Something To Declare: Orkney; drugs in Laos

Destination of the week: Orkney

From Tuesday 1 May, the range of options between Caithness and the Orkney Isles increases when John O'Groats Ferries (01955 611 353; www.jogferry.co.uk) starts its summer season. The vessel sails between John O'Groats and Burwick in Orkney; these ports are connected to Inverness and Kirkwall respectively by bus. The return ferry crossing costs £26, with the bus link to Kirkwall only £1 more each way. Services run to the end of September.

The rival service from Pentland Ferries (01856 831 226; www.pentlandferries.co.uk) has already begun, and will continue until 31 October. It connects Gills Bay in Caithness with St Margaret's Hope in Orkney, for a one-way foot-passenger fare of £12.

Warning of the week: drugs in Laos

One guidebook to South East Asia uses a symbol of a joint to indicate locations that attract "travellers who prefer smoking something stronger than tobacco - largely without hassles".

But the Foreign Office warns "Penalties for using illegal drugs in Laos are severe. In 2001, the death penalty was introduced for persons found guilty of the illegal production, possession, trafficking or trade of 500g or more of heroin, or 3kg or more of opium, or 10kg or more of marijuana."

The new Rough Guide to Laos (£12.99) warns: "Tourists who buy and use ganja (marijuana) risk substantial 'fines' if caught by police." As in Thailand, local dealers often tip off the police who then arrest the traveller.

Opium, or at least a "morphine-laden opium ash that has been mixed with painkillers" is also on offer. "Visitors caught smoking opium (or even opium ash) are usually fined," says the Rough Guide, "and sometimes have to endure a spell in jail before they're deported." In addition, Lao law prohibits sexual relations between foreign citizens and Lao nationals, except when the two parties are married to each other.

Compare Travel Insurance - 5 day Euro cover from £4.33 and Annual worldwide policies from just £43.08