Lucy wants to know: "I went to Rome last summer and loved it but would like to do something different this year; are long haul flights much more expensive? I've always wanted to visit America - California or Florida to be exact - but not sure my budget will stretch that far! If I book really early am I likely to get a good deal?"

Nishma Patel said:

Long haul flying is becoming a lot more cost effective. There has even been a low cost airline that has been launched to fly from London to America and many of the main carriers will offer very good deals, particularly if booked online. Booking early does sometimes give you better deals on some flights to the US. The best thing to do is to use one of the price comparison services that saves searching endless websites. Teletextholidays.co.uk has such a search engine.

Kerry wants to know: "I'm looking to take my family to the Med this summer. Two adults, two teenagers. Where is a happening place for the kids but will also interest us oldies!"

Nishma Patel said:

One of the most popular destinations for this summer for families is Croatia, which combines a good mix of kids clubs and activities, great beaches and lots of culture for everyone to enjoy. It also offers great value for money.

Betty wants to know: "I'd like to go somewhere warm and sunny in March, that's not too expensive but where I can also absorb a bit of the local culture and not find myself surrounded by fellow Brits- can you recommend somewhere?"

Nishma Patel said:

The Canary Islands are a popular winter destination and still offer great value for money. For a more varied experience it may be worth while trying one of the lesser known islands such as La Palma or La Gomera.

Petra wants to know: "I've been reading a lot about how popular adventure travel is becoming. Where would you recommend five sporty, up for it girls who want an adrenaline fuelled break?"

Nishma Patel said:

Adventure breaks including white water rafting or rock climbing offer great holidays. But why not try a snow sports holiday and experience some of the alternatives to skiing and snow boarding? You can find great deals online and even book a low cost flight separately.

PsySi wants to know: "Are winter sport's holidays still witnessing an increase and where are the popular destinations?"

Nishma Patel said:

Winter sports are increasing in popularity. Some of the most popular destinations this year are actually in the US and Canada due to a favourable dollar exchange rate. The resorts offer a lot more than just traditional snow sports with things like skidooing and husky sleigh riding. There are many tour operators that sell great value package holidays to the US and Canada.

Barbara wants to know: "I'm thinking of going to Iceland for Easter but it sounds like an expensive trip. Can you advise?"

Nishma Patel said:

There are many airlines now flying to Iceland so it would be well worth trying to find a cheap low cost airline seat and search online for some of the best hotel deals. Again take the pain out of searching many websites and have a look at the thousands of hotel rooms available on www.teletextholidays.co.uk

Jasper wants to know: "I want to take my girlfriend somewhere romantic for her birthday in July - I know it's a busy time of year to travel so would it be best to book early or try to book last minute? I was thinking about Paris or Rome"

Nishma Patel said:

If booking a low cost airline it's wise to book early as that's when the best deals are available. However, you may be able to bag a great hotel deal nearer the date.

Josh wants to know: "I'm looking to go on a surfing holiday. Where are the best destinations (p.s I haven't got enough money to go to Hawaii!)"

Nishma Patel said:

Lanzarote is one of the key destinations that many European surfers head to, along some of its most southern coasts the great waves allow for challenging surfing. With many tour operators flying to Lanzarote you are bound to find a deal for £200.

Jana wants to know: "My wife and I have always wanted to go to Sri Lanka but after the Tsunami, should we still go and would the locals appreciate us being there?"

Nishma Patel said:

One of the best ways people can help the affected areas is by continuing to visit. It is important to ensure you follow foreign office advice in terms of any medical precautions. You are guaranteed to get a very welcome reception when you arrive as tourism is a key part of the local economy and they are keen to see people return to their beautiful island.

Natalie wants to know: "Is it OK to go to Phuket now or should we be looking to go to other parts of Thailand?"

Nishma Patel said:

Yes it is ok to visit Phuket. Despite the terrible images we saw of the destination only a very small percentage of the area was affected. Most of the hotels and tourist resorts are still open and they are still firmly a land of smiles. Northern Thailand was totally unaffected by the disaster and offers some great tourist attractions.

