Ask Joan: ferry tales of Iona and Greece and staying safe in Egypt

I'm keen to visit the monastic island of Iona in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland for what essentially would be a penitential visit of a few days. I have been told it's a difficult and costly place to get to from Dublin and wonder if you have any suggestions of how best to undertake such a visit. – RJC, Dublin. The best airport is Glasgow and flights are very reasonable, €40 or less with Ryanair. com and €45 with aerlingus.com. There is a bus once a day from Glasgow Airport to Oban at around 10am, up to October. From Buchanan Street bus station there are about four buses a day: see citylink.co.uk for timetables or telephone (0044)8705 505050. From Oban you take the ferry to the Isle of Mull. Ferries are operated by Calmac.co.uk.

From Mull, you will need a bus or taxi to Fionnphort and then it is just a short ferry hop to Iona. On the island there are various types of accommodation: two hotels, a hostel, B&Bs, and the abbey has modest rooms for guests. The cheapest accommodation is the hostel, at £21 per night, B&Bs are around £65 per night and the hotels are from £75 per night. A week in the abbey costs about £365. See welcometoiona.com. The Abbey site is iona.org.net. Pilgrimages are organised by various UK groups but the prices are not in the budget range.

I was thinking about touring the Greek Islands and am eager to plan an itinerary. I am being very much frustrated by the lack of clear ferry timetable information. Guide books mention various hydrofoils and ferry companies. Is there any single, easy-to-use site that itemises all hydrofoil and ferry sailings per day and in time order, between islands. From what I can see they're not that frequent, so I could be stuck on one for days, which would put me off trying it altogether. – JA, Dublin The Greek islands are serviced by a variety of ferry and hydrofoil companies, which makes it seem difficult to find timetables and prices. However, you will find details and can buy tickets on Greeka. com, which is also useful for planning where to go and stay.

The Greek National Tourism website is also a good source for ferry information – visitgreece.gr/ en. Sometimes you may have to go to one island and then transfer to another ferry line for smaller islands. You can also find ferry details and prices on aferry.com.

Myself and my girlfriend, both 20, are looking for a sun holiday with a twist. We have heard from friends that Egypt on the Red Sea has amazing beaches and scuba diving. We would aim to stay for a week and I'd like to see the historical side of Egypt also. Our concern is if Egypt is safe after the troubles, as well as the best way to travel to the regions. – JH, Limerick The Red Sea is indeed beautiful and has fantastic diving and beaches. It is also lively and fun for 20-year-olds. The only access from Ireland is on package holidays, which will cost from €900 per week in August and from €600 in September. Most holidays are all-inclusive with meals and drinks. Hotels are generally very comfortable and even luxurious.

You can book though a local travel agent or direct with falconholidays.ie 1850 858229, or redseaholidays.ie (01) 685 5550. As to the historical side of Egypt, that may have to wait for another visit. The Department of Foreign Affairs advises against travelling outside the Red Sea resort. It is safe once you stay within the resort area.

Send your queries to jscales@irishtimes.com