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

TAO HOW-TO

We are looking to visit a Thai island in June. Koh Tao has been recommended as one of the less-developed destinations. Could you give us information on getting there from Bangkok and any other tips? - Simon Green

The cheapest way to get there from Bangkok is by bus/ferry. Go by bus to Chumphon (seven-eight hours) and then take a ferry to the island (around two hours). However, it would be quicker to fly to Koh Samui (90 minutes) and then take a ferry to Koh Tao (two hours). If you can't get a reasonably priced ticket to Samui, you can fly by one of the budget carriers to Surat Thani on the mainland and then take a ferry to Koh Tao (around four hours). June and July are great times to visit, as you should not experience any rain. The island is best known for its excellent scuba diving and snorkelling and boasts excellent beaches. It is regarded as undeveloped, but there are probably around 200 resorts on the island, some consisting of only a few small huts. However, the number of luxury resorts is increasing and it is no longer dominated by backpackers. You'll probably end up in Sairee, a popular beach resort on the west coast, with an excellent beach. You can find the best prices for resorts on sites such as www.sawadee.com and www.kohtaohotels.net.

CSI: NEW YORK

We are a family of four, with older children, who will be visiting New York in August for my birthday. We are looking for good self-catering accommodation near all the action. We have heard that vacation rentals are illegal in NY. What can you recommend? - Claire Marketos

It is true that short-term vacation rentals of apartments in New York City are illegal. This law came into effect in May 2011 and bans the renting of apartments for less than 30 days. Of course, in reality, thousands of apartments are still rented out every day and there are plenty of websites advertising apartments by the week. Short-term rentals remain very popular because they represent great value for money. Those who do not take this legislation seriously point out that it is not seriously enforced and is similar to the ruling that bans dancing in most city nightspots. While there is little chance of any legal action, you have less legal recourse if you have problems with your landlord. And there are plenty of scam artists operating in this arena. They take deposits on non-existent apartments, or take payments from multiple tenants and then disappear. So, be warned that there are plenty of pitfalls in short-term rentals.

If you take the plunge, you can find some great offers. You should be able to find a nice self-catering apartment in Manhattan for around $100 per day. Some of the best sites to try are www.feelnyc.com, www.vacation.new-york-apartment.com, www.airbnb.com and the ever-popular www.craigslist.com.

If you prefer to stay in a hotel, you'd be lucky to find a room for two for under $150. Websites to try include www.booking.com, www.expedia.com and www.hotel.com.

RIVER IN THE RAINFOREST

We will be visiting Lima in Peru later this year and would like to do a cruise on the Amazon river. Could you give us details of the companies operating cruises and prices? - Nigel Rennie

The starting point for most of the cruises along the mighty Amazon is Iquitos, the main port city of the river and the largest city in the Peruvian jungle.

The easiest way to get there from Lima is by flying, which takes 90 minutes. One of the companies offering economical river cruises is Dawn on the Amazon. A four-day cruise, which would give you a good opportunity to experience river life, is listed at $756 (about R6000) per person. The cruise takes you deep into the forest and into nature reserves. There are also two-day cruises for as little as $169 (about R1300) per person. You will either sleep on board the boat on foam mattresses or hammocks, or stay in the company's Little Jungle Lodge. Check out the packages on www.dawnontheamazon.com.

One of the most luxurious cruises on this stretch of the Amazon is on the Delfin Riverboat. It offers accommodation for only 14 people in comfortable cabins with private bathrooms. There is also an observation lounge, a library and an air-conditioned dining room. Rates, which include meals and excursions, start from $3000 (about R24000) per person sharing for a three-night cruise. For information, check out www.delfinamazoncruise.com.

Another ship cruising the Amazon is the M/V Aqua, a custom-built craft which holds 24 passengers in luxurious suites with picture windows. A seven-night cruise takes in the Amazon and three powerful tributaries: the Marañón, the Ucayali, and the Puinahua. It also visits several hidden black-water lakes. A seven-night cruise will cost around $5000 per person, which includes all meals, beverages and excursions. For more information, go to www.aquaexpeditions.com.