The Globe Trotter: 23 November

Instead of socks and bubble bath, how about surprising a loved one with the gift of travel this year?
Fellow globetrotters will adore any of these thoughtful pressies in their stocking on Christmas morning…

There are three new Relais & Châteaux Lys gift boxes this year, each valid for two people for two years and accepted at more than 300 R&C properties. Newbies include: Champagne Lys, €89, with a half bottle of fizz and hors d’oeuvres; Wellness Break Lys, €229, a pampering treatment and light snack, and Discovery Lys, €249, one night in a double room with breakfast.
00800-2000 0002, www.relaischateaux.com

Capturing fabulous images of your travels is important. Learn how to use your digital SLR camera properly with Photocrafty, £14.95, from Punk Publishing. Written by photographer and lecturer Sue Venables, the book details 75 easy-to-follow projects that show how to take amazing, creative shots, without having to understand jargon.  www.amazon.co.uk

Pride of Britain Hotels gift vouchers, sold in multiples of £50, can be used as full- or part-payment for accommodation or meals at any Pride of Britain member establishment – around 50 hotels nationwide. The vouchers, with a pocket directory and your own message, are valid for two years from the date of purchase.
0800-089 3929, www.prideofbritainhotels.com

Alastair Sawday’s Special Places Pubs & Inns of England & Wales, £15.99, will provide inspiration for excellent minibreaks to take in the UK. It features more than 900 of Britain’s very best pubs, including those with great rooms, such as award-winners The Wheatsheaf Inn in Gloucestershire, The Beckford Arms in Wiltshire and the Cross Foxes in Gwynedd.
From all good bookshops or www.sawdays.co.uk

travel 590 2The Chapel in Walcot Arboretum, Shropshire

Why not club together to buy a special friend a gift voucher from luxury camping company Canopy & Stars? Pretty ‘money’ for any amount you desire is presented in a card, with space to write your own message. The ‘cash’ can be used as full or part payment for a holiday, just quoting the reference numbers on the vouchers.
01275-395447, www.canopyandstars.co.uk

Treat friends to Jurys Inn vouchers. Rooms are available from £59 for two, including breakfast in 25 city-centre hotels across the UK, as well as six hotels in Ireland and one in Prague. Vouchers come in denominations of £20, £50 and £100, and for the same amounts in euros.
0870-410 0800, www.jurysinns.com

Finally, here’s a lovely idea for a pampering present travellers can take with them. The Elemis Ultimate Travel Collection, £68, is a head-to-toe indulgent collection of treats to ensure your skin stays glowing, refreshed and supple while you’re on the go. The kit includes Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser, Pro-Collagen Marine Cream and heavenly Frangipani Monoi Body Oil.
0117-316 1888, www.timetospa.co.uk/elemis/

Contact Wendy on wendygomersall@lady.co.uk

In Other News ...

  • Shadow a chef Guests at the Judges Country House Hotel on the North Yorkshire Moors can shadow chefs in its awardwinning restaurant. The Chef For The Day package costs from £155 per person, including one night’s half board, lunch and tea: available Monday to Thursday. 0800-089 3929, www.prideofbritainhotels.com
  • Horse whisperers Casa La Siesta in Andalucia offers horsemanship courses, led by trainer Simin Nadjafi Hinrichs, in conjunction with its horse refuge. Four-night breaks from €699 per person; six nights from €1,095, with breakfast, three hours a day horsemanship, lunch, soft drinks and beer. Transfers and flights not included. 00-34 956 232 003, www.casalasiesta.com
  • Lawrence of Arabia tour The new Military History Tours by HF Holidays, include Lawrence of Arabia & the Secret War, visiting places associated with him, such as the Bovington Tank Museum. Based at the company’s new country house at Lulworth Cove, this three-night break – 15 May and 18 September 2013 – costs £379 per person. 0845-470 7558, www.hfholidays.co.uk