Traveller Letters: $15,000 more for booking on the phone? No thanks

We have had two instances in France in two weeks where the hotel lift broke down between floors. In the first instance my 10-year-old granddaughter was trapped in the lift for 45 minutes before finally being set free. Then we had the misfortune to step into the two-person lift in a Toulouse hotel and, in 35-degree heat, were unable to open the door. The number to call to report our dilemma resulted in two disconnects (our French wasn't fluent). Be prepared to attack the door or don't take the lift.

Jan Naughton, Wahroonga, NSW

WILD WELLNESS

Having grown up in Tasmania and hiked the Overland Track many times, Lee Tulloch's experiences of Lake St Clair resonated strongly for me (Traveller, August 27). The UNESCO-listed Tasmanian wilderness is indeed tranquil, intriguing, and beautiful. Ironically, losing oneself in nature is one of the best ways to find oneself. The well-being benefits of nature immersion or "forest bathing" (taking in the forest through all our senses) are profound. Most of us are fortunate to be able to visit Australia's national parks and enjoy rejuvenating "wilderness wellness" holidays. What a privilege.

Amy Hiller, Kew VIC

WOMEN ON SONG

Being an ex-pat American living in Australia for nearly 20 years (Traveller, July 30) there are some songs that bring memories of the US front and centre. Bonnie Rait is a multi-talented songstress who sings the John Prine song, Angel from Montgomery, to make me think of all things Americana. Rising Appalachia does a beautiful song, Mississippi, but the strongest for me is California Girls by the Beach Boys.

Sue Harrison, Mollymook, NSW

FLIGHT TALES

Sadly I have to agree with Louise Burley (Traveller Letters, August 12) having recently flown Emirates from Australia to Dar es Salaam. After many years enjoying their service, I will fly with them no more. Highlights of my flights included repeated electronics issues, air-conditioning ducts that leaked water, broken earphone jacks and surly stewards. Passenger handling in Dubai was well below par, with a whole plane kept for over 30 minutes in a holding gate lounge that was so small there was absolutely no chance of social distancing. Despite repeated communications, many passengers did not wear masks and stewards didn't uphold the requirement. My return journey with Qatar was day to Emirates' night with friendly, courteous staff, excellent transfer and boarding experiences, no broken equipment and respectful mask-wearing.

Karen Evans, Hobart, Tasmania

MAKE MY DAY

I recently flew on the Wi-Fi-free (ie there isn't any) Qantas flight to Auckland and return from Melbourne. Arriving early to Melbourne Airport I went to enter the Qantas Club where I was advised my membership had lapsed the week before and I could not enter. Receiving no help from the Melbourne counter person, other than stating reminders aren't emailed out anymore, I went for a walk and renewed online via the phone app. On return to the counter I helped a small family getting the same unhelpful and officious advice to find their way. After a busy working week I arrived early at Auckland Airport for the return trip. I again went to the Qantas lounge, only to learn I also needed Gold Status to enter. I was tired and now dismayed. The person at the counter apologised, smiled broadly and nodded for me to enter anyway. I'll soon forget the flight and more slowly the poor Qantas business acumen, but the Auckland heroine's discretion will put a smile on the dial for quite a while.

Steve Oakley, Blackburn, Vic

ROYAL TREATMENT

On our recent holiday in the Kimberley, Western Australia, my husband took ill on the way to Mitchell Falls. The rangers took great care of him, were well informed, attentive and kind with the sparse provisions available to them. They managed to get in touch with a doctor to manage his medical problem and arranged with the Royal Flying Doctor Service to airlift him to Broome hospital within a few hours. Our thanks and gratitude to both parties for their incredible service.

S. Krishnaswamy, Kew, Vic

TIP OF THE WEEK

YOUNG PUPS ON PLANES

I've recently returned from Ireland after travelling with my husband and three-year- old son and someone suggested I take a dog bed for him to sleep on. We lay it across the seats with him sleeping between us and he loved it. We could easily secure his seatbelt around him while on top of it and we folded it up under our arm when transiting. It also meant he could avoid germs and safely lie down when waiting around for hours at airports. Best Kmart $20 I've ever spent.

Amy McBride, Murrumbeena, Vic

FAMILY MATTERS

We were finally able to organise our three adult children and one partner for a family holiday. "Don't over organise Dad!" So, after lots of research, Navini Island Resort Fiji seemed to fit the bill. It did not disappoint, from the moment we took our shoes off on the boat as we approached the island (they didn't go back on until returning to the mainland) until our goodbyes to the wonderful staff who were just as important as the amazing waters and marine life of the island. Our days were filled with snorkelling, fishing, kayaking and the obligatory afternoon game of beach volleyball. The food was varied and delicious and happy hour was a great time to swap stories with our fellow guests. We will be back

Stuart Ireland, Forster, NSW

GO NORTH

If you've ever considered a Kimberley adventure, go now…there are places available at short notice due to COVID-19 cancellations. Sailing on a small vessel (Lady M hosts 12 guests) means you can stand under waterfalls on the bow of your boat! Our young Skipper Matt Williams was competent and knowledgeable. His careful navigation gave us access to remote rock art, rock pools and exquisite scenery. It's a privilege to immerse yourself in one of Earth's last natural frontiers. Do it now.

Lyn Sudholz, Horsham, Vic

NEW ZEALAND, YOU'VE CHANGED

It was disappointing to read in your look at the future of travel (Traveller, Sunday August 28) that a country such as New Zealand will focus on "high quality big spenders" for tourism numbers and not those who" travel around our country on $10 a day".

How many of us can recall life-affirming trips on strict budgets which filled us with the kindness of strangers and the goodness of humans all over the world - journeys that helped us to be more tolerant and generous? The economy over empathy. How sad.

Sandra Willis, Beecroft, NSW

I DREAM OF GENIE

We went to Disneyland in April and had the most amazing time. But money-saving it is not. One thing I will say is that despite the general assumption you can't take food in, you can. We took snacks and lunch in for my daughter every day and no questions were asked. If you really want to get the most out of it, make sure you get a Genie Pass for $US20 a person a day and download the Disneyland app. We covered off so many more rides and attractions being able to skip the queues.It really was the happiest place on earth and I can't wait to go back.

Jo Lees, Rockdale, NSW

See also: Our guide to visiting the 'Happiest Place on Earth'

HOW TO WRITE TO US

We give preference to letters of 100 words or fewer and they may be edited for space, legal or other reasons. Please use full sentences, don't use textspeak and don't include attachments. Email us at travellerletters@traveller.com.au and, importantly, include your name, address and phone number.

The Letter of the Week writer wins Hardie Grant travel books worth more than $100. For September, that includes We Live in a Caravan; Life Unhurried; and Paris or Die. See hardiegrant.com

The Tip of the Week writer wins a set of three great Lonely Planet travel books, including Epic Hikes of Australia and New Zealand, Epic Road Trips of Europe, and Epic Road trips of the Americas. See shop.lonelyplanet.com