Human cargo

To get advice on organising a journey by cargo ship try new consultancy, the Freighter Travel Advisory Service (07710 528514).

90 days in Ukraine

Ukraine has extended indefinitely the visa-waiver scheme which was introduced for the Eurovision Song Contest in May. From September 1, EU citizens will be able to stay in Ukraine for up to 90 days without a visa.

Cottage industry

Ecosse Unique (01835 822277; www.uniquecottages.co.uk) offers free advice on purchasing buy-to-let holiday homes in Scotland. It can give the lowdown on income potential and the suitability for the holiday-rental market.

New routes

In March, BA (0870 850 9850) will start flying to Tirana in Albania and Reykjavik, Iceland, plus Varna on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast and Izmir, Turkey, all from Gatwick, from £149 return.