Signs of recovery

Short-break operator Travelscene (020-8424 9648, travelscene.co.uk) has reported strong signs of recovery after an initial dip in demand, rather less marked than that experienced by the mass market and by long-haul travel companies. Travelscene bookings figures showed a decline of 15% in the five weeks after September 11, followed by an increase of 33% in the last three weeks. Taken overall, Travelscene has recorded growth of 1% against the same period in 2000.

Eurostar offer

Eurostar (0870 518 6186) is offering anyone booked on the bankrupt airline Sabena between London and Brussels a free ticket either way on the train until Friday, November 16. Sabena went bankrupt on Tuesday.

Darts game

"Green hunting" - where tourists help dart wildlife in the African bush to monitor their survival - has been set up by Twinspot Travel (020-7823 7332 twinspottravel.com). The company is offering green hunts and darting safaris in South Africa from March to October next year. Prices range from £1,850 for a week, including flights.

On the road

A trip through the Blue Mountains in a 1950s Cadillac is one of the highlights of Travelbag's new brochure for Australia and New Zealand. To order the brochure, call 0870 7377779.

Hostel reception

Youth Hostels Association members are being offered five nights for the price of four staying at any of the 220 hostels in England and Wales. For details, call 0870 8708808, or visit yha.org.uk.

Easy Rambla

Easyjet (0870 6000000, easyjet.com) is to start a daily service from Gatwick to Barcelona from February 1. This comes hard on the heels of BMI British Midland's decision to withdraw it Heathrow-Barcelona flights.

Youthful optimism

Students and young people are not being deterred from flying after the events of September 11, according to STA Travel (0870 1606070, statravel.co.uk). The specialist company for young independent travellers says that 85% of those questioned say they will continue with their travel plans, and most of the other 15% said that low fares would get them travelling again.

Cresta wave

Cresta Holidays (0870 1610900) has added Antwerp, Ghent, Stuttgart, Heidelburg and Tenerife to its 2002 Cities brochure.

Further afield

Travel from regional airports is growing. Last week saw the first direct flight from Bristol to The Gambia. The Gambia Experience (023-8073 0888) offer seven nights' B&B from £299 in November.

Harsh light of day

Fluorescent lighting in hotel bathrooms that enhances a hangover has been identified by the Massey Partnership, an international PR company, as a factor in visitors disliking particular hotels.