But Rough Guides is bringing them to us now with its new Directions series: a dozen pocket-sized guides (pound;6.99 each, www.roughguides.com) to key destinations, each of which includes a mini-CD which can be read on PCs, Macs or hand-held PCs. So you can download one or several guides, search quickly, annotate them with your own comments and explore further while you’re away by using the web links included.

The first six titles - London, Paris, Venice, Lisbon, Athens and San Francisco - are available now, while the next six - Amsterdam, Antigua, Barbados, Marrakesh, New York City and Tenerife - are out in August. We have a free copy of each title to give away to TES readers. To enter our draw, email friday@tes.co.uk or send a postcard marked Directions offer, specifying choice of title, to the address on page 3 by July 16.