Like everyone, all our thoughts are with the victims of the tsunami disaster which has so devastated vast areas of South East Asia.

It seems almost crass to be talking about tourism in light of what has happened, but the economy of much of the affected area relies heavily on the holiday trade and the various governments are appealing to visitors not to abandon them.

Our news page this month looks at the advice being given by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and by the Association of Independent Tour Operators.

Meanwhile, we are offering you the chance to enjoy some fantastic hotel accommodation free. See below for a promotion which will enable you to spend weekends or weeks away for the price of a few hotel meals.

As it is the start of the New Year we are offering you some great ideas for getting away from the British winter. There's also Portugal away from the madding crowd, a 'green' holiday and a 'whistlestop' tour of the world in Las Vegas.

Welcome to the start of 2005 .