Something To Declare: Robbers on the railways; bus wars in the US

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Warning of the week: Poland

Robbers on the railways - that is the alert from the Foreign Office and US State Department, which have stepped up their warnings to visitors to Poland. "There is a serious risk of robbery at main rail stations and on all train services," says the FO.

"A common practice is for groups of well-dressed young men to surround a passenger in the aisle of the train and jostle or pickpocket him or her as they supposedly attempt to get around the passenger," warns the US State Department.

The latest FO advice also urges "extra caution" when travelling on the buses or trams to and from Warsaw airport. And don't assume that taking your own vehicle will keep you safe.

"Cases of vehicles with foreign number-plates being stopped by gangs posing as policemen are rising, particularly in rural and tourist areas such as the Polish lake district. If in doubt when flagged down, do not stop but continue to the nearest police station."

Bargain of the week: bus wars in the US

Airport security on US domestic flights is now so strict that some travellers prefer, on relatively short trips, to travel by bus; it doesn't take much longer, the hassle factor disappears, and fares are much cheaper, being free of taxes and security fees. Between Boston and New York, two competing companies have cut their fares to $25 (£16) one way, and an even more impressive $40 (£26) return.

Peter Pan (part of Greyhound) and Coach New England (www.coachne.com) offer these prices on all services, with no need to book in advance, but if you prefer to plan ahead you can book on www.greyhound.com or www.coachne.com

Buses depart about hourly between Manhattan and South Station terminal in Boston. The trip takes four-and-a-half hours. For comparison, the fastest train between the two cities takes three and a half hours for a one-way fare of $119 (£75).