Travel

Finding out about ways of spending large amounts of money on travel and holidays really isn't that difficult. There are plenty of cruises and luxury overseas tours about and no doubt, as an in my primer, you receive mailshots and emails about them quite regularly. We're not knocking them - they're great - if that's what you want and you can afford it.

However, now you're in your prime there are plenty of other ways that you can travel that are more unusual, challenging and exciting and we'd like to use this section of  the site to focus on them. It doesn't have to involve hugely dangerous and daring expeditions (though we'd still be fascinated to hear about them), there are many other, relatively more sedate, possibilities that are just as interesting and pertinent.

For you, in my prime travel may involve an alternative means of transport - cycling or walking, sailing, horseback riding, or maybe cross-country, off-road driving?  Or perhaps special focus holidays are your thing - art, cookery, dancing, writing? Or unusual accommodation - tree houses, igloos or castles? Group or singles holidays?

Equally pertinent is information about good travel companies and websites - whether for cheap deals or luxury packages. We'd love to hear your recommendations.

Holidaying in a home away from home

Lois Sealey, founder of Home Base Holidays knows all there is to know about home exchanging. Here she explains why home exchanging hits all the buttons for in my primers:

Although home exchanges have been taking place all over the world for at least fifty years, the advent of the internet has made the process so much easier. Finding a suitable swap and then making the most of exchange arrangements has undoubtedly become quicker and cheaper by email, with the added facility of being able to email photos and directions and to use the web to research the locality in detail.

Swapping homes is a great way to get to know a new area or country, living like a local and often discovering little known attractions from your exchange partner's friends and neighbours. Although the initial reason for considering a home exchange may be cost savings, convenience and the fun of living in a real home come close behind. more>>>