Peter's Post: Tracks through the outback

Our travel expert answers queries on routes and destinations around the world

We are planning to fly to Perth in April 2012 and then take the scenic train journey to Sydney. If this service is still available, how much does it cost and how can we book? - Alistair King

Known as the Indian Pacific after the two oceans it joins, this is one of the world's great train journeys. Covering 4352km, it takes three days and nights to reach Sydney. As you cross from the west to the east coast, you will pass through some of Australia's most beautiful and unspoilt landscapes, from the majestic Blue Mountains to the grand wilderness of the Nullarbor. The service runs both ways and there are a number of opportunities to leave the train. Fares for the journey go up in April 2012 to Aus$2160 (R17500) for gold class and Aus$1498 (R12000) for a standard sleeper compartment. Visit www.greatsouthernrail.com.au. You will find the compartments very comfortable, with the gold service offering greater luxuries such as private bathrooms. The gold fare includes meals and coffee.

TWO NIGHTS IN BANGKOK

My niece is getting married in Koh Samui next year and we need the cheapest flights or packages to Bangkok. We would like to spend two nights there before going to Samui. Where should we stay and what is the best way to get from Bangkok to Samui? - Gwyneth Plummer

Your best option is to buy a package that includes two or three nights' accommodation in the city. To find packages, check the advertisements in this publication or try www.seekers.co.za or www.thompsons.co.za.

For flights without accommodation, your best bet may be via the Middle East on Emirates, Etihad or Qatar Airways. Have a look at www.flightcentre.co.za. If you need to book your hotels separately, check out www.bookings.com, www.asiarooms.com and www.bangkok.com.

The best areas to stay in are the Sukhumvit Road and Siam Square shopping areas, the Silom/Sathorn entertainment district and along the riverfront. Both Bangkok Airways and Thai International fly directly from Bangkok to Koh Samui, but the flights are not cheap. You can save money by flying from Bangkok to Surat Thani on Nok Air (or Thai International) and then taking the ferry across the bay to Samui.

ROMAN HOLIDAY

I will be in Rome in December and have one day to see the Vatican. Is it possible to see the most important sites in a day on my own or is there a tour I could join? - Nathan Rensburg

It is possible to get to all the sites, but it would be easier to join a tour. For one, they will arrange your visit in advance and you won't have to queue for tickets. The website www.viator.com has a à90 (R986) walking tour that takes eight hours. It takes you to The Sistine Chapel, Gallery of Maps, Raphael's Rooms, St Peter's Basilica and the most important basilicas of the Vatican. Limited to 25 people, this is the only Vatican City tour that incorporates all of the basilicas along with the Vatican museums in one day.