For As Little As

pounds 0

you can plan your round-the-world trip with a panel of travel experts from Nomad Travellers Store and STA Travel. The two companies are holding talks at their Russell Square outlet for anyone considering a round-the- world trip, covering topics such as tickets, overlanding, accommodation, clothing, equipment, travel health and hygiene. A travel quiz will be held at the end of the evening, offering the chance to win some small prizes (eg a travel health kit). The talks are on 2 December 1998 and 10 February 1999, from 7-9pm. To book, please call and speak to Stephanie. Nomad Traveller's Store (tel: 0171-833 4114).

pounds 40

you can fly return to one of 11 European destinations (pounds 25 one way). Ryanair's low-fares sale ends tomorrow with seats available on flights between 6 January and 4 February 1999. The European routes available in this seat sale are: Stockholm, Kristianstad (Malmo), Oslo, St Etienne (Lyon), Carcassonne (Toulouse), Pisa, Venice, Rimini, Dublin and Glasgow. Ryanair (tel: 0541 569569).

pounds 99

per person, you can take a two-week fly-drive holiday in Florida. Departing on 11 December, this deal includes return flights and hire of an economy car. Travel City Direct (tel: 01792 464646).

pounds 298

if you book before 24 December, you can take a two-week break on the Cote d'Azur next summer. This per-person price represents a saving of pounds 109. Based on a party of up to seven travelling, the deal includes a return short ferry/Eurotunnel crossing for car and passengers, and apartment accommodation. Eurovillages (tel: 01606 787776).

pounds 369

independent over-30s can take a Christmas break in a country hotel in Sussex. There will be a full festive programme, from dinner on Christmas Eve through to a Boxing Day panto and gala dinner-dance. This per-person deal is all-inclusive - meals and four-star accommodation - and guests have the use of the hotel's indoor swimming-pool, sauna, steam room, golf course, squash and tennis courts. Lasting Impressions (tel: 0161-499 3971).

pounds 402

per person, you can walk along the snow-cleared paths of the Stubai Alps - a good excuse for indulging over Christmas knowing you can walk it all off later. This one-week holiday in Trins, Austria, is scheduled for 10- 17 January and 7-14 February 1999, and includes half-board three-star hotel accommodation, return flights, transfers and a guide. Waymark Holidays (tel: 01753 516 477).

pounds 599

per person, you can learn how to snowboard in Chamonix over a long weekend. This four-day break is aimed at average-level skiers who want to try something new. It should take them no more than four days to become a reasonable snowboarder. This deal includes return flights, transfers, and four nights' B&B two-star hotel accommodation, based on two sharing. Ski Weekend (tel: 01367 241636).

pounds 624

you can rent an 18th-century tower for Christmas. Cook Christmas lunch in the circular Haldon Belvedere Tower, at 800ft above sea level, between Exeter and Newton Abbott. The apartment, on the second floor of the tower overlooking the five-acre grounds, sleeps two. Crystal Premier Britain (tel: 0181-390 8513).

pounds 714

per person, you can escape the winter blues and take a holiday in Thailand. This deal is for three nights in Bangkok followed by 11 nights at the exclusive beach resort of Cha Am, three hours south of the Thai capital. This price includes return flights from London or any of 16 regional airports, transfers and three-star B&B hotel accommodation. Asean Explorer (tel: 01481 823417).

pounds 826

per person, you can spend seven days on a birdwatching tour in the Gambia. This safari aims to uncover just some of the Gambia's 540 different species of birds, and includes the expertise of ornithologist Clive Barlow, return flights, transport and half-board accommodation. The Gambia Experience (tel: 01703 730888).

pounds 979

you can fly to Australia for a sunny Christmas. This return flight to Sydney departs 19 December, returning 6 January. Far East Travel Service (tel: 0171-414 8844).

pounds 1,520

you and up to 10 friends (pounds 152 per person) can rent a villa in the fashionable spa town of Pistoia, in Tuscany. This recently restored villa, surrounded by a vineyard, has its own swimming pool and is set in 20 acres of olive groves and woodland, just minutes from the Montecatini spa baths. The deal is for seven nights' accommodation only, this spring. Tuscany Now (tel: 0171-272 5469).