Chilling in Haiti
The Hotel Oloffson in Port-Au-Prince was home to Graham Greene while researching his chilling novel The Comedians and was the inspiration for the hotel in the book. Interchange (020 86813612) is offering short breaks to this fairytale setting, which is far from menacing these days and a good base for exploring Haiti's fascinating capital. Prices start from £769 and include four nights bed and breakfast at the Oloffson and a full day chauffeur tour around the city and surrounding mountains.
Up close to a killer
The killer whale may have the ability to catch almost any prey it chooses, but those fortunate enough to have encountered the orca in the wild liken its intelligent and emotional nature to that of the dolphin. Naturetrek (01962 733051) is offering a long weekend whale-watching in Norway, allowing visitors to observe the contrast between the Orca's gentle nature and its awesome predatory power. The trip, from 2 to 5 November 2001 costs £695. Price includes four nights B&B at a three-star hotel.
Vienna for a tenor
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Verdi's death, Page & Moy (08700 106457) are organising a series of escorted holidays to see some of his most dramatic works. A four-night stay in Vienna from 18 January with performances of Don Carlo and Il trovatore costs from £745 and includes two sightseeing tours of Vienna and a full day tour of The Burgenland. Bed, breakfast and one evening meal are also included in this price.
Fancy a holiday, pet?
If you are worried about the effect that long stays in the cattery may be having on your moggy, then why not take it with you? Easycottages.com from Welcome Holidays features over 3,000 cottages in the UK, Republic of Ireland and Northern France and if you bring your dog or cat along, you get £25 of the brochure price of your holiday. The site shows both interior and exterior shots of each property and allows you to search for your ideal cottage by keyword.
Rocky road
Drive through the heart of the Rockies on a Secret Canada itinerary with North American Highways (01902 851138) . The 975- mile route starts in Vancouver and runs along the curving roads of the Cascade mountains with lakes, valleys and hot springs augmenting the stunning scenery. The pace is leisurely, allowing you to stop in the numerous towns dotted along the route, staying in B &Bs or hotels as you please. Prices from £746.
Street smart
A family trip to London need not require a second mortgage thanks to The London Pass (www.londonpass.com, 0870 242 9988). This pre-paid smart card allows you to jump the queues to 60 of the capital's favourite attractions while making savings on entrance fees. Passes are available for up to six days of sightseeing and include a substantial guidebook and discounts at eateries including tourist favourite Planet Hollywood . A one-day pass including unlimited travel on London Transport costs £22 for adults and £14 for children.
Indulge yourself
Situated in the heart of Berlin, Am Gendarmenmarkt is an impressive boutique hotel. Inclusion in the Something Different collection of hotels offered by Thomson (0870 606 1476) guarantees indulgence, something which the arcade restaurant, with its Viennese coffee-house atmosphere, provides aplenty. A two-night stay in December with return British Airways flights from Heathrow costs from £403.
