Great ways to see the world

Dec 29 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

PAUL Cole and Ken Bennett offer their A-Z of new travel experiences to enjoy in 2008 Ken Bennett offer their A-Z of new travel experiences to enjoy in 2008:

A - THE AZORES: One of the year's year's hottest destinations. Basking in super temperatures, tour operator Sunvil has four new properties and a programme of activities including diving, whale watching, swimming with dolphins and boat trips. Seven nights bed and breakfast costs from £451. Call 020 8758 4747 or see www.sunvil.co.uk.

B - BRITAIN: Despite the fact that we still travel abroad twice as much as inbound tourists visit us, holidays at home are hard to beat. The sublime Lake District is the most visited for shopping, although its watery vistas and walks are rated as among the best in the world. For funky breaks, try cheese-rolling and worm-charming! Visit www.visitbritain.com

C - CRUISING: It's rocketing in popularity with discounted deals attracting a younger audience. From easycruise, through Ocean Village to classy Cunard, there's something for everyone. P&O remains a favourite but, if you're not into dress codes - and still like life's little luxuries - try NCL's freedom cruising, where you make all the choices.

D - DIVING: Specialist Explorers is highlighting "Learn To Dive" holidays in Sharm El Sheikh at £439 per person. The twin-share price includes return midweek flights from Gatwick, transfers and B&B at the three-star Ocean Club Hotel and a two-day PADI Scuba Diver course for beginners. Call 0845 094 3367 or click on www.explorers.co.uk.

E - ECO-FRIENDLY: If your holiday cottage has to be green, head for Cumbrian Cottages' Southwaite Green in the Lakes.Prices are from £320 for a three-night break in a cottage for four. Call 01228 599960 or see www.cumbrian-cottages.co.uk

F - FREEWHEELING: Cycling specialist Freewheel offers seven-night itineraries from the mountains of the South Tyrol down the Val de Venosta to Merano. Expect to average 15 miles a day. The price is from £749 per person for cycle hire, support, luggage transfer and hotel accommodation. Call 0845 3720 315 or see www.freewheelholidays.com.

G - GERMANY: Germany is set for a huge revival in 2008, with cut-price flights from UK regional airports. If you're after romance, visit Heidelberg, home of the Student Prince. Plan your trip and discover more at official website www.germany-tourism.de

H - HERITAGE TRAINS: Great Rail Journeys has a new seven-day Heritage Trains of France tour which combines the Alps and the Ardeche with stays in Tain and Lyon, and a full-day tour of Beaujolais country. Available from May to September, the price is £895 including return first-class rail from St Pancras. Call 01904 521 980 or see www.GreatRail.com.

I - INDIA: Soak up India's exotic culture and striking colours on a tailor-made trip. From the magnificence of the Taj Mahal to the golden beaches of Goa, it's perfect for an unforgettable holiday. An 11-night tour of northern India costs from £2,390, including flights with Kirker Holidays. Call 020 7593 2284 or head for www.kirkerholidays.com

J - JINGANDO: Jingando Holidays is an ethical tour operator offering learn-to-dance holidays in Rio de Janeiro. Guests learn Brazilian styles, such as samba and salsa and also help out local community projects, while staying in a guesthouse. A week is from £1,375 including flights. Call 020 8877 1630 or see www. jingandoholidays.com

K - KIDS' HOLIDAYS: Pirate Island Adventure on the Isle of Wight is new for 2008, from children's residential holiday operator PGL Travel. For seven to 10-year-olds, the holiday includes raft building, sword fighting and following secret clues to find the hidden treasure while trying to evade the pirates. Call 08700 507 507 or hoist the mainsail at www.pgl.co.uk

L - LISBON: Lisbon is under-rated but a rising destination in Portugal. Take in some hospitality at one of the nighteries where singers entertain, folklore style, with haunting tunes. An inexpensive and efficient underground railway system, and bright yellow trams, make getting around very easy. Plenty of tourist information can be found at www.visitPortugal.com

