Welcome to the Flyer. This week:

Whether you're going travelling before university or just fancy a gap year, check out our bumper backpacking special for inspiring tales, this year's hot destinations and practical advice. Closer to home follow Benji Lanyado's latest TwiTrip triumph in Manchester and download one of our National Trust walks around the UK; It's the last week to enter Been there's August photo comp; plus all the latest news and comment, late deals and more ...

THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS

TwiTrip to Manchester – the verdict: from an indie tour of Salford to a dusty old library that witnessed a meeting of the masterminds of communism

Where to now? Tom Hall recommends this year's backpacking hot spots. Read the full backpacking guide here

Download guides to our 10 top National Trust UK walks, from stargazing in Wales to military history in Suffolk

Video, Britain's best views: most motorists whizz past three of Derbyshire's grandest stately homes, just off the M1. Next time, says Martin Wainwright, get off it and go and visit one

Chase the summer with our top 10 autumn sunshine holidays

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Mediterranean holidays from just £139
Specialists to Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Croatia and more. Villas, traditional apartments and a range of hotels from simple to luxury. Flights from 20 UK airports

THIS WEEK'S NEWS AND COMMENT

Economic formula reveals the optimum time to book low airline fares

Class war breaks out on Italy's beaches

Flight Options collapse hits 70,000 holidaymakers

BAA airport workers' strike called off

China's rich tourists bring a shopping revolution to Japan

ON BEEN THERE

Photo competition
It's the last week to get your images of 'local life' in for our August competition

Kings of the castle
Can you help us compile a guide to the UK's historic castles? The best tip will win a £200 camera

ENJOY ENGLAND MAP OF THE SUMMER

Plot a perfect summer day
Browse our interactive map of activities all over Britain - and add your own tips and ideas

TRAVEL BLOG

Ask Tom - your travel dilemmas answered
Tips for a smooth airport arrival into New York, advice on travelling during a year of flight disruption; plus going solo in Sierra Leone and the cheapest ways to keep in touch when you're on the road

More from travel blog

LATE OFFERS

A week's sailing holiday in Greece, from £749pp (save £100)
Based on the Greek island of Lefkas in Vassiliki Bay, this seven-night stay, from 5 September includes a selected sailing or windsurfing course. Prices are based on two sharing and include Gatwick flights, transfers, room-only accommodation. Wildwind Holidays (wildwind.co.uk, 0844 499 2909).

Seven nights in Portugal, from £315pp
This is the price for a week's stay at Muxima Eco-Retreat on the Algarve in Portugal (based on two sharing) with availability for the week commencing 28 August. This eco-retreat is close to some of the country's finest beaches and is surrounded by cork and eucalyptus forest. Birdwatching, biking and archery all available. Flights not included. Nearest airport Faro (100km). i-escape.com/muxima.php.

Headlam Hall, nr Darlington, from £82pppnt
This hotel offer is available until 30 September and includes accommodation in a deluxe double room, 50% off golf green fees, full English breakfast, three-course a la carte dinner, use of spa, tennis court and mountain bikes. Stay three nights and receive complimentary afternoon Champagne and strawberries or picnic lunch hamper on your day of choice. For under 16s a free 30 minute golf less with PGA pro. visitteesvalley.co.uk.

GUARDIAN COTTAGES AND VILLAS

Guardian Cottages and Villas service
Search 10,000 UK cottages and 5,000 villas and gites across Europe

COMING UP

On the way on theguardian.com
More of our National Trust top 10 UK walks: download five more in the series; a road trip in Norway; budget food guide to Oxford; plus video breaks goes to Granada.

DID YOU MISS ...

In Saturday's Travel Guardian
Backpacking special: real gappers' amazing tales; volunteering in the Seychelles; what to pack; hostels for flashpackers and cult travellers' cafes

GUARDIAN HOLIDAY OFFERS

Guardian holiday offers
Our site brings you the best holidays available from our hand-picked suppliers. We use specialist companies that we trust to look after our readers

Vietnam & Cambodia - 14 nights from £2,099

LIFE ABROAD

Living abroad?
For advice on living and working in another country, as well as expert advice on foreign property markets, money matters and healthcare, visit Living Abroad on the Guardian Weekly website