Brits get more friendly - survey. Overseas visitors reckon Londoners are growing more friendly towards them, according to a new survey.

Foreign tourists also think the capital is a safer place than it was two years ago.

These overseas tourists are also venturing more into the suburbs, the survey by the VisitLondon organisation found.

As many as 80% of foreign visitors found Londoners friendly or very friendly compared with 75% in 2002.

A total of 92% of visitors said they felt very or fairly safe in London compared with only 79% in 2002. The survey of 2,256 overseas visitors to London also revealed that The Tower of London was the most recognised capital landmark, followed by the Tate Modern. Three-quarters of visitors went to the South Bank and 30% explored Greenwich in south London.

Clothing and shoes were most popular purchases for European and Far East visitors, Americans were most likely to buy souvenirs, china and glass and British food, while Europeans went for CDs.

Talk on your travels

TRAVELSPHERE has introduced beginners language courses in German, Italian and Spanish exclusively for single travellers on selected holidays in Europe next year.

Prices start at £679 per person. Further details can be found in the company's Just You brochure which offers 70 fully-escorted holidays for single travellers.

Book early for villa

LAGRANGE'S France programme for 2005 contains an expanded selection of independent villas.

Other additions include a beachfront holiday village in Port Camargue offering entertainment and a children's club.

Early booking discounts of 10 per cent are on offer for selected dates. visit www.lagrange-holidays.co.uk

Stay off the piste after a few drinks

Research from Direct Line Travel Insurance shows that more than one third of Britons hitting the slopes this winter will be under the influence of alcohol when they ski.

The findings revealed that 35% of accidents which occur on the slopes are between the hours of 2pm and 4pm - just after most skiers have enjoyed a drink or two over lunch.

For some, drinking and skiing can be an injury-free experience but 10% of those that ski under the influence have admitted their actions have resulted in injury to both themselves and fellow skiers.

Chris Price, business manager for Direct Line Travel Insurance, said: "After years of seeing needless injuries and even deaths caused by people drinking too much while out on the slopes, police forces are cracking down on such reckless behaviour.

"If you are going out on the slopes this winter, please keep the drinking strictly apres-ski and not on the piste."

Direct Line said new piste police units in the Italian and Austrian ski resorts means winter sports enthusiasts need to keep their enthusiasm for partying on the piste in check, or they could possibly face on the spot fines for reckless behaviour.

The crackdown is an attempt to lower the high rate of injuries - one in four - caused by collisions between skiers.

Convenient check-in

FROM summer this year holidaymakers flying on First Choice Airways from Gatwick airport will be aable to check in with their luggage at the car park avoiding the need to carry bulky luggage over to the terminal.

The scheme will be offered at the NCP flightpath Long Stay North Terminal.

Guide is in the purple

THE PURPLE Guide launches its second travel title. Writer Hope Caton is this time focussing on Venice. The guide combines a wealth of stories with practical facts about the city. To buy a copy (priced £12.99) contact The Purple Guides on 020 8614 2277 or visit www.purpleguide.com