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airline passengers with valid tickets can travel between Paddington and Heathrow, for the period Jan 19 (noon) to Jan 25. This 30-minute service, part-train, part-bus, is being run by Heathrow Express as a precursor to its 15-minute train service which starts in June.

pounds 20

you can spend a night in the Boatman's Brothel in Shropshire, one in a range of wacky places to stay in the new Distinctly Different brochure. Other weird and wonderful options include towers, chicken houses, windmills and lighthouses. Call 01225 866648.

pounds 99

you can tour the US by bus. Us Bus is a new hop on-hop off shuttle service aimed at young independent travellers. The buses have air-con and stereos, and stop off at hostels and budget hotels along the way. For further details call Us Bus on 01892 532060.

pounds 178

you can woo your Valentine on a bicycle-made-for-two during a scenic cycling holiday in the Cotswolds. Itineraries take in places like Stratford- upon-Avon and historic Stanway House and the price includes one night's B&B for two people and service back-up. Call Compass Holidays on 01242 250642.

pounds 275

you can take part in an eight-day sponsored charity trek in Morocco this February. Trekkers are split into escorted groups of about 15 people and will be expected to cover between 10 and 18 miles a day through the country's spectacular mountains, gorges and valleys. All transport, meals and basic accommodation will be provided. For more information call the Teenage Cancer Trust on 0171 436 2877.

pounds 425

per person, you can escape the winter blues on a three night mini-break to Singapore. Price includes flights, transfers, 3-star B&B accommodation and a city tour that takes in old colonial landmarks and the ethnic quarters. Call Singapore Airlines on 0181 747 0007.

pounds 619

you can visit the 20th Sydney Mardi Gras, Australia's biggest gay and lesbian event. The festival lasts the whole of February and features visual arts, music and street performances, culminating in a huge street parade and all-night party. The price excludes accommodation but includes return flights from London Heathrow and an optional stop-over in Manila. Call Great Escape on 0171 584 0202.

pounds 735

per person, you can take a self-drive "Cowboy Country" tour of the US. Highlights include a visit to a dude ranch in Sheridan, three nights in a log cabin in the Shoshone National Forest (where you can spend four hours a day on horseback), and a tour of the famous Yellowstone National Park. Price includes accommodation and some meals only. Call Bon Voyage on 01703 330332.

pounds 2,250

you can stow away on a banana boat to the Caribbean for 25 days. Weekly sailings from Southampton call at St Lucia, Barbados, Antigua and many other islands. The atmosphere will be relaxed, with no formalities, no organised games and casual dress at all times. Call Cargo Ship Voyages on 01473 736265.