So you like the white stuff? For some, a ski trip is as much about the social scene as it is a day on the slopes. Make the most of your holiday overseas with our guide to winter sports holidays . We’ll help you enjoy the best snow the world has to offer.

Slovenia

Surprisingly, this is a fairly recent addition to the skiers and snowboarders’ list of places to visit. If you’re looking for uncrowded, family-friendly resorts with slopes and snowboarding runs for all abilities, plus expert tuition, Slovenia is ideal. Kranska Gora, near the Swiss and Italian borders is a fantastic resort with a cosmopolitan feel, offering great value for money.

Sweden

As well as many great ski and snowboarding resorts, Sweden’s landscapes host a range of other winter sports activities, including snowmobile safaris, husky sledding, ice climbing and ice fishing. Vemdalen, for example, is recommended for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. And being a little off the beaten track, it has a remote, relaxed atmosphere without being sleepy.

British Columbia, Canada

Anyone who’s been there will tell you Canada has some of the best terrain in the world for skiers and snowboarders. And it offers the adventurous and experienced winter sportsperson enough thrills to last a lifetime. Whistler, in southern British Columbia, simply ticks all the boxes, whether you’re a beginner or a veteran of the slopes – and the scenery is second to none.

Andorra

If you like to party after a day on the slopes, Andorra’s Pas de la Casa resort has the nightlife to keep you going. It’s a popular destination for this reason alone, yet it’s surrounded by slopes to suit all abilities, and there are plenty of off-piste opportunities for the more adventurous. A great all-round destination for any skill level, and there’s lots going on if you fancy a day’s rest from the hat and goggles!

Beaver Creek, Colorado, USA

Perfect for families, beginners, even non-skiers, Beaver Creek in Colorado, is ideally located for easy access to slopes for all abilities, and has awesome panoramic scenery. Resort facilities are extensive, modern and luxurious. It’s not all about the slopes, though – spend all day honing your snowboarding freestyle skills or relax in a resort spa and pamper yourself.

In most cases, you’ll need to take out special winter sports travel insurance for your ski or snowboarding holiday. If you have annual, multi-trip cover, make sure there’s winter sports cover included. Many standard policies won’t cover you for off-piste skiing or other more dangerous activities, so you might need a specialist policy. Always check before you set off.

Bring literature to life when you travel overseas, with our guide to literary trips around the globe. We’ll help you experience the best the world has to offer.

1. Jane Austen

When it comes to soaking up the atmosphere of your favourite books, Jane Austen fans have more to choose from than most. You can enjoy free audio walking tours of Bath, where Austen lived and set Northanger Abbey and Persuasion , or visit her house at Chawton, where she wrote Emma . And there’s always the option of looking up the filming locations of your favourite adaptations – Groombridge Place, Basildon Place and Wilton House are all popular for this.

2. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin

This best-selling novel by Louis de Bernieres, about an Italian captain and the daughter of a local physician, has already inspired countless readers to visit the beautiful island of Kefalonia (which you may see spelt in a number of different ways). The film adaptation, which was shot on the island itself, was a let-down for many, so it’s more a case of soaking up the general atmosphere than spotting specific locations.

3. Ulysses

Even if you’ve never actually made it all the way through this challenging but great novel, visiting Dublin – which Joyce himself famously hated – really helps bring it alive. Ideally you’d visit on ‘Bloomsday’ (16 ^th June, the anniversary of the day on which the novel takes place), but whenever you go, you’ll find a surprising number of the novel’s churches, banks and public buildings still intact.

4. Ernest Hemingway

Fans of Hemingway have a lot of locations, including France, Spain and Cuba, to choose from. The author’s home in Key West, Florida, is open to the public, and is a good place to start. It was a wedding present from his wife’s uncle, and where Hemingway wrote some of his best-loved work.

5. Dostoevsky

Although born in Moscow, the author of Crime and Punishment and The Idiot is inextricably linked with St Petersburg, where he was first sent to study aged 17. And it’s here you can see where the author was arrested, imprisoned, married and buried. The Dostoevsky museum is in the apartment where the author spent the last two years of his life, and wrote his greatest novel – The Brothers Karamazov.

Australia was the first country in the world to grant a 40-hour working week – and combined with a ‘laid back’ attitude, led to the country becoming known as the ‘land of the long weekend’. But, Australians actually have fewer public holidays than most other industrialised countries, so make the most of the holidays you have with our Guide to the top long weekend destinations

1. Australia Day

Sydney Harbour, NSW

Nothing beats seeing the Australia day fireworks explode over one of the world’s most spectacular harbours. Stay in a CBD hotel, or charter a yacht, and watch the harbour come alive with countless boats and a fireworks display over Darling Harbour and the Harbour Bridge.

