Traveller letters: Brazil online visa applications - too hard, so we cancelled our trip

The building, with a history dating from 1858 and now named in his honour, was last renovated about 10 years ago and houses 60 stalls where every kind of produce is displayed with the superb perfection of an art gallery and with as much refinement. You can not only buy to take away but also relax over coffee, chocolates, pastries or cheese; whatever takes your fancy is available and the temptation is irresistible.

Only 100 metres from a good Citadines apartment hotel and a modest walk from the more historic parts of Lyon just across the Rhone, we made daily morning forays to stock up for our evening meal and enjoy the displays and the atmosphere.

Brian Macdonald, Watsonia, VIC

SUCH A WASTE

I would hesitate to promote Flores, Indonesia, as the next "anti-Bali" (Traveller, January 6). Having cycled Flores' length over three weeks in October, 2017, it is an outstanding travel destination with outstanding scenery from volcanic mountains and lakes to world-class diving, coral beach resorts, komodos and divine fresh seafood in abundance. Apart from Labuanbajo, tourist resorts are relatively scarce.

However, I was horrified by the environmental degradation. Litter and waste were strewn everywhere on land and sea. Inland, we saw few birds or wildlife. No evidence of rubbish collection, reduction incentives or education – surely something for the Indonesian government to initiate. Profits from tourism in Flores could be spent on environmental initiatives, and avoid a Bali-like outcome.

Anne Ford, Glenrowan, NSW

CASE STUDY

What travellers with a tiny carry-on bag or a small suitcase fail to realise (Traveller Letters, January 20) is that not everyone is going on a short vacation or to just one time zone. We would all like to carry less, but some people travel for work (for instance I'm an archaeologist), have medical conditions, and are sometimes gone for many months.

This may require carrying expensive computer equipment, photography equipment, scanners, surveying equipment, scientific samples, months worth of multiple prescription medications, and even a CPAP machine for sleep apnoea as well as clothing for both summer and winter weather.

And, if one shops in an airport, it often means carrying the purchased goods on the plane. People travelling with infants, children, musical instruments, or even sports equipment may also have different luggage requirements.

Louise A. Hitchcock, Parkville, VIC

BITTER PILL

I read with dismay the letter by Joseph Ting (Traveller Letters, January 20) in which he said he gave several courses of antibiotics to a hospital in Bangalore, India. This is contrary to the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines and those of Australia for drug donations to developing countries.

Developing countries require medications which their staff are trained to use. The products need to be labelled in the language used by the majority of the people and especially the doctors and nursing staff.

Certainly if you want to help an individual you can pay for their treatment while you are visiting a country. If you want to assist with larger scale projects donate to a reputable charity such as Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF).

Kay Dunkley, Brighton East, VIC

GO THE TIGERS

Reena Iyer (Traveller Letters, January 20), while praising Tiger service, queried the time it took for a refund. I have twice received refunds from Tiger, once by reimbursement onto the credit card used for purchase (Tiger cancelled a flight out of Sydney and covered the additional costs of new seats), and once with credit for future use.

The first was easy, the second required patience but was a result of a family accident while travelling, so I am thankful for any recompense. Jetstar also allowed me to change flights for no additional cost when I attended a funeral.

Bruce Parr, Hawthorn, VIC

SLAVE TO PROGRESS

I'm glad for Ellie Welkamp (Traveller Letters, 6 January) that she enjoyed her visit to Dubai. I wonder if, when she was enjoying the museums and other cultural experiences, she stopped to consider the success of that city was – and continues to be – built on the back of a largely slave labour force.

Additionally, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a poor record on human rights: an extreme level off self -censorship is practised; homosexuality and apostasy are crimes; and political activists have been jailed and tortured. Dubai also has an appalling environmental record.

Many counties have aspects of their society that are reprehensible. Few, though, seem to have as many black marks as Dubai. I think this is worth considering before any visit.

Richard Aspland, Rosanna, VIC

Send us your travel-related opinions and experiences

Letters may be edited for space, legal or other reasons. Preference will be given to letters of 50-100 words or less. Email us at travellerletters@fairfaxmedia.com.au and, importantly, include your name, address and phone number.

Read more Traveller Letters