BAGS OF ROOM Treat yourself to a smart wheeledholdall from Eastpak (0845 601 1151/www.eastpak.com). Its latest range Authentic Awesome Blossom comes in a fetching floral pattern in various luggage styles. Container 85 (17x33x 14 inches) is perfect for those not looking for a traditional suitcase.

Its spacious 142-litre capacity means there's plenty of room for all your travel items. It's also easy to manoeuvre with a telescopic handle and smooth wheeling system. £110.

ON TRACK TO EUROPE Give the family a rail adventure this summer. Railbookers (0203 327 2416/www.railbookers.com/specialoffers/kids-go-free) has a selection of fantastic European breaks where children go free of charge. Take a five-night city break to Brussels and the German spa town of Aachen where there is plenty to keep the children amused. Your little monkeys can get close to the real thing at Aachen Zoo or visit the Willy Wonka-esque Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate in Brussels.

Railbookers offers five nights in Brussels and Aachen from £958 (two adults, two children under-16), B&B. Price includes a four-star hotel and all rail connections, including Eurostar from London St Pancras.

CARRY ON CAMPING Six new campsites are opening near the Vale of Glamorgan's Heritage Coast this summer. As part of a rural regeneration initiative farmers and landowners will open temporary sites from the end of July to the end of August to cater for the growing number of people exploring the new Wales Coast Path.

Called Perfect Pitch (www.perfectpitchcamping.co.uk), sites include family-friendly Ogmore By Sea near Ewenny which offers hot showers and toilets and has lots of open space perfect for ball games. From here you can also walk by the Ewenny River to the beach, explore Ogmore Castle or go horse-riding among the sand dunes at Merthyr Mawr Warren beach. One night from £20 (family of four sharing a tent).

Another site with sea views is the Heritage Coast Campsite, pictured left, near the picturesque village of Monknash. It offers Welsh baps for breakfast and is within 500 yards of a pub serving real ale and hearty meals. From £15 per adult, £2.50 per child, per night.