The Flyer: teenagers take off for the summer

Welcome to the Flyer. This week: After the exams, the first real test in life – going on holiday without mum and dad. We asked seven writers to recount the highlights – and low points – of their maiden voyages , and put together an insiders' guide to independent holidays for teenagers; plus send us your tips on the UK surf scene; plus the latest news and comment, late offers and more ... THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS Blog by blog guide to the World Cup : Benji Lanyado trawled the blogosphere for local tips to guide you on your trip. A guide to using Jo'burg's minibus taxis . Video: Horse trading at Appleby fair , Europe's oldest horse fair, which attracts thousands of Travellers to a small town in Westmorland ADVERTISEMENT Mediterranean holidays from just £119 Specialists to Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Croatia and more. Villas, traditional apartments and a range of hotels from simple to luxury. Flights from 19 UK airports THIS WEEK'S NEWS AND COMMENT Welcome aboard the Gautrain, Africa's first high-speed urban train Vodka from English crispmaker's farm is voted best in the world Guatemala's tourists warned against visiting deadly Pacaya volcano TRAVEL BLOG Ask Tom: Your travel dilemmas answered This week: Advice on backpacking around China on a budget More from travel blog ON BEEN THERE Surfing UK Help us compile a guide to Britain's surf culture – the best beaches, cafes, campsites, events or just where to buy a bargain wetsuit – and you could win a camera A guide to the world's national parks Check out our guide and enter June's photo competition LATE OFFERS A week in Porto for £499 Fly out on 21 or 28 June and spend a week in Porto, Portugal, in five-star accommodation. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick to Porto Santo, seven nights' B&B and two dinners. Destination Portugal, 01608 738286 or visit destination-portugal.co.uk . Seven nights in a Devon cottage from £170pp Slatterslade Cottage is a newly built eco-lodge in National Trust Woodland sandwiched between the Valley of the Rocks and Heddon's Mouth on the Exmoor coast in Devon. Sleeps six in three bedrooms. From £1,020 per week with availability in June, July and August. Holiday Cottages holidaycottages.co.uk/holidaycottage/slattenslade-cottage GUARDIAN COTTAGES AND VILLAS Guardian Cottages and Villas service Search 10,000 UK cottages and 5,000 villas and gites across Europe COMING UP On the way on guardian.co.uk As Verona begins a three-month season of epic operas staged in the magical Roman Arena, we choose 10 budget beds in the city of love; Spotted by locals – insider tips to European cities; as England prepare to meet Algeria in Cape Town, an insider's guide to the city DID YOU MISS ... In Saturday's Travel Guardian From Greek tragedy to installation art at Athens's performing arts festival; the little-known Tyrrhenian coast, plus other hidden beaches in Europe. Sally Shalam's hotel review: a cosy pub in Stirlingshire GUARDIAN HOLIDAY OFFERS Guardian holiday offers Our site brings you the best holidays available from our hand-picked suppliers. We use specialist companies that we trust to look after our readers 2 for 1 Brussels breaks on Eurostar , from just £198 including travel and accommodation LIFE ABROAD Living abroad? For advice on living and working in another country, as well as expert advice on foreign property markets, money matters and healthcare, visit Living Abroad on the Guardian Weekly website