Peter's Post: Caveman returns

I'd like to stay overnight in a cave in the Drakensberg region. How would I find out about this and would I need to book or make special arrangements? - Greg Laubscher

The Drakensberg is blessed with many caves where you can spend a night or two. You are not allowed to stay in those with San rock paintings but that still leaves dozens of overhangs and caverns where you can unroll your sleeping bag for a unique experience. Among the best known are Marble Baths Cave, Sherman's Cave, Spare Rib Cave, Nutcracker Cave and Sleeping Beauty Cave.

Check out a full listing in the resources section of mountainbackpackers.co.za. There you will find a description of each cave and telephone numbers for booking.

Ferry-weather friend

Can I take a ferry from Vienna to Budapest in January? How many hours does it take? - Rod Harper

There is a hydrofoil service operating between Vienna and Budapest, but it closes down during the icy winter months. The service runs from April to the end of September and the 300km journey takes around six hours. Fares start at à99 (R1340) one-way and à125 (R1693) return. Get details at http://mahartpassnave.hu.

You can travel between the two destinations by air and bus but many travellers recommend the Railjet train service which takes two-and-a-half hours and passes through large sections of flat, open farmland before crossing the Danube. On raileurope.co.za, I was quoted R490 for a one-way ticket in January and R768 in first class. You can book a seat for an additional R40-R50 per person, but this is not compulsory.

Hogmanay heaven

We would like to attend the traditional New Year's Eve party, Hogmanay, in Edinburgh this year. What events should we attend? Is it necessary to buy tickets or book in advance? - Faith Andrews

Hogmanay attracts over 80000 revellers to its street party on December 31. The actual festival stretches over three days, starting with a torch-light procession through the city centre on December 30. This is followed by the big street party on New Year's Eve, with fireworks displays every hour from 9pm and 12 giant screens showing the countdown.

There are also a number of events on the sidelines of the street party, including a very popular Concert in the Gardens, which will be headlined this year by the Pet Shop Boys. Other events include a festival of traditional Scottish music, the Keilidh, and a candle-lit concert at St Giles' Cathedral. Ticketholders to the Concert in the Gardens and the Keilidh also get free access to the street party. However, there is no entry to the street party after 11pm and you may not leave and re-enter later. If you are up to it, on the morning of January 1 you can join the annual Loony Dook - a dip in the icy waters of the Firth of Forth at Queensferry.

It is definitely advisable to book for the street party and all festival concerts. Tickets plus booking fees cost £20 (R320) for the street party, £40 and £45 for the Concert in the Gardens, £37 for the Keilidh and £16 for the candle-lit concert.

After the street party, a free bus service is provided from the city centre to various parts of the city until 4am.

Buy tickets and get further details at edinburghshogmanay.com. For accommodation and packages, see edinburgh.org and destinationedinburgh.uk.com.

Cool in Greece

During a visit to Greece in January, I would like to visit one or two of the islands. I don't mind the winter weather, but do any of the islands close down? - Samantha Wright

Winter is not the perfect time to visit the Greek islands. However, they do not close down completely and basic services are available. You may find some of the big hotels closed, but most of the smaller hotels and guesthouses remain open. And you will definitely be able to score some good discounts. Some tourist restaurants and bars will be shut but those that remain open will be mostly catering to locals with authentic fare at good prices. Islands you should consider are Aegina, Poros, Spetses, Angistri and Hydra, which are all close to Athens and attract a fair share of winter customers.

However, if you want to see the famous islands such as Mykonos and Santorini at a fraction of the summer prices, go ahead. There will be ferries, accommodation and other intrepid travellers. But remember to pack some warm clothing.