Traveller letters: Hell is applying for a visa for Russia

Lale from SRM organised wonderful guides, boutique hotels and a great driver to take us down the coast from Istanbul to Bodrum.

David Bennett, Terrey Hills, NSW

PLANE FRUSTRATED

I totally agree with Cristina Corleto (Traveller letters, July 2-3) regarding the rudeness of people around airport baggage carousels. If everyone stood back a metre or so everyone could see and be able to retrieve their cases easily but unfortunately it is the same with many other things to do with flying nowadays.

The people having to rearrange their luggage at the check-in counter while everyone else waits; the person who puts their (usually oversize) bags in the locker above another person's seat because it is easier for them; the person who insists on reclining their seat straight after take-off; the person who is totally inappropriately dressed to spend several hours in close proximity of other passengers.

Peter Moore, Forbes, NSW

MEAL CRIMES

Your cover story "Flying higher" (Traveller, July 2-3) reminded me of our experiences with our recent trip to Europe where we flew three different airlines (all Star Alliance members). It was our first time flying business class and we eagerly perused the menu selections offered by each airline.

Unfortunately due to dietary restrictions (I am a coeliac and my partner is fructose intolerant) we were unable to preorder any of the meals offered, instead ordering a gluten and fructose free meal.

Imagine our disappointment to be provided with chicken and steamed vegetable, even for breakfast, for each of the five sectors on the outbound trip. These were exactly the same as provided in economy class that we have received in the past. It was a very similar on our inbound journey, except for the omission of even the chicken.

Desserts were, as always, fruit – not even a chocolate. Whilst we are thankful that airlines do provide special meals, the food provided to us certainly did not live up to our expectations of business class.

Beverley Wetherall, Langwarrin South, VIC

BORDER INSECURITY

It was interesting to see the make-up of letters to Traveller (Traveller, June 25-26). Four from Victoria and two from Queensland, which begs the question – do people from NSW not travel or maybe they do not write to newspapers?

Michael Afaras, Henley, NSW

EDITOR'S NOTE Traveller is published each weekend in both The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald and our website, traveller.com.au, by nature of the net, knows no boundaries. We endeavour to publish a wide range of postcodes on these pages, as evidenced by this week's selection.

UNDER PRESSURE

No, Craig Platt (Traveller, July 2-3), the Boeing 787 Dreamliner does not prevent jet lag because it operates at a lower pressure and with more humid air If it operates "closer to the normal air at ground level" it is at higher pressure than normal aircraft.

You seem to have succumbed to the marketing hype from Boeing and the airlines who are intent on talking about lower altitude air pressure in the aircraft.

Paul Moritz, Warrandyte, VIC

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has now been corrected.

JAPANESE STORY

Back from a fantastic month exploring the length of Japan by train. The complex journeys were made easy as our small group was escorted by Owen Johnston-Donnet and his Japanese wife Takako of St James Rail. With stays at traditional Japanese onsens and remote villages immersing our experiences with local people and regional communities.

The tour organiser and guide have been doing rail-orientated holidays for 30 years, most travellers coming via word of mouth or return visits.

Trevor Dallen, Oyster Bay, NSW

THAT'S THE SPIRIT

My husband and I have travelled extensively on trains overseas in past years but recently took the Spirit of the Outback from Brisbane to Longreach.

The Stockman's Hall of Fame has always been on my "bucket list". It's a 25-hour trip but what an experience. Excellent selection of wines and food menus, very efficient staff who converted our seats to sleeping configuration while we were at dinner, reversed in the morning while we were enjoying a hearty breakfast.

Wonderful scenery ranging from the tropical, Great Divide then onto the wide open plains. Stopping at Barcaldine and Emerald with time for photography. You had the choice of sitting in your cabin or joining other travellers in the Shearers Rest Lounge.

Nan Brandt, Albury, NSW