Escapism
Daily downward dogs are just part of the story at EcoYoga, an off-grid retreat in Argyll, Scotland. Dotted about the five-acre site on the southern tip of Loch Awe are hot tub, Jacuzzi, sauna, and two riverside baths. Add hot stone massages, healthy veggie food and spectacular Highland scenery and you're sure to return glowing with health. Places are still available on the last 2012 yoga retreat, 15-22 Sept, at £775pp full-board.
• 01546 810259, ecoyoga.org. Self-catering stays all year round cost £90 a night for two
Baa-tenders needed
Aspiring shepherds can fulfil their dreams by becoming a "lookerer", or volunteer shepherd. Brighton and Hove council is seeking people willing to be trained to spend an hour a week keeping an eye on the city's ovine residents. The council introduced sheep to city fringes in 2008 as a cheap and eco-friendly way to keep grass short. • brighton-hove.gov.uk
Travel Trash
Thieves will be thwarted if they try to nick a new suitcase sold by Euro Spyshop of the Netherlands. If the case is stolen, the owner can hit a remote control that first sets off a piercing alarm, then gives the culprit an 80,000-volt shock. That's about the same as that emitted by stun guns, which are illegal in the UK … so perhaps not one for the Christmas list quite yet.
• €899, eurospyshop.com
What's new
Gap years
Gappers planning a spell working in Japan can book themselves an introductory week to kickstart their time there with Japan Journeys. The seven-night stay in Tokyo (pictured) includes an introduction to Japanese culture and a tour of the city, as well as assistance with finding a work placement, long-term accommodation and a language school.
• £555pp excluding flights, 020-7766 5267, japanjourneys.co.uk/gap_year_japan
Travel advice
The Foreign Office has published a new travel guide for young travellers planning a trip abroad. The guide, called Plan. Pack. Explore. is available for smartphone and iPad, or as a pdf, and features information on how to buy travel insurance, local scams, and exactly what the FCO can and can't do for travellers who are in trouble abroad.
• Visit fco.gov.uk/en
Trekking
Trekking independently in Nepal was due to be banned this month by the Nepalese Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MOCTCA), but the move has been put on hold. Travel blog The Longest Way Home (thelongestwayhome.com/blog/nepal) argues that the ban is financially motivated, as it would mean visitors would be obliged to hire an official guide. Anyone hoping to complete a solo trek should act fast, as MOCTCA has promised a decision "very soon".
Where's hot now?
Tangier (28C)
September is the perfect time to visit Tangier, Morocco, and 19-23 September sees the TANJazz Festival at the Italian Palace. It features local and international jazz musicians, with Moroccan artists including jazz fusion group M'Oud Swing Quartet and Tangier's Gnawa Express.
• +212 5 3993 9103, tanjazz.org, one-day tickets from £14, five-day ticket £72
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