Tips and Deals: 26/04/2009

The competition

Journalist Matthew Parris has taken over from Douglas Schatz as the main judge of this year's IoS/Bradt travel-writing competition. Don't miss your chance to enter; the deadline is 15 May. Go to independent.co.uk/travel or bradtguides.com.

The flight

So you thought a holiday on the Indian Ocean islands of the Seychelles was luxurious enough. Now you can add an extra glamorous touch by connecting to your resort by helicopter on a new service being offered by Zil Air. For details, go to zilair.com.

The book

Walker's Britain in a Box offers more than 100 routes to follow on easy-to-carry cards. Choose from a half-day trek to a three-day hike, then pop the relevant card in the protective case provided and take it with you. Price £11.99. Go to kylecathie.com.

The bargain

Collette Worldwide Holidays is cutting £310 off the cost of an 11-day tour of New England, calling at places such as Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard. The price of £1,379 includes return flights, transfers and your hotel. Go to colletteworld wide.com.