Hire a cheap apartment, and visit Las Salinas, a beach with its very own DJ and plenty of cafes. "The clubs aren't really happening at that time of year, but a lot of DJs live in Ibiza, and all the hippies will gather around the old town bars," explains Jennifer Cox. The island also has plenty of hilly landscape to explore.Further details: Spanish tourist board (0171-486 8077).39ALPINE SKI WEEKENDMake the most of this year's bumper drop of snow with a long weekend in the French Alps. Enjoy a warm break strolling around Ibiza's old town port, with its cobbled streets and views of the sea. A new turn-of-the-century reconstruction of Barclays Bank will open this spring, alongside the drift mine, pit cottages, village school, railway station and farm.

So far the facilities don't extend to a Victorian hotel, but Durham County Council publishes a very comprehensive book that lists accommodation in all price brackets, and Beamish is a great base from which to explore an underrated region.Further details: Holiday Guide (0191-383 3354).38GET BEACHED IN IBIZASummer is sizzling in Ibiza, but spring is pleasant. In your spare time, wander around the gorgeous Japanese water gardens, or visit the renowned herb garden within the site's 27 acres.Further details: Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Church Rd, Great Milton - two miles off the M40, just south of Oxford (01844 278881); from pounds 210 for a double or pounds 435 for a suite per night; the seven-course set menu costs pounds 72 per person.37TRAVEL BACK IN TIME TO BEAMISHThe North of England Open Air Museum in Beamish, County Durham, is one of the finest museums of its kind in the country, re-creating life in the region in the last century. He has since expanded it to incorporate a new dining room and more accommodation; there are now seven suites and 32 rooms. There are several route options, ranging from a journey down through Mongolia to Beijing, to a short-break package on a second-class sleeper, which includes two nights' accommodation in the capital city and a "Russian buddy" to show you around. Jerry Bridge says, "the Trans- Siberian Express is the world's most legendary train journey, and offers a real insight into the changing cultures between Europe and Asia."Further details: Trailfinders (0171-938 3939); the 11-night Moscow to Vladivostok trip costs pounds 790 per person.36LE MANOIR AUX QUAT'SAISONSWell-known chef Raymond Blanc founded this two Michelin-starred establishment 15 years ago. With its thermal baths, huge domed ceilings, riverside position and terraced restaurant, it offers a spectacular introduction to Budapest.

"After a mineral massage, go out and up to the castle in the old part of Budapest, then stop for coffee and cake," she says.Further details: the Gellert, XI Szent Gellert ter 1 (00 36 1 185 2200); double rooms from around pounds 100 per night.35TRANS-SIBERIAN EXPRESS, RUSSIAExperience another world by taking the train from Moscow as spring begins to blossom. Further details: Norway Tourist Board (0171-839 6255), Bergen Tourist Office (00 47 55321480); trip approx pounds 30.34THE GELLERT HOTEL, BUDAPESTFor a European break with a difference, book yourself into this grande dame of hotels, recommended by Jennifer Cox as the ideal location in which to "pamper" yourself. "You come out onto a natural plateau, then you take a bus to the edge of a fjord." The whole trip takes about 14 hours, and is rounded off at the harbour in Bergen, with a large beer. Set in private grounds within the park, the Alton Towers Hotel is good value for money and particularly geared up for family groups. It lays on its own entertainment, and offers a range of facilities such as a swimming pool and jacuzzi.Further details: Alton Towers Hotel (0990 204060); pounds 135 for a room for four with bed & breakfast, pounds 194 including park entry.33NORWAY IN A NUTSHELLIt's hard to imagine seeing all the sights of Norway in a day, but this specially designed package has a jolly good go. "You get up ridiculously early," explains Jennifer Cox, "and in the space of a very long day, you see every different sort of geographical feature." Catch the train, then a boat, and take a ride along the funicular railway into the mountains and past some spectacular waterfalls.