The "sightseer flight" from Barra to Benbecula has to be one of the most fantastic island experiences. Take the local minibus from Castlebay to the airport, pay £35 and show your photo ID, and step out over the sand to the Twin Otter waiting on the beach.
Up in the air, and cruising smoothly north at 1,000-2,000ft, you pass over the "Whisky Galore" island of Eriskay, before gazing down in wonder at the fascinating landscapes of South Uist and Benbecula, with a thousand lochs criss-crossed with roads, tiny houses and ancient remains. The flight takes 20 minutes, and after a short stop you fly back again. The pilot turned round and asked us what route we would like to return by, so we chose the mountainous one. I'm afraid of flying, but I loved this, and landed back on the beach on magical Barra with a big grin on my face.

Flybe flights: www.flybe.com/ but it seems to be cheaper to buy locally - ask at the tourist office in Castlebay (+44 (0)1871 810336). Tourist information on Barra: www.scotland-inverness.co.uk/barra.htm
Google map: bit.ly/96Ihrk

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Much cheaper than flight from Mount Cook airport and every bit as spectacular. Often bargain price if you book late afternoon for same day.

Try Google, or do it when you're there

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I went to Cape Verde on scheduled airlines via Gambia and Senegal. I booked my accommodation online beforehand and got my air tickets in Gambia. The trip was fantastic and I really enjoyed the adventure - much more, I imagine, than I would have done if I'd taken a package.

www.capeverde.hindlenet.co.uk/

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Ferries are Condor (2.5 hours from Poole on the cat or 9 hours from Portsmouth on the slow boat):
www.condorferries.com

Cheapest flights last year were with Aurugny (50 mins from Gatwick):
hwww.aurigny.com

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Three weeks on and the book I bought for the flight remains unopened. I couldn't drag my eyes from the window on the day and I've not got the dream out of my head since.

Fly north to St Vincent if you can - I flew from Trinidad - and you'll be captivated by the Grenadines, floating in the clearest, bluest ocean you'll ever see, long before you land. A friendly taxi driver will soon get you to Kingstown, check ferry times and probably suggest breakfast at Cobblestones restaurant. It's good advice!

Don't rush to the ferry; amble, soak up island life - chill and connect.

Soon the Bequia Express ties up and discharges passengers with efficient chaos. Climb aboard for the one-hour crossing - and relax!

Bequia's silhouette crystallizes into an intricate, green paradise, as Admiralty Bay embraces the returning ferry. Port Elizabeth grows from hillside specks and soon you'll see its streets merging seamlessly with the tree-lined, restaurant-fronted beach.

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