Turkey New for 2006 from Exclusive Escapes (020-8605 3500, hiddenturkey.com) is the six-bedroom Yediburunlar Lighthouse, a rustic mountain retreat serving organic and vegetarian cuisine, from £500pp sharing for seven nights' half-board, inc flights, guided trekking and a gulet cruise.

Australia Planning to tackle the Great Ocean Road walk (opening December)? Then book into the new 72-bed Eco Beach Hostel at Apollo Bay (opens Nov 27). The hostel uses solar power and recycles but most impressive are the views from the rooftop deck. Rooms from £12 (yha.com.au).

Thailand Get up close to rural Thai culture in one of 50 newly certified homestays, such as on Koh Yai Noi island in Phang-nga province, for 1,400 baht (£19) pp, for three days with meals and local tours (tatnews.org).

India Cut off the umbilical phone cord to the office on a 'Mobile Phone Free' holiday to the Garhwal region of the Himalayas for £1,354pp, inc flights and most meals. Other mobile-free trips are planned for Morocco, Iceland and Peru (01420 541 007, adventurecompany.co.uk).