Sardinia
Bargains and Sardinia don't usually go together but you can save £70 on breaks to the three-star Capo Boi Hotel near Villasimius in the southwest, home to some of the island's whitest sand and most turquoise water. Sardatur Holidays (020-7242 2455, sardinia-holidays.co.uk) is offering seven nights' half-board in late June and early July from £685pp including flights, transfers, tennis, windsurfing, archery and kayaking.

Turkey
Watersports and sailing fans have a new destination to splash out with the launch of Sunsail Clubs' (0870 1128487, sunsail.co.uk) latest beach resort, Club Phokaia - pronounced fok-eye - on the north Aegean coast near Izmir. Prices from £449pp for seven nights' half-board, return flights and free use of extensive watersports facilities including kids' programmes and complementary activity clinics.

Egypt
Take the plunge with the nippers on Explorers (0845 6447090, explorers.co.uk) Family Learn to Dive programme in the Red Sea's crystal waters at Sharm el-Sheikh. For £1,550, two adults and two children over eight get return flights, transfers, seven nights' B&B at the three-star Ocean Bay Hotel and a Padi three-day scuba course with equipment.

Switzerland
Two ancient Taoist practices can be learnt at The Sporthotel Valsana (0041 81 378 6363, valsana.ch) in the Alpine village of Arosa. A six-night beginners' course in tai chi chuan starts July 23 costing €573pp including B&B, tuition and access to the Valsana's sports facilities and spa. Or a five-night hui chun gong package (a cross between tai chi and yoga), starting August 6, costs €481pp.