Sammy wants to know: "I'm going on holiday with my family this year and we're trying to think of where we can go that will be good for all ages. My youngest brother is 7 and my oldest sister is 21. We're all interested in different things but are a close family and would like to spend lots of time together without anyone having to give up doing what they like. What could you suggest as a holiday destination for an active family who also like to soak up the culture?"

Nishma Patel said:

A visit to one of the many Greek Islands may actually suit all your diverse requirements for the perfect holiday. As well as fantastic beaches, some great cultural sights and lots of sporting opportunities it offers great value for money.

Mr. N Hanlon wants to know: "I have just retired and I would like to take my wife on a cruise this summer. Where would you recommend; Europe, Caribbean or somewhere further afield?"

Nishma Patel said:

There are many different cruises available. Some particularly popular ones are those that cruise the Eastern Med or a Nile cruise that allows you to combine the best of on and off land experience.

Davo wants to know: "What are the Baltic states like as a weekend destination? I hear 'new' destinations like Riga and Talinn are great party places."

Nishma Patel said:

With the increase in budget airlines flying to the Baltic States, weekend breaks here are becoming ever popular.

Darren wants to know: "I've got to organise a boys week away in May - is there any resort in Europe you can tell me about that caters for this sort of thing? Preferably not 18-30 - the youngest person in our group is 30!"

Nishma Patel said:

How about a trip to Southern Spain where you can combine some great golfing with the lively nightlife of Puerta Banus?

Peet wants to know: "Can you recommend any city destinations in Eastern Europe ?"

Nishma Patel said:

Budapest and Bratislava are two of the most popular up and coming destinations thanks to the increase in airlines flying to those destinations. Prague is still a firm favourite with at least two of the low cost carriers (Ryan Air and Easyjet) flying there and hotel rooms available from as little as £20 per night. The beer is apparently fantastic and perfectly cheap!

Spencer wants to know: "Is there a 'new Ibiza' this year? Where's the party capital of Europe this summer?"

Nishma Patel said:

Ibiza is still one of the most popular clubbing holidays available. However, many other European places such as the Greek Islands and Cyprus offer great alternatives. However if you would like to travel further a field how about Miami?

Tim wants to know: "What should I expect to pay for a summer Mediterranean package holiday for a family of four?"

Nishma Patel said:

There are some particularly good deals to places like Turkey that offer good quality accomodation for a total of £1200 for your whole family. This would most likely include bed and breakfast, flights and transfers. When out there, you'll find food and drink to be very competitive in price.

JJ wants to know: "I get very frustrated with booking holidays. I'm always asked for a choice of destination when actually I don't care where I go as long as it's hot and got good childcare. I get blank looks in travel agents if I can't narrow down my choice of countries."

Nishma Patel said:

Although travel agents can offer you a great wealth of information as there is so much to choose from they sometimes struggle with broad requests. Why not take control and have a look online for your perfect holiday or you can check Teletext on your TV page 218 which has a selection of the best bargains of the day. If you call any of those companies they should be able to help you with the best deal combined with good childcare.

Hannah_Beech_43 wants to know: "Do you foresee travel agents shutting up shop and being exclusively online? Clearly without shops, they could save money and get me a cheaper holiday?"

Nishma Patel said:

With more people looking for their holidays online inevitably more travel agents are moving their business on to the internet. The saving they make, not just from a lack of high street presence but also by not having to produce lots of expensive brochures means they can pass on real savings and discounts to you. However, always check that there aren't any hidden extra charges.

Lisa wants to know: "I am getting married this summer but me and my fiancee want an all inclusive holiday that includes the ceremony. Can you help?"

Nishma Patel said:

Getting married abroad is becoming easier with many tour operators now offering help with the complete organisation of your holiday wedding and honeymoon. Specific resorts like Sandals in the Caribbean are geared for hosting weddings but you could also try Virgin Holidays or Kuoni who will help organise your wedding on the beach.

Chris wants to know: "Can you recommend a good Italian city for a weekend break for me and my girlfriend? We're looking for the classic Italian experience - good food, good wine and great shopping (for her!)"

Nishma Patel said:

With so many flights to Italy there is a whole host of choices. Milan without a doubt offers one of the best shopping experiences but for an even greater cultural experience why not try Florence.

