Traveller letters: Tips on cruise ships - you can afford it

CITY OF BLIGHT

Your description of Paris (Traveller, May 23-24) neglected to mention some of the more unique features of the City of Light: men urinating under the bridges of Paris in full view of the river boats, dogs in restaurants, gutters and footpaths littered with cigarette butts, and signs warning of pickpockets even in one of the world's great cathedrals. And I note that on the weekend of publication, staff at the Eiffel Tower went on strike protesting at the lack of security against pickpockets.

William Hines, Mornington, Vic

MIND YOUR FRENCH

Michael Gebicki in his review of Paris (Traveller, May 23-24) refers to hotels as accommodation. Don't stay in a hotel, but rather a private apartment and live like a Parisian. Second, he says the queue at the Musee d'Orsay will put you off. In September 2013, the queue took us all of 60 seconds. Finally, he says you will be drawn by the smell of a crepes suzette from a street vendor. Maybe a Nutella crepe, but street vendors won't sell crepes suzette that contain alcohol.

Neale Meagher, Canterbury, Vic

KINDNESS OF STRANGERS

During a flight with Thai Airways from Bangkok to Melbourne on May 1 my wife became extremely ill. We are indebted to Thai cabin staff for their care and concern, and for calling ahead to arrange transport for my wife through customs and immigration at Tullamarine. Thanks to Ebony of Menzies Aviation who helped expedite us through airport formalities with minimal fuss. Thanks also to nurse Kim from Melbourne's Alfred Hospital, who happened to be on the flight and monitored my wife's progress during the flight.

Rob and Lynn Bishop, Black Rock, Vic

WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA

I agree totally with Margaret Wick (Traveller Letters, May 23-24). Having travelled through African airports last year and onto Heathrow, our departure and arrivals into Australia (departed Sydney and via Melbourne on the way home) were the worst of the trip, literally hours queuing and waiting for baggage. And all without a smile. Embarrassing and disappointing.

S. Ward-Thomas, Hunter NSW

HOWE DISAPPOINTING

While trying to book a two-week holiday for a family celebration at Pine Trees Resort, Lord Howe Island, for Christmas 2016 I have been waitlisted. Yes, waitlisted. I was informed by their booking agency that they are waiting to see how many bookings they receive after Christmas this year. Now here I am with 14 people (seven double rooms plus one cot) and the booking agent tells me I have to wait until February before they decide if they will confirm this booking.

Many of the group will have to apply for time off over the 2016 Christmas break, and the sooner this can be done the better for each person. Air bookings would have to be made before February for 14 people. Perhaps a confirmed booking at another island resort may be in order. Any suggestions? We want to all be together, where all meals are provided and some activities for the group, aged between 85 and 23, such as snorkelling, bike riding and fishing.

Moire Berman, Manly NSW

SO ACCOMMODATING

I recently booked most of my accommodation in the US through Airbnb for our party of six. Three days before I left one of the properties advised it needed to cancel my booking. I was advised I needed to cancel it from my end and that I would be refunded. As I had trouble doing so, I contacted Airbnb directly.

They were so helpful, advising me that if I cancelled I would lose most of my money as it was so close to my travel date and the property would get my money. They contacted the property owner on my behalf and informed her that, in fact, she needed to cancel the booking at her end. Airbnb then emailed me with alternative Airbnb accommodation options and gave me a 20 per cent discount for my troubles.

I would use them again.

Jodie Weerasekera, South Kingsville, Vic