The votes are in! New Zealand knocks Italy to win ‘favourite holiday destination’ at UK Telegraph Travel Awards 2004…
Congratulations to New Zealand for being voted favourite holiday destination for the very first time in the UK Telegraph Travel Awards this month. New Zealand replaces Italy - the winning destination for the past four years and the award adds to many wins over the past few months including Travel and Leisure and Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report as well as readers voting New Zealand third best country in the Condé Nast Traveller Awards.

It’s no surprise to us why this country is now top of the list as it offers boundless possibilities for travellers. If you want to see for yourself why New Zealand is so hot then look no further as our comprehensive travel programme Discover New Zealand offers everything you need for a holiday of a lifetime. Check out our website www.discover-the-world.co.uk/newzealand or to order a copy of our brochure call the brochure line on 01737 218 801. You can also order online at www.discover-the-world.co.uk/newzealand

St Lucia - Queen of Light, Sweden
On 13th December, the Swedish tradition of Saint Lucia, Queen of Light appears on the darkest day of the darkest month of the year. This tradition is celebrated in homes, schools, offices and many places all over Sweden. Churches throughout the country hold special Lucia concerts and the bakeries are filled with traditional Lucia buns and spicy ginger biscuits called “pepper cakes”! According to this tradition, Lucia has candles in her hair and comes to bring the light to Swedes. You can watch the coronation of Lucia and join in the celebrations at Skansen, the outdoor museum in Stockholm as well as at the Liseberg Christmas market in Gothenburg.

Arctic Experience offers city breaks to Stockholm and Gothenburg with a choice of accommodation. Prices for a 2-night stay in Stockholm start from £265 per person based on twin share with departures from October up to 30th April 2005. Prices for a 2-night stay in Gothenburg start from £263 per person based on twin share with departures from October up to 30th April 2005. For more information please contact our expert sales team on 01737 214 255 or visit the website www.arctic-experience.co.uk/sweden

Jazz it up in the Bahamas
Jazz lovers will be pleased to know that Tiamo resort will be hosting an intimate island weekend of great music and fine food. Barefoot Jazz with Libby York will take place on 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th and 12th December and will be exclusively produced for nine couples only. The event continues on last year’s wonderfully successful debut of this eclectic blend of music, food and nature.

This international and Award-winning resort is located on the beautiful South Andros Island and offers pure relaxation and wonderful accommodation. Why not experience pure bliss as well as some great music at the Caribbean’s most unique and beautiful nature resort.

Discover the Bahamas offers a seven-night holiday at Tiamo from £1728 per person based on full board basis. Price includes international and domestic flights with six nights in Andros and one night in Nassau. For further information contact our Bahamas experts on 01737 218 803 or visit www.discover-the-world.co.uk/bahamas. For more information on Libby York you can check out www.libbyyork.com