The Flyer: summer holidays for the family

Welcome to the Flyer. This week: So the dream is over. Well, it never really got going, did it? But now that England have been dumped out of the World Cup, we can all chill and enjoy the fantastic sunny weather - as well as think about planning a summer holiday. So don't panic if you've left it late again - we've got your summer covered, with a round-up of great family holidays abroad, as well as loads of summer treats on your doorstep. If you need advice, Tom Hall will be online to answer all your questions on Wednesday, and Been there readers are sending in their tips on the best city pools around the world... THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS Video: mystery of the Basques Top 10 beaches in Turkey : Our pick of crowd-free beaches, from hidden bays to pristine secluded coves Ask Tom: Lonely Planet's Tom Hall answers your questions about planning a trip to India and where to see Komodo dragons ADVERTISEMENT Mediterranean holidays from just £119 Specialists to Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Croatia and more. Villas, traditional apartments and a range of hotels from simple to luxury. Flights from 19 UK airports THIS WEEK'S NEWS AND COMMENT Yorkshire enlists Turner to attract tourists Greece starts putting island land up for sale to save economy British ailrlines rated poorly in Which? survey TRAVEL BLOG On the blog: a view from Soweto. Why has the World Cup failed to embrace the townships? More from travel blog ON BEEN THERE Cool, cool water Summer's here, and the time is right for ... cooling down. Send us your tips on great outdoor pools around the world and you could win a £200 camera Caught on camera The results of June's photo competition on the world's National Parks LATE OFFERS Save £195 on an activity holiday in Lake Garda Depart 7 August for a seven-night break at the Hotel Paradiso set on the shore of Lake Garda, Italy, from £499pp (down from £694pp), including breakfast. Package includes flights to Milan from Gatwick, accommodation and transfers. The hotel is only a short stroll away from the sporting centre of Torbole, which has watersports facilities.Alpine Elements (+44 (0)844 770 4070, alpineelements.co.uk ) Save £1,015 on a Cote d'Azur villa La Souste, a classic, shuttered villa with spectacular private pool on the Cote d'Azur, is available for £4,225 (was £5,240) a week for up to eight to share (£528pp), arriving on 17 and 24 July. The house is 15km from a mainline station, making it easily accessible by rail from the UK. CV Travel (+ 44(0)20 7401 1044, cvtravel.co.uk ) 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 theguardian.com Video breaks embarks on an epic train journey to Istanbul. First stops: Paris and Munich; plus, rail ale: train station pubs are making a comeback DID YOU MISS ... In Saturday's Travel Guardian Great last-minute summer deals for families : Left it till the last minute again? Don't worry, we've got loads of great family holidays for you. Where the kids can wild - while mum and dad chill . Best of British: what's new for families this summer 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 Paris by Eurostar: 3 nights from £249 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