l World Cup widows need not stay at home while their other halves do the Tartan Army trek across France. In fact, it's worthwhile following them to France because there are some perks attached to being abandoned by a World Cup fanatic. The Relais & Chateaux group has launched an exclusive restaurant promotion dedicated to ladies in France during the World Cup.

Between June 10 and July 12, 100 hotels and restaurants in France will be participating in a deal to offer groups of women diners a discount on meals. Ladies who make a reservation for four will only have to pay for three of the meals, although drinks are not included in this offer.

In addition to the four-for-the-price-of-three offer, each restaurant will provide an individual touch - a welcome gift, a complimentary glass of champagne or a specially-organised wine-tasting.

Among the Parisian restaurants where Scottish World Cup widows can take advantage of this offer are L'Obelisque in the swanky Hotel de Crillon (00 33 144711500), the Restaurant Michel Rostang (0033 147634077) and the Restaurant Le Divellec (00 33 145519196). After all, you might as well have a nice night out before the inevitable depressing aftermath of the Brazil game. To make a reservation call the individual restaurant, quoting World Cup Dining. For a list of participating restaurants, call the Relais & Chateaux London office on 0171 828 9474.

l In terms of escaping from the World Cup, you probably couldn't do much better than booking yourself a holiday on the Desert Express. South African Odyssey has put together a 10-night holiday to Namibia and South Africa on board this luxurious new train.

For travel before the end of June, prices start at #1398. The holiday which takes in the Namib Desert (no widescreen TVs there), the capital Windhoek, the Bavarian-style beach resort of Swakopmund, and Cape Town. Also included are return flights from London on Virgin, internal flights, bed and breakfast accommodation, all meals on the Desert Express, return transfers in Namibia and car hire in Cape Town. For more information call 01242 224482.

l If you fancy sampling luxury on an island of millionaires, check out the summer break package at the four-star Atlantic Hotel in Jersey. Between May 22 and September 27, the hotel is running a summer break costing #100 per person per night, based on two people sharing a golf view room.

Included in the price is breakfast each day, a four-course table d'hote menu each evening, a hire car and use of the Palm Club - the hotel's exclusive health club which houses an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, saunas and a mini gym.

The Atlantic's summer break is subject to availability. Guests must stay a minimum of two nights, and there is a single supplement of #35 per night.

For information, brochures and reservations, contact the Atlantic Hotel on 01534 44101 or the freephone number for Small Luxury Hotels of the World - 0800 964 470.