1. Palace

Ahilya Fort in Madhya Pradesh is the real deal where the Maharaja treats you like a royal guest. The 14 rooms have views of the Namada river.

• 0091 11 5155 1575, ahilyafort.com, from €165pp pn all-inc (50% off in summer).

2. Heli skiing

Instead of a helicopter, reach the parts other skiers can't in a Snowcat. Macedonia-based Eskimo Freeride offers rides to the top of Shar mountain, with access to 32 sq km of freeride terrain.

• eskimo-freeride.com. Skiing, guide, accommodation and food €159 per day.

3. Safari

Hostelbookers.com has three properties in South Africa's Kruger national park, from as little as €3 a night at Mufasa Kruger Tented Camp. Less basic is Nkambeni Tented Lodge (doubles €64) with aircon and outdoor Jacuzzi.

• hostelbookers.com/hostels/south-africa/kruger-national-park.

4. Private island

Ilot Malais off Mauritius is a private paradise, with a villa lapped by turquoise waters and fringed with a white sand beach. Ideal for families.

• From £280 per night (toescapeto.com/property.asp?offerid=140), sleeps 6 + 2 children. Virgin Atlantic (virgin-atlantic.com) flies to Mauritius from £699pp.

5. Cruise

A cargo ship is an excellent way to pack in a lot of destinations on a budget. Intrepid has just launched three: a round trip from England to the Aegean (28 days) costs £1,635, Israel and the Adriatic (12 days) is £750 and Singapore to India (6 days) costs £735, with a maximum of 12 paying passengers per ship.

• thetravellab.com. Prices include all onboard meals but not flights.