Something to declare: Destination of the week: <i>Jaffna</i>. Skye is no longer the limit. General strike in Spain. Private jet to New York for the price of business class?

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Destination of the week: Jaffna

As the political temperature elsewhere in the Indian sub-continent rises, in Sri Lanka the north of the country is once again accessible to visitors.

Flights began this week between the capital, Colombo, and the northern city of Jaffna. The first airline to operate the route is Expo-Aviation, which is selling tickets only locally.

Two notes of caution: the aircraft used is the elderly Soviet propeller aircraft, the Ilyushin Il-18; and the Foreign Office says you should steer clear of north and east Sri Lanka: "Although an official ceasefire has been signed between the LTTE [the Tamil Tigers] and the government forces, we advise against travel to these areas."

Flights to Colombo are available from Trailfinders (020-7938 3366) on SriLankan Airlines non-stop from Heathrow for £511. A cheaper deal is available on Kuwait Airways for around £421, though availability at this price is difficult.

Bargain of the week: Skye is no longer the limit

The best-value unlimited-travel pass in Scotland has become even better this year, thanks to the addition of bus services on the isles of Skye and Mull. The Freedom of Scotland Travelpass also covers all rail services, including the West Highland Line and GNER/Virgin services as far south as Berwick-upon-Tweed and Carlisle. It even covers the Glasgow underground.

By sea, you can use any Caledonian MacBrayne ferry services within Scotland.

To reach the parts not served by trains and ships, the pass includes essential bus links from Inverness to Ullapool, Fort William and Oban; Oban to Campbeltown; Wick to John O'Groats; Dundee to St Andrews; and services in the Borders.

The pass also gives discounts on ScotRail sleepers from England and P&O ferries from Aberdeen to Orkney and Shetland.

For travel on any four days out of eight, the price is £89 – which is less than £10 more than a single train ride between Carlisle and Wick. Eight days in 15 costs £119. You can buy through any staffed rail station in Britain, by phone to 08457 550 033, or online at www.scotrail.co.uk.

Warning of the week: general strike in Spain?

Trades unions in Spain have called a general strike for 20 June, which could cause widespread problems for travellers. The Spanish Tourist Office in London was unable yesterday to provide any information on the likely impact, but the Foreign Office is warning: "The extent to which the strike will be supported is not yet known. However, should it go ahead, some disruption can be expected to public transport schedules, airport facilities (eg baggage handling and catering) and access to some tourist sights and facilities."

Plane of the week: private jet to New York for the price of business class?

Starting at 10am on 17 June, Lufthansa is launching the first transatlantic business-class only flight.

The German airline is chartering a Boeing Business Jet (a fancy version of the 737) from the Swiss airline PrivatAir to fly its scheduled route between Düsseldorf and Newark airport, serving New York.

Instead of the 149 seats that easyJet packs into the same size plane, Lufthansa's jet will have just 48 very comfortable seats.

The fare from UK airports is around £3,500, comparable with prices for direct flights from Britain, though the connections are not ideal.