Are you planning a last-minute Christmas Channel hop for presents and that all-important visit to the hypermarket? Get the low-down on the stylish French port after its makeover.

Bordeaux was the beginning of a love affair with wine for Oz Clark, who revisits his favourite vineyards and châteaux on a gentle tour through the region.

MODERN air travel may have shrunk the world but it hasn’t made the process of travelling any more enjoyable. Something that can’t be said of Eurostar.

THERE'S no need to travel to the North Pole to track down Santa. Right now, much further south, he's shinning up the sides of houses or testing the strength of chimneys.

EXPRESS Property parties on down in Finland’s stylish capital

AFFECTIONATELY known as the “Daughter of the Baltic”, Helsinki is coming of age as one of Europe’s favourite alternative city-break destinations.

YOU don’t have to travel to another continent to see wild beasts. Rebecca Ford spends a night in Finland close to some very big teddies.

IT IS no wonder that cruising is the new must-try holiday. When you feel like pushing the boat out, a modern fleet of gleaming megaships gives you five-star luxury with all the razzle-dazzle of a glitzy US resort hotel.

WHERE can you pick up some unique Christmas pressies for your mates? The hordes head to New York or German Christmas markets.

CYCLING is the ideal way to explore Copenhagen over a long weekend.