EFFORTLESS ALPS

Let the trains take the strain as you scale the Alps the easy way. Zoom from London to Paris on Eurostar, then whizz west through the French countryside, entering Switzerland from the north.

After a steady climb up into the Alps, you reach mountain-fringed Lake Lucerne, your base for four nights. Soak up the scenery from the terrace of your hotel or on boat trips across the water. Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport and ride to a summit on Europe's first cog railway.

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Leaving Lucerne, you board the Glacier Express where breathtaking Alpine scenery and jaw-dropping views glide by your window, finally (regretfully) disembarking near Zermatt. After a couple of days exploring this picture-postcard Swiss village and the looming Matterhorn (by funicular railway or cable car) you'll take the train, via Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, back to Britain where you can truthfully claim to have spent a week climbing the Alps.

Treyn (01904 734939/railholidays.com) offers a seven-day Glacier Express tour from £938pp (two sharing), B&B. Price includes three dinners and some excursions. Departs February 25 or April 8, 2011.

USA ADVENTURES
Break out the bling and the backpacks for a mix of America's west-coast bests. Play your cards right for a winning few days in Las Vegas with optional Grand Canyon excursions. Then it's off to a ghost town for silver mining and Old West fun and games. Dip your toe into the spectacular scenery of Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe before pootling through California's Napa and Sonoma wine regions.

Finally, San Francisco beckons with Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown and plenty of shops to round off the trip. Much of it is spent reclining on the coach so this is just the ticket for those who like to sit back and watch the world go by.

Jetsave (0844 415 9880/jetsave.com) offers 10-day Contrasts Of The West from £1,039pp (two sharing), a mix of room only and B&B. Includes outbound flights to Las Vegas and inbound from San Francisco. Departs August 24, 2011.

CAPE CRUSADERS
With its dramatic setting at the confluence of two oceans, overlooked by an iconic mountain and combined with its turbulent history, Cape Town provides an ideal introduction to the more refined side of Southern Africa.

Between bargain gourmet meals, wine tastings and coastal jaunts you'll also get a taste of the other side to the city on a visit to Nelson Mandela's former prison, the new District Six Museum and an unmissable township tour led by guides from the local community. You'll see the Cape's famous wild and friendly penguin colony and might even spot whales from shore.

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Nights are spent dining on world-class food, relaxing in friendly bars and pubs and even trying your hand at a spot of African drumming. From your base in the city you can also add optional excursions to the nearby winelands and a game reserve.

Voyages Jules Verne (0845 166 7003/vjv.com) offers the eight-day A Taste Of South Africa from £1,495pp (two sharing), B&B. Price includes return flights to Cape Town and the services of a tour manager. Departs June 18, 2011.

SOLO EXPLORERS
Tired of waiting for friends or spouses to commit? You can still take that dream trip to Machu Picchu in Peru without worrying about the dreaded single supplement, even staying in private, en-suite rooms which ensure no sharing with strangers.

Meet your fellow travellers, most of whom will also be holidaying on their own, in an executive lounge at Heathrow. Together you'll fly to the conquistador city of Lima before heading up into the Andes to Cusco, the former Inca capital. You'll want to spend a few days here exploring and acclimatising which is essential to minimise the risk of altitude sickness when you finally wind your way, via narrow-gauge railway, to Machu Picchu.

After rambling around the Inca ruins, it's off to the world's highest navigable lake, Titicaca, for a boat trip along the Bolivian border, rounding off an extraordinary trip you'll definitely want to write home about.

Just You (0844 567 8838/justyou.co.uk) offers 11-day Highlights Of Peru from £2,735pp (no single supplement), B&B and one dinner. Price includes return flights to Lima and the services of a tour manager. Departures from April, 2011.

ASIA MADE EASY
Stunning beauty, heartbreaking tragedy, mind-blowing modernity and history, Japan is as enthralling as it is impenetrable, which is why an escorted tour could be the best option.

Your guide will ensure you don't get lost on your day in Tokyo then it's off to the countryside to explore serene mountains, tumbling waterfalls, hot springs, samurai castles and exquisite gardens.

Next is a short, moving trip to Hiroshima with its Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Memorial Park followed by a ride on the world-famous bullet train to Kyoto. Here, your already overworked camera will need to garner its strength as kimono-clad geishas, golden shrines, ancient wooden houses and meals seemingly too beautiful to eat appear at every turn.

Archers Direct (0800 668 1892/archersdirect.co.uk) offers a 13-day Journey Through Japan from £2,835pp (two sharing), B&B. Price includes return flights to Tokyo and the services of a tour manager. Departs May 9, 2011.

ROYAL KNEES-UP
Where else would you want to be on Kate and Will's Big Day than near Westminster Abbey? OK, so your hotel isn't in London but that's what makes this trip so affordable. Staying nearby in Stevenage or Reading you'll travel into London by coach on April 29.

Head straight to The Mall, Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall or Parliament Square to nab the best spot for the procession (sharp elbows recommended) before leaving the chaos early in the evening.

The next day it's back to London to shop for that essential Royal Wedding tea towel or commemorative plate. Your final day will be in Windsor where you could pop into the castle to see if the Queen is taking a well-earned break from all the celebrations.

Leger Holidays (0844 504 6251/leger.co.uk) offers a four-day Royal Wedding And London Weekend Break from £229pp (two sharing), B&B. Price includes two evening meals. Departs April 28, 2011.