Are there scheduled flights to the Gambia? I am looking at making an independent trip there and prefer not to fly charter if possible. Jane Kenworthy, Bedford

Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green responds: Well, Astreus Airlines did try and make a go of scheduled flights to Gambia's capital, Banjul, but their flights are currently suspended. It's unlikely that they will restart flights there any time soon.

So unless you are prepared to pay upwards of £800 and route via Lisbon and Dakar with TAP, you are left with the charter carriers. They do serve complimentary meals and drinks, have decent seat pitches, and modern aircraft. Plus there is a premium cabin if you prefer, where you can pay more for a better seat pitch and improved onboard service.

There are summer charters to Banjul from Gatwick, and in the winter there are non-stop flights from Gatwick, Manchester, Glasgow, and East Midlands. Expect to pay from £300 return.

Book flights only, or package holidays (which can often work out better value for money) through Monarch Airlines (0870 0405040), First Choice (0871 200 7799), and Thomas Cook Airlines.

Good charter flight search engines include Charter Flight Centre (0845 045 0153), Flight Line (0800 541 541), or Avro (0871 423 8550).

For beach holidays, plus options in jungle lodges, and travel to other parts of the country, there's The Gambia Experience (0845 330 2060).

For more information see www.visitthegambia.gm, or call the Gambia Tourism Authority on 0207 376 0093.

There are guides to The Gambia published by Bradt (£13.99), Rough Guides (£12.99), and Lonely Planet (£13.99).

Times recommends

• Iceland: travel sale of the century
• The best hotels for Christmas
• 6 ski holidays for less