KEY POINTS:
We are keen to drive from Vienna to Budapest on down to the Croatian coast then on through Trieste to Punta Sabbioni. The leg to Budapest seems straightforward, but we would appreciate advice on the next leg down to Dubrovnik. What are the distances and which is the best route to take? Via Ljubljana or Zagreb or through Serbia and Montenegro? We would also appreciate any stopover suggestions. Dick Gwatkin
Firstly you need to establish whether you can hire a car in Vienna and take it over the border.
Many car hire contracts in Austria do not allow this and if they do, then it is unlikely they will permit you to take the car to certain countries in Eastern Europe.
It may be different if you hire a car in Budapest, but then there may be problems dropping off in another country. So contact the major car hirers before you get too involved in planning your road trip.
From Budapest, you should travel via Pecs (pronounced "paich") in southern Hungary. This is where the Turks left their greatest monuments from 150 years of occupation. These, together with imposing churches, a lovely synagogue and many museums, make Pecs one of the country's most interesting cities.
The most direct route to Dubrovnik from here would be over the border into Croatia, then into Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This route will take you via Sarajevo where you'll see churches, synagogues and mosques - a true indication of the cultural history of the city. Spend some time getting to know the cobbled streets and craft shops of the old Turkish Quarter.
A little further south, and a lovely drive later, you'll come to the beautiful and ancient town of Mostar.
From Dubrovnik, you will then take the coast road all the way to Trieste.
Your Croatian itinerary should include stops at the beautiful Hvar and Korcula islands where medieval towns, dense forests, hidden coves, secluded beaches, vineyards and olive groves await you.
Then there's the lovely Mljet Island, which is great for a spot of hiking or cycling. Car ferries leave from Split and Dubrovnik.
A very rough estimate of distance from Budapest to Dubrovnik is 600km. From there to Trieste it's about 450km.
Game on for wildlife
We are planning to visit India and Sri Lanka for four weeks this year and are most interested in seeing the tigers, cheetahs, and leopards in the game parks, as well as the tourist highlights. What are the best game parks to visit and what is the best time of year to go? It seems that some parks close at different times of the year. Michelle Knaggs
India has 93 national parks and 486 wildlife sanctuaries. A visit to at least one of the country's national parks on your travels is a must. The experience of coming face to face with an elephant, rhino or tiger will stay with you forever.
Many parks close in the off-season. The best time, generally, to visit is in the cooler, drier months of October or November to March.
Almost all parks offer jeep or van tours, guided treks, boat trips or elephant safaris.
Probably the best place to spot a tiger in India is the Kanha National Park (www.kanhanationalpark.com) and Bandhavgarh National Park (www.bandhavgarnationalparl.com) in Eastern Madhya Pradesh.
Sri Lanka has a system of national parks, reserves and protected areas covering 8 per cent of the island, although some parks in the northern and northeastern parts of the country are not protected; they have no onsite rangers and are being exploited by armed poachers and loggers.
Generally the best time to visit the 10 or so major national parks in Sri Lanka is January to March.
The best parks in Sri Lanka for wildlife spotting are the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and Yala National Park (www.srilankaecotourism.com/yala.htm).
Wildlife reserves tend to be off the beaten track and infrastructure can be limited. Book transport and accommodation in advance, and check permit requirements and entry fees before you go.
Lonely Planet's India and Sri Lanka guides include all the major national parks with details of what you're likely to see, the best time to visit, how to get there and get around, where to stay, what guided tours are on offer and everything you need to know about permits and other requirements.
Doing your research first ensures you'll get the most out of your wildlife encounters.
Be sure to read the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade's travel advisories for India and Sri Lanka at www.safetravel.govt.nz. The ministry is advising against tourist and non-essential travel to Sri Lanka.
