Something To Declare: Christmas in Bali; Copenhagen; Malta

Where to go, how to save, what to avoid

Warning of the week: Christmas in Bali

Following two attacks in the Indonesian province of Papua in the past 10 days, the Foreign Office has issued a strident warning about travelling to Indonesia at Christmas, because of what it calls "a high threat from terrorism".

The island of Bali, which is the main destination for British travellers, was the target of attacks in 2002 and 2005. The Indonesian attorney general's office has indicated that the executions of the three men who were sentenced to death for their part in the 2002 terrorist attacks in Bali may happen soon after the end of Ramadan on 30 September.

"If implemented, their executions could prompt strong reactions from their supporters, including violent demonstrations which could escalate without notice," according to the Foreign Office.

It urges particular vigilance during holiday periods such as Christmas, which can be a time of heightened tensions in Indonesia.

Destination of the week: Copenhagen

Denmark's capital is looking freshly empty after the summer crowds have left, with low fares on offer particularly from the troubled Scandinavian airline SAS (0871 521 2772; www.scandinavian. net). It is also reasonably accessible by rail from London St Pancras via Brussels and Hamburg, at least when Eurostar (0870 518 6186; www.eurostar.com) is running normally. The optimum time to be in Copenhagen is on 10 October, which is when the Night of Culture takes place in the city. This fascinating event involves regular tourist attractions – such as museums, churches, galleries and Tivoli (pictured above) – staying open till late, and other locations that are normally closed to the public, opening their doors. For more information, contact VisitDenmark in London (020-7259 5959 or see www.visitcopenhagen.com).

Bargain of the week: Malta

As the airlines prepare for a bleak winter, travellers can capitalise on the increase in competition to this lovely island. Air Malta (0845 607 3710; www.airmalta.com) is offering a return fare as low as £79 for flights from Stansted, Gatwick and Heathrow. The fare applies for travel between November and March, though on some dates and flights it will be substantially higher.

The competition is most intense on the Gatwick route. It comes from easyJet (0905 821 0905; www.easyjet.com) – which took over the GB Airways link this year – and British Airways (0844 493 0787; www.ba.com), which decided to set up its own operation on the route. Even over New Year, fares are relatively low compared with other destinations such as Malaga and Faro – as little as £150 return, if you mix and match the best one-way deals from the competing players. The price-comparison website SkyScanner.net is a good place to look.