YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
How can I fill time between trips in South America?
Q A friend and I have booked a 10-night Antarctic cruise for next February, leaving from Ushuaia, in Argentina. We're also considering a five-day walking trip in Patagonia, but the dates don't dovetail - there is a six-night gap. Given that both of these are at the bottom end of South America, do you have a suggestion for an interesting destination for the period in between? We are open to ideas that cover either chill-out or activities.
Máiréad, Dublin
Fortunately, my colleague Rosita Boland has just returned from a six-month trip exploring South America and Antarctica. She says: "You could fly to El Calafete, in southern Patagonia (or take the overnight bus from Ushuaia). This is the base for the stunning Perito Moreno glacier, five kilometers wide and 30km long and one of the few glaciers that is still advancing. Ice-walk on it or view it from boardwalks of varying heights as it calves house-sized chunks of ice daily. Unmissable - even if you are going to Antarctica. El Chalten is only a three-hour bus ride from El Calafete and is a base for world-class trekking. There are several short day treks you can go on from here, as well as longer classic routes. This area of Patagonia is gorgeous, windswept and wild. If flying, book your flights from Ushuaia well in advance, as they are in heavy demand at this time of the year."
Q My boyfriend and I are travelling to Indonesia in September, and as part of our trip we hope to cycle. We have been informed that the easiest place to cycle is Bali. We have come across some package tours, but they are proving quite expensive - $770 (550) for six nights, excluding bike hire and evening meals. We are considering biking around Bali for a week ourselves. Do traffic and road quality make this possible, and can you suggest any websites or books that might help us obtain more information?
Nicola, Co Dublin
Sligoman John O'Sullivan has been living in Bali for some years. When I asked him about your trip he said that, although Bali is popular for biking, he does not recommend biking on your own for safety reasons. Two recommended websites are www.bali-trailblazers.com and www.bali-adventures.com.
Both of these companies do a variety of cycle trips, either day trips or overnights. You could, of course, wait until you get to Bali and check out local cycle-hire shops. You may find that prices will be lower than if you book in advance.
Q After getting a Morrison visa, in the early 1990s, I lived in New York for about 13 years. Last October I had to come back to Ireland to take care of an ailing family member. I have been back for about seven months and will have to remain for a while longer. I want to take a weekend trip back to New York in early June, but I am afraid that I will be turned away or that my green card will be revoked. I never applied for citizenship when I lived there. My green card expires on September 16th, 2015. Am I going to be able to travel, and can my green card be taken from me? Also, is there any way to keep my card active, and can I apply for citizenship from over here?
MD, Co Kildare
I thought the best place to answer your question would be the US embassy. Its public- affairs officer says: "If they reside outside of the US for more than a year their green card is automatically revoked. Also, they cannot apply for citizenship if they are not actually resident in the US. We cannot determine if his/her green card will be revoked when she returns to New York. The department of homeland security will make that determination when or if he/she returns to the US in June. My best advice is to not put off the return for fear that the card might be revoked, as it will automatically be invalid if he/she is outside of the US for more than a year."
Q My husband and I would like to spend Christmas in Goa, in India. Any idea who to book with, what area to stay in or where we can find good hotels?
M Little, Dún Laoghaire
Two specialist tour operators in Ireland arrange trips to India, and both can advise you on places to stay. You can contact them on www.indiandreams.ie and www.incredibleindia.ie. If you go through the UK, then Direct Holidays (www.direct holidays.co.uk) has flights from Gatwick to Dabolim and packages over Christmas from £733 to £1,432 (from €920 to €1,800) for two weeks. First Choice (www.firstchoice.co.uk) also has packages over Christmas, staying in some more upmarket hotels and resorts. For something really special, the Park Hyatt Resort (www.parkhyatt.com) has been recommended by a friend. Rates in December start at €340 per night.
Go contact E-mail questions, with your name and address, to jscales@irish-times.ie