Holiday world show magazine, Sunday Independent, Jan 2017

Holiday World Show

M A E R D YOUR BEGINS Y A D I L O H HERE!

INSIDE:

Kathryn Thomas shares her adventure secrets The experts’ top sun holiday destinations this year First-time cruise: top tips and planning advice Family holidays with a twist

Friday 27th 1pm-6pm / Saturday 28th 11am-5.30pm / Sunday 29th 11am-5.30pm

2

January 22 2017 Sunday Independent

Welcome to the Holiday World Show 2017 O n behalf of the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA), I welcome you to the Holiday World Show 2017. This is the only event where you can meet with travel professionals from around the globe and book show-only holiday deals.

As the Irish travel trade continues to prosper, we are focusing on new travel products all the time. The Holiday World Show Dublin is a great opportunity for ITAA members to display their new holiday products while offering invaluable travel advice to members of the public.

At the show, visitors can meet with over 1,000 travel professionals from over

Contents

Pat Dawson, CEO of ITAA

50 countries and get advice on the key trends and travel tips for the year ahead.

For 2017, the ITAA are urging consumers to book their holidays early as the pressure on accommodation resources in the main European resorts increases. The Holiday World Show offers visitors the opportunity to book their 2017 vacation with representatives from all the top holiday destinations, while taking advantage of exclusive offers.

The 2017 show sees the return of Aer Lingus, the Greek National Tourism Organisation and the Italian State Tourist Board to the show for the first time in many years, as well as an array of new exhibitors including Argentina, Japan National Tourist

Organisation, Grand American Adventures, Pristine Mountain Adventure, Explore St Louis, Bespoke India Travel and Botswana Tourism Organisation. Visitor favourites such as Visit USA Pavilion, Home Holidays and Spain – Ireland’s number one holiday destination – will also be returning to the Holiday World Show this year.

This year’s show will once again host the free Eoghan Corry Travel Summit in association with Dublin Airport facilitated by renowned travel journalist Eoghan Corry, where leading industry experts share their expertise and answer visitors’ questions on topics such as Cruises, Ski and Snow Holidays, Solo Holidays and much more.

For three days, the Holiday World Show

4 Top of the world

16 What’s hot in 2017 – the 26 In it for the long-haul lounging on luxury islands to ziplining experts’ top sun destinations From through tropical rainforests, the travel

Ben Murnane speaks to Mary Denton at Sunway to get the latest on Irish travel habits and advice on alternative destinations with the ‘wow’ factor

6 Nine million people can’t A BeCreative Editorial Production be wrong www.becreative.ie 10 reasons to holiday at home

8 Star destinations Clodagh Dooley finds out what holiday plans are on the horizon for some well-known Irish stars this year, as well as some of their best (and worst!) holiday memories EDITOR: Kevin Flanagan, kevin@becreative.ie ASSOCIATE EDITORS: Clodagh Dooley Ben Murnane CONTRIBUTOR: Patricia Madden ADVERTISING MANAGER: Paul Muldoon, 01 7055 412 ADVERTISING: John Reddin, 01 7055 411 DESIGN: Robert Armstrong, INM Design Studio, Belfast REPRO: Independent Newspapers (Ireland) Limited, 27-32 Talbot Street, Dublin 1

Maureen Ledwith, Holiday World Show organiser

10 Magical Macao From enchanting cultural experiences to glittering nightlife and entertainment, and world-class resorts, there is much waiting to be discovered in Macao

12 Should I choose a cruise?

Are cruises really for everyone? And what’s the best way to select from the myriad options available? Three cruise experts answer your questions

14 Journey beyond your comfort zone Well-known TV presenter Kathryn Thomas tells Ben Murnane what she’s learned from her travels – and why none of us should be afraid to take a trip that challenges our body and mind

Clodagh Dooley speaks to the experts about some of the best sun destinations to consider travelling to this year

17 Holiday World Show floorplan PLUS Your timetable for Eoghan Corry Travel Summit in association with Dublin Airport

18 Exhibitors list 22 Skiing in a changing world Kevin Flanagan visits three resorts in the Austrian Tyrol and finds an innovative solution that will keep us all on our skis

24 Cities to fall in love with Patricia Madden talks to the experts about some well-known city break destinations and what’s new to be discovered

25 How travel makes you more attractive The science-backed reasons behind how travel can make you smarter, sexier and more productive

will transform the RDS Simmonscourt into a hub of exotic, vibrant, multi-cultural activity. Visitors can literally experience the locations on offer in a way that is not possible on the internet. Whether you’re seeking that once-in-a­-lifetime trip, planning a well-deserved family holiday or making plans for a romantic getaway, the Holiday World Show is the must-attend event of the year.

