Something To Declare: post-Olympic depression; taxis in Peru; Bangkok

The weeks after an Olympic Games are an excellent time to travel to a host city.

Bargain of the week: post-Olympic depression

The weeks after an Olympic Games are an excellent time to travel to a host city. Demand for flights to Athens has plummeted, and after the Paralympics (17 to 28 September), seats are widely available at low rates. From Luton to Athens, easyJet (0871 750 0100; www.easyjet.com) was last month charging the highest fares in its history - more than £500 return. This month and next, it will take you to Athens for about £100 return, particularly if you can go out on the overnight flight. Fares from Gatwick with easyJet are typically £10 higher. From Heathrow and Gatwick, British Airways (0870 850 9850; www.ba.com) has a lowest fare of £132, with many seats at that price for midweek departures. The same fare applies from Heathrow with Hellas Jet (01293 502 495; www.hellas-jet.com) and Olympic (0870 606 0460; www.olympicairlines.com). These two airlines also fly from Manchester, with fares from £152 return.

Warning of the week: taxis in Peru

The Postcards section of the Lonely Planet website ( www.lonelyplanet.com/letters) warns about bogus cab drivers preying on travellers at Lima airport. This contribution is typical: "When you arrive at the airport, you should be very careful when taking a taxi to town since there are many 'false taxis'. You'll recognise them for the very low price, $1-$3. These taxis will take you one block away to where their friends are waiting to rob you of everything." Even if you reach your destination, your problems are not over, says another victim: "All my stuff was in the back. When I got out to pay, he took off."

Destination of the week: Bangkok

The owners of Phuket Airlines may one day reflect that theirs is not the most ideal of names, but meanwhile this new carrier from Gatwick to Bangkok is offering extremely good fares for those in need of an autumn break in the Far East and think: "Phuket, let's go to Thailand."

The best deals are being sold with at least three nights of hotel accommodation included. Through Trailfinders (0845 050 5891; www.trailfinders.co.uk), you can fly to Bangkok and spend three nights at the five-star Shangri-La Hotel for £511 - less than the air fare alone on other airlines. You can stay on in Thailand, at your own expense, for up to three months. You must book at least 30 days ahead and travel by the end of October - so you have a three-week booking window from today.