Travel: For as little as...

pounds 20

hire a car for the weekend. Branches of National Car Rental across mainland UK are offering this special rate between Friday 26 February and Monday 29 February. This all-inclusive price covers cars ranging from a Nissan Micra through to a Vauxhall Vectra. National Car Rental (tel: 0870 4004525).

pounds 154

take a seven-night holiday in the Black Forest or Bavaria. This per-person price includes accommodation in Alpine apartments or Hansel-and-Gretel style cottages, plus return Dover-to-Calais ferry crossing for a car and passengers, based on four sharing. Moswin (tel: 0116-2719922).

pounds 219

take a last-minute ski break in the Italian Alps. This per-person price is for a one-week, self-catering holiday, departing 27 February, and is based on four sharing, with return flights from Manchester. Two-star accommodation is allocated on arrival. For reservations call into any of Lunn Poly's 800 Holiday Shops.

pounds 314

children can spend a week at Summer Camp with a "homesickness, money- back guarantee". Any parent whose child fails to settle after two nights is refunded the cost of the rest of the holiday. The camps are in Dorset and the Isle of Wight and this per-child price includes seven nights' full-board accommodation in small apartments and all professionally supervised activities. Superchoice (tel: 01273 691100).

pounds 500

take a sub-Arctic survival course in Swedish Lapland. This four-day trip is under the expert instruction of the Swedish army which will teach group members how to survive in the wilderness by recognising edible plants, trapping grouse and sleeping rough using minimal equipment. This per-person price includes full-board, transportation, guided tours and all equipment. Flights are not included but can be arranged. Swedish Travel & Tourism Council (tel: 0171-870 5600).

pounds 679

take a spring break to Jordan. This five-day tour takes in the ancient cities of Amman, Petra and Jerash. This per-person price is based on two travelling and includes return flights, half-board three-star hotel accommodation, transfers and an English-speaking guide. Regal Classic Holidays (tel: 01353 777950).

pounds 720

take an Easter break in Andalusia. This 15-day tour departs on 29 March and takes in the Moorish architecture of Cordoba, Seville, Granada and the mountain landscape of the Rhonda region. This per-person price includes return flights, transport, 14 nights' three-star, guest-house accommodation with breakfast and the services of a guide. Explore Worldwide (tel: 01252 760000).

pounds 995

welcome in the new century in Israel. This seven-night tour of the holy land departs on 30 December, 1999, and returns 6 January, 2000, and takes in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea and Masada, Galilee, Nazareth and Caesarea. The turn of the century will be celebrated in the ancient port of Jaffa and this per-person price includes return flights, a sightseeing tour with guide and three-star, half-board hotel accommodation with a gala dinner and dance. Travelink (tel: 0181-931 8000).

pounds 1,695

go Blue Whale-watching in Baja California. This 10-day tour explores the Sea of Cortez, where the whale comes to mate, give birth and warm- up after spending six months in Arctic feeding grounds. The tour includes return flights, accommodation aboard the expedition vessel and hotel, most meals and expert wildlife guides. Wildlife World (0181-667 9158).