Q&A: Ask an expert

Dubrovnik Croatia. Photo / Thinkstock

Q: We got married five years ago and, instead of a honeymoon, dumped money on the mortgage. The house has gone well and now we've pulled together enough cash for a honeymoon and we both like the idea of Europe - but not the big cliches like Paris or Rome. Where should we go?

A: Great financial discipline! Good on you. In my book, a honeymoon equals relaxation. To avoid rushing around too much I suggest concentrating on say Italy and Greece, with a cruise in the Greek Islands being the most relaxing part of your trip.

Many airlines now have Milan as a destination. Arriving here, time could be spent around the Northern lakes of Maggiore and Garda with a trip to Verona (home of Romeo and Juliet) and Venice for a romantic gondola tour on the canals.

From Italy it is only a short flight to Athens and the beautiful Greek Islands. The best way to see and explore this area, while relaxing at the same time, is on a cruise. There are many options from 4-8 days and all will include Mykonos and Santorini. Other popular islands visited are Rhodes, Crete, Milos, Ios and Patmos. Athens is an airline departure point that would fit well with this itinerary.

Happy belated honeymoon!
Gerald Patterson, helloworld Howick

Q: I'm thinking about taking my mum on a three-week grand tour of Europe. She's never travelled before and she wants to feel like she's being "adventurous", but I think I still need to tick the classic boxes. What's the best option?

A: Travelling with your mother is an experience that will bring you closer together and that you will cherish for a lifetime. Having experienced this myself with my mother, we still laugh at the adventures we had in Europe. My suggestion would be to start in the UK, perhaps London, as this has such significance to many New Zealanders as part of our heritage. Spend a few days there exploring, go to free Museums and Art galleries, then take in a show, visit Stonehenge and Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Following that you can take the 2h 15m Eurostar from London directly to Paris.
My mother loves Paris as she spoke French in her schoolgirl years - you could spend weeks here, taking in the way of the French and their joie de vivre. Sacre Coeur, a hop-on, hop-off two-day bus tour and a trip up the Eiffel Tower should be on your "to-do" list. Also, a tour to the Palace of Versailles and the Gardens of Giverny - just beautiful.
Bid au revoir to France and take a quick flight to Rome or maybe go by train.

In Rome, I recommend you stay at least five nights to live as the Romans do and truly experience this major city. We based ourselves in the Quattro Fontaine area and walked absolutely everywhere. Our accommodation was only two blocks from the main train station (Termini), the Trevi Fountain and the fabulous restaurants and cafes surrounding it, the Spanish Steps and the Piazza Navona. Get there early for the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica, tour the Colosseum and have your picture taken with a gladiator.

Head up to Venice, where my mother and I got lost in the alleyways and canals and ended up in the most fantastic trattoria where the staff only spoke Italian and the guests only spoke basic Italian, so the evening was entertaining as well as delicious. From Venice, board a cruise ship and discover the beauty of the Adriatic Sea as well as the Greek Islands and Athens.

Enjoy.

Jen Talbot, helloworld Mt Maunganui

Q: I lived in London in the 80s and travelled extensively at the time. My wife has never been. I'd like to show her the regions I loved but, frankly, I need (and can afford) a little more comfort these days.

A: You may not have considered this option, but one of the best ways to fully experience Europe is by a river cruise. The ease of travelling from place to place without having to pack and unpack constantly does wonders for the mood of your holiday. Having personally travelled this way I can thoroughly recommend it.

Firstly, almost everything is included from your meals (and might I just add: delicious) to tipping, shore excursions and even the drinks on board ... all making this kind of holiday in Europe excellent value. Value aside though, travelling the ancient rivers of Europe at a leisurely pace is truly wonderful, with constant fairy tale views everywhere you look.

Stepping ashore in towns like Durnstein on the Danube, meandering through the winding ancient paved streets and soaking up the atmosphere is a blissful experience. Some river cruise lines even have bicycles on board so you can cycle ahead ... or behind the ship (depending on your fitness or pastry detours along the way). The most popular river cruise route is Amsterdam to Budapest, taking 15 days, but as Europe is criss-crossed by rivers you are spoilt for choice.

Jo Drum, helloworld Mt Eden

Q: We're saving for a big holiday, but can't agree on our plan. My husband wants "culture", I need a bit of island time. Somewhere in Europe will do for him, but how does that suit my need for a cocktail in the sun?

A: That is fantastic news to hear you are looking at travelling to Europe. Have you ever thought about Croatia? Dubrovnik is full of culture, sun and amazing outer islands to explore.

Dubrovnik is a beautiful walled, ancient city located above the stunningly blue Adriatic Sea. The one thing I loved about the city is its laid-back way of life - it's the kind of holiday you never want to end. Every photograph you take will look amazing.

While you're in Dubrovnik you have to walk around the city walls. These walls stretch completely around Dubrovnik's Old Town with amazing views.

From there, you can take a sailing day trip around the nearby islands or you can take the ferry across to one of the surrounding islands. While I was there I visited Korcula Island, it is home of Marco Polo. Maybe stay a couple of nights here and just relax and enjoy the sun and beaches.

There are numerous gorgeous hidden bays and enclosed beaches dotted all around the Korcula coastline. Hire a scooter and discover your own piece of paradise. This will give your time in the sun to relax and maybe sip those cocktails!

Jessika Noyce, helloworld Botany Town