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ADVERTISING FEATURE: Experience the African wilderness from a new perspective with Afreco Tours (www.afrecotours.com). Spend your time living in remote bush camps in the heart of the African bush, getting in tune with the surroundings and getting back to nature. Afreco Tours specialises primarily in wildlife courses and conservation volunteering as well as safari adventures in South Africa, Botswana and Kenya.

Wildlife-related courses include safari guide training programmes, tracking courses, wildlife photography and more. Experience what it takes to become an African safari guide, living and breathing the wildlife and ecosystems surrounding you. You can choose to get an accredited certificate for an alternative career or just join for the knowledge and unique experience it offers. Our tracking courses and other similar courses also offer an alternative way of seeing the wilderness. Our photography courses and separate photographic safaris are set in prime wildlife areas and guided by a professional wildlife photographer and guide. 

Eurostar has launched new train routes into the heart of the Swiss Alps for the 2012/13 winter season, making access to Swiss ski resorts simpler than ever before. The new ski train will run between Saturday 22 December 2012 until Saturday 13 April 2013, with return fares starting from £189 without any additional costs for an extra ski or snowboard bag.

“Our research shows ski customers are seeking a more civilised way to reach their resorts by travelling by high-speed rail from London to the heart of the Swiss Alps,” says Nick Mercer, commercial director for Eurostar. “With the highest runs in Europe, spectacular scenery and reliable snow, Swiss skiing offers something for everyone. With the resorts located just a short distance from the train stations, passengers have a much more seamless journey than travelling by air.”

There can't be many people who wouldn't relish the chance to escape their busy lives for a couple of weeks and look out over the silent majesty of the Himalayas each night at the end of a satisfying day's trek. The trouble is, finding someone reliable to provide it.

At Oyster we know a thing or two about trekking in Nepal's famous mountain ranges. We have been providing treks to participants on our volunteering projects in Nepal for over 10 years. These treks have been hugely popular – taking small groups through the unparalleled scenery of the Himalayas with expert guides and well-chosen itineraries.

Coming from abroad, you could be forgiven for thinking that there isn’t much more to England than old buildings, dainty cups of tea and the royal family. With all the hoopla over last year’s royal wedding and this summer’s diamond jubilee it would be easy to overlook everything else that the country has to offer.