If you've bought the product, why not meet the producer. Traidcraft, the independent fair trade organisation, is organising a holiday to India to allow supporters to meet the people behind the goods in the catalogue. Most of the Indian products are crafts such as natural dyed textiles, but the tour - in the second half of October - will focus on a new food supplier at Cochin, South India. This EU-funded project, 70 per cent owned by local farmers, produces candied fruit for cereals and stem ginger for cookies. An Indian guide, Ranjith Henry, a specialist in alternative travel will lead the tour to 12 places. The trip will cost around £2,500. For details contact Catharine Howe at Traidcraft, Kingsway, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear NE11 0NE 0191 491 0591, email comms@tradecraft.co.uk.

Grown-up child discounts
Teenagers often miss out on child discounts but not with Planos (01373 824201), the company that only features the Ionian island of Paxos. Planos offers discounts of 20 per cent to all children under 18 and extends the deal to any family dependant in full-time education - school, college or university. Studios, apartments and villas are featured across the island, which has remained unhurried, thanks perhaps to the two-hour ferry connection necessary to reach the airport in Corfu.

Going native
Take a step back into American history with Bear Print, the only company to specialise in Native America. There are four tours this summer offering a chance meet traditional medicine men at their campfires, spend time with Steve Reevis, the star of Dances With Wolves, eat feasts with Blackfoot tribal people or stay in teepees at a hidden Indian encampment. Prices are from £1,495 for a 14-day Buffalo Nation which starts in South Dakota. This is for accommodation and internal transport only: international flights are extra. Details from 01924 840111 or email bearprint@bun.com.

Separate tables
Princess Cruises has joined the move to a more informal style of life afloat. Personal Choice dining has been introduced on Caribbean cruises this winter aboard the Grand Princess. Instead of eating at designated tables in one of two sittings, passengers may dine at any time between 5.30pm and midnight without a reservation and can sit at tables for two if they wish. This option will be available in two of the three main dining rooms as well as the two speciality restaurants. The scheme, which follows the 'freestyle cruising' concept introduced by the Norwegian Cruise Line. Princess hope to extend the scheme across the fleet by the end of the year. (0870 5664422)