Something to declare: The last pink bits on the map

The column that gives the global picture

Destination of the week: The last pink bits on the map, in Whitehall, next Tuesday

"Pearls of the Seven Seas" is the theme of a one-day open day at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London. The FCO is celebrating the 14 remaining British Overseas Territories, which range from specks on the maps such as Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha to the pink wedge of the British Antarctic Territory. Attractions include talks, musicians and Cayman Island Rum Cake. You will also get the chance to visit the opulent Locarno Suite, the India Office Council Chamber and Grand Staircase. Getting in is a breeze, especially compared with the Wimbledon tennis championships; simply turn up at King Charles Street, just off Whitehall and a five-minute walk from Westminster Underground station, between 10am and 4.30pm on Tuesday, 2 July. More information is available on the website www.fco.gov.uk.

Warning of the week: Events that tour operators do not consider reasonable grounds for compensation

"War or the threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events outside our control." – Travelscene

"Weather changes are unpredictable but can and do have an impact on local climates. We cannot tell you about these changes in the climate and cannot give you compensation if they affect your holiday." – British Airways Holidays

"If any of our customers behaves in a way that causes annoyance, distress, damage or danger to anyone or anyone's property, we will cancel their holiday arrangements without giving them any notice or compensation." – Time Off

Bargain of the week: Six-billion-year-old rock for under £100

The Isle of Lewis is formed from the oldest rock on Earth. A new package enables you to visit the largest of the Outer Hebrides, starting in Inverness, for under £99 – with cut-price connections from elsewhere in Britain.

The package includes bus travel from Inverness to Ullapool, the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry to Stornoway, a taxi from the port to the Royal Hotel and two nights bed-and-breakfast accommodation. A £10 supplement applies for midweek stays; if you like busy Sundays, it is worth paying, since much of Lewis closes on the Sabbath. You may also want to rent a car, which costs around £28 per day.

Rail travel to Inverness from almost anywhere in Scotland is available for an additional £25, while the Caledonian Sleeper from London costs an extra £75 return. Book on 0870 161 0161, or visit www.calmac.co.uk for more information.