Something To Declare:Greece; Autumn equinox in Mexico; Canada

Where to go, how to save, what to avoid

Warning of the week: Greece

September is the ideal month to visit Greece, but according to the latest bulletin from the Foreign Office, the natural beauty and ancient wonders of this Mediterranean country come with strings attached. "There is a general threat from domestic terrorism," warns the official advice. "Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers."

You are strongly advised not to hire motorcycles, scooters, mopeds or quad bikes: "Accidents involving these forms of transport are common and can often result in very serious or even fatal injury." Note that under Greek law, quad-bike riders must wear a helmet plus goggles, or a full-face helmet. In addition, travellers must be able to identify themselves if the police ask, so you should always carry your passport.

Finally, make sure that you are careful with your holiday shopping: "If you purchase pirate CDs or DVDs in Greece, you could be imprisoned."

Destination of the week: Autumn equinox in Mexico

At sunset on 21 March and 21 September, the light catches the edges of the Great Pyramid of this ancient Mayan structure in Yucatán to create the impression of a snake sliding down the stairs towards the stone head of the serpent – Kukulkán – at its base. If you can fly from Heathrow to Mexico City next Saturday, and stay for 10 days, Journey Latin America (020-8747 8315; www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk) can arrange to take you to Chichén Itzá on the appointed day, as part of a wider Mexican exploration that also includes excursions to Taxco, Mérida and Uxmal. The price for this bespoke trip starts at £1,722 per person, based on two sharing.

Bargain of the week: Canada

Canadian Affair (020-7616 9184; www.canadianaffair.com) offers the chance to combine either a city break or a skiing holiday with a Caribbean winter-sun package from Montreal or Toronto. These holidays, in destinations such as Cuba (pictured), the Dominican Republic and Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, are primarily aimed at the Canadian market – but British travellers can take advantage, too.

Example: fly to Toronto in early November, and after a few days in the city head down to Varadero in Cuba for a week's all-inclusive holiday – for as little as £449 return, on top of the fare to Canada and back (likely to be around £400 return).