Europe

London and Home Counties: Non-residential summer camps offer youngsters aged from three to 15 sports, creative and adventure activities from July 17 to August 25. Price for five days for five to 11-year-olds is £158 pp Mon-Fri; three to fours and eight to 11-year olds cost £164pp. Call Camp Beaumont (0845 6081234) for locations.

France: If your budget doesn't stretch to the Olympics in Sydney, try the alternative Olympics in Marais Poitevin, Western Loire, on August 13. Events include cow-pat throwing and punt racing. Prices for a week's gite, based on four people sharing, start from £139pp and include return ferry crossings. Brittany Ferries (0870 5360360)

North America

Las Vegas and Mexico: Seven nights in the showbiz capital plus a week cruising on the Mexican Riviera start from £959pp. Fly from Gatwick, Manchester or Glasgow to Las Vegas for a five-night stay before transferring to LA to board the Elation. Take in Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, then return to Vegas for the last two nights. Price is based on a fly-drive and includes car hire, flights and cruise, but not accommodation in Vegas. All-inclusive aboard the Elation. Airtours (0800 0286302).

Asia

Maldives: June 25 - July 3 for £399pp based on Baa Atoll. The price includes B&B accommodation at the Reethi Beach Island resort, and return flights from Gatwick to Male (via Bahrain) and transfers and flights. www.lastminute.com

Syria: Nine-day On the Road to Damascus trip for £695pp from August 5 or October 7. Visit to Krak des Chevaliers crusader castle, walking tours of Damascus and Aleppo, a day exploring Palmyra on the "Spice Route" to India. Price includes return flights, six nights' B&B, two nights' half-board and transfers. Explore Worldwide (01252 760000).

Australia Sydney/Cairns: Seven nights exploring Sydney, seven nights at the Paradise Village resort in Palm Cove. Price of £959pp includes return flights from Heathrow, room only accommodation on a twin-share basis, internal return flights between Sydney/Cairns including transfers. Valid for departures before July 13. Bridge the World (020-7734 7447).

Cruise

Bergen to Kirkenes: Save up to £314pp on a Norwegian Coastal Voyage for departures from August 1 to September 30. The 13-day round voyage costs £1,093pp and includes return flights from London, transfers, one night's hotel B&B in Bergen and full-board on the cruise. Scandinavian Travel Service (020-7559 6666).