They then say they are investigating counterfeit currency and demand to check the visitor’s cash

They then say they are investigating counterfeit currency, and demand to check the visitor’s cash. GB Airways flies on behalf of BA from Gatwick to Paphos two or three times a week throughout the winter. If you pick the right dates, you can fly from Gatwick to Paphos for as little as £149 return – a remarkable fare for a four hour-plus journey with high levels of in-flight comfort.Warning of the week: Prague”Pickpocketing is common at [Prague's] main tourist attractions, at the main railway station and on public transport,” says the latest Foreign Office travel advice bulletin. “There are increasing numbers of thefts on the tram and metro involving gangs of up to nine or 10 people surrounding their victims and even threatening violence. Helios already flies from Heathrow and Luton, and will add Birmingham to the list from 20 December (though with a gap from 4 January to 10 February). The lowest fare from these points is currently around £160, a price matched by British Airways (0870 850 9850; ) on its flights from Heathrow.The best bargain is on GB Airways to Paphos at the western end of the island, from where some of the most attractive parts of the Republic are easily accessible. Helios Airways (0870 750 2750; ) is stepping up its battle with Cyprus Airways (020-8359 1333; ) on routes to Larnaca, the main airport in Cyprus.

Commuter services for Auckland will remain in place, as will the Capital Connection, a once-a-day weekday service between Palmerston North and Wellington.This is the latest in blow for rail services on New Zealand’s North Island. Peter Bass, editor of the Thomas Cook Overseas Timetable, says: “Five years ago you could have caught trains to Napier, Rotorua and Tauranga.”. Bargain of the week: Cyprus

Bargain of the week: Cyprus
Scheduled air fares to the island are falling to all-time lows this winter, because of intensifying competition on flights between the UK and Cyprus. The national carrier, Air New Zealand, faces intense competition from Qantas and Pacific Blue.

As in Britain in the 1990s, air fares have fallen dramatically; a typical one-way trip between Auckland and Wellington typically costs NZ$90 (£34).The line between Auckland and Wellington will stay open for passengers, with The Overlander daytime service continuing – though with a journey time of nearly 12 hours, its days may be numbered. A railway era was due to end this morning, with the last journey of The Northerner between Auckland and the capital, Wellington. The closure has happened at short notice; the operator, Trans Scenic (00 64 495 077; ), says: “All passengers currently booked on this service are currently being contacted and offered alternative arrangements.”
In the past three years, aviation has been transformed within and between New Zealand and Australia. And once you’ve bought your Manolo Blahniks and Gucci dress you’ll be fit to pose in the Mandarin bar, one of the hippest hangouts in London. If the shopping has taken its toll, head straight for the basement where you’ll find one of the best city spas in Britain where you can sample treats such as the holistic body treatment.Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA (020-7235 2000; ) Doubles from £249 with breakfast.

Low-cost aviation has claimed another victim: the overnight train service between the two main cities on New Zealand’s North Island. Its fashionable location also means it’s well placed for small boutiques and designer shops including Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen and Diane von Furstenburg. The bathrooms are jammed with Cowshed products, and with drawers full of NARS cosmetics, CDs and games in every room, you can always tick a few names off your Christmas list without leaving the hotel.Soho House New York, 29-35 9th Avenue, NY 10014 (001 212 627 9800; ). Rooms from $420 (£248) without breakfastIntercontinental Hong KongHong Kong offers myriad shopping options and the Intercontinental is the ideal hotel from which to exploit them. But it depends on the aspect of his life they concentrate on – are we going to get Bob the great lover or Bob the ideologue?”David Ian, the head of the theatrical division of the American entertainment giant Clear Channel, who signed the Marley lyrics deal, said that neither writers nor storyline have yet been found for the musical, planned for 2006.There were no details yesterday of the cost of the deal to buy the rights from Rita Marley and Chris Blackwell, the founder of Island Records, which signed Marley in 1971.The agreement gives Mr Ian access to some of the singer’s greatest hits, including “I Shot the Sheriff”, “No Woman, No Cry”, “Exodus” and “Get Up, Stand Up”. The ritzy shops of the Island are a quick ferry ride away while the jade and Hollywood Road antiques markets are within walking distance.

Continue your shopping into the early hours at the Temple Street night market, which opens at 2pm.Intercontinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Hong Kong, China (00 852 27211211; ) Rooms from HK$3,390 (£235), those with a harbour view start from HK$3,955 (£275)Mandarin Oriental LondonDirectly across the road from Harvey Nichols and a short hop from Harrods, not only are the finest stores in Britain close enough to visit in skyscraper heels, but if you acquire too many bags a hotel porter will collect them for you at no extra charge. More importantly, next door you will find the New World Shopping Centre, which is full of designer boutiques and tailors. Teetering on the edge of the water in Kowloon, it has spectacular views over Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. Doubles from $376 (£268) without breakfastBulgari Hotel MilanThe super-sleek Bulgari Hotel in Milan opened in May. In the middle of the most prestigious shopping area of Italy’s fashion capital, Giorgio Armani, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Gianfranco Ferr?and Versace are all just a stiletto’s throw away. The hotel also offers a personal shopping service to guests who need local knowledge.