The Flyer: make a day trip of it

Welcome to the Flyer. This week: This week we've found dream days out for all of you who need a break from the old routine but haven't got time for a week away - find action, romance, family fun or pampering. Over in celebrity world we can reveal Michael Jackson's secret Irish retreat; Been there tippers share their backpacking beach hangouts; plus all the latest news and comment, late deals and more ... THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS The difference a day makes: AL Kennedy, Diane Abbott, Shaun Keaveny, Sarah Millican kick off our days out special by describing their dream days out . Read the full guide here . Michael Jackson's secret Irish retreat - now available to hire 10 green start-ups for travellers Cracking bakers in the north of England Los Angeles rediscovers its river ADVERTISEMENT Mediterranean holidays from just £139 Specialists to Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Croatia and more. Villas, traditional apartments and a range of hotels from simple to luxury. Flights from 20 UK airports THIS WEEK'S NEWS AND COMMENT Heathrow airport the worst in Europe for tax-free discounts BAA and union in talks to avert airport strikes Sun, sea and scams ... are those last-minute travel deals really worth it? British tourists stranded as travel company collapses Taj Mahal hotel to reopen two years after Mumbai attacks ON BEEN THERE Win a camera: your favourite backpacker beach hangout Do you have a place from your travels which the backpackers rather than the tourists frequented? A bar or restaurant, hostel or beach party? The top tip wins a fab Sony digital camera Alaska: help us create a great guide We've just started an Alaska page on Been there but we need a few tips. If you've been, get involved and help produce a superb resource for the state ENJOY ENGLAND MAP OF THE SUMMER Plot a perfect summer day Browse our interactive map of activities all over Britain - and add your own tips and ideas TRAVEL BLOG Ask Tom - your travel dilemmas answered This week, Tom Hall of Lonely Planet responds to your questions on an idyllic beach break for a young family, escaping the 2012 Olympics, homestays in India and visiting Bhutan More from travel blog LATE OFFERS 10 nights in South Africa – from £1,599pp This new tour in of South Africa's Garden Route takes in Cape Town, the Winelands and Klein Karoo. The package includes 11 days' car hire with full insurance and a comprehensive itinerary with accommodation en route in four-star guest houses on a B&B basis. Prices start from £1,599pp (saving £150) and are valid for selected departures from January until March 2011 including return flights from Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic, transfers, taxes and surcharges. africasky.co.uk , 0870 904 0925. Seven nights in Azores, Portugal – from £498pp This week in a four- or three-star B&B in Azores includes return flights from Gatwick or Manchester on selected dates in August and September plus tranfers. Prices are based on two people sharing a room. sunvil.co.uk , +44 (0)20 8758 4722. GUARDIAN COTTAGES AND VILLAS Guardian Cottages and Villas service Search 10,000 UK cottages and 5,000 villas and gites across Europe COMING UP On the way on guardian.co.uk Benji Lanyado's TwiTrip to Manchester; video: Britain's best views goes to Derbyshire; plus where to holiday for autumn sun DID YOU MISS ... In Saturday's Travel Guardian Days out special: a wild swimming romance in Wales; paddleboarding into the UK's oldest nature reserve in Cambridgeshire; be a stunt hero for a day; plus pampering days and geeky attractions GUARDIAN HOLIDAY OFFERS Guardian holiday offers Our site brings you the best holidays available from our hand-picked suppliers. We use specialist companies that we trust to look after our readers South Africa - 15 days from £1,699pp LIFE ABROAD Living abroad? For advice on living and working in another country, as well as expert advice on foreign property markets, money matters and healthcare, visit Living Abroad on the Guardian Weekly website