Blake wants to know: "What can you tell me about Marrakech? It sounds like an exotic destination. What sort of holiday would it be?"

Nishma Patel said:

Morocco offers something for everyone. In Marrakech there are the City's Souks and amazing buildings alongside beautiful hotels and luxurious tourist resorts. You can also travel to the desert to see camel racing.

M&J Smith: "I have three young kids who are very energetic but my wife and I would prefer not to spend the whole holiday keeping them occupied so that we can get a break too. I know some of the major operators offer daytime and nightime childcare but can you recommend one?"

Nishma Patel said:

Thomsons, First Choice and Thomas Cook all have excellent kids clubs which extend from entertaining and occupying your children to offering an evening nanny service, to ensure you have a very restful and enjoyable holiday.

Becky wants to know: "I'm getting married in June. Can you suggest a romantic but not too pricey beach honeymoon destination?"

Nishma Patel said:

Why not try Cuba or the Dominican Republic which via their all inclusive resorts offer great value for money as well as a truly memorable experience. You would be surprised by the many great deals available. Only last week I saw a one week deal to Cuba for £299 half board on the teletext website.

Neil wants to know: "Are there any deals available for New York between 12-18 March this year?"

Nishma Patel said:

I imagine there are a lot of great deals to New York that weekend and you'll have the chance to experience the incredible St Patrick's Day parade and celebration. Check www.teletextholidays.co.uk or Sky channel 665 for some of the best deals available.

Stan wants to know: "My friend's just moved to Dubai so I'm thinking of a long weekend there soon. Will that be long enough and when's the best time to go?"

Nishma Patel said:

Dubai is a great holiday destination and you could probably squeeze enough into a long weekend. The weather in July and August is very hot and possibly a little unbearable, but any other time would be good. There is a great choice of very affordable luxury accommodation.

Natalie_Finch wants to know: "We are renting a gite in Southern France in August. Is it more economical to fly and and hire a car locally or go by ferry and take our car?"

Nishma Patel said:

If you have specific requirements for a hire car, it may be more economical to take the ferry and drive as hire cars are not necessarily suited to family requirements such as child seats and lots of luggage. Also, driving through France will be an added bonus to your holiday.

Kathryn W wants to know: "I want to take my two young children away on a beach holiday. They are ages 3 and 1. Where would you suggest that is safe and fun and not too 'Brits abroad'? Also, will I get more for my money if I book at the last minute?"

Nishma Patel said:

How about a visit to one of the Greek Islands where you could find a remote spot on a beach away from the ‘Brits abroad'? To avoid disappointment it would be best to book early; there are some excellent early booking discounts most likely with free child places.

Liam wants to know: "How far should we trust internet bookings? Is an ABTA or ATOL membership enough to guarantee the validity of a site?"

Nishma Patel said:

ABTA or ATOL do provide protection but it is important to check that you are covered for all the elements of your holiday, flights and accommodation. The increase in people putting together their own packages can leave them exposed should anything go wrong. Ask the online retailer to confirm that they can provide you with complete protection. Teletext holidays will only carry advertising from fully bonded companies.

Cassie wants to know: "Me and my girlfriends want a week's break somewhere in Greece where there's plenty of bars and clubs. We don't want an 18-30 resort. Anywhere you can suggest?"

Nishma Patel said:

Why not try something different like Santorini which is not only a stunning island but also offers some great restaurants and bars.

Lina wants to know: "What are the really unusual holidays available this year?"

Nishma Patel said:

Lifestyle holidays are becoming ever popular such as learning to Salsa dance on holiday or even the new trend of extreme makeovers holiday. Yoga and Ayurvedic retreats are the perfect relaxing break now offered from the Canary Islands to a sanctuary in India. Brazil is also tipped for being one of the new hot destinations for 2005.

Sital Patel wants to know: "What is your ideal holiday, and where would it be?"

Nishma Patel said:

My personal ideal holiday would be shopping for shoes in Milan. But for relaxation I'd probably head to Thailand.

Thank you very much and I hope you all book and enjoy a wonderful holiday. Keep checking Teletext!