Something To Declare: world on sale; pack lighter

Bargain of the week: the world on sale

As the school summer holidays end, bargains abound. P&O Ferries (08706 009 009; www.poferries.com) is selling return crossings between Dover and Calais for for short or long stays for £60. This covers a car and up to nine people, and is not restricted to unsocial sailing times.

Across the Atlantic, airlines are aggressively cutting fares for winter. For travel 1 November to 15 December, and the first three months of 2006, Quest Travel (0870 444 5552; www.questtravel.com) is offering return fares on United of £229 from Heathrow to New York, or £289 to Los Angeles.

Warning of the week: pack lighter

Continental Airlines is to reduce its economy-class baggage allowance by nearly 30 per cent. The airline (0845 607 6760; www.continental.com) is downsizing its economy-class baggage limit to two bags weighing up to 23kg - compared with 32kg for each piece at present. Anyone who buys a ticket after next Tuesday will pay an additional $25 (£14) per piece, with a maximum weight of 32kg.