Open options
A brochure and website detailing the golf courses in East Lothian, where the Open Championship is being played at Muirfield on July 18-21, is available from the Edinburgh and Lothians Tourist Board on 0131-473 3800. The website is Edinburgh and Lothians Tourist Board. Accommodation is still available throughout East Lothian during the Open weekend. A dedicated Open accommodation booking service is on 0901 022 9000.
Into the woods
The Forestry Commission has launched a fitness campaign highlighting some of the best walks, bike rides and summer events to encourage people to get out into the woods. A free Forest Fitness information pack is available by calling 0845 3673787 or view it online at Forest Fitness .
Skill escapologists
Over 40% of low-cost flyers have taken a learning break abroad, and 86% intend to opt for a so-called "skill escape", according to research by buzz, the low-cost airline.
The report, undertaken by buzz to help understand future independent traveller trends, found that the top three things people would like to learn are a new language (64%), culinary skills (40%) and wine appreciation (33%). Other popular skills that holidaymakers would like to learn include yoga and alternative health (27%) and sailing (22%).
Wight out
A 19-mile river trail tracing the Yar on the Isle of Wight from source to sea has been launched. An illustrated booklet is available, priced £2, from tourist information centres on the island or by phoning 01983 822118. Wightlink Holidays (0870 5820202, Wightlink Holidays) offers two-night breaks including B&B and return ferry crossings from £67pp.
Exodus take over
Exodus, the independent adventure holiday company, has been bought by one of Britain's biggest travel firms, First Choice, for a reported £8.75m.
Parma for £12
Luton Airport and the Italian start-up airline Ciao Fly (Ciao Fly) have announced the introduction of a new daily scheduled service to Parma. There will initially be 12 flights a week and the service launches on July 1. Prices will start at around £12.
Cruising nation
More than 890,000 Britons took an ocean, river or coastal cruise last year, an increase of 2.4% on the previous year, according to the Passenger Shipping Association's cruise review. Annual increases of around 10% are predicted for the UK ocean cruise market from 2003 onwards. For information on cruising, contact the association (020-7436 2449, Cruise Information Service).
To jab or not to jab
Travellers wanting details of vaccinations and general travel information about their destinations can find all they need from any of the 240 Superdrug pharmacies. This walk-in service is launched in support of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Know Before You Go campaign.
