“Good holidays made even better by enjoying them with new friends” – so said a happy single traveller, who’d really enjoyed how Travel One made them feel welcome, with relaxed, get-to-know-you get togethers and sociable suppers, but also gave them space to do their own thing when they chose to. New for 2019 is Peru among their worldwide choices. And no single supplements!

With over 50 years’ experience, Orbital Travel is a leading provider of Nile cruises and specialist travel within Egypt. Sailing in 5 star comfort through Upper Egypt is the perfect way to experience the magic of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and many other historic sites. Excursions are led by English-speaking qualified Egyptologists, whose wealth of knowledge – and good humour – breathes life into the ancient past.

With hill-smoothing electric bikes as well as standard ones available, Headwater Cycling Holidays can be as relaxed or challenging as you choose. All are self-guided, and everything is provided, from comfy gel-saddles to maps (though the audio-guides are so good you barely need them). It makes soft-pedalling through beautiful Italian, Portuguese, Swiss or Austrian countryside a total delight.

Easy-Africa – that’s Namibia. Without the crowds or the hustle, it feels safe and is a spare but spectacular landscape, filled with extraordinary colour, from its russet sand dunes to the lime greens of its desert vegetation, to the subtle pinks of its salt pans. And to the delight of this traveller with Jules Verne, the national parks abound with elephant, leopard, zebra and giraffe.

What could be more Christmassy than a trip to snowy Lapland with Inghams? Think husky sleds, reindeer sleighs or snowmobile safaris. Try snow-shoeing or cross-country skiing. Inghams provide thermal boots and suits, and whilst it’s cold and crisp outside, inside is beautifully warm and snug in gorgeous log cabins, luxurious spa hotels or hi tech, Scandi-designed apartments. How about that for next year?

Journey Latin America have been creating award-winning holidays from Mexico to Antarctica for over 40 years. With unrivalled local knowledge gleaned by their expert travel team from either living or travelling extensively around Latin America, their insider know-how will make all the difference in crafting your tailor-made or escorted small-group holiday. No-one knows the region better!