10 daringly different things to do

6. Write long hand!
Dare to ditch email when communicating with friends and family abroad and rediscover the joy of writing long hand. They'll be delighted to find a good old fashioned letter on their doorsteps. If you don't feel confident about your scrawl, buy some calligraphy pens and learn a new skill

7. Drive Formula One-style
Finally an excuse to drive really, really fast without breaking the law. Book a drive in a single-seater round the Rockingham Oval at speeds of up to 130mph. Experience lateral, inline and negative G forces on the fast banks of Britain's only Oval circuit. Hold tight! Visit www.experiencemad.co.uk for more details.

8. Volunteer abroad
Make a difference by taking time out of the rat race to live and work in a developing country. As a volunteer you will not only provide invaluable support in rebuilding communities but also return home with a wealth of experience, memories and perhaps a new perspective on life. Find out more about international volunteering.

9. Throw away your telly
Fed up of filling your brain with mindless reality TV? Ever wished you could squeeze a few extra hours out of your day? Well here's a little secret: you can. Just get rid of the box. Suddenly you'll have time to read books, or maybe even write one, learn to cook or take up a new craft. And all because you've ousted the time vacuum in the corner! Go on, be strong! You can do it!

10. Meet meerkats
They're cute and furry and you'll want to take one home. They won't let you do that, but you can have your very own private audience with the utterly cute mini members of the mongoose family at feeding time. Or if you're extra brave, why not give the big cats their dinner. For more information, visit Paradise Wildlife Park