You are wrong about Barcelona. I lived there for 7 years, it is one of the most joyous, attractive cities I know. Reading your article makes it clear that the reason for avoiding it are the drunken Brits. I lived in Nottingham for 15 years - I can assure you, Barcelona is far less dangerous. S.C. Huldig, London

Depressing how many of these holiday mistakes I've made myself. Spot on, though, and will save me from future follies. Keep it coming. Patrick, London

Stonehenge... a building site in Barnsley would be more interesting. Fernie, Dubai

I went to the Monaco Grand Prix this year and it was one of the best four days I have ever had, the excitement of the international crowd, the surroundings you are in make it one of the best places to be even if you don't like motor racing! Guy, London

If you use travel agents, never accept a holiday in a place which they claim is similar or even identical to your (unavailable) favourite haunt. I fell for this some years ago and ended up in a place similar to Baghdad. Keith, Beziers, France

We were enjoying our gondola tour in Venice. My friend, who was looking lovely with her curled long hair and flowered girly dress was at the end of the gondola on velvet cushions. We went near to one of the buildings and suddenly a lot of dirty water shot out of a spout all over her. She was soaked. Alison Parr, St Helens, Lancashire

ITALY: THE FLORENCE DEBATE RAGES ON
More of you joined our debate over the merits of Florence for a city break – with mostly supporters of the city having their say last week.

Read and comment on the original article: Why do people rave about Florence?

Hire a scooter, stay in the foothills and visit the centre in early morning or evening. Spend the rest of the day eating in the surrounding trattorias and listening to the bells of the duomo drift up to your haven under the cyprus trees. Mark, London

I agree with the article... Florence is way too crowded, traffic is impossible, there is no place to park if you drive (would recommend not attempting) and quite frankly all the attractions seem just a little over-rated. Loved the Tuscan countryside and Rome was nice, although also very crowded. Keith, Winston-Salem, USA

Having lived in London it was a joy to go to Florence. The locals were lovely. If you want to see scary Italians try Naples or Sicily (I love both those places too just don't wander to far off the beaten track) Once you have seen David in the Academia you won't care about the litter. Simon, Bristol, England

I agree wholeheartedly - Florence is magnificent - just don't go as a tourist. Go off season. Pre-book. Wander off the beaten track. Don't buy leather in the markets, buy it in the stores! Sorry you didn't like it - one more place for me next time. Suzanne Graham, London

Just returned from a week in Florence and had a fantastic time. Much better than expected, largely due to the private flat we booked in Via del Neri beside the Bargello and Palazzo Vecchio, with both gorgeous garden terrace as well as an upper rooftop terrace. Skip Boboli but visit the Bardini Gardens. M, London

WINTERSPORTS: WHERE TO SKI
Belinda Archer suggested her top ten resorts in The Alps for a 72-hour getaway. It’s sparked a nascent debate among ski fans about their favourite ski getaways.

Read and comment on the original article: Top 10 weekend skiing destinations

Au Contraire ... Chamonix is fantastic for a weekend ... it's less than an hour by taxi from Geneva so you can be on the piste a couple of hours after arriving in Geneva (assuming the baggage handlers haven't lost your equipment). Steve B, London

Fly to Innsbruck, hop on the train to Mayrhofen up the Zillertal Valley. Lovely journey, and it only atkes 1.5 hours from airport to ski lift. Great skiing in Da Hoff too, and tasty nightlife. Chris Wilson, London

Fly to Munich, grab a car and you are in a dozen good ski resorts within 1.5 hours drive max. T. Andre, London

There are loads of really good ski areas near Zurich. For easy weekend skiing we go to the little know resort of Flumserberg. Catch train to Unterterzen (1.5 hrs) and then take the cable car. Even Davos and Kloster are 2.5 hours direct to resort. Hire a car and get to Flims or Lech in under 2 hours. Ashley, Zurich

Times recommends

• Overlanding then and now
• Live Q&A: ski fitness and injury
• Get the right payment card and deny Ryanair its hefty fee