The work visa
Backpackers who apply for a 12-month Australian working visa from July will be able to work with the same employer for up to six months, instead of the three months previously allowed. The period allowed for studying in Australia will also be extended from three months to four for those on a 12-month visa. See www.work.australia.com.
The adventure trip
British polar explorer Pen Hadow has launched his own travel service which he hopes will encourage other travel companies to follow his lead and reduce the environmental impact of their business. His company, Pen Hadow Travel (www.penhadowtravel.com), will pay to carbon-offset clients' flights at no extra cost. He offers dog-sledding in Norway (from £1,000 for four days), guiding in the Arctic and Antarctic and an advice service for those tackling the North Pole.
The deal
There's 10 per cent off Trek America's Mexico tours until 31 October (0870 444 8735; www.trekamerica.co.uk). For example, a 14-day tour of Yucatan, departing 28 May, costs from £564 pp (down from £626), or a 21-day tour of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize costs from £769. Prices exclude flights.
The luxury villa
A portfolio of some the world's most spectacularly designed villas is now on offer through Private World (020 7723 5599; www.privateworldvillas.com). The 'Rad Pads' collection includes the Elrod/Lautner House near Palm Springs, which was designed by an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright and featured in the Bond film Diamonds Are Forever.
The attraction
Forget Hollywood's Walk Of Fame, with its bronze stars dedicated to Marilyn Monroe, Walt Disney, Alfred Hitchcock et al: now Melbourne's Waterfront City area has a new Walk of Stars paying tribute to 100 of Australia's top performers. Dame Edna Everage, Rolf Harris, Kylie Minogue and Paul 'Crocodile Dundee' Hogan all have their own brass plaques. See www.visitmelbourne.com/uk.
The product
The Aussies are well known for their frank mode of expression and fondness for the great outdoors, so only they could come up with an insect repellent called Bugger Off. Made wholly from natural essential oils including aloe vera, citronella and menthol, it costs £5.99 for 125ml from www.mypure.co.uk.
The healthy break
Center Parcs (08705 200 300; www.centerparcs.co.uk) has teamed up with nutrition consultant Ian Marber to provide healthy meals at its four UK parks, and wellbeing packages have been launched as add-ons to its holidays. For £99, guests get three hours in the spa, use of the gym and a nutritional analysis session. Fitness and motivation packages, hosted by celebrity instructors including yoga guru Anton Simmha, are £35. Two-bedroom villas cost from £399 for three nights.
