Ask Lonely Planet: Bask in the Basque sun ...

Basque food, San Sebastian, Spain. Photo / Supplied

My partner and I are planning a European holiday and have settled on San Sebastian, northern Spain, as our main destination. We will be departing from London and have nine days to play with. Can you suggest the best use of our time? Is the train journey from Paris to nearby Irun a nice one? Or are we better to fly into Biarritz in France and make our way down from there? How many days do you suggest we have in San Sebastian to do it justice?
- Nikki

Shawn Low, Lonely Planet's Asia-Pacific travel editor, writes:

The train is a good way to get from London down through France and into Spain. In fact, it's even more convenient because San Sebastian's Renfe train station is on the Paris-Madrid line. Nine days gives you more than enough time to make it with some stops along the way. So a rough itinerary would take you from London to Paris on the Eurostar. If you really wanted to, consider going all the way to Madrid for a few days before heading back up to San Sebastian.

San Sebastian is the sort of place you want to stay in as long as possible. The gorgeous city beaches, Playa de la concha and Playa de Ondarreta, are popular but get to Playa de la Zurriola too. You can take a boat to the Isla de Santa Clara, an island in the middle of the bay. Museo Chillida Leku is the best museum and, for food, get to Parte Vieja (Old Quarter), where there's plenty of tapas bars. And try to get to Bilbao to visit the Guggenheim museum.

Good helping of KL

I am planning a trip to Malaysia and will be in Kuala Lumpur for two days. What is the cheapest and most convenient way to travel from the airport to the city? What are the main attractions and sightseeing options?
- Ajaz Sikora

Shawn Low, Lonely Planet's Asia-Pacific travel editor, writes:

The Kuala Lumpur airport is 75km south of the city. The most convenient way is to get a taxi. Fares are fixed and should cost about RM70. Get your taxi coupon before you exit the arrival halls to avoid aggressive pirate taxis. From the city, fares should cost the same but request that tolls be included in the fare you agree on.

The cheapest option is the airport coach. A return trip is RM25 and you can be dropped off at any central KL hotel. The bus stand is clearly marked outside the terminal.

The best way to explore KL is to walk as the city centre is compact. Wander through Chinatown and Little India and stop at temples, markets and food stalls along the way.

Other top sights include the Petronas Towers & KLCC - the tallest building in KL and, at one point, the world. Only 1640 tickets for the 41st floor Skybridge are issued daily so get there at 8.30am to secure yours.

Food is another big draw and Jln Alor is rife with food stalls and Imbi Market is good for breakfast.

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