Travel: Bargain Breaks

Prices for seven nights in Maderia start from 285pp. This includes accommodation at the four-star Monumental Lido in Funchal on a self-catering basis and return flights from Glasgow departing on Monday, 31 January.

Call 0844 871 6636 or visit www.airtours.co.uk

Cairo calling

A 14-night East Mediterranean and Egypt cruise and stay costs from 875pp. This includes two nights at a four-star hotel in Barcelona followed by a 12-night cruise to Rome, with ports of call including Athens, Izmir, Cairo and Valetta. The price is based on an inside cabin and includes return flights from Newcastle departing on 11 February.

Call 0800 916 6070 or visit www.cruisethomascook.com

Cosy in Strathyre

Take a short break in a glass-fronted, timber-framed cabin in Strathyre. The cabins are on the Forestry Commission Estate so there are miles of forest trails for cycling or walks. Prices for three nights over the 11 February weekend start from 202 for a three-bedroom cabin with hot tub.

Call 0845 130 8224 or visit www.forestholidays.co.uk

This article first appeared in The Scotsman Magazine, Saturday 29 January, 2011