Eastern Africa, group of islands in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar

The best way to describe the Seychelles is as that dream destination most of us sit thinking about at work. When it's cold and wet outside and the monotony of everyday life leads the imagination to run wild to a destination where the sun shines and the beaches are perfect and lined with palm trees.

In reality this is exactly what visitors to the Seychelles get. It has some of the most beautiful islands in the Indian Ocean.

Victoria is one of the smallest capital cities in the world, as well as being the only town in the Seychelles. It has the post office, the Natural History Museum and the courthouse, as well as some of the best places to get food, whether it is cheap and cheerful or abit more up market.

The outstanding beaches you would expect from the Seychelles are among the best in the world, with clear water and white sand. Beau Vallon on Mahe is the most popular beach in the Seychelles and the biggest, while Anse Royale and Anse Intendance are also on Mahe but are prettier and quieter.

On Praslin the best beach has to be Anse Lazio, picture perfect with white sand and clear blue sea, with plenty of opportunity to try your hand at windsurfing, snorkelling or diving.

However, a visit to paradise isn't cheap as there is not a great deal of accommodation for those on a tight budget, and in order to enjoy your holiday to its full potential the more money the better as the activities that would be recommended are likely to cost.

Tropical marine; humid; cooler season during southeast monsoon (late May to September); warmer season during northwest monsoon (March to May)

Spend the day snorkelling, water-skiing, windsurfing, fishing and diving, by far the best way to get the most from the clear blue idyllic sea.

Coral reef diving is one of the main sporting attractions; those who try this get a chance to see some of the 900 fish species and over 100 species of coral; perfect for underwater photography fans.

If you prefer to watch rather than take part, every year there is the Mahe/Praslin Windsurfing competition or simply watch with interest as others try their hand at the sports available.

If water sports don't appeal, the majority of the international hotels have facilities for tennis, golf and squash for the more active holidaymaker.

The scenery is beautiful and one of the best ways to see it is by taking a hike to see the rare birds, plants and animals that live here. The best places to hike are described in great detail in tourist brochures, find one that interests you most and is most suited to your walking capabilities.

Visit the National History Museum in the centre of Victoria for a better picture of the people of the Seychelles and the wildlife (extinct or otherwise!)

For shopping fans, local handicrafts, jewellery and paintings are good buys, whether as souvenirs or as treats to take home.

Nightlife in the Seychelles is quiet, and often involves barbecues and dinner dances at the hotel. Alternatively there are restaurants on the islands to cover all budgets.

Lonely Planet: Mauritius, Reunion & Seychelles - Sarina Singh, Joe Bindloss (Paperback 23 February, 2001)

Lonely Planet: Diving and Snorkelling: Seychelles - Lawson Wood (Paperback January, 1997)

Seychelles - Insight Pocket Guide (Paperback 28 January, 2000)

August/September - Yacht races, beach tugs-of-war, swimming competition and, of course, eating and drinking are the themes of the day at the Round Table Beau Vallon Regatta

La Digue Annual Regatta is held in September

The Creole Festival in the last week of October is the biggest festival of the year, held in Victoria it is a plethora of art, craft, colour, heritage and a unified fantastic party atmosphere. It is the oldest "Pan-Creole" event in the world.

The festival of Subios in November celebrates the underworld of The Seychelles. Not gangsters and guns, but the fragile beauty of the underwater environment, there are many experts, presentations, slide shows and film/ photography competitions to try your hand at.

The Seychelles is famous for its elegant and secluded beach resorts. You will not be disappointed. L'Archipel on Praslin is a fine example, at a starting cost of roughly £200/night you can tell that sheer luxury comes at a cost, but it is definitely worth it. Anse Royale on Mahe is another fine example and with rooms starting at £90 a night is within more budgets!

A stay in The Seychelles doesn't have to be based around luxurious living. There are also plenty of apartments and budget hotels such as the Panorama Relais des Iles, with prices starting at approx £35/room, this small hotel is only 50 m away from the beach! Not exactly budget on the same scale as developing countries, but real bargains can be found for lovers of exotic locations, without the budget to go with it!

A valid passport, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are all that is required to visit The Seychelles. An airport tax of US$40 is payable locally on departure. Please do check this information first with an official body

Hep A, Polio Typhoid and Malaria are all strongly recommended and Yellow Fever immunisation is essential if arriving within 6 days of visiting an infected country. Please seek professional advice; these are only guidelines. If you have not previously been immunised against diphtheria, polio or tetanus this is an ideal opportunity to have the immunisations carried out.

The usual health advice applies as with most foreign countries. Don't drink the tap water or consume ice in drinks. Drink bottled water or use purification tablets.

Take care against dehydration and over exposure to the sun, by drinking lots of (bottled) water and use high factor sun creams.