Travel: Hot sports

YOU BEAUTY

AVOID having your toiletries confiscated at the airport security desk by getting them sent straight to your destination. Simply log on to online beauty emporium hqhair.com's holiday service, choose your must-have products and let them do the rest. At 6.50 for unlimited items to European countries and 12.50 worldwide, looking your best this summer needn't cost the earth. www.hqhair.com

GOOD BAR

HOLIDAYS always bring the dilemma of what to bring home as a souvenir. Something cultural or more sentimental? Or something so bling you'll never forget? In which case, the Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi has hit the jackpot by creating the only vending machine in the world that sells bars of gold instead of chocolate. the 24-carat gold-plated bars come with a money-back guarantee. A spokesman describes it as "the perfect gift". And nothing says good times like a precious metal.

MATCH MAKERS

SHE wants a relaxing holiday on the beach this summer, but he has his heart set on watching the World Cup. All is not lost. The five-star La Manga Club luxury resort in the Murcia region of Spain is offering a World Cup package for those who would like to combine their holiday with their passion for football. The two-day break includes full access to spa facilities as well as a whole squad of activities such as golf, jet-skiing and paintballing during the day. At night you can watch the big match over a barbecue or hit one of the resort's numerous bars and restaurants. Prices start from 340 per person and include breakfast and an evening meal.

www.lamangaclub.com

CAPITAL IDEA

The streets of Lisbon's oldest quarters come alive this month with feasts in honour of the popular saints, making this the perfect time to take advantage of Easyjet's new route from Edinburgh. During the Festas dos Santos Populares, the city is alive with revellers and the streets filled with lanterns. Easyjet flies from the Scottish capital to the Portugese capital three times a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays) with fares starting at 28.99 one-way (53.98 return). www.easyjet.com

CLUB CLASS

FROM Gleneagles to Muirfield, Turnberry to Cruden Bay, Scotland is spoilt for choice when it comes to golf courses. And it's not just about the game – there's the off-course experience, the countryside and coastline to be explored too. James W Finegan's Scotland: Where Golf is Great (Artisan, 17.99), covers 99 courses and is illustrated with beautiful photographs that will have golf fans and those who prefer the off-course attractions packing their bags and revving up the buggy.

• This article was first published in Scotland on Sunday, June 6, 2010