Something To Declare: US; on the rails in Chile;weekend walkers' pack

A year ago, the money market rate for £1 was $1.61. Two years ago, a pound bought $1.43. This week, it has been hovering around $1.90. In effect, prices in America have dropped by about 15 per cent in each of the past two years. To help you benefit from the dollar's decline, transatlantic fares for travel between now and the end of March are entertainingly low

Bargain of the week: US

A year ago, the money market rate for £1 was $1.61. Two years ago, a pound bought $1.43. This week, it has been hovering around $1.90. In effect, prices in America have dropped by about 15 per cent in each of the past two years. To help you benefit from the dollar's decline, transatlantic fares for travel between now and the end of March are entertainingly low.

On the benchmark London-New York route, some seats are available through discount agencies in the £165-£180 range on Continental from Gatwick to Newark.

For £193 you can fly on American Airlines, which has more economy-class legroom, or British Airways for superior entertainment and free drinks.

The biggest savings are in Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic. Book today and travel in the last 10 days of March, and Trailfinders (020-7938 3444) will sell you a return London-New York flight in the top people's cabin for £1,879 return, less than half the airline's official full fare.

Destination of the week: on the rails in Chile

Many railways in South America lie abandoned. But the State Railways of Chile (00 56 2 376 8500; www.efe.cl) is investing heavily in its services, and has just re-opened an overnight link between the capital, Santiago, and the southern city of Temuco. The 450-mile journey has accelerated to nine hours.

Buy of the week: weekend walkers' pack

Nomad Travel Store (020-8889 7014; www.nomadtravel.co.uk) exhorts buyers of a new pack to "start walking now". For £99, ramblers get everything from a 45-litre backpack to Kendal mint cake and a pack of blister plasters. Motivation and maps are not part of the pack.