Q. In January, I was stranded in Perth in Australia because Air Mauritius changed its itinerary without informing me. I arrived at the airport to find my flight had departed the previous day. I was four days late returning to work, lost pay and incurred costs totalling £730, but Air Mauritius will pay me only €600 (£500). While in Perth, I unsuccessfully tried to persuade Air Mauritius to send me home using another airline. After ignoring my emails, Air Mauritius eventually offered me €600, saying: "As previously advised, your settlement has been set out by the EC Regulation 261/2004 and will not be increased." But I believe Air Mauritius has a legal and moral duty to pay for all my extra costs incurred because of the schedule change, so I have refused its offer. RD, by email.

Tonight in a far corner of Finland, some 20 miles from the Russian border, Caster Semenya will make her return to the track 11 months after winning the World Championships and being ordered by the IAAF to undergo gender tests.

Caster Semenya has spoken of her delight at being able to return to the track after the International Association of Athletics Federations gave her the all-clear to resume her career.

Tortoises may move slowly, but even a little movement can be a lifesaver. Customs staff at Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur International Airport noticed something stirring in two bags and discovered 301 tortoises hidden amid shredded paper.

The Swedish Treskilling Yellow retained its title as the world's most expensive stamp when it changed hands at a private sale shrouded in secrecy, the auctioneer said.

The retreat

Just open in the Swiss Alps, Equilibrium is a bespoke retreat in Verbier offering hiking, yoga and wellness treatments.

Go to equilibriumverbier.com

Late November into early December is traditionally the quietest period in the travelling calendar, which is why tour operators, hotels and transport providers often release some of their best deals around about now.