Ask Lonely Planet: European cities at London's doorstep

Many European highlights, such as The Vatican, are a quick trip from London. Photo / Jim Eagles

My husband and I are travelling to London in March next year for a month for our long-awaited honeymoon. This would be our last big trip before we settle down and have kids. I am wanting also to travel to either New York or Los Angeles or Las Vegas. What is the best way to get cheap flights/packages from London to the various cities stated (emphasis on cheap, since we would probably have to pay it in pounds)?
Krystall Abel

Lonely Planet's London-based travel editor Tom Hall writes: I'd always caution against packing too much into a trip, and there's an enormous amount to see in Europe, so I'd urge you to consider a side trip to Paris, Amsterdam, Venice or Rome rather than stopping off in the United States.

The great European cities are closer and cheaper to get to from London. Skyscanner will show you the cheapest flights and best times to fly on budget airlines all over Europe. You'll see some very cheap fares quoted - these are bona fide, but watch out for the hidden costs. Try to travel hand luggage only and always check in online. You can take the train from London to Paris and Brussels, too, then connect across the continent. See www.seat61.com for details - I'd strongly recommend it.

If you've got your heart set on America, London is an excellent place to travel from. But make it New York, which is only six hours' flying time from London. Heathrow to JFK is arguably the most competitive air route in the world and fares have tumbled over the past few years. Direct flights will cost around $760.

Finding a decent hotel room for under $300 a night is the challenge in New York. I've enjoyed staying at the Gershwin - their Le Standard rooms are great value starting at $240.

You can also get good value by tying in a hotel with your flight - British Airways Holidays and Virgin Holidays are two to try. You'll see branches of Trailfinders in various London locations. Pop in and get a quote from them, too.

And finally, your comment about having kids. Since when did starting a family mean travelling has to stop? The adventure is only just beginning when you have terrors in tow.

Overland in Africa
We are off to Africa next year and doing several safaris, ending after a busy three months, in Dar-es-Salaam. We are wondering what is the best way of getting back to Jo'burg? Overland down the coast through Mozambique, via bus, train to Lusaka and thence to Jo'burg? We are also considering taking a rental car when we arrive, from Johannesburg and on to Durban and Cape Town, but all companies seem to have a one-way hire fee. Is there anything special we should see en route? Addo Elephant Park?
Alison Woodcock

It sounds like you'll be covering a lot of territory in your three-month trip - perhaps too much? The distances between the parks you mention are vast, although the itinerary definitely hits some of the continent's highlights.

If you still have time left, and an adventurous bent, I'd recommend the Mozambique route as the best option among the various Dar-Johannesburg overland possibilities, in part as it would contrast culturally and topographically with some of the other countries you'll be visiting. However, I'd recommend budgeting at least two to three weeks to allow time to visit Mozambique Island and several beaches along the way.

The route would be from Dar es Salaam to Mtwara (there's a daily bus), then over the border at the Rovuma - a rough crossing and not for the faint-hearted. Then, it's on to Pemba (Mozambique), Nampula (with a detour to Mozambique Island), Quelimane, Beira, Vilankulo and Maputo, from where there are daily buses to Johannesburg. Alternatively, you could travel from Maputo into Swaziland, and from there, continue with Baz Bus. Baz Bus would also be an alternative solution to your Johannesburg-Durban-Cape Town car rental dilemma.

A variation on the Mozambique route would be to travel in Tanzania from Dar es Salaam through the lovely southern highlands area to Mbeya via bus or train, then continue into Malawi, and from there into Mozambique.

If time gets tight, there are several spots along the route where you can hop on a direct flight to Johannesburg. These include Pemba, Beira, Vilankulo and Maputo, all with frequent connections to Johannesburg.

In South Africa, whether you travel via rental car - it will be difficult to avoid paying a one-way drop fee - or a service such as Baz Bus, possible stops along your route include Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, the Drakensberg, Addo Elephant Park, hiking in some of the other coastal parks, whale-watching near Hermanus (depending on when you're travelling), and the De Hoop Nature Reserve, before finishing up in Cape Town.