Go Advice:YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED: Could my sailing trip fall foul of the global recession?
Q We are considering chartering a yacht and joining a flotilla sailing holiday in Greece this summer. However, we have heard that some of these companies are experiencing financial difficulty. Is there any recourse for us if we book a holiday and the company goes bust?
BE, Dublin
Many people are worried about the stability of the companies they book holidays with, and you are right to consider this in light of the current recession affecting the world. The safest way for you to book this or any type of a holiday is through a licensed and bonded tour operator or travel agent.
There is a company that does flotilla holidays in Greece and it has been around for many years - Sunsail, part of the giant TUI Leisure Group. The agent in Ireland for Sunsail is also a reputable travel agent - Sunway. You can contact Sunway on www.sunway.ie and 01-2886828.
Q I want to bring my new wife to Paris as a surprise for her 30th birthday in May and would greatly appreciate some ideas of places to stay and a restaurant for dinner. Please don't print my initials as she reads Go every week.
Paris in spring will be lovely and perfect for a romantic break. The most romantic place I have come across in Paris lately is an apartment in Montmartre. It is in an Art Nouveau building and decorated in a lavish French style, perfect for candlelit suppers and champagne in bed. It costs €450 for three nights. You can see details on www.swell-apartments.co.uk.
When it comes to hotels, there are literally hundreds to choose from in Paris. The Hotel Ambassador is a classic Parisian hotel on the Boulevard Haussmann, close to Galeries Lafayette for great shopping and also close to many of the sights of the city. Rates in May will be around €208 per night.
The restaurant Chez Julien at 1 rue du Pont Louis-Philippe in the fourth arondissement is a little gem of Paris chicness. It is a traditional restaurant with lovely rich décor and great service.
Q My mum, two sisters, seven-month-old nephew and I are contemplating a winter/spring sun break in February/March, and we really want sun. We are interested in renting an apartment and do not want a long-haul flight. Where would you suggest as a destination?
MC, Dublin
The closest destination for sun in February and March, and a four-hour flight, is the Canary Islands, where the temperature is a comfortable 20-25 degrees.
There are direct flights from Dublin with Aer Lingus to Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Ryanair flies to Tenerife. Prices are good at that time of the year, especially if you travel midweek.
You can rent apartments through any of these websites: www.holiday-rentals.com, www.holidaylets.net, www.ownersdirect.co.uk.
All the main tour operators have holidays to the Canary Islands and prices are about €400-€700 per person. You can book an inclusive holiday with flights and apartment; Sunworld usually has a good selection of two-bedroom apartments available, www.sunworld.ie.
Q I am visiting a friend living in Paris and want to take my dog with me - what ferry company or airline can I use from Ireland? The dog is chipped and I will be applying for a pet passport.
GM, Donegal
Pets are welcome with Stena Line and Irish Ferries and all ferries have kennels. You need to check with the reservations staff in advance and there will be some paperwork to complete before travel. www.stenaline.ie 01-2047777, www.irishferries.com, 0818-400300. If you intend travelling by rail, you will need to check in advance if dogs are allowed. Most train services do allow dogs, but you cannot bring a dog on the Eurostar tunnel service to France.
None of the three airline carriers that operate on the Paris route - Aer Lingus, Air France and Ryanair - allows pets. See up-to-date information on travelling with pets on www.pettravel.com.
• E-mail questions, with your name and address, to jscales@irishtimes.com