Something to declare

Trouble spots

Advice for participants in the new Encounter Overland brochure (call 0171-370 6845):

"Most of the longer trips require flexibility, fitness and adaptability. Due to extreme conditions, climates and the nomadic lifestyle, we consider our projects to be best suited to people between 18 and 45."

"We do not offer advice on personal equipment such as cameras and videos. Take into account the conditions experienced on the projects. Your equipment will invariably be subjected to extreme conditions, and high-tech electronic equipment cannot be repaired en route."

"Encounter provides individual mosquito nets on all truck projects, but you should come supplied with good insect repellent and suitable clothing."

"Delays can happen in the course of a journey anywhere in the world. On Overland Adventures, Encounter forewarns all travellers not to make unchangeable plans for seven to 10 days after the end of the journey."

"Occasional political conflicts, border closures or route diversions may result in the total closure of our intended route ... we may employ alternative transport such as flights, shipping, extra vehicles ... possibly local services."

Bargain of the week

Birmingham or London to Delhi (right) in some comfort

The Tupolev has toppled off the UK-to-Delhi schedule, which means budget travellers can travel to the Indian capital with more comfort and confidence. Turkmenistan Airlines (0181-746 3080) has brought in a Boeing 757 to use on its flights to Delhi from Birmingham and London. The return fares are pounds 320 and pounds 335 respectively.

True or false

False - take along this copy of The Independent, or tomorrow's Independent on Sunday, and you get a discount of pounds 1. Talks include "The Peruvian rainforest, a beginner's guide" and "Trespassing in central Asia". The show takes place this weekend at the Royal Horticultural Halls near Victoria, 9.30am-6pm. Call 0117-908 3300 for more details.

Admission to the Independent Traveller's World exhibition in London this weekend costs pounds 5

The answers

I wish it could be Christmas every day

A spaceman came travelling

Mistletoe and wine

Merry Christmas everybody

Santa Claus is coming to town

Silent night

Last Christmas

Stop the cavalry

I was born on Christmas day

Mary's boy child

Step into Christmas

Walking in the air

Wombling merry Christmas

Lonely this Christmas

I believe in Father Christmas

Do they know it's Christmas?

Not the answers

Altogether now (the Farm hit in 1990 was spelt All Together Now).

25th December (this Everything But The Girl track was neither a Christmas hit nor spelt without the "th").