Gold Coast and Mount Tambourine, Queensland

The end of the school holidays is a great time to visit this famous stretch of beach in southern Queensland. There’s no wet season, so enjoy the sunshine and head up to the wineries and national parkland around Mount Tambourine.

2. Easter Long Weekend (March/April)

Broome, Western Australia

Between the red desert and the blue sea on Western Australia’s north coast, Broome was founded as a pearling port. Famed for the pristine white sand of Cable Beach and the warm, clear waters of the Indian Ocean, Broome has a wide range of accommodation, from five star resorts to backpacker options.

Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

Sheer, beautiful Cradle Mountain sits at the start of the 65 km Overland Track and at the northern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The area offers cosy lodge, hotel and camping accommodation. Spend the weekend walking the lakeshore and mountainside tracks and experience the magic of the region.

3. Anzac Day

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

The UK Sunday Telegraph called Kangaroo Island ‘one of earth’s last unspoilt refuges’. Just off the South Australian coast, Kangaroo Island is home to an amazing array of native wildlife, with accommodation options ranging from camping sites to high-end resorts. You can fly in from Adelaide or catch a Sealink ferry from the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Margaret River, Western Australia

If you’re looking to enjoy the long weekend over a glass of wine, head to the Margaret River, south of Perth. With its Mediterranean climate, the region offers not only bountiful vineyards but a glorious coastline and some of Western Australia’s best surf beaches.

4. Queens’ Birthday (June)

A ski weekend

Jindabyne and surrounds in NSW, and Mt Hotham and Mt Bulli in Victoria provide great downhill and cross country skiing opportunities for the winter long weekend. The slopes can be busy, but you can always warm yourself in front of a fire back at the lodge, drink in hand, until it quietens down. Be sure to take out travel insurance before you hit the snow.

5. Labour Day (March to October)

Uluru, Northern Territory

Uluru the perfect place for a long weekend because you can comfortably and properly take in most of the fascinating Indigenous and natural heritage in three days.

Uluru itself is spectacular, changing colour throughout the day, but Kata Tjuta and the walk through King’s Canyon are also a must.

Great Ocean Road

Hire a car (or drive your own) from Melbourne and head out along the Great Ocean Road. Pass through charming Lorne and Warrnambool and stay in historic Port Fairy. The mighty Twelve Apostles are a central feature the drive, rising majestically from the wild ocean.

No matter how you choose to get away on your much needed mini-break, make sure you’re fully covered for all possibilities [ buy cheap travel insurance here]. Then relax, and enjoy the great Australian way of life.

Whether you want a unique shopping experience, or one-of-a-kind mementoes of your holiday overseas, our guide to the top 5 markets in the world can help you save time and money. Just watch out for pickpockets – and make sure you have travel insurance to cover your new bargains and all your belongings.

1. Chatachuk weekend market, Bangkok

It’s easy to get to one of the world’s biggest markets by air-conditioned skytrain. The overwhelming maze of stalls is actually neatly divided into sections, so you’ll wander up aisles of live birds, then turn into rows of Thai handicrafts and antiques. Bartering is a must.

2. Portobello Rd, London

As the song goes, this is the street where the riches of England are sold. There are still plenty of antiques at the Notting Hill end, but the real action is underneath the overpass, with an eclectic mix of fashion, jewellery and homewares. Be sure to check out London’s attractions.

3. The Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

More than 4000 shops are crammed into this authentic covered market, where you’ll find locals haggling over spices and books. Go with the flow, and enjoy some apple tea while some Turkish carpets are brought out for your admiration. Or browse through the glazed tiles, pottery, leathergoods and clothing.

4. Aleppo, Syria

An important trading centre for thousands of years, Aleppo’s souq (or bazaar) is friendlier than Damascus, and more authentic than Cairo. It’s the world’s longest covered market, an endless medieval shopper’s paradise. Stock up on every kind of good imaginable, including spices, rugs, hand made soap and exquisite jewellery.

5. Chandi Chowk, Delhi

At one of India’s oldest and busiest markets, you’ll find more than 1000 different kinds of Indian sweets, authentic food and sarees with intricate work. The narrow lanes are crammed with shops selling books, shoes, electronic goods and leather goods. It’s a buzz for all your senses.

Lights, camera… vacation! Make the most of your holiday overseas with our guide to the top 5 movie locations. We’ll help you experience the best the world has to offer.

