WHAT’S ON: Prague

PRAGUE’s famous Christmas markets are great, but they can be a bit of bunfight, so do what the locals do and head for the CHRISTMAS FAIR at KRIVOKLAT instead.

It’s just over 50km west of the Czech capital and getting there is part of the fun: on two Saturdays (13 and 20 December), a steam train leaves Prague-Bráník station and heads to picture-perfect Krivoklat, with its gothic, turreted castle, for a spot of festive shopping. The chapel hosts an advent service and you can buy anything from traditional ornaments to mediaeval weaponry at the fair in the castle grounds. www.krivoklat.cz

WHAT’S ON: Manchester

Ward off the cold with a frothy tankard of ale or two at CAMRA’S WINTER ALES FESTIVAL. It takes place at the New Century Hall in MANCHESTER from 21-24 January, and promises more than 200 tipples in the form of ales, ciders and perrys (that’s fermented pear juice, in case you didn’t know). Rather randomly, Saturday is PIRATE FANCY DRESS DAY – so don’t forget your stuffed parrot! www.alefestival.org.uk

WHAT’S ON: Belfast

Culture is all very well, but feeding the stomach and the mind – now that’s something worth celebrating! BELFAST’S OUT TO LUNCH FESTIVAL opens its doors from 2–25 January, with a new and expanded “menu” of visual and culinary treats for visitors to the city’s Cathedral Quarter. Events range from theatre to stand-up comedy, literature and music, and all the shows include lunch in the ticket price. Top picks include comedian Jason Byrne [right], Ivor Brackenbury’s Hospital Radio Christmas Show (hot from the Edinburgh Festival) and a 100-seat travelling cinema called The Cinemobile. www.discovernorthernireland.com/Out-to-Lunch-Festival-Belfast-P13724

WHAT’S ON: Glasgow

Take in a fire and light spectacle on 25 January in DUMFRIES, 145km from GLASGOW, as the town where poet Robert Burns spent his final days celebrates the 250th anniversary of his birth [see our feature starting on page 44]. Beginning at 5pm, a lantern procession will wind its way through the town to the banks of the RIVER NITH, where there’ll be music, a traditional CEILIDH and a FIRE SHOW, marking the start of a year of more than 150 events throughout Scotland in honour of “Rabbie” Burns. www.homecomingscotland.com

WHAT’S ON: Geneva

Petrolheads who enjoy testing their skills will get a thrill this winter at the Sporting Centre in LEYSIN. On select days over the winter (5 January and 9 February are the next in the calendar), the centre offers a rare opportunity to try GO-KARTING ON ICE, in karts specially adapted for the purpose (including spiked wheels). And it all takes place in a stunning setting up in the Alps, overlooking LAKE GENEVA. The sport is suitable for anyone over the age of 10 and, as you’d imagine, is hugely popular, so book in advance. www.leysin-sports.ch

WHAT’S ON: Cardiff & Birmingham

He’s behind you! Oh no he isn’t! Blow away the January blues with a trip to a PANTOMIME. Who wouldn’t feel better after an afternoon hissing the baddies and yelling encouragement at the principal boy? Stars to be found strutting the stage at bmibaby destinations include Blue’s Antony Costa in ALADDIN at the New Theatre in Cardiff (13 December – 24 January, www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk) and Torchwood’s John Barrowman (above) as ROBIN HOOD at the Hippodrome in Birmingham (19 December – 1 February, www.birminghamhippodrome.com)

WHAT’S ON: Amsterdam

If even A-listers have a hard time getting a seat at fashion shows, then what chance do mere mortals have? Happily, AMSTERDAM’S INTERNATIONAL FASHION WEEK operates a more “open door” policy for shopaholics, so while fashion editors gather on one side of the city for the professional shows, DOWN TOWN offers fashion fans nine days of parties, pop-up shops and public catwalk shows at locations all over Amsterdam. It takes places from 24 January to 1 February, with one of the best events usually coming courtesy of Streetlab, a fashion initiative which introduces up-and-coming designers to the public. www.aifwdowntown.nl

WE LOVE: Cool gadgets

Sick and tired of everyone peering over your shoulder, trying to catch a glimpse of photos on your phone/camera/ laptop/MP3 or MP4 player? This dinky new device puts an end to all that jostling for space: it’s a tiny projector that can project images up to 1.2m in size from your phone, laptop or PC. It’s only 11.5cm x 5cm x 2.2cm in size and weighs just 160g, so it’s great for any sort of travel. Whether you want to show off your holidays snaps or video clips, no one need ever squint at a small screen again! £299.99, available from www.rxsdevices.com

WE LOVE: Crazy websites

Like this one: www.sidetaker.com. The premise is simple: next time you have a spat with your “better half”, just submit your side of the story to this website – and let your partner add theirs – and see what a bunch of total strangers have to say about it! As the website says: “Let the world decide who’s at fault”. Whether you’re squabbling over where to go on your next holiday, or there’s something far more important at stake, it’s counselling for the new millennium (or at the very least, a high-tech way to say “I told you so!” – but only if the rest of the world takes your side in the first place!). Hilarious.

