Something To Declare

The Column That Gives The Global Picture

Bargain of the week: America, with added Europe

Once again, Northwest Airlines has come up with the lowest transatlantic fares for the winter. If you can travel in February or March next year, and book by 18 December through Airline Network (0870 241 0012 airnet.co.uk), you can fly to one of 10 eastern US cities for £192 return. All flights are via Detroit. Four destinations in Florida are included: Orlando, Miami, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale. The others are Atlanta, Cincinnati, Cleveland, New York, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. In eastern Canada, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto look excellent value at £222. Northwest is adding an offer through its affiliated airline, KLM: for each ticket, you get a "free" return flight from the UK on KLM's subsidiary, Buzz. Two catches: you can use it only between 9 January and 31 March, and you must pay a range of fees.

Warning of the week: don't reach for your mobile while at the wheel in Europe

The authorities in Britain's three favourite holiday nations do not look kindly on motorists who use a mobile phone while driving. In Spain and Italy, it is illegal to use a hand-held mobile, though "hands-free" versions are permitted. In France, you are not allowed to use a mobile phone at all while driving. Anyone caught using a phone faces a heavy fine.