1. Harry Potter (Alnwick Castle, England)

A striking stately home and castle in Northumberland, England, Alnwick Castle has featured prominently (as Hogwarts) in the series of Harry Potter films since 2001. It also appears in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and Elizabeth.

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2. Last Tango in Paris(Pont de Bir-Hakeim, France)

It may not be everyone’s idea of a fun movie, but Last Tango certainly makes the most of some wonderful Parisian locations. Most famous of them all is this double-decker road and rail bridge, where the two main characters meet.

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3. The Lord of the Rings (Matamata, New Zealand)

Locations for this epic trilogy were spread across both New Zealand islands, so perhaps the best place to start is where the story starts – Matamata. The rolling greenery of ‘the shire’ was actually filmed on private land nearby, but you can still enjoy guided tours of the Hobbiton set.

4. Thelma and Louise (Gooseneck State Park, USA)

So the Grand Canyon’s most famous movie appearance was actually filmed hundreds of miles away! In fact, very little of Thelma and Louise was filmed at the story’s locations, and the dramatic climax really took place just off Route 163, in the south east corner of Utah.

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5. Monty Python’s Life of Brian (Monastir, Tunisia)

Most of this famous satire, where Brian gets mistaken for the Messiah, was filmed at the ribat (a small fortification) in Monastir, a major tourist resort on the central coast of Tunisia. The ribat’s winding passages are open to the public, and a fascinating visit in their own right.

Some people will travel hundreds, even thousands of miles for a three or four-day music festival experience. Make sure you get there safely and see your favourite acts with our guide to travelling to music festivals . We’ll help you experience the best the world has to offer.

Book your travel in advance

With larger music festivals, it pays to book plane, train and coach travel well in advance to avoid disappointment. As soon as you’ve bought those sought-after festival tickets, get the equally sought-after travel tickets and make sure you can get there with minimum hassle.

Try to avoid the stampede

When people start descending on the big event en masse, everything slows down. If you’re carrying a heavy rucksack, you don’t want to be trudging along at a snail’s pace. Try and arrive early to set up camp – or at very least, give yourself plenty of time, to allow for travel delays caused by the sheer volume of people all going to the same place.

Travel light

Big music festivals, such as England’s Glastonbury, Japan’s Fuji Rock, and Denmark’s Roskilde, are often held in rural locations. This means they can be a long way from the airport, and you’ll have to make several connections and walk from plane to train to bus stop… to festival. So as well as planning your trip in advance, try to carry only what you need, or you’ll be exhausted before you get chance to party.

Don’t get over-excited

Try to leave the revelry till you get there. Long journeys can be tiring, and if you need to make connections, you’ll want to be ‘compos mentis’ and make sure you don’t end up miles away from the fun – or miss half of it by arriving late.

Use the web

It’s always worth surfing the net for travel packages put together specially for the event. They take the pressure off you – no need to worry about where you need to be and when. Or the festival itself will probably have a website that includes an address, directions and information about public transport to and from the site.

With any trip overseas, you’ll need travel insurance. Make sure you invest in a policy that covers you adequately for medical expenses, lost luggage, personal items, and cancellations.

National sports around the world

You can learn a lot about a culture by seeing what sports they get excited about. So why not use our quick guide to national sports around the world ? We’ll help you experience the best the world has to offer.

Cricket in India

England might seem like the quintessential destination for cricket, but the sport is much more widely loved in India. Eden Gardens in Kolkata (Calcutta) is a magnificent stadium – the largest cricket venue in the world, and for cricket fans visiting India, it has the richest sense of history.

American football in the USA

Regardless of how much you understand the rules, you’re bound to be amazed by the sheer spectacle of a big ‘football’ game. And don’t forget – college leagues are hugely popular, and can often stir up more excitement than professional clashes.

Football in Italy

Italian football has had its ups and downs in recent years, so it’s great to go and get a reminder of how fanatically devoted the fans still are. In Milan, you can visit the legendary ‘San Siro’ stadium, shared by local rivals AC Milan and Internazionale (Inter Milan).

Bullfighting in Spain

Clichéd? Perhaps, but that doesn’t mean it’s not an exciting and culturally fascinating day out. The violence can seem alarming, but it’s hard to deny the strange beauty of it all. So pack your book of Hemingway stories, and make your way to Andalusia…

Golf in Scotland

Scotland considers itself the home of golf, and with more than 550 courses in a country of that size, it’s hard to argue. The weather can of course be unpredictable, but the spectacular locations and fine whiskies more than make up for that!

