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Avoid getting bitten by insects when you travel? Either sail non- stop around the world, or call the "Biting insects and how to avoid getting bitten advice line", operated by the Public Health Advisory Service. The organisation says that 500 million people around the world suffer serious diseases as a result of insect bites, and that a few simple precautions can greatly reduce the risk. Dial the premium-rate number 0891 600270 (costing 50p per minute) to find out more.

Find Britain's broadest High Street? Head for Stockton-on-Tees (though some in Marlborough, Wilts, might disagree), which also has the distinction of being one end of the first passenger railway in the world. The 10th Stockton International Riverside Festival, featuring street theatre performers from all over the world, begins one month from today. Information: 01642 393968.

Go north from John O'Groats? Take one of the four daily ferries linking the far north of mainland Britain with Burwick in Orkney through the summer. A day trip from John O'Groats costs pounds 26; from Inverness the price is pounds 40, including bus connections. The service is bookable through John O'Groats Ferries (01955 611353).

Fly to Germany? Contact the German Travel Centre (0181-429 2900) and ask about the pounds 75 specials to Berlin, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Munich, Leipzig and Stuttgart from Gatwick and Heathrow. You must book by 2 July, travel by the end of July and pay tax of around pounds 8 on top.

Wander around Wales? Read the travel pages of the Long Weekend, with The Independent next Saturday, 28 June.