International travel is no longer the preserve of a minority. Thanks to cheap flights and, in business terms, globalisation, millions of people visit a range of different countries every year.

But do they really know where they are going? Are they armed with relevant and up-to-date information that will actually enhance their holiday, or give valuable background on the destination?

Those with time on their hands should be able to find some information at a book shop but now Long Hanborough company, Mydestinations.co.uk is offering a one-stop shop for maps, guides and phrase books online.

Outdoor activities are also catered for with information on cycling, walking, climbing and sailing holidays.

Customers can browse and input their needs to come up with a wide range of information which should be more than enough for their needs, no matter where they are going.

Set up in June, Mydestinations.co.uk is a spin-off from parent company Lovell Johns, a professional map maker which provides the maps for the AA road atlases, among others.

Marketing executive Liz Adams said: "We kept receiving requests for maps and information in different places and, rather than keep sending them away, we decided to set up this service.

"Now we can pretty much cover every single destination in the world."

The firm has built up a network of distributors and specialised suppliers and was able to draw on contacts with small companies not normally accessible to the general public.

So, as well as Berlitz and Lonely Planet guides, more unfamiliar names such as Borch and Frommers are available.

Ms Adams added: "We provide a lot of detail and choice for experienced travellers and those not quite sure what they are looking for."

The fledgling company has had a busy summer holiday season, despite arriving on the scene a little late this year.

Now the five-strong team is finding that far from hitting a lull, people are already booking up for Christmas, while others are booking short breaks in Europe as the cheap flights start again in earnest.

Other popular destinations include Cuba, as well as many places in South America and Africa out of the 20,000 stocked by the company.

Mydestinations is also taking bulk orders from companies for business travel.

Ms Adams said: "We have just taken an order for 100 guides to Nice from a company sending delegates there.

"Others are ordering maps for team building exercises and we are finding that business customers keep coming back as they travel more regularly.

"Travellers are also being invited to add their own personal touch by submitting details of their own travel experiences."

n Contact: 0800 038 6277, www.mydestinations.co.uk