You might be watching sport and not taking part, but be on the safe side – remember to sort out your worldwide travel insurance before you go.

If you are heading anywhere there is snow, be sure to get a snowboard insurance or ski insurance quote.

For some, a holiday is an adventure– a chance to explore the world. Make the most of your holiday overseas with our guide to travelling off the beaten track. We’ll help you enjoy the best the world has to offer.

The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Croatia’s 300-mile stretch of islands and fantastic beaches, on its eastern coast on the Adriatic, lies between the island of Rab in the northwest and Montenegro in the southeast. There are endless secluded coves and idyllic islands, plus great scenic views and watersport activities. And because it’s a well-kept secret, it’s quiet and ‘un-touristy’, giving you a real sense of escapism.

Indian Peninsula

Forget Goa, Agra’s Taj Mahal and Delhi for the moment. Kerala, on the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula really gives you a taste of India’s tranquil beauty. Charming placid lakes, stunning unspoilt scenery and unassuming, friendly locals are a million miles from package holidays, crowded beaches and loud hotel pools.

Trekking in Belize

Experience the depths of the tropical rainforest; explore the ruins of ancient Mayan civilizations or the sacred caves on the riverbanks. Hear the howler monkeys and marvel at the tropical birds nesting in the forest canopy. Holidays don’t get much more remote than this, and the range of activities is staggering, considering this landscape hasn’t changed for thousands of years. No theme parks here…

Yunnan, South West China

With classic temples, stone buildings and arched bridges, Yunnan is one of China’s most beautiful and intriguing regions. Why not combine walking, driving and boat trips with an experienced guide, and witness the Yangtze River tumbling into the narrow Tiger-leaping Gorge, or the breathtaking and unique Stone Forest near Kunming?

Icelandic adventures

The unique landscape of Iceland offers a wide range of opportunities to step off the well-trodden path for a bit more exploration and excitement. You can go glacier trekking, kayak the serene lakes amid volcanic landscapes, even quad-bike through the lava fields for days on end. But remember to look where you’re going – the scenery here can be very distracting.

Make sure your travel insurance covers you for a holiday that takes you off the beaten track, especially if it involves climbing, trekking, boat trips or off-road vehicles. You may need to buy specialist insurance, or alter your existing policy to cover you at an extra premium.

If your idea of a holiday is hunting market bargains or discovering one-of-a-kind designers, then this guide to fabulous shopping destinations is for you. We’ll help you save time and money on your overseas holiday, with the best shopping the world has to offer.

1. New York

Live your ‘Sex and the City’ fantasies in this shoppers paradise. New York caters for all budgets – from Fifth Avenue to downtown designer bargains at Century 21 department store. For quirky boutiques head to SoHo or East Village. And for bargains from America’s greatest retail brands, it’s well-worth the journey one hour north to Woodbury Common, with 220 discount outlets.

2. London

London has some of the world’s best department stores – so indulge yourself in Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Harrods and Liberty’s. Then head straight to Oxford St, where you’ll find the latest catwalk fashion at high street prices at Top Shop, H&M and Zara. Portobello Road markets are a great place to find new designers and one-off pieces, as well as antiques and homewares.

3. Shanghai

Known as the ‘oriental Paris”, Shanghai is a shopper’s paradise. Head for Nanjing Rd, the biggest commercial street in China, with its modern shopping malls and old-style shops.Huaihai Road is the elegant Fifth Avenue of Shanghai, and if you’re looking for discount designer brands head to Xiangyang Road Market – but beware of fakes! If it’s made in China (and what isn’t?), you’ll find it here.

4. Bangkok

With buzzing street markets and modern shopping centres, Bangkok has plenty of places to blow your baht. Chatachuk weekend market is a sprawling maze of wares – from Indochine antiquities to the latest trainers. Don’t forget to haggle – but do so politely. Patpong and Khao San Road’s night markets teem with counterfeit goods. For funky homewares, try ZEN – a lifestyle megastore in the huge CentralWorld shopping centre.

5. Paris

Paris has been the fashion world’s epicentre for hundreds of years. Department stores Printemps and Galleries Lafayette have great prices on clothing and shoes. And you’ll also find unusual homewares and gifts in the many boutiques in neighbourhoods like the Marais and Bastille. In a single week, you can visit 58 different markets – Saint Ouen, at Clignacourt, is one of the largest flea-markets and has plenty of antiques, objets d’art and modern treasures. Just watch out for pickpockets!

And the best purchase you’ll make? Your international travel insurance – at least you’ll be covered if your new purchases get lost in transit!