Tripologist: Where can I find a Greek island not overrun by tourists?

After a Bunnik tour of Greece next April/May, I will finish in Athens and am thinking about another week relaxing on one or more Aegean islands not overrun by tourists. We will visit Crete and Santorini as part of the tour. G. Fraser, Canberra, ACT

Syros, capital of the Cyclades, would be my first choice. It’s a real, authentic Greek island in that it has a year-round population that does not depend on tourism for its livelihood. There are far fewer tacky souvenir shops, bars and discos than on the more popular Cycladic islands, and it’s off the tour group and cruise vessel circuit.

The capital, Ermoupoli, has an outstanding collection of neo-classical architecture, there are plenty of beaches without throbbing disco music and long lines of beach lounges and umbrellas. The island also has a rich cultural calendar with the Apollon Theatre as its centrepiece. The fast ferries from Piraeus, the port of Athens, take 2½ hours to reach the island. In the same region, Andros is large and mountainous, with uncharacteristically lush vegetation, popular with mainland Greeks for its food and relaxed style.

My fiance and I are eloping to New York City in the first half of 2025, then spending about three weeks in Central America and/or the Caribbean. We’re looking for a mix of beaches, adventure, culture and nature. What month would be best to go and what would you suggest for an itinerary?
A. Hart, Marrickville, NSW

The safest country in Central America is Costa Rica, and there’s plenty to like about this tropical wonderland. On the Caribbean coast about a four-hour drive from the capital San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca has everything you could wish for in the sand and sea department and there’s also a wildlife rehabilitation centre just south at Playa Chiquita which rescues jaguars. Along the walking trails of Cahuita National Park just to the north you can often spot sloths, howler monkeys, white-nosed coatis and birds galore. There’s also a vibrant local restaurant and music scene.

Set against the backdrop of the Arenal volcano in the Northern Highlands of Costa Rica, La Fortuna de San Carlos offers rainforest walks, ziplining and whitewater rafting, with recovery sessions in the local hot springs. On the Pacific coast, Jaco would be a good choice if you want lots of activities, bars and nightlife, although some find it too brash.

At the other extreme, Montezuma, at the end of the Nicoya Peninsula, is more remote but the beautiful beaches, the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, the waterfalls, turtle sanctuary and the chilled vibe make the journey worthwhile. In the Caribbean you’re spoiled for choice.

If you want beaches, cigars, Detroit chrome-mobiles, weird Afro-Christian cults, fabulous music and all-night dancing, Cuba is for you. If you want pink-sand beaches and golf courses the colour of a billiard table, Bermuda, or for hanging out with megastars and moguls, St Barts.

The most easterly of the West Indies, Barbados is one of the most likeable of the Caribbean Islands. Set against its colonial heritage is an African taste for music, colour and life outdoors, where the steel band meets the starched tablecloth. The diving and snorkelling is sensational, golf courses rival Hawaii’s and the windsurfing is fabulous.

Don’t miss Oistins Fish Fry – tuna, mahi-mahi, swordfish and lobster grilled on the spot, right on the water’s edge next to the village fish market at the southern end of this teardrop-shaped island. For bearable temperatures in Central America and the Caribbean, January and February are prime.

In February, 2025, a group of six adults need to travel from Japan’s Club Med Kiroro Grand to Rusutsu Resort before finally returning to New Chitose Airport. Is there a ski bus that we can take with luggage and skis?
M. Fleming, Avoca, NSW

You can take a ski bus from Kiro Resort to Sapporo and then another ski bus onward to Rusutsu Resort. This is a five-hour journey. While a taxi would cover the 65-kilometre distance between Kiro and Rusutsu in about an hour, you wouldn’t be able to take your skis. However if you wanted to take the shorter journey, what you could do is inquire at Club Med Kiroro Grand if you could hire a van to transport your skis and luggage to Rusutsu Resort. From Rusutsu Resort you can take a ski bus service to New Chitose Airport, the journey takes about two hours.

We plan to rent a car and drive through the non-Schengen Balkan countries including Serbia, Bulgaria and Albania in the autumn. Is there a rental firm that allows me to take a car through all these countries? M. Latchford, Seaforth, NSW

Car Hire Serbia is one operator that offers cross-border travel for hire cars in the Balkan countries. Car Hire Serbia is not a car-hire operator but rather an aggregator that will scour operators in the region to find one that best suits your needs. You’ll need an International Driving Permit which you can obtain from your state motoring organisation or from Service NSW. Also, check your travel insurance policy to make sure your excess is either partly or fully covered if you need to make a claim.

Travel advice is general; readers should consider their personal circumstances.