Walker's paradise awaits in Pyrenees

My girlfriend and I are looking for a seven-day break in June. We'd like to spend about £500 each and I've been toying with the idea of going somewhere like Egypt or Jordan. - Steve Tang

Steve, the whole of Europe is waiting - so I'd cross off the Middle East from your list. I love Egypt (where I've spent three holidays in the last 15 months) and Jordan but not at the height of summer, when everywhere in the Mediterranean is looking so good - and northern Europe is also shining bright. Because you can travel outside the school holidays, you'll get excellent value and find most destinations refreshingly crowd-free.

So here are my top three recommendations. First, a straightforward package holiday in Mallorca, based at Puerto Pollensa in the north of the island. Enjoy some beach life but then explore the spectacular mountain scenery and the great city of Palma.

Next, go far north and make the most of the midnight sun in Iceland. Not the cheapest destination but there are plenty of budget accommodation options and competitive flights from London on Icelandair and Iceland Express.

See the first few minutes of the film Inside Job for some inspirational landscapes.

But here's what I think will work best for you - walking through the Pyrenees. Start by the Med in Banyuls (just south of Perpignan, easy to reach by air or rail) and enjoy entrancing hiking by day and pretty mountain villages by night.