Give the car a rest

Want to leave the car at home on your next day out? Visit Somerset has made it simple, with the launch of a range of car-free itineraries. Seven routes are available to download from www.visitsomerset.co.uk and list essential information from bus routes to bike hire, as well as attractions and places to eat. Explore the region's history on a 'Time Travel' tour aboard the picturesque Heart of Wessex railway line, or follow the Scrumptious Somerset tour, a three-and-a-half hour bike ride ending at Taunton farmers' market.

Caribbean catch-up

British Airways has launched a new weekly route from Gatwick to the idyllic island of St Kitts, bringing the number of Caribbean destinations the airline now covers to 11. The Saturday flights begin on 10 January 2009 with prices from £710 return. BA will also increase its flights to Dubai and Johannesburg from summer 2009 (www.ba.com).

Exodus on two wheels

Exodus (www.exodus.co.uk) has announced 13 new cycling trips for 2009, including a breathtaking Dolomites-to-Venice eight-day ride. It begins at Lake Dobbiaco in the heart of the Dolomites, and follows an old railway track to Cortina d'Ampezzo before heading to the Adriatic. The first departure is 9-16 May 2009 and prices start from £879 including flights and seven nights in three-star family-run accommodation.

Festive Swiss bliss

It's Christmas market season again and the romantic city of Lucerne in Switzerland is the perfect place to rekindle that festive spirit. Stock up on last-minute presents at the extensive Christmas market, where a variety of decorations, food and gifts are for sale, before heading into the mountains by cable car to take in the spectacular views. Inntravel (01653 617949; www.inntravel.co.uk) has a three-night break departing 10-19 December for £525 including flights, transfers and B&B accommodation at the four-star Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann in the Old Town.

Big Apple bargains

Shopping in the US still offers fantastic value. New York is, of course, the shopaholic's mecca, home to the world's largest department store, Macy's Herald Square, and the iconic boutique-lined Fifth Avenue. Travelbag has a three-night break at the three-star Gershwin Hotel, within walking distance of Fifth Avenue and Times Square, from £599 including BA flights, if you book before 29 October and travel between 3-26 November (0800 008 7422; www.travelbag.co.uk).

Food glorious food

Now in its eighth year, Dorset Food Week (25 October-2 November) promises a host of new events for 2008 including Hotspot days which focus on the food and farming of particular areas. Discover local produce or sample flavours from around the globe with a Thai cookery workshop in Bridport or Moroccan Cooking Day in Sherbourne (www.dorsetfoodweek.co.uk).