Traveller Letters: When flying, leave your shoes on – I learned the hard way

If in London can I also recommend the Postal Museum, with its great interactive displays and ride on a section of the original underground postal line. It’s a terrific place to take kids. You should also visit the (free) museum in the British Library (between Euston and Kings Cross stations). Their collection of old manuscripts, maps and documents (including original hand-written notes and music from people like Lewis Carroll, James Joyce, Shakespeare and the Beatles) is amazing.
David Parker, Geelong West, Vic

Not so (break)fast

So true (Traveller, September 28), “some fine-tuning in on-board eating” is needed. Sleep and light are much more effective than food in adjusting (and keeping passengers happy). On a recent flight leaving Dubai at 1am (3am, Europe time) to Australia, we were offered breakfast immediately after take-off. Unbelievable. (Thanks Qantas/Emirates). I refused it and when I woke up later all they offered were crackers and didn’t even offer any of the many bananas available. More flexibility (and service to customers) is needed, especially around sleep and breakfast.
Beth Phillips, Westleigh, NSW

It’s terminal

Bali – one week or two? Make it two since it takes one to deal with the airport experience on arrival.
Anna Searls, Randwick, NSW

Space invaders

I understand Lee Tulloch’s bemusement at the attraction of space travel (Traveller, February 6). I’ve never been able to fathom the human fascination for this dark, cold, lifeless expanse of nothing much. It’s human nature to take what we have for granted, such as the wonders on Earth – the plants and animals we share Earth with. It seems we only value the novel and that which can be monetised. One day, in the not-too-distant future, we will regret that we didn’t appreciate and protect the “Garden of Eden” right under our noses by treading more softly given Earth is our only home.
L. Matheson, Gordon, NSW

Stay home

Responding to “Gratuities gratuitous” (Traveller Letters, February 3), I suggest it’s time to consider tipping as a cultural difference from Australia, akin to removing one’s shoes in Japan or covering up when going into St Peter’s. Yes, different because it hits the hip pocket, but I have recently returned from the US where I silently added 10 to 20 per cent to every cost for tax and tips and was pleasantly surprised if it was less. As an American friend said: “If you don’t want to tip when you are in the States, then don’t go there”.
Heather Barker, Albert Park, Vic

Cough up

I agree with Roy Armstrong that automatic tipping is getting out of hand. The fine print to a popular tour of China states that tipping the tour leader $12 a day is highly recommended and warns: “please be aware that ... (the tour leader) may approach you for payment”.
Roger Farrer, Hampton, Vic

Quantity over quality

We visited the US where it is usual for a 20 to 30 per cent tip to be automatically added to restaurant and bar bills after taxes. Bars insist you run a drinks tab to which they add a tip not related to service quality. We were told workers rely on tips to earn a living wage and because tips are “compulsory″⁣ workers are taxed on a deemed tip amount. The cost of food and drinks there is on par with Australia, so if employers are legally entitled to underpay staff who accept this, their business owners must enjoy fantastic profits.
Kerry Hughes, Balmain, NSW

Soak it up

Talking of walking tours around Bath (Traveller Letters, January 20) I can recommend, as a native of that fair city, a walking tour with a difference, Bizarre Bath. It’s a laugh a minute with a unique take on the city’s history. A sense of humour is the only thing required.
Judy Hungerford, Kew, Vic

Tip of the week: Buried treasure

To add to your Traveller 10 “best free things to do in Paris” guide (Traveller , February 9), may I nominate my favourite? It’s Napoleon’s dramatic monolith tomb in Les Invalides, a short walk from the city centre. It’s stunning and gives pause for great thought.
Jennifer Saunders, Bywong, NSW

Not so wonderful Copenhagen

Having just returned from an amazing two-month family winter holiday through Europe and Scandinavia, our fantastic travels were only slightly soured by a well-dressed, middle-aged smiling pickpocket on the metro train from Copenhagen International Airport to the city centre. He attempted to relieve us of our credit cards and mobile phones from my wife’s purse that was securely fastened to her front. Unbeknownst to us, he had already gone through our teenage daughter’s backpack. Fortunately, my wife caught him in the act and managed to stop the theft from her handbag as it was occurring. Local police informed us that this crime is now a common occurrence on Copenhagen metro trains.
Mark Spronken, Waurn Ponds, Vic

Stone cold wrong

Stonehenge is far from “utterly boring” (Traveller, February 12), as described in your cover story on ancient ruins. It is a fascinating and amazing World Heritage site with a fantastic visitor centre which has been open for at least 10 years. Visitors walk by “the henge” with the stones themselves roped off to stop further erosion. But they are open at least four times a year and on request. Free access has been offered to 30,000 locals since 1921.
Victoria Watts, North Brighton, Vic

Stone cold right

I couldn’t agree more with Brian Johnston regarding giving Stonehenge a miss. On a recent road trip around the UK, we left London and headed to Bath via Stonehenge. We were unsure of if we would stop, park, and walk for a look at the history on display at Stonehenge. With about eight kilometres to go, our decision was made easy, as the traffic slowed to a crawl and the countryside became cluttered with all sorts of cars, caravans and motorhomes. We observed the stones from our car as we crawled past then proceeded to the delightful Bath, where we were promptly fined for driving into town via Pulteney Bridge over the River Avon (but that’s another story).
Col Robinson, North Lambton, NSW

Life at the top

I totally disagree with your comment about Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. When my husband and I visited we climbed the fortress of Sigiriya rock and had the most amazing and extensive views. At the top of this UNESCO World Heritage site and eighth wonder of the world is a pool and palace ruins.
Sue Hunt, Sydney, NSW

Beach craft

How refreshing and inviting to see the photograph of a lone catamaran and read the accompanying article, “The other side of K’gari” (Traveller, February 16), also known as Queensland’s Fraser Island. There is always something new to discover and learn about Australia and its amazing scenery, including a plane taking off and landing on the beach. And I thought the only place in the world where this happened was on the Scottish island of Barra. It is the most southerly inhabited island in the Outer Hebrides and planes there land and take off in accordance with the tides. It is a phenomenal sight to see.
Pam Yarra, Heathmont, Vic

Walk the talk

On a quick visit to London, I wanted to take in a good view of the city without paying about $60 so I found a great alternative – the so-called Walkie-Talkie Building, at 20 Fenchurch Street. It is a 38-storey skyscraper in London’s financial district, with a beautiful sky garden, bars and restaurants and the most spectacular views of London from its viewing platform. I arrived without a booking, and although I was told it was “full” that day, I was allowed to go in as I was on my own. I had a relaxing wander around, took in the view and paid nothing. It was a great find. The best things in life are free.
Margot Pope, Lewisham, NSW

The Letter of the Week writer wins three Hardie Grant travel books. See hardiegrant.com

The Tip of the Week writer wins a set of three Lonely Planet travel books. See shop.lonelyplanet.com