Take me there: Isle of Coll, Inner Hebrides
Why go?
Coll inspired the popular Katie Morag children's books, which have just been made into a series for CBeebies. Go before the "Balamory effect" kicks in and you'll have the white-sand beaches, wild Atlantic seascapes and impossibly starry skies all to yourself.
What to do
As the endearingly honest visitor website points out, there are no "attractions" (visitcoll.co.uk). It's about the simple things: wildlife spotting, shore walks and star gazing. Coll has just been designated Scotland's first Dark Sky island with plans to launch regular astronomy events in the new year (darkskies.visitcoll.co.uk).
Where to stay
The Coll Hotel is the island's only hotel and has just six simple, comfy rooms, views of the bay, a cosy bar and memorable breakfasts (collhotel.com). A good budget alternative is the shiny new Coll Bunkhouse, with spotless dorms (collbunkhouse.com).
Where to eat
The Gannet Restaurant at the Coll Hotel (see previous entry) is your best bet for seafood and a menu which makes the most of island produce.
Insider tip
"My favourite beach is Toraston," says Julie Oliphant, owner of the Coll Hotel. "It's got lots of character, and it's easily accessible and safe for kids. You often see basking sharks and as soon as the seals hear voices they'll swim over to take a look."
Give me a break
Live it up in London Assuming there's still life left in the credit card following the annual Christmas shopping splurge, book yourself into the Cumberland Hotel in London's West End for a January sales break. Guests booking a two-night stay at the hotel before 31 March are being offered a £50 Selfridges voucher. Rooms start at £219 per night and Oxford Street is on your doorstep (guoman.com/shopping).
Northern lights luxury trip Book by 31 December and save £100 on a northern lights break to Norway with the Mighty Fine Company (mightyfinecompany.com). The four-night break will cost £1,292pp and features snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, a wildlife rib safari, a meal with Sami farmers and the chance to spot the aurora borealis. The trip departs on 16, 23 and 27 February.
