Directions: Questions and answers

A Brashaw, by e-mail

A: One of your best options in Europe is Mallorca. The island has wonderful beaches, spectacular mountain scenery, good bars and restaurants and mild winter weather. Tour operators can usually negotiate better rates than you could by booking direct. Budget about £1,000pp for a 35-day stay with the likes of First Choice and Thomson.

Further afield, Travelbag (0870 900 1350, www.travelbag.co.uk) suggests the Gold Coast of Australia, where you can get a luxury beachfront apartment from £140pp per week. It also has flats in the centre of Cape Town, from £261pp per week. Both have interesting tourist sights and favourable exchange rates that help to offset the cost of the air fares (at least £500). Alternatively, go for a house swap

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