I look forward to seeing you at the show!

Pat Dawson CEO of the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA)

professionals share their top advice on how to make the most of long-haul holidays

28 Five ways your travel agent is indispensable Five reasons why you should drop into your local travel agent before booking your holiday this year

30 Family holidays with a twist Three stories from ordinary families about their best holiday experiences

32 Inside the life of a travel agent James Malone of Rathgar Travel – former president of the ITAA and a long-time exhibitor at the Holiday World Show – tells us about the excitement and challenges of being a travel agent

34 Travel news All the latest in holiday news

35 Pack up your troubles!

Take the stress out of packing for your upcoming holiday and follow our five helpful tips to prepare the essential family suitcase

Sunday Independent January 22 2017

3

The best reasons to visit the Holiday World Show Wherever your next journey leads to, make sure it starts at the Holiday World Show UNDER ONE ROOF With over 1,000 travel professionals from over 50 countries, the Holiday World Show is your one-stop-shop for advice on not only destinations across the world, but holidays at home too (discover on page six why nine million overseas visitors decided to holiday in Ireland last year!). Not all travel agents specialise in the same countries, so if you’re unsure about whether you want to spend a summer in Spain or further afield in the USA, this is your chance to travel from exhibitor to exhibitor and learn the pros of each. Then, you can make a well-informed choice on your upcoming holiday destination. To find out some of the sun destinations that the experts predict will be big this summer, turn to page 16.

SHOW EXCLUSIVES Not only will you find dozens of great show-only deals at the Holiday World Show, but there are also many freeto-enter prize holiday draws. RIU Hotels & Resorts are giving away a prize for a seven-night stay for two people in Jamaica, while CaminoWays.com have a prize of a twonight stay in Santiago de Compostela. So, you might be going to the Holiday World Show with the goal of booking a

holiday in mind, but, who knows, you could be leaving with a free holiday instead!

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN What do I need to know before I book a holiday? Is it cheaper to book my flights and accommodation together or separately? Will there be any hidden costs? Do I need travel insurance? How do I apply for a visa? Whether it’s your first holiday or 24th holiday, there is always going to be a question in relation to planning or booking that you need an answer to. With so many experts on hand at the Holiday World Show, you can get all your questions answered there and then.

Compile a list of some questions you have and bring them along to the show. Ask the travel expert if you can record them while they share advice. This way you’re less likely to go home wondering if it was €800 for a trip to Florida or €1,800! Turn to page 28 to find out more on why a travel agent is essential when planning and booking your holiday.

TRAVEL INSPIRATION Planning a honeymoon or a cruise for two, but no idea where you’d like to end up? Never fear, the Holiday World Show is here! Whether you’re looking for a familyfriendly destination or a perfect wedding location, the exhibitors have areas such as Africa and the Middle East, the Caribbean, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, cruise lines and ferries, home holidays, and adventure travel covered – plus, at the Caravan & Motorhome Show as part

Top travel trends at the Eoghan Corry Travel Summit in association with Dublin Airport Ireland’s leading travel journalist joins with Dublin Airport to take centre stage at Holiday World Show. Here’s what you can look forward to

E

oghan Corry, ‘Travel Extra’ Editor, well-known travel broadcaster and Business Travel Journalist of the Year (UK & Ireland) is taking centre stage at the Holiday World Show (www.holidayworldshow. com), Ireland’s largest travel consumer event, which returns to RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin for three days 27th-29th January, 2017. The show will feature the hugely popular ‘Eoghan Corry Travel Summit in association with Dublin Airport’ to give visitors a ‘behind the curtain’ understanding of all aspects of travel and tourism at home and abroad, with insights from a panel of industry experts.

GLOBETROTTERS Kathryn Thomas, television presenter and former Irish Travel Journalist of the Year, will swap travel stories with Eoghan at 3pm on Friday 27th January. Busy with the current RTE 1 TV season of ‘Operation Transformation’, Kathryn will be present at the Holiday World Show promoting Pure Results Bootcamp, her weight loss and fitness retreat.

