R is for roaming. Try a mobile holiday home or caravan. I'd recommend hiring one first before you buy - but, in any event, you could easily get hooked! Contact The Motorhomes Information Service on 01444-458889 or www.motorhomesinfo.co.uk .

Destination to watch: Russia. St Petersburg is a must for lovers of history on a grand scale. For example, there are scores of original paintings by the old masters in The Hermitage.

Sis for Southport. This quiet Lancashire town has taken on a new and impressive lease of life. A bright promenade, exciting rides and good accommodation at reasonable prices make it ideal for a short break.

T is for Tunisia. A vastly under-valued destination, with spotlessly clean hotels, glorious beaches and intriguing food.

Terror rides: Home or abroad, leisure caterers plan to scare you out of your wits! Try Europe's highest roller coaster at Europarks in Germany - less than an hour from Basel airport with flights from easyJet. On the home front, Alton Towers and Blackpool Pleasure Beach have a selection of guaranteed teeth- janglers.

Destination to watch: Torquay. The South West had a rush of bookings at the end of last year so get in now while you can. The extended Eden Project will thrill garden lovers and the beaches and good hotels make it an ideal family hotspot.

UUnderstand your holiday destination. Remember life in some resorts abroad moves at a much slower pace. Chill out, relax and get to know the locals. You'll have much more fun if you try to understand their culture and language. Uzbekistan and the Ukraine - despite their internal problems - are trying to encourage British tourists watch this space.

VValue for money breaks. Dubai for gold, designer ware and accessories. France - wine and household goods. The Balkans - designer labels. America - electronics and cotton goods. Check out most international airport duty-free shops - they often have special offers. You may be tempted to stock up on your return journey.

Destination to watch: Valencia. This great coastal Spanish city is to be targeted with a rash of low cost flights. Check out deals from city break specialist Cresta Holidays 0870-161-0950 or click on: www.crestaholidays.co.uk W Warning! Remember that the Customs have strict guidelines on your allowances for gifts and souvenirs - there is a big difference in allowances between EU and non-European countries too. Remember soccer ace Wayne Rooney's girlfriend was clobbered after returning from the US with gifts way above the £145 allowance!

Customs and Excise have a beautifully simple website to answer all your questions before you travel. Click on: www.hmce.gov.uk Walking breaks. Specialist HF Holidays have some marvellous packages in the UK and abroad. Based at 18 excellent country houses, they have a wide choice of walks from gentle rambles to adventure treks. All meals are included and there is informal evening entertainment. Their belt-bursting packed lunches will keep you going for days! For a brochure, call: 0208-905-9388 or visit: www.hfholidays.co.uk Woks away! Budding Ken Hom's can test their culinary skills with a fabulous 15-day break to China with Flight Centre. You visit Hong Kong, Beijing, the Great Wall, Forbidden City and lots more - for £855 a head, with flights from London, Manchester or Scotland. The first trip leaves in March. Call: 0870-499-0042 or click on: www.flightcentre.co.uk Destination to watch: Wales has something for everyone and I reckon its current, high-profile marketing campaign will put in the Top Five UK this year.

X Xtra days. Some tour operators and hoteliers tack on extra days at very little or no cost. Well worth taking advantage of to extend your break. Make sure you ask in advance of travelling.

Y Yorkshire, Britain's biggest county, rates among the best holiday at home destinations for choice and diversity.

Destination to watch: Yeovil, the land where cider apples grow. Leafy lanes harbour little havens where you can buy a flagon of the best their apples can produce.

Yoghurt: Have it every morning for breakfast if you are abroad. I promise it will keep any tummy bugs at bay - and it's a great soother smeared on to sunburn.

Z KwaZulu-Natal, the Kingdom of Zululand, is tipped as one of the hot new destinations for 2005. The five-star Pakamisa Private Game Reserve - malaria free I am assured - is a sumptuous location in a province boasting two World Heritage Sites. There are also spectacular beaches and surfing plus relics of the great battles of South African history. Guests can take part in 'The Big Five' safaris or simply tee off at a nearby club. With diving, snorkelling and big game fishing, the break could be well worth the trek. Five nights start from £1,530 per person, between March 19 - 30 with African Pride on 01904-781-500 or visit: www.african-pride.com. The price includes return flights from London Heathrow, all meals, car hire, daily game drives and a host of other activities. Check out their website: www.pakamisa.co.za Zante, a jewel of a Greek island with the finest beaches in the Ionian Sea. Avoid the noisy resorts and head for Tslivi for real chill out time.

Zzzzz A blissful sleep. Most UK hotels offer remarkably cheap weekend deals. Sleep - or live like a king - for low, low prices.