Deals Of The Week: Rail Europe; Mersey Ferries; Budapest

A TRAIN

To try to fill its Motorail services between now and the middle of August, Rail Europe (08702 415 415, www.raileurope.co.uk) is offering what it calls a "buy one, get one free" deal. Buy a one-way trip from Calais to various destinations in southern France - including Avignon, Nice, Toulouse, Bordeaux or Biarritz - and the return journey is free, so long as you don't travel on a Saturday. Fares vary according to the date of outward travel for a family of two adults and two under-16s, but will be within the following range: £369-£525 to Avignon; £475-£485 to Biarritz; and £385 to £525 to Toulouse. The crossing to Calais and back is not included. You can book any time, subject to availability, but must return by the end of August.

A BOAT

To mark the Beatles Week Festival in Liverpool, Mersey Ferries (0151-330 1444, www.merseyferries.co.uk) is operating two special cruises on 22 and 23 August. The three-hour evening trip costs £15, including live entertainment. You must book in advance to celebrate the most famous band in the world aboard the self-styled "most famous ferry in the world".

A PLANE

Budapest is rapidly filling up with Inter-Railers, but the Hungarian capital is well worth visiting in August - not least because of the low fares available to the city. The lowest prices to Budapest are likely to be from various UK airports via Munich on Lufthansa, available through discount websites such as www.opodo.co.uk for around £135 return. British Airways (0870 850 9850, www.ba.com) and Malev (020-7439 0577, www.malev.hu) both fly from Heathrow for around £210 return.

A BED

Filling a three-star hotel midway between Budapest airport and the centre of the Hungarian capital is proving tricky this summer, which is why the Tulip Inn Budapest Millennium (00 361 477 8000, www.goldentulip.com) is selling double rooms at just €50 (£36) per night, including a welcome drink and buffet breakfast. Children up to the age of five can stay in their parents' room for free.