Now that politicians vie with one another to prove the sweet ordinariness of their domestic lives, holidays have become competitive. Rather than do what they would like to do – sit by a billionaire's swimming pool in the sun – political leaders are obliged to express heartfelt enthusiasm for something cheap, patriotic and home-based. "I love going on holiday in Britain," David Cameron said yesterday. In fact, he and the family are setting off for Cornwall this very Sunday.

Whether it’s for surviving the festival season or roughing it in the wild, Mark Harris finds the essential kit for a summer under canvas

Want a flask that keeps your coffee warmer for longer? Or headphones that keep your ears warm? Mark Harris has the answers

Holidaybreak, the camping to adventure holidays group chaired by the former British Airways chief executive Robert Ayling, saw its shares plunge 17 per cent yesterday as it conceded that profits for its current financial year were set to come in "materially below" previous expectations.

"EUROPE'S NO1 Adventure Destination," is how the company advertised itself on its Internet site. Yesterday, however, offers of "an exciting world of unspoiled beauty" were replaced by a sober statement about the terrible loss of 19 lives.

Going out

Next Monday evening, and every fortnight thereafter, the adventure travel specialist Explore Worldwide takes over the home of scouting (Baden Powell House in Cromwell Road SW7) to stage a travel workshop. It takes the form of a slide presentation based on Explore Worldwide's tours. Admission is free; reservations can be made on 0252 344161.

THE killing of Nikki Conroy at Hall Garth school on Monday has shocked people for many reasons: because of the horror of the moment and the innocence and charm of the victim; because of the sufferings of parents, teachers and friends; because anyone with a child will feel it could have been theirs; because the schoolroom is supposed to be a safe place; because more children will now feel afraid; and because maybe it could have been prevented if only . . .

Young Disabled on Holiday, a branch of Holidays for the Disabled, is appealing for pounds 11,000 for its 1994 holiday programme, and also for voluntary able- bodied helpers to accompany the holidaymakers. YDH provides active holidays for some 150 people, aged 18- 35: this year three are planned for overseas, in Malta, Florida and Dublin, and two in Cardiff and London. The holidays give opportunities for those with disabilities to try activities they could not otherwise do: riding, swimming, rock-climbing and visiting caves, coal- mines and Disneyworld have all been accomplished on past holidays.

EUROCAMP has tinkered with its pricing structure to combat growing competition for self-drive camping holidays on the Continent, but remains adamant it will not sacrifice its position at the premium end of the market, writes John Shepherd.

An annual travel policy has been launched with discounts for voluntary excesses on claims other than for personal belongings. Hiscox Annual Travel would normally cost pounds 180 for a family of four taking a winter sports holiday and a summer holiday each year plus business travel for one adult. But with a pounds 500 excess the cost would drop to pounds 126. Hiscox Underwriting 071-283 0004.

THE British Mountaineering Council yesterday criticised safety standards on Russian adventure holidays after four missing Britons were found alive following a six-day ordeal on Europe's highest mountain.

Sir: I was interested by the letter from the Chief Scout (4 July). I was a Guide at St Matthew's, Westminster, in the Forties, and a tomboy. I went to camp with Guides on many occasions and enjoyed it, but my captain found my high spirits a problem.