KEY POINTS:
This year a friend and I want to do some budget travel through Asia. We want to leave late April/early May and be gone for about six weeks. I know that's the hot/rainy season. Could you recommend some places where the weather would be bearable and that are
also relatively safe for two girls to travel? Lucy Dav
Whatever time of the year you visit South-East Asia it will be hot and humid. Although there are regional variations in climate, May to October is the low tourist season. At this time, it's sticky hot and the monsoons bring sudden torrential downpours for an hour or two every day.
Although April and May are very hot in the mainland countries (Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam), this is a good time to visit the Malay peninsula.
Whatever you and your friend want from a trip to South-East Asia, you're sure to find it in Malaysia: beautiful islands, stunning mountains, verdant forests, wildlife and national parks and gorgeous beaches. Plus, don't forget the shopping in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia is well set up for tourists and is a relatively safe place to travel, although you should always exercise common sense and take care with your personal safety, just as you would anywhere in the world.
It would pay to read the travel advisories for Malaysia at www.safetravel.govt.nz and www.smartraveller.gov.au. The latter is advising travellers to reconsider their need to travel to the coastal resorts and islands off the east coast of Sabah.
One of the highlights of a trip to Malaysia is Taman Negara, a mass of primary jungle sprawling across 4343sq km. Here you can spot any number of wild animals but the real attraction is the creaky canopy walk.
The Perhentian Islands are a paradise of white-sand beaches, turquoise-blue water and a jungle-fringed interior that is refreshingly undeveloped.
For a cool change head up to the Cameron Highlands and explore the hill stations, temples, apiaries, rose gardens and lush green tea plantations where you can sample the local brew.
Melaka's colonial history, architecture and food is certainly worth your time, while the attractions of Penang and Langkawi alone would make for a superb holiday.
Freighting fit
Next year, my husband and I intend to purchase an RV in North America and spend a year there. Afterwards, we were thinking about freighting or taking a ferry to Europe to continue our trip. Are there any appropriate ferries from the east coast of North America to Europe? What are the possible difficulties with freighting a campervan from North America to Europe? M Ludenia
There are no ferries as such that cross the Atlantic to Europe - only cruise ships and freighters. It is possible to travel from the US on a freighter/cargo ship, although it's much slower than a cruise ship. Trips range from a week to two months.
Although cargo ships don't have the amenities and comfort standards of cruise ships, they aren't as spartan as they used to be and they can be a cheaper way of making the crossing. For more information go to Cruise & Freighter Travel Association (www.travltips.com) and Freighter World Cruises (www.freighterworld.com). For information on cruises, go to specialised travel agency Cruise Web (www.cruiseweb.com).
As far as getting your vehicle across to Europe, you'll find it much easier and, in the end, cheaper to just sell your RV and buy a new campervan once you're in the UK or on the Continent.
The paperwork is a nightmare, not to mention the freight and duty charges, freight insurance registration and so on. To find out what's involved in exporting from the US and importing into Europe, and for a listing of American shipping agents, go to www.ideamerge.com.
The best place to buy a vehicle in Europe is in the UK: second-hand prices are good and you'll know the language when negotiating a deal.
In Europe and the US, you'll need to carry your proof of ownership papers at all times. Also, get an International Driving Permit. It's compulsory to have third-party motor/liability insurance. In Europe, get your insurer to issue a Green Card, an internationally recognised proof of insurance.
In the US, it is difficult for foreigners to obtain liability insurance without a US driver's licence. Insurers like proof of a good driving history, so bring your insurance documents from home.
For help with paperwork in the US, contact Auto Tours USA (www.autotoursusa.com) and Adventures on Wheels (www.adventuresonwheels.com), which also has a buy-back programme.
