Cheese

DD is planning on taking a family holiday to Venice, with her DH and DD - who is two. Do you think it's a good idea to take a two year old to Venice? It doesn't seem very baby friendly to me!!

Hi Cheese

Well.... Venice with a two year old! The first thing which makes me wince a little is the thought of carrying a pushchair up all the stairs around the bridges. And also, an active two year old running along the narrow canal paths which have no barriers could become very stressful.

Venice is a wonderful and romantic city, but I am not convinced it would be ideally suited to a toddler. One thought might be to stay at Venice Lido which has beaches and take day trips by boat into the city itself.

Or maybe you could babysit for the weekend while they have a break on their own?!

doubletrouble

At the risk of sounding sad - I hate noise. And noisy neighbours/loud discos etc are my idea of hell. But we still want to travel - so what tips can you give me on making sure we get the most peaceful experience possible (other than ear plugs?) Don't really want to go anywhere remote but equally don't want to be kept up by people partying.

Hi Doubletrouble

I don't think you are sad at all. Taking a holiday to get away from the noise of every day life is really important. Hotels and apartments would probably not be the right choice for you, and my first thought turns to a villa holiday.

In destinations such as Tuscany and Umbria, you can choose a villa which is far from the madding crowd, yet within easy reach of picturesque market towns and good restaurants.

I would recommend using a high quality villa specialist whose staff have visited the properties and can give first hand advice as to location, noise, neighbours etc. Contact Enzo at CV Travel for example, who is a true Italian specialist. Or let me know if you have any particular preference of destination and I will be happy to suggest someone.

timeforbed

Some companies specialise in over-50s holidays. I have never been on one though I've often been tempted. Could you give me some idea of what's involved? (with 18-30 you sort of know...)

Hi Timeforbed

The biggest and best known over 50's company is of course Saga who have a huge range of different holiday offerings, so it's hard to be specific about what is on offer. Many companies have holidays which are well suited to over 50's but do not exclude those who are younger eg. cruising, escorted touring, walking etc.

Grand UK is a specialist in UK coach holidays for over 55's.

You might also like to look at Sun Park Living which is a kind of "Marigold Hotel" style community for more mature holiday makers with entertainment and a number of activities included in an environment of friendly community building!

ticktock

Hello Debbie. Giving a baby Calpol during a long flight to get them to sleep has always been controversial - just wondering what your views are?

Hi Ticktock

It is a bit controversial, but a long flight can be very stressful for all if a baby will not settle. I couldn't recommend Calpol as such, but it's something to consider having on hand in case the baby becomes very fretful. And there is nothing worse than a screaming baby in an unsympathetic row of travellers who are trying to sleep.....

swishybutt

What resorts can you recommend for gentle skiing for one not-very-young beginner and one not-very-young person who has not been since breaking their arm in a skiing accident?

I'm scared by black runs (and red runs) and lots of people who I am convinced are going to crash into me if I am going slowly - but would like to get back on the horse (so to speak).

Austria, Italy, France? Or does resort matter more than area?

Hi Swishy - for gentle skiing, Austria is always a good choice. For example Saalbach Hinterglemm would be a suggestion with a wide range of gentle and forgiving slopes. Also St Johann is a lovely resort. I think it's important also to choose somewhere with more going on than just skiing so that you can take a day off if you choose to wander around the town and enjoy being in the mountains. For that reason I would stick to the more traditional resorts and steer away from the purpose built ones which can be very soulless.

David Graham who is a "silver skier" has written a number of good articles which you may find of interest about his skiing holidays for example:
www.silvertraveladvisor.com/index.cfm?v=David_Graham_StarWriter&fkArticleID=77&fuseaction=pubDsp.dspStarWriter

Once you find yourself back on the slopes, I am sure you will have a wonderful time and that your beginner partner will soon be converted!

congereel

I have never been to Greece but I'd like to go in late June. I want sea, views, food, a bit of pottering around, a nice house (not too expensive) or small hotel - not a party scene.

Are there any islands or place you'd particularly recommend, or is it all much of a muchness?

Hi Congereel

What a lovely time to travel to Greece - ahead of the crowds but usually warm enough to swim in the sea, and not too hot that you can't enjoy othe activities such as walking. The locals will be thrilled to see you too!

A villa is a perfect choice for an informal holiday with family or friends. From my own experience I would recommend CV Travel who have a fantastic selection in Corfu on the lovely north-east coast, and also in Cephalonia, which is one of my favourite islands. If you want somewhere quieter, you could try Paxos, which is a short hydrofoil from Corfu. It's a wonderful and unspoilt island with what I think is my favourite beach in the world in Anti-Paxos where the aquamarine of the water is breathtaking..

Brie

What's the best website to buy flights? Direct from the airline website or through a third party? They have quite good rates on Sky Scanner, but I've always been worried if I had to cancel, whether it would make things complicated by going through a third party.

Hi Brie

I really like Sky Scanner as a comparison site - it saves a lot of time trawling through the different sites by bringing all the information together in one place. Sometimes I have then checked the airline's own website in case it is cheaper, but it is not. You don't need to worry about cancelling as once Skyscanner links you through to the actual airline in order to book, you will then be bound by the airline's terms and conditions (always check these regarding cancellation policy before you buy as they do vary).

TerriS

This May our 1st GC is due to be born in New Zealand and we shall be travelling there from Dubai, where we're residents (although British Citizens). Are we covered under the reciprocal arrangements with NZ for British Citizens, or do we need additional insurance? Also does it matter how long we stay there or are there restrictions on this? (I'm staying for 6 weeks, OH for 2)

Hi TerriS
I've checked this out and it does look like you will need insurance. Although you are British Citizens, you are not residents and so the agreement does not apply as it says "must be ordinarily resident in the UK". More information can be found on NZ government site www.health.govt.nz

closetgran

I would love to go on safari (I have a big birthday coming up next year) but I am not on a five star budget. are there ways of visiting Africa and seeing animals a bit more cheaply?

Hi Closetgran

A safari is a wonderful and truly once in a lifetime (for most people!) holiday, and worth researching very carefully to make the most of your experience. Typically people like to combine a safari of say 4-5 nights with an equivalent time on the beach or perhaps touring elsewhere. It is an expensive holiday, but companies such as Kuoni offer good value along with the reassurance of being in safe hands. For a tailormade quote, also try Rainbow Tours whose team of specialists are really knowledgeable and will go the extra mile to get the right holiday for you.

Also consider innoculations and ensure that you have planned these (including the cost) in advance.