The nearest place for republicans to escape the Jubilee hoopla is France. You could leave the monarchists behind on June 1 and repair to the seaside village of Le Cabellou in Brittany, where gite specialist VFB offers a week in a cottage that sleeps up to five adults and three children for pound;978, including return Hoverspeed from Dover to Calais. As well as swings, the large garden has access to a small beach. Little monkeys will enjoy scrambling up a spiral staircase to their bunks, while the grown-ups relax in front of an open fire after a day exploring the countryside that inspired Gauguin. VFB Holidays: 01242 240 310; www.vfbholidays.co.uk Dream on

Do you hate Christmas? Or would you just like to get away? Wildlife Worldwide has an alternative. Already booking is its 14-day Antarctic peninsula and South Shetland Islands expedition, which leaves London on December 23. After a night in Buenos Aires, travellers will join the Professor Multanovskiy, a 233ft former polar and research vessel in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. See leopard seals, Adelie penguins and humpback, minke and orca whales. There’s also the possibility of (warm) bathing in the volcanic caldera of Deception Island. The tour costs pound;3,495 per person, based on three sharing a cabin, full board. Wildlife Worldwide: 020 8667 9158; sales@wildlifeworldwide.com; www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Get Away is edited by Renata Rubnikowicz