HF Holidays still have some availability for October and November small-group guided or self-guided walking holidays, with stays at one of their 17 full-board country-houses, exploring the North York Moors, the South Downs, the Lake District, Snowdonia and more. Perfect for blowing away a few cobwebs before thoughts turn to Christmas, whether you’re looking for gentle walking on easy terrain or something a little more challenging.

Enjoy savings of up to 40% on Swan Hellenic voyages to Antarctica this winter when you book by 31 October 2021. You’ll also receive $300 pp to spend on board ship. A 15% deposit is required, backed by Swan Hellenic’s no-quibble cancellation policy. For solo travellers, there’s no single supplement, subject to availability. 10-night all-inclusive fares start from £5,713 pp – just add flights to Buenos Aires or Santiago.

With so many favourite holiday destinations now on the green list, escaping Britain’s wintry weather to your choice of exotic resorts is a real possibility – and Tropical Sky have an array of tempting offers for sunny, palm-fringed destinations such as St Lucia and Mauritius, as well commendations for their excellent service in recent times. For inspiration, take a look at their top 10 Worldwide All-inclusive Escapes, where you can truly unwind with so much already paid for, before you’ve even stepped off the plane.

Had enough of stress and having too many balls in the air? Enjoy a slower pace of life for your next holiday with ABC Boat Hire, relaxing aboard a narrow boat on Britain’s beautiful waterways. With 15 starting locations and well-appointed canal boats to accommodate from 2 to 12 people, you can cast off from the pressures of modern living and glide past the banks and reedbeds through stunning countryside, with everything you need on board.

Seeing the magical play of the Northern Lights across a winter sky is high on the wish-list of many travellers. But how to be sure you’ll actually see this elusive phenomenon? With Hurtigruten’s Expedition cruises to Norway between October and March, you needn’t worry – their Northern Lights Promise means that if you miss them on your cruise, you’ll have the chance to see them on another. And enjoy a fabulous top-end small-ship experience both times too! From £2,999 pp.

Enjoy a Christmas like no other on a fabulous escorted tour by rail over the festive period to explore the Italian Riviera, Bruges or around Lake Annecy with Travel Editions. Offering tours for the more discerning traveller, Travel Editions puts the emphasis on high levels of personal service and a friendly, experienced tour manager travels on each tour, with a maximum of 35 guests, to keep everything running smoothly and festive spirit bubbling under.

There’s more to the Czech Republic than Prague, lovely as it is. Find out about the 15 UNESCO sites, chateaux, spas, glorious vineyards and more. Or dream of Indian Ocean Islands, small-ship cruising with Noble Caledonia. And get genned-up on the cover we’ll need going forwards with Staysure travel insurance. It’s all part of our tie-up with Boom Radio which promises a fresh mix of music and conversation for the over 55s from familiar presenters such as David Hamilton and Graham Dene.