TO those who have mastered the art of perfect packing, who always disembark from longhaul flights looking radiant and who never leave home without their Jo Malone travel candles, we'll see you and raise you one. The latest weapon in our arsenal of sophisticated travel accessories is the Silkskin pillowcase, made from 100% silk. Why silk? It has the same ph balance as the skin and sleeping on it helps protect the skin and maintain moisture levels, stopping your face from drying it. It's also much better for you hair than cotton varieties because it stops breakages and it's 'cleaner' because house mites and dust mites won't live in silk. Get yours at Harvey Nichols, Dundrum town centre, price 55

Ireland's call

If you haven't sorted yourself out for the Ireland games against France and Argentina in Paris later this year, check out these deals from Topflight. The Ireland-France match is taking place in the Stade de France on 21 September and the packages, which costs 1199, include flights, transfers, two nights B&B in a three-star hotel and, of course, a match ticket. Book this and you'll get 75 off the package for the Ireland-Argentina game in the Parc de Princes stadium on 30 September. This package includes flights, transfer, one night B&B in a three-star hotel and a match ticket for 945. Call 01 2401700 or visit www. topflight. ie for details.

King of the outback

A wilderness experience beckons at the Kings Canyon Lodge in Australia's Northern Territory.

This fully operational, 1,800 sq km cattle and camel station has 10 deluxe tented cabins with hot showers and private decking looking out into the bush. Gourmet feasts of local fare, such as camel steaks and barramundi fillets, with sunset drinks are served in the evening, followed by campfire revelry or maybe some star gazing through the lodge's telescope. By day, guests can explore the surrounding area with its ancient Aboriginal petroglyphs and exotic fauna by foot, quad bike or helicopter. The stations and lodge are 35km from Kings Canyon and 300km northeast of Ayers Rock.

Australian Pacific Touring offer a number of packages ranging from three to six days in length. Prices start from �235. Visit www. aptouring. co. uk for more information.