M - MOZAMBIQUE: Now recovered from tropical cyclone Favio, in February, 2007, lodges on the Bazaruto Archipelago have been restored, revamped and re-opened. Be among the first visitors to these boltholes, and support the locals, with full board packages starting from £1,120. Call Expert Africa on 020 8232 9777 or click on www.expertafrica.com

N - NEW YORK: The Christmas lights carry on well into the New Year, so skate in Central Park or at the Rockefeller Center, marvel at the Macy's window displays, and get caught up in the busy bustle of the city that never sleeps. Book online with Virgin Holidays, and save 5%. Call 0871 222 5825 or visit website www.virginholidays.co.uk

O - ORIENT-EXPRESS: The classiest and most romantic rail journeys on earth. And the good news is you don't have to travel as far as you might think to get a taste of luxury. Affordable lunch and dinner daytrips on the Northern Belle and British Pullman leave regional stations throughout the year. Shunt on to their website at www.orient-express.com to get on the right track.

P - PRAGUE: Just about the best of the great cities emerging in the "new" EU. Unblemished historical buildings, music, great grub and beer abound, and it's all cheap as chips. CSA, the Czech national airline, has increased flights from UK regional airports. For information, call 0870 4443 747 or click on www.czechairlines.com

Q - QUEBEC: Dwarfed by the rest of Canada, this fascinating city - home of the French language - is a delight. It's marking its 400th birthday in 2008. It can claim to be the cradle of French civilisation in North America and is recognised by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. Click on website www.bonjourquebec.com

R - ROAMING: For real freedom on the roads, try a motorhome. They come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny campervans to giant tour buses We recommend hiring one before you buy, and there's more advice from the Motorhome Information Service on 01444 458889 or www.motorhomesinfo.co.uk

S - SINGLES: Friendship Travel has expanded its choice of house parties for solo holidaymakers. Making its debut is Caesar's Gardens, on Rhodes. On offer between April and October, prices start from £499 per person inclusive of return flights. Call 0870 8500 344 or see www. friendshiptravel.com

T - TROLLEY RIDES: For something different, try trolley travel through the forests of Dalsland in West Sweden. About 100 miles north of Gothenburg is the town of Bengtsfors, where visitors can embark on trolley excursions along a disused railway line out in the wilderness. Visit website www.west-sweden.com

U - UKRAINE: It may surprise you to know that Ukraine attracts more than 15m tourists a year, who come for skiing, hiking, fishing and spa breaks. The Black Sea is a popular summer destination, and the vineyards are building a reputation for robust wines. Kiev has many unique buildings such as Saint Sophia Cathedral. Try www.ukraine.com

V - VERDI: A performance of the famous Requiem is one of the highlights at the Music Festival of the Canaries in 2008, and is included in Kudu Travel's 10-day itinerary to Tenerife. The tour also includes walking amid volcanic scenery and discovering the island's wildlife. From £1,790 including meals and wine. Call 01722 716 167 or see www. kudutravel.com

W - WINE: Head to the Bergerac region of France, where wines have been produced as far back as the 16th century. Vintage Travel is highlighting Le Manoir du Vignoble, a five-bedroomed property sleeping 14 with a pool and its own vineyards. The owner offers a tour and tasting! Ring 0845 344 0420 or sip www.vintagetravel.co.uk

X - XMAS: It's never too early to start planning for the festive season, especially if you want to visit Santa in the Arctic Circle, or shop at the many Christmas Markets taking place across Europe in 2008. Santa specials are magical with Canterbury Travel. Call 01923 822 388 or see www.santa-holidays.com

Y - YUCATAN: Chichen Itza, the mystical Mayan site on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, has been voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Lovingly restored, the pyramids rival those of Egypt. Sunvil Latin America offers itineraries, including flights, hotel and guides. Call 020 8758 4774 or see www.sunvil.co.uk.

Z - ZURICH: The Swiss city is a great spring break choice. Enjoy the beauty of the Grossmunster and Fraumunster churches, the Picassos and other modern art in the Kunsthaus, not to mention the stunning lakes and mountains. A B&B break at the three-star Montana hotel in the town centre is from £44 a night. Click www.hotelconnect.co.uk or call 0845 230 8888.