This Weeks Tips For Travellers

The book

Just out this week, Time Out's new handy and environmentally-friendly guide Flight-Free Europe (eburypublishing.co.uk). Simple in concept, the book suggests a selection of trips to Europe by train, boat, bike and coach, dividing up breaks by journey time. Price £14.99.

The gadget

It's hard to get some adult time on a family holiday, but the Bébétel Mobile (babymonitorsdirect.co.uk) connects to a mobile phone and programmes it to call a second mobile if your baby cries or makes a noise. Price £179.95.

The cash

The Post Office (postoffice.co.uk) is introducing foreign exchange machines at 13 branches across the country. Like an ordinary self-service till, you can use your debit card to withdraw cash, which will be available in dollars or euros. And there's no fee or commission charge.

The shoe

Add a touch of style to your hand luggage with a pair of the new foldable satin pumps from Coco Rose (cocoroselondon.com). More pleasant for padding about the cabin – and to the loo – than bare feet, the slip-ons come in four colours and are stored in a leather purse. Price £30.

The bargain

Book a Nile Cruise for £679 per person, based on two sharing, with Kuoni (kuoni.co.uk), a saving of £248. The seven-night trip on the five-star Ms Darakum includes full-board accommodation in a standard cabin. Departs 1 September, with other dates available. Quote ref N14483.