WE LOVE: New Year’s Eve!

Okay, so when we’re trying to find a cab at 4am on January 1st we don’t love it(!), but head to Murcia for New Year’s Eve this year and you’re sure to have a ball.

The InterContinental La Torre Hotel opens that night, and they’re kicking things off with a huge party, with a gala dinner and New Orleans jazz… performed by Woody Allen and his band! Many people consider Woody to be one of the greatest writer/directors of all time, but not everyone knows that he’s also a supremely accomplished jazz musician. He famously missed picking up his Best Director Oscar for Annie Hall in 1977 because the awards ceremony was held on a Monday – and that’s the night he plays his regular gig at Michael’s Pub in New York! Two nights’ accommodation: €600pp/€750 (including tickets to the event); event only: €500pp (including dinner, all wines and champagnes plus breakfast at 5am); VIP package also available. For more information and reservations, tel: +34 968 041 840.

WE LOVE: Glam bags

If Posh Spice – the undisputed queen of arm candy – ever got a “proper job”, we’re guessing this is the bag she’d use. She’d ditch her collection of Hermès Birkin bags, which cost up to £8,000 each (she’s got one in every colour), and choose an equally sophisticated – but far more practical – “Rubi” from British brand knomo.

It’s cleverly constructed using a protective shell and quilted shock-resistant foam – so you can safely transport a laptop without anyone knowing it’s there in the first place! – and is so gorgeous you’ll want to use it even when you’re not working.

The Rubi is just one in a chic range of travel and technology accessories designed for tech-savvy lovers of style, design and functionality. Other products include classic briefcases, messenger bags, iPod and iPhone covers and overnight wheelie bags, all available in a range of classic and fashion-forward colours.

Prices range from £29–£250, www.knomo.com

1 The romance of the river

Connected to the mighty GARONNE RIVER which flows through Toulouse, the CANAL DU MIDI’S tranquil waters offer a more soothing experience. Take a leisurely stroll along the lush riverbanks, hire a cruiser for the day or simply park your tush on a tour boat as you explore this delightful World Heritage site.

2 Unique tourist spots

One of the most popular attractions in town, LA CITÉ DE LE’SPACE (www.cite-espace.com) is part space museum/part adventure playground. As well as an IMAX theatre, planetarium, you can float about in a gravity-free room, explore a Russian space station and join an expedition to Mars, even though bmibaby doesn’t fly there – yet!

3 Any excuse for a party

We love the fact that Toulouse is always up for a party or any sort of celebration, with festivals throughout the year dedicated to everything from hip-hop to organs! Visiting in March? Dust down your maracas, stamp your feet and wiggle your bits during the 8th annual FLAMENCO FESTIVAL (www.uk.toulouse-tourisme.com/ entertainment-and-events).

4 Going to church

… especially when the church in question is the majestic BASILIQUE ST SERNIN (http://pmaude.free.fr/Sernin), the largest Romanesque church in Europe. Creep in to the crypt and take a peek at the thorn supposedly taken from Christ’s CROWN OF THORNS – mind your fingers though!

5 The ace rugby team

If the city’s bustling streets suddenly seem a little quiet, it’s probably because everyone’s up at the STADE ERNEST-WALLON watching Toulouse’s beloved RUGBY TEAM (www.stadetoulousain.fr). They’re so good, they’ve been crowned champions of Europe three times!

1 The great, great outdoors

If near-deserted beaches, treasure troves of hidden coves and fab diving spots are your cup of tea (or glass of sangria), the rugged coastline along the

Cabo de Gata-Nijar Nature Reserve (43km east of Almeria City) is for you. Pack a picnic, slap on the suncream and go for the day because you’ll want to watch the sunset from a beach bar.

2 Historical wonders

With the kind of longevity that the Spanish Armada could only have dreamed of, the colossal ALCAZABA fortress dominates the city skyline. Built by the Moors before falling into Christian hands, it’s a unique mix of Arabic and Catholic architecture and a sight to behold – seek out the ancient palace buried deep within and walk the walls for breathtaking views across the city (where there are even more historic treasures to uncover) to the sea.

3 Nifty neighbours

4 Snowskiing and sunbathing… on the same day!

Almeria gets 320 days of sunshine a year and it’s just a two-hour drive from Europe’s southernmost ski resorts. Combine the two and you get the best spring snow conditions in all of Europe! So hit the snow-capped slopes of the SIERRA NEVADA mountain range… and then head back to town, slip on some shades and a bikini (shorts recommended for the guys) and hit the sun-kissed sands of SAN MIGUEL BEACH!

5 The wild wild, um, west?

Once upon a time, the TABERNAS DESERT (20km north of Almeria City) stood in for the Wild West. More than 100 films were shot here, including the classics A Fistful of Dollars, The Magnificent Seven and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – today you can relive the magic at Mini Hollywood (tel: +34 9 5036 5236) or Texas Hollywood (tel: +34 9 5016 5456) theme parks.