Holidays: Waltz off for a day in Vienna

Q I AM looking for something unusual for a day trip for six of us girls to do before the end of the year. We'd like to combine a fun day out with some Christmas shopping. Any ideas? - Tracey Newbold, Guildford

A HOW about a day trip to a European city? Airtours (0800 916 0616) have a great selection of city breaks departing from many UK regional airports. They have a day trip to Vienna from Gatwick on November 23 for pounds 129 which includes a guided city tour visiting the Vienna Ring, the Opera House and Hofburg Palace, leaving you to explore for the rest of the afternoon. There's also an optional three- course restaurant lunch.

Alternatively, put a day trip package together yourselves by booking a flight with one of the no-frills airlines such as Go, Buzz or easyJet. The Italian cities of Rome, Milan and Florence are all great for shopping.

QI WOULD like to head off to Florida next month with a pal and was wondering if there are any festivals or carnivals that would be fun to see. - Steve Letts, Worcester

AWHY don't you head for Key West and its Fantasy Fest which runs from October 18-27. This free ten-day marathon of music and dancing has been an annual event since 1979.

This year's fancy dress theme - mystical mornings, monsterious nights - is sure to be a hoot. Be sure to pack some outrageous outfits.

Highlights are the Royal Coronation Ball at the Hilton Key West Resort and Marina on October 18. On October 23, pets dress as people and people as pets during the outrageous Pet Masquerade and Parade.

This wacky competition attracts about 4,000 spectators. Unijet (08705 336 336) can tailor-make a package based on pounds 43 per person per night staying at the three-star Wyndham Casa Marina Resort in Key West - flights extra.

QIT'S my girlfriend's birthday at the beginning of October and I would like to surprise her with a great night out. What could I do? - Bruce Light, Dover

ATHRILL her with a Dance To France trip on October 4. SeaFrance is holding a fantastic party on board the new SeaFrance Rodin, where you can dance the night away from Dover to Calais and back again - with the disco playing the latest sounds in the Parisien Cafe. The ship departs from Dover at 8.15pm and returns at midnight. In between turns on the dance floor passengers can take advantage of the on- board shops where drinks and tobacco will be sold at duty-free prices for the duration of the evening. Tickets cost pounds 9.50 per person and include one drink at the bar. Book on 08705 711 711 and quote Dance To France.

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