We rented Avis vehicles (Traveller letters, December 31) twice during 2016 (once in Italy mid-May to mid-June and once in France during October). A few days ago we received a hand-delivered infringement notice issued in the Netherlands but personally addressed to our home via a North Sydney car rental agency. The notice alleges speeding in July on a Dutch street but we can prove being in Australia during July and we have not been in Holland for more than 10 years.

An administration charge has already been levied by Avis on our credit card. We now have to dispute this charge, remit copy documents to the North Sydney travel agent and lodge a dispute notice to the Netherlands in order not to pay the speeding fine.

Mary and Robert Dale, Naremburn, NSW

LETTER OF THE WEEK

SNAPPY REPLY

In the item in your special "Best travel finds of 2016" feature (Traveller, December 31) on Jaco Island, East Timor, the statement that it is "refreshing to plunge into the sea without worrying about being devoured by crocodiles" could not be any more incorrect.

Saltwater crocodiles abound in the eastern and southern areas of East Timor. I was seconded to the United Nations Police in 2004 and I was based in Lautem District, which includes Jaco Island. I read UN reports of villagers being consistently taken by crocodiles from 1999 onwards.

My understanding, and I have seen footage, is that crocodiles breed in a river near the village of Lautem on the north coast. They then migrate around the eastern tip of the island (where Jaco Island is located) and head for the southern coast.

Rod Carter, Bonython, ACT

THE BIG DRY

Like Eileen Pearson (Traveller letters, December 31) I had wondered why hotel staff always replaced my towels even though I had carefully hung them up to indicate I wanted to use them again.

Enlightenment came via a well-travelled friend who pointed out that, if you look very closely, you will see that these aren't clean new towels, just your used old ones beautifully re-folded (complete with yesterday's tiny lipstick stain).

Suzie Ferrie, Newtown, NSW

If hotels and motels really want us to hang towels to spare the environment it would help if they provided enough towel rail space so you can hang them to easily identify yours from your room mate's. The towels are usually white and not distinguishable from each other. When they have done that can they please provide hanging space long enough for a dress to hang?

Susan Edwards, Mullaway, NSW

CUTTING REMARK

I'm wondering if any beach house holiday rental could possibly include a sharp kitchen knife on the inventory?

John Swanton, Botany, NSW

LOCK IT OR LOSE IT

While I have every sympathy for your correspondent (Traveller letters, December 31) about his loss on his Air New Zealand flight I feel he has to accept some personal responsibility. I too travel in business class, but I always lock my valuables in my carry-on bag and keep that key with me at all times.

Michael Hayden, Kiama Downs, NSW

PACK MENTALITY

Regarding Ken Gray's problems in taking a bike aboard an aircraft (Traveller letters, December 31), my wife and I are 66 and 68 respectively and have taken our bikes to Europe on various airlines every year since 2011, and in this time have cycled more than 12,000 kilometres.

Most airlines include your bike as part of your 30-kilogram luggage allowance. You need to travel light, and pre-plan your journey. From Melbourne you can either a purchase a bike box at the airport, or do as we do and go to our local bike shop and get one free.

We take the bikes already boxed to the airport in a maxi taxi. At our destination we have found a quiet area in the terminal and assembled our bikes, asked a cleaner nicely where we can leave the boxes and then cycle out of the airport.

Coming home, the process is same, although we have found that boxes need to be pre-ordered at airports, but again the best option is a local bike shop to get free boxes (and don't forget to put your bike tools in the bike box, as they can't be in your carry-on luggage).

Bill and Constance Brazenor, North Melbourne, VIC

WHAT A GAULLE

You were lucky, Kathryn Willersdorf (Traveller letters, December 31), that your transfer at Paris airport actually turned up. My sister and I flew into the main airport in Paris Charles de Gaulle on separate days with two different transfers organised by my travel agent daughter.

Upon arrival we carefully followed the procedure that was given to us by the agency. We rang the company and were assured it would be arriving "shortly". After numerous calls, running around the airport asking everyone and anyone we could for assistance we finally gave up after two hours. The tourist information office was extremely unhelpful.

Our advice is to pay for a transfer before you get to Paris and pay for it once you arrive at the hotel. At least that way you are guaranteed to get there.

Maureen Brown, Armidale, NSW

Kathryn Willersdorf, having travelled extensively over 66 years of my life thus far, I have learnt to embrace the place you're in.

In fact a good tip is to expect the unexpected, allow plenty of time for transfers and be prepared for strikes, re-scheduling and so on due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. The list is endless. That way nothing will faze you and you can relax and experience the joys of travel.

Jan Murray, Bronte, NSW

WE WELCOME YOUR TRAVEL-RELATED OPINIONS AND EXPERIENCES

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