Travelsphere’s 2008 Christmas and New Year brochure offers their largest collection ever of festive breaks – more and more of us are ditching all that cooking (and subsequent washing up!) in favour of yuletide cheer on holiday.

Travelsphere offers a variety of styles and destinations from cruises and coach tours, to trips to lakes and mountains and even faraway places.

• All holidays include the services of a professional tour manager and/or local guide
  
• Comprehensive and well-planned itineraries with many included and optional excursions
  
• Free local pick ups on all coach holidays

This is for you if you are open to meaningful travel, personal development and the notion of giving something back. Open to any age or level of experience. Gain TEFL certification. Projects available across the globe.

Exodus voyages to these wilderness lands are not like your average cruise. They’ve chartered ice-rated research vessels so you will be getting up close and personal with the incredible beauty and wildlife in these glacial regions.

• Shore excursions and on-board presentations are included, with many other activities such as hiking, snowshoeing, camping and sea kayaking optional
  
• Well-equipped vessels include free access to sun decks, sauna, plunge pool and gym
  
• Look out for special charters featuring well-known experts in their field such as Chris Packham and Planet Earth film editor Andrew Chastney

When it was established in 1979, Skyros was Europe’s first ever alternative holiday centre and today it is the world leader.

These holidays offer a holistic approach, aimed at inspiring and motivating you through courses, workshops and activities, with hundreds of options to choose from.

• Courses and workshops range from yoga and pilates, to watersports, writing workshops, ceramics and painting
  
• Ex Liverpool footballer Mark Lawrenson joins the expert team as football coach for kids in July
  
• Friends, children or partners who don’t participate in the courses can still come along at reduced rates