Holidays

Bordeaux

Take advantage of France's affection for cyclists with the Chain Gang's Bordeaux Wine Trail tour, now discounted by £100 to £515 (you have to make your own way to Bordeaux). Indulge in the region's finest food and wine and burn off the calories by cycling about 20 to 30 miles per day. There is availability on three tours: 19-26 August, 2-9 September and 30 September-7 October. Call 020 7323 1730.

The Maldives

Beach connoisseurs should book 14 nights on Ari Atoll, one of 1,190 Maldive islands, for £729 per person on a half board basis. The price includes three star accommodation, return flights from Gatwick every Sunday and transfers. The offer, with Worldwide Journeys (0870 709 3083), is valid from 27 August until 30 September.

Greek Islands

Enjoy two weeks for the price of one on another island, Lefkas, with Simply Ionian (020 8541 2277). Pay £661 per person (flights, self-catering accommodation and car hire inclusive) and depart 27 August for certain sunshine.

Namibia

Guerba's 15-day 'Namibian Adventure' departs 20 August and costs £1670, which includes return flights, chalet accommodation and camping and most meals. Highlights include Sossusvlei, the world's tallest sand dunes, rock engravings at Twyfelfontein and three days game viewing in Etosha National Park. Call 0870 054 9199.

Florida

Thomson have availability on a 14 night flydrive holiday in Florida. The price, £479, includes car hire and return flights to Orlando, which depart Glasgow on 19 August. Call 0870 333 4400 or drop into a Lunn Poly shop.

Thailand

Seven nights in Phuket is £599 per person with Quest Worldwide (020 8547 3322). Flights are from Heathrow and accommodation is at the three star Royal Paradise Hotel and the price includes transfers from Bangkok. Departures are available from 16 August to 15 September.

Flights

Gap Years

Last-minute gap year deals are available with usit CAMPUS (gap year hotline: 0870 240 1010, all callers before 8 September will receive a gap year guide). A round-the-world ticket with British Airways and Qantas costs from £870 and includes six stop overs.

STA Travel (020 7361 6262 or www.statravel.co.uk are offering flights to New Zealand or Australia from £519, plus a free stop over in Los Angeles. In both cases offers are only valid for students and those under 26.