Where You Can Still Get Away

PROSPECTIVE holidaymakers who have not yet booked their holidays still have plenty of options.

Smaller operators say they have no intention of raising prices to take advantage of peak-season demand. John Harding, managing director of Travelscene, said: "Our holidays will remain at published brochure prices, and we have good availability." City-break bargains are also beginning to appear, with Paris Travel Service selling weekends in the French capital for pounds 99, and the Thomas Cook subsidiary Time Off offering one night in Madrid for pounds 169.

Neil Taylor of Regent Holidays said air fares to Peking are good value at around pounds 400 return.

Long-haul travel company Kuoni has published a brochure of seasonal bargains. Those willing to endure a longer flight to an exotic location can pick up a week-long holiday to Grenada for pounds 499, flight and accommodation only, or eight nights in Cuba full board for pounds 499.

With Sterling remaining strong, the best bet for a late-notice break could be an independently assembled holiday. The merger earlier this year of the two largest ferry companies across the English Channel, P&O and Stena, has not led to substantially higher fares for those wishing to cross the Channel. In addition, this summer has seen more new destinations from no-frills airlines than ever before.