In February and March 2008, I will be travelling to Thailand, Australia, NZ and the USA on a "round the world" ticket. I will also be making one internal flight in the USA from LA to Palm Springs return and wonder whether I am better to book that flight in the UK or leave it until I reach LA? Martin Waldron, by email

Sunday Times travel expert, Richard Green, responds: Well if you definitely want to fly, you are better to book before you leave the UK, but as United Airlines is the only carrier on the route, fares are very steep at £150 return.

But it's only 109 miles from LA to Palm Springs, and you'll get a much better feel of the encroaching desert and mountains if you either hire a car or make the journey by bus. Greyhound Buses run up to 10 services a day for about £10 each way, with a journey time of three hours.

Alamo has car hire from LA from £22 a day. Or try Hertz from £23 a day.

Some of the glitzy celebrity pads of the 50's and 60's are still there, and the city is popular as a winter break destination for Angelinos, as well as for California's Gay and Lesbian community. If you are continuing west on your round-the-world trip, you can fly on from Palm Springs to Denver, Phoenix, Chicago, or Las Vegas.

Times recommends

• The world's 10 weirdest things to eat
• Correspondents: hoteliers revenge for Tripadvisor
• A slow, ponderous journey up the Mekong