can anybody explain what i have to do to have a couple of days away from my games without losing them all on time-cheers mick

Click on My Home | Online Chess | Settings and under Vacation Settings you'll see the option "Pause My Games". You have a limited number of vacation days so remember to unpause them as soon as you get back! Also, as a courteousy, consider dropping your opponents a note to let them know when you'll return.

 ... and you must move all you current games before click on "Pause My Games".