Our travel expert answers queries on routes and destinations around the world

Nov 8, 2009
By Send your letters to: travelmag@sundaytimes.co.za

QIn Cambodia, how can I get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap other than flying? - Rod Demarey

AThe easiest - and most popular - way to travel between the two is by bus. As the road is paved and safe, it only takes about five or six hours. Several bus companies, guesthouses and travel agencies offer air-conditioned bus transport. It is usually easier to buy a ticket through a travel agency or a guesthouse, as the prices will not differ much. The price depends on the service, from a basic, air-conditioned bus to a deluxe one with entertainment, snacks and on-board toilet. Phnom Penh does not have a centralised bus station. Buses from different companies depart from different stations. Most buses make at least two stops along the way - at Skun and Kampong Thom - for a snack or lunch. Bus tickets range in price from $4 to around $10 for a luxury bus. Many travellers recommend the Mekong Express bus service. You can also use a local shared taxi, which will cost you around $8 per person. You can rent the entire taxi for around $45, which allows you to stop along the route and shop for the very cheap goods sold along the road. If you can convince fellow travellers to join you, you can get the price down. The taxis depart from the southwest corner of the Central Market in Phnom Penh. You can also go by ferry on the Tonlé Sap river and lake. Although it can be very uncomfortable and costs around $35 per ticket, some tourists find the idea appealing.

QWe are cyclists and have heard of packages to the Tour de France, where you move with the tour and stay in the same hotels. Can you tell us more? - De Wet Bender

AOne company that offers tours to the Tour de France is Bikestyle Tours, which is listed as an official operator for the event. This Australian-based company has a number of packages to cycle and view the tour. The top packages include crossing the finish line with podium photos, and access to the VIP area, start village and riders' enclosure. The packages include all accommodation, guides and support staff. You can e-mail the company at tours@bikestyletours.com or visit www.bikestyletours.com. Other websites to try are www.customgetaways.com and www.sportingtours.co.uk. The final route of the 2010 tour was only announced on October 14, so details of the packages are still being finalised by many of the companies involved.

QMy 21st birthday present to my son is a promised visit to Liverpool and a game at Anfield. Is there a travel agent that deals with this? Flights and accommodation shouldn't be a problem but game tickets could be challenging. - Janine McCoy

AThere are a number of South African companies that specialise in packages to major international sporting events. SA Sports Packages (011-462-2864) claim they can organise tickets for any Premiership or Cup fixture at Anfield. They can also help with flights, hotels and transfers. Even if you book your own flight, they can secure you an on-day package to see Liverpool in action. For details, check out the www.sasportspackages.co.za website. While in Liverpool, you can take a tour of Anfield Stadium and the Liverpool Museum. This tour includes visits to the dressing rooms, VIP areas of the stand and a chance to stand on the pitch. Book in advance through www.liverpoolfc.co.uk. If you arrive in Liverpool without match tickets, you can get them by booking one of the many hospitality packages on offer from travel agents in the city. Although the total cost is more than the ticket value, they usually include transport to the stadium, pre- or post-match functions and accommodation. As a last resort, you can try the concierge at your hotel - they are experts at securing football tickets for a generous tip!

QI will be in Sydney in January for four days. Can you recommend a room close to amenities for up to R1000 per day? - Viren Rambiritch

AYou should be able to find a nice room by using a discount booking website. I tried two - www.wotif.com and www.asiarooms.com. One of the best deals from Wotif was a room for $131 (about R1000) at the four-star Menzies Hotel, within walking distance of the Rocks district and the harbour ferries. Other good deals were at the Hotel Ibis World Square at $74 (R570) and the Macquarie Boutique Hotel for $90 (R695) per night. Great offers from Asiarooms included the fabulously-located Ibis Darling Harbour Hotel for $115 (R890) a night, the four-star Mercure Sydney for $101 (R780) per night and the Metro Sydney Central Hotel for $108 (R830). To get the discounted rates, it is important that you make your reservation as early as possible.