Advice on using a mobile phone in Japan and how to travel to visit Orlando without flying: The Holiday Guru solves travel queries
The Holiday Guru is always on call to answer your questions.
This week a tour of Boston and a query about travelling to Cuba are also on the agenda…
Q. I am about to travel to Japan for the Rugby World Cup. What is the best way to use mobile phones out there?
Robert Johnson, London
Using ‘roaming’ can be expensive in Japan: about £3 a megabyte or £2 a minute on calls
A. Using ‘roaming’ can be expensive: about £3 a megabyte or £2 a minute on calls. You could try your network provider to see if they can offer a one-off bolt-on charge, but it may be easier to buy a SIM card from an airport shop on arrival.
These can be ordered in advance from £22 for up to 30 days (mobal.com). Or, rent a device for £14 a day for an airport pick up/return (ninjawifi.com).
Q. My wife and I, both in our 80s, are attending a Harvard University graduation next May and would like to explore the Boston area for about a week with a guide with a vehicle. Any ideas?
David Osland, via email.
A. It may be simplest to base yourself in Boston and take a series of half-day/day-long group tours to Martha’s Vineyard, or around Boston. Trips along the coast to New Hampshire and Maine are also offered. Hotel pick-ups are arranged and prices are about £80 a day.
See viator.com/boston-tours/bus-and-minivan-tours
Q. For the past 17 years we have taken our main summer holiday in Holguin in Cuba flying with Thomas Cook Airlines, which was the only carrier from the UK. How can we get there now?
Lynn McGinn, via email.
It has become tricky and expensive to reach Holguin in Cuba’s east from the UK since the collapse of Thomas Cook
A. It has become tricky and expensive to reach Holguin in Cuba’s east. Best to go via Paris where returns are from £935 (skyscanner.net).
Q. My husband refuses to fly, but I want us to visit our daughter and grandchildren who live in Orlando, Florida, Is there an alternative?
Georgia Draper.
A. Yes, but it will take a long time — however, it could be fun. Go to New York on the Queen Mary 2, covering four days (iglucruise.com) and take trains to Orlando, adding roughly 24 hours (omio.com).
Q. We would like to visit Niagara Falls either at the beginning or end of a train journey across Canada in the autumn of next year. Can you help?
Jane Turnage, via email.
A. Next September a 15-day journey by train from Vancouver to Toronto, with a visit to Niagara Falls, is from £4,925pp including rail journeys, hotels, some meals and international flights (greatrail.com). See also canadianaffair.com.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
If you need advice, send your questions to holidayplanner@dailymail.co.uk or write to Daily Mail Travel, Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT — and include your contact details.