Something To Declare: frequent-traveller points for backpackers; seismic activity; Calais

Bargain of the week: frequent-traveller points for backpackers

Bargain of the week: frequent-traveller points for backpackers

"Free beer" - that is the promise of RoamFree, a loyalty scheme for backpackers launched this week in Sydney. The company is initially targeting hostels in Australia with free cards and directories of what it claims to be the first independent travel reward card. RoamFree (00 61 2 6685 5173; www.roamfree.com) aims eventually to go worldwide.

As with airline frequent-flyer schemes, the idea is to influence buying patterns by offering benefits for cash spent at particular outlets. The business model appears to involve giving travellers points equivalent to 8 per cent of the amount spent on anything from a A$50 (£20) surfing lesson to a A$1,250 (£500) overland trip. The accrued points can be spent with any retailer that has signed up to the scheme, from hostels to bars.

Hostelling International ( www.hihostels.com) already operates a similar scheme called FreeNites & More, which extends worldwide.

Warning of the week: seismic activity in Washington State

Mount St Helens, close to Seattle and southern British Columbia, is restless. The US Geological Survey says: "Growth of the new lava dome inside the crater of Mount St Helens continues and is accompanied by intermittent emissions of steam and ash. As long as this eruption is in progress, episodic changes in the level of activity can occur over days, weeks, or even months. Any increase in the intensity of eruption could occur suddenly or with very little warning and may include explosive events."

Even if you are not travelling to the Pacific Northwest region, an eruption could affect air travel over a wide area.

Destination of the week: Calais

A big problem for a lot of Christmas shoppers tempted to head for France is the law against Sunday trading. In principle, supermarkets are allowed to open only from Monday to Saturday. But stores can apply for special permission to open on up to four Sundays in the run-up to Christmas - and, in Calais, that starts next weekend. On 28 November, two popular locations will open: Cité Europe (10am-8pm) and Tesco Vin Plus (8.30am-9pm). They will open each subsequent Sunday until Christmas. From 5-19 December, Auchan will open 8.30am-8pm.