Hengistbury Head is a place of wild, ancient beauty and a stark lesson in conservation. For over 12,000 years, this headland has witnessed human activity, but its most dramatic scars are from the Victorian era. Between 1848 and 1870, industrial quarrying stripped the protective ironstone from its cliffs, causing the loss of a third of the land to the sea in just decades. Today, it’s a meticulously protected mosaic of heathland, grassland and coastline — an internationally significant Site of Special Scientific Interest where adders, skylarks and rare natterjack toads find refuge. Your first stop should be the Visitor Centre, where you can pick up a trail leaflet and learn to read the landscape’s hidden clues, from its deep archaeology to the ongoing work of the rangers who balance public access with preservation. For your visit, wear good shoes and prepare for spectacular, sweeping views over Christchurch Harbour, Bournemouth Bay and the Isle of Wight. You have two distinct experiences here: the rugged south-facing pebble beach beneath imposing clay cliffs, and the soft, sandy expanse of Mudeford Spit, famously lined with colourful beach huts. Hop on the charming land train from the Hiker Café for a gentle ride to the spit, where you can enjoy a café and more facilities.

The Seychelles' unique marine biodiversity and appealing crystal-clear waters create the perfect conditions for underwater discovery. For snorkelling, head to one of the best sites of the Indian Ocean - Sainte Anne Marine National Park - or take advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim alongside whale sharks on Mahe. Diving is another way to get close and personal with reef inhabitants (humphead parrotfish, octopus, various types of sharks - including hammerhead, if you're in luck). Seychelles Underwater Centre

The UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is another one of the Seychelles' must-dos. Take a guided tour through the primeval forest (free tours are given at 9am and 2pm daily) and see endemic trees, the curious fruit of coco de mer palm (the trees only grow in two places in the world, and nuts grow up to 42 kilos heavy), and a plethora of rare bird species.

Arlberg and the ski schools of Lech, Oberlech and Zürs make an outstanding combination. On the one hand, there is the fascination of an exceptional ski area and, on the other, a range of ski schools which are striving to surpass their guests’ expectations. Skischool Lech group courses and private instruction -- Ski courses for children aged between 41/2 – 12 years – Location: Lech Kinderland near the Flühenlift & Lech-Oberlech ski slopes – Lunch taken together in one of the restaurants at the slope (costs: € 12,50 (lunch & drink) chips ”kids menu” available at the ski school – Meeting point group assignment: 10.00 am at Hotel Arlberg – Group courses in 6 different skill levels (Special: ”Early Bird” intensive courses in small groups with max. 5 children)