My wife and I have several overseas trips in the pipeline for this year. Are we better off getting individual insurance policies for each trip, or looking at a multi-trip policy?

Had I been asked this question a few months ago, I would have said buying an annual policy was the most cost-effective option, but when I went to buy one a couple of weeks ago, I was shocked to find the price of my usual annual travel policy had jumped from around $650 to more than $900.

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Once I sat down and added up the cost of buying separate policies for each trip I’ve got locked in for 2025, I found this was a far better deal for the year ahead, so that’s what I’ve gone with.

My advice? Head over to a comparison site such as Compare Travel Insurance and do both a search on an annual travel insurance policy, then separate policies for the various trips you have booked. You might be as surprised by the outcome as I was.

I’m a solo traveller keen to experience everything Europe has to offer, but I’m anxious about the language barrier and getting around on public transport. Do you have any suggestions?

When I travelled around eastern Europe on Eurail last year I couldn’t believe how much things had changed since I last navigated the continent by rail in the 1990s. Gone are the days of ticket offices, paper maps and old-school reservations, all replaced with a mobile Eurail Global Pass which, once you’ve downloaded the app, allows you to do everything from plan your routes and look up train times to reserve your seats. I’m terrible with tech, so I figure if I can successfully use it, anyone can.

A lot of cities offer City Passes, which cover entry to many attractions, but also include public transport options so you won’t have to worry about buying separate tickets. You’ll usually be able to buy these at a tourist information office where English is spoken (definitely the best place to ask any burning questions you may have).

There are a couple of other apps that will make travel around the globe easier. Be sure to download Google Translate, which not only translates foreign menus and signs into English via your phone’s camera, but translates speech in real-time. You’ll also want Google Maps to avoid getting lost, and CityMapper, which illustrates the quickest route to get to your desired destination. Honestly, you’ll be a solo travel machine in no time at all.

I’m visiting the Samoan island of Upolu in May and would love some recommendations on how to spend my time there, apart from visiting other islands.

What a dream destination. I think you’ll be very happy with your choice. Although visiting islands nearby is always recommended, the good news is that your resort is right by some of Upolo’s most scenic spots along the south coast, so no need to go far at all.

Self-drive is the best way to get around Samoa’s most-populous island and you can easily rent a car at the airport. I recommend visiting the beaches of Vavua and Lalomanu, having a dip at To Sua Ocean Trench, a coastal sinkhole with a cave on either side, stopping in at Piula Cave Pool and, of course, the waterfalls of Sopoaga Falls and Fuipisia Falls.

You probably don’t want to spend all of your time in the water (that said, you’d be crazy not to get at least one snorkel in, whether it be at Palolo Deep Marine Reserve, Giant Clam Sanctuary or with a tour operator such as Manoa Tours, who offer excellent turtle-watching and snorkel adventures, among others), but there are plenty of other options.

The Samoan capital of Apia is well worth a daytrip, and while many make a beeline for the cathedral, I’m all about the markets which have a fine selection of Samoan dishes, fresh produce and traditional handicrafts. This is also your chance to lock in a couple of “don’t miss” dining experiences such as Paddles Restaurant and Bistro Tatau, as well as time at Samoa Cultural Village where you can gain insight into the country’s culture and traditions. Then get on the move with a coastal hike at O Le Pupu-Pue National Park.

There are plenty of great tour operators on the island – check out what the likes of Tai’s Native Experience and Coconut Tours have on offer. Samoa Pocket Guide and Samoa.travel, too, are excellent resources, whether you’re after ideas for self-drive itineraries, or guided tours.

When you’ve travelling independently, it’s helpful to know that charges often apply to visit parks, pools and beaches, so always keep a little cash on you to avoid being caught out.

NEED HELP?

Doc Holiday is on duty to answer your travel questions. Email [email protected] or keep up with Doc at escape.com.au/doc-holiday . Personal replies are unfortunately not possible.