In an unusual move, the destination-led cruise specialist will also honour existing summer 2009 bookings with the savings. The new fares are strictly limited in availability and will run on a first come, first served basis.

From May to late August next year, all of Voyages of Discovery’s eclectic summer voyages from the UK will sail on a round trip from Harwich, with destinations ranging from Scandinavia to Russia, including the Baltic and Northern Waters. A selection of exciting fly cruises is also available to the Mediterranean. As ever, a highly acclaimed team of lecturers and guest speakers will be onboard to enrich the experience.

Don’t miss the boat - prices start at just £599 pp for the eight-day Norwegian Fjords I voyage departing Harwich on 24 May 2009 (brochure early booking price was £899).

The 10-day Italian Odyssey voyage departing 10 September 2009 (departs Gatwick - £15 supplement for Manchester), costs from just £1099 pp (brochure early booking price was £1,299).

Fares are based on two sharing a twin-bedded inside cabin and with all on-board meals and with entertainment, gratuities and port charges included (unlike many other cruise lines), and with the added value of free parking at Harwich or selected transfers to the port on no-fly cruises, it means that Voyages of Discovery’s value for money continues to be second to none!

Full ATOL and ABTA protection means that your money and holiday is safe. Voyages of Discovery also guarantees no currency or fuel surcharges.

For full details of the savings and voyages available, call 01444 462150 or visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk.

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Western Australia has a diverse range of attractions from Shark Bay, King Sound and other beaches, to trekking through deserts and the outback. The state capital is Perth, where it is possible to take advantage of the nightlife and sightseeing. Accommodation for backpackers is mostly traditional hostels although facilities vary. There is a range of hotel/motel accommodation, bed and breakfast or the option of renting a campervan which would combine travel and accommodation. Western Australia is easy to reach by air (international flights at Perth and domestic flights to cities in Western Australia). The easyrider coach is great for backpackers as you can buy jump on jump off tickets valid for six months.

New South Wales is a region not to be avoided. Visitors to Sydney should consider climbing the harbour bridge or going to the opera house. Not to be missed is a trip to world famous Bondi Beach, and the national parks of New South Wales are breathtaking, with beautiful forests and mountains. Much of the accommodation around Sydney is hostel accommodation with the option of some self catering flats, bed and breakfast and hotel/motel stays.

The Northern Territory is less explored but still a popular destination. The capital of the region is Darwin, where many tours begin from. There are options to explore Kakadu National Park, to venture into the outback and also to see the fantastic spectacle of Uluru. Accommodation is mostly hostels and campsites/caravan parks although hotel/motel, lodge and self catering accommodation is available. The region is accessible by air, rail and road from most parts of Australia and is easy to fly to from Asia.

Queensland is a popular region to explore because of features such as its fantastic coastline (home to the Great Barrier Reef), golden beaches and its rainforests and stunning natural scenery further inland. Brisbane and Cairns are the main cities of the region. Queensland has an extensive public transport network so it is easy to travel around the region by air, road, rail, or even boat.

Tasmania is the smallest Australian state, but still has much to offer with stunning rainforests, lakes, mountains and beaches. Tasmania`s cities and towns are also worth exploring, rich in heritage and culture. Transport options in Tasmania include boats, car hire, coach services, buses, planes, cycling and taxis. Hostels, hotels/motels, farm stay, caravan and camping and bed and breakfast accommodation is available on the island.

Backpacking around Australia can be a life-changing experience, opening your eyes to different cultures and landscapes. However it is important to consider local and international safety advice and to ensure that the equipment you travel with is appropriate for example what backpacks will be best for your trip and what you will need to carry. Careful planning (allowing room for flexibility) is key to a successful and enjoyable backpacking experience in Australia.

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On this 4WD sightseeing and hiking trip, an experienced guide will demonstrate how to use glacier equipment before guiding the group through the ice sculptures, ridges and crevasses of the glacier and  on to the breathtaking Skogafoss and Seljalandfoss waterfalls.

A full day tour including guiding, glacier gear and safety equipment costs £119 pp. Call Icelandair on 0800 988 9989 (www.icelandair.co.uk).

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Try one of its holidays for yourself – experience the ultimate way to travel in Scotland’s mountains in winter and learn essential off-piste ski travel. Departing 5 March 2009, the ‘Ski Touring Introductory Course’ costs £445 pp and includes three nights’ hotel accommodation, all meals, transport throughout the trip (starting and finishing Edinburgh), services of a guide and group safety equipment. Graded: moderate. Call Wilderness Scotland on 0131 625 6635 (www.wildernessscotland.com).

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With state of the art tools and technology for the ultimate experience in exploring life above and below the sea, the National Geographic Explorer is currently carrying its first group of guests on a 14-day voyage from Iceland to Greenland. While onboard, Lindblad guests will have the opportunity to experience a myriad of exceptional accoutrements which make the National Geographic Explorer an unparalleled base for exploring the seas. Some of these features, which create Lindblad’s hallmark intimate and educational environment include:

– A Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) that can explore the ocean at depths to 1000ft.;
– A Reinforced Ice Belt ensuring the ability to go further with the greatest safety in polar regions;
– The Observation Lounge, a glassed enclosed venue with exceptional views, providing panoramic vistas of scenic destinations;
– A Chart Room with nautical maps and other navigational information;
– A Remote Controlled Crow’s Nest Camera with real-time footage broadcast on high definition LCD video screens within each cabin;
– An Electronic Chart System that broadcasts as a channel in the cabins;
– 14 Zodiacs with an internal boarding mechanism that allows guests to disembark quickly and seamlessly from the ship;
– 36 Kayaks that allows guests to kayak in remote and pristine environments — a unique ability of Lindblad in the Arctic and Antarctica.

“The National Geographic Explorer is a magnificent ship. With the tools and technology housed onboard, she is the ultimate 21st century expedition vessel. She is also a beautiful ship that has been built with careful attention to detail and comfort,” said Sven Lindblad, founder and president of Lindblad Expeditions. “I am certain that our guests are going to enjoying exploring remote and pristine places of beauty while traveling on the National Geographic Explorer and I am excited by this newest chapter in our company’s development.”

Details about the National Geographic Explorer as well as upcoming itineraries can be found at www.expeditions.com.

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Looking to bring speed dating to the next level, Speedbreaks are a unique travel company that organise activity breaks for single people between the ages of 27 - 49. These activities cater for all tastes, ranging from a day cycling to a two week safari in Zambia with other adventure seeking singles.

Speedbreaks aims to have an equal number of male and females per trip which, on average, consists of around 20 people. For those concerned about spending a weekend with a group of strangers, the organisation hosts an initial ‘ice-breaker’ introduction which includes champagne, a meal and a chance to relax and mingle. Speedbreaks have found however, that the best ice-breaker is when everyone’s involved in the activities end up getting on amazingly well.

Many Speedbreaks customers use the opportunity to meet new people, have some fun and experience a different style of holiday. All trips have a dedicated host or local representative and there is the choice of either sleeping in a twin room or a single.

So if you’re adventurous, single and looking for a holiday with a difference, Speedbreaks can tick all the boxes. You never know, you may even find that special someone ;).

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