Our travel adviser tackles your destination dilemmas, visa puzzles and itinerary ideas

MY TWO PASSPORTSI intend travelling to England to visit friends and family at Christmas. I have dual citizenship, a South African passport and a British one as I was born there, and I have been in South Africa since 1953. I am 75 years young.Can I leave South Africa on my SA passport and enter Britain on the British one? Then the same on the way back. I have heard so many stories I do not know what to do. Both passports are up to date. - Pat WilmotYes, you can leave South Africa on your SA passport and enter Britain on the British one (and vice-versa). Note that the airline check-in clerk in South Africa will need to see your British passport to verify that you do not require a visa to enter Britain, or any Schengen country you might be going to.story_article_left1LOST ON LONDONI am going to London from September 4-9 2016 and am looking for a hotel. I have been looking at bookings.com but I do not know the areas so I would really love some help. - Dawn WallenkampTry for a hotel in a central area of London even if you could pay a bit less further out. You are only there for a few days and don't want to waste time commuting.I recommend the Bloomsbury area around the Holborn and Russell Square Tube stations. It is close enough to many attractions for you to walk, or catch a bus or the Underground. These include the British Museum, the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery on Trafalgar Square, the theatres of the West End, and many shops and restaurants: even Oxford Street is close.There are many smaller hotels in the area, and even the bigger Russell Square Hotel is very popular with tourists. You should find something within your price range.CRUISING WITHOUT PAPERSMy wife and I had planned an Alaskan cruise, followed by a tour of the Canadian Rockies. However, looking at the Canadian visa requirements, I lost the will to live. Can one do an Alaskan cruise from Seattle and just not disembark at any of the Canadian ports or is a transit visa still required? - Neville VenterImagine Cruising says the cruise lines would advise that you do need the Canadian visa. If, for example, a passenger were to have a medical issue for which it would be necessary to go ashore while in a Canadian port, it could be difficult if he or she had no visa. It is frustrating that visas can be troublesome and expensive to get, but in this case it is worth persevering.Skipping all shore excursions would significantly reduce the pleasure you get from the cruise. Going on an Alaskan cruise, for example, is a great way to also tick the Canadian Rockies off your bucket list.full_story_image_hleft1RIDICULOUS REQUIREMENTSI am a well travelled, reasonably fit, 75-year-old widow. I was thinking about visiting Australia in October only to be told that to apply for a visa, I now have to undergo an extensive and costly medical examination in Rosebank.I refuse to be subjected to this humiliating procedure, which I feel cannot be justified. Surely proof of adequate medical insurance cover should suffice?I have decided instead that I will travel to beautiful New Zealand, where no visa is required. - Noreen EastonYes, medical insurance is often the biggest problem for older people when travelling but you are clearly covered there.Unfortunately, different countries do have different rules concerning health, inoculation, financial status and visas.As you illustrate, this sometimes forces people to choose countries where entry is easier and they feel more welcome.• Do you have a query for our travel expert? Send your question through to travelmag@sundaytimes.co.za..