I wouldn't go on a package holiday - much less an all-inclusive one - for a big gold clock. I was persuaded, many years ago, to go on a couple, and they were bloody awful.

Off to France again (twice) this year. We go to an apartment in Arcachon, 40km south of Bordeaux in June - with an overnight stop halfway both ways in Tours at a hotel. (It's a long drive from the Chunnel down to the south-west. Le Bassin d'Arcachon is one of the most beautiful parts of a relatively unspoilt coast with fabulous beaches, and great food and wines.

We're celebrating our golden wedding in August by renting a beautiful house in Brittany and having the whole family - son, d-i-l and 3 grandkids share it with us.

We can eat out where and when we like, cook or not, as the inclination takes us, and enjoy meeting and chatting to local people. (I speak French because it was hammered into me for 7 years at school!)

And, yes, Joe, all-inclusive wristband wearers can drink as much as they want...