Dublin Airport will welcome the Olympic silver medallists Paul and Gary O’Donovan to the Eoghan Corry Travel Summit at 3pm on Saturday, 28th January. Eoghan will chat to the duo about their recent silver-

medal-winning Olympic campaign and hear about their top travel tips for 2017. Although rowing may be their preferred method of travel, the O’Donovan brothers are no strangers to Dublin Airport. Having travelled to Rio for the Olympics to win silver, and to Germany for the 2016 European Rowing Championships to win gold, these brothers are seasoned travellers. Be prepared to “Close

Kathryn Thomas

of the event, you will discover all you need to know about this exciting travel option. Based on your personality and favourite hobbies, the travel professionals at the Holiday World Show will be able to advise on what is best suited for you and yours. Throughout this magazine, you will find some of the best tips and advice on planning your dream holiday and making it a truly enriching experience, so that it’s one to remember.

For more information on the show, visit www.holidayworldshow.com. For a full exhibitors listing, turn to page 16. The Holiday World Show is in the RDS, Dublin, from 27th-29th January. Admission for adults is ¤7, senior citizens, ¤4 and students, ¤3. Special family price for two adults and up to four children, ¤14

Vincent Harrison, Dublin Airport your eyes and pull like a dog!”

The ever-popular Summit sessions will be chaired by Eoghan Corry, and will see him leading a panel of speakers in an ‘on the couch’ breakfast TV-style discussion. Topics will cover Activity Holidays including Ski and Snow, What’s New in the USA, How to Get the Best Cruise Deals, Platinum Services and other travel services in Dublin Airport, Flying East, Europe Calling, Visas and Passports: What You Need To Know, Africa, Flying West in 2017, Irish Attractions and Regions, and Solo Travelling.

Paul and Gary O’Donovan FLYING HIGH Vincent Harrison, Managing Director of Dublin Airport will join Eoghan for a Q&A session on the Number 1 European Airport for passenger service in 2015. Dublin Airport is the place where holidays begin, with over 180 destinations in 40 countries on four continents. Ireland’s gateway to hundreds of worldwide destinations including the US, Dublin Airport facilitates 162 direct US flights per week, flying to 12 destinations, including a new direct service to Miami from September 2017. With US Preclearance at Dublin Airport, holidaymakers can clear immigration in Dublin, saving up to two hours on landing in the US. Once through US Preclearance, visitors can book into the 51st&Green Preclearance lounge, located beside the departure gates. For many Irish holidaymakers, it’s reassuring to know that Dublin Airport connects Ireland to the world.

Eoghan Corry says: “The ‘meet the expert’ sessions have grown steadily over the years and Dublin Airport’s support will see even more topics being covered

across the three days of the show with contributions from an even bigger spread of industry gurus.”

Louise Bannon, Head of Marketing at Dublin Airport, adds: “We are delighted to be partnering again with Eoghan Corry and are looking forward to giving visitors to the show a wealth of expert information to help with truly rewarding holiday and travel experiences. The Eoghan Corry Travel Summit in association with Dublin Airport is the place Irish holidaymakers should head to for the best tips and insider information on where to go in 2017 and more importantly, to find the best travel specials and deals.”

The FREE-to-attend Eoghan Corry Travel Summit in association with Dublin Airport takes place at the Holiday World Show, RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin for three days on 27th29th January, 2017. For further information, see www.holidayworldshow.com or review the timetable on page 17

4

January 22 2017 Sunday Independent

Spain – always among the top destinations for the Irish

Top of the world A

ccording to the latest statistics from the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA), most travel agencies saw an increase in both turnover and bookings in the third quarter of 2016, compared to the same period in 2015 – which means that Irish people are both taking more holidays abroad and spending more on them.

Is the improving economy behind this trend, or are other factors at play? Mary Denton, General Manager for European Holidays with Sunway – Ireland’s largest Irish-owned tour operator – says it’s both: “There is less unemployment and generally consumer confidence is high, so people are spending again.

“Irish people will always find the money to go on a summer holiday – it’s just one of those things they won’t go without!”

Why we travel

The reasons why the Irish go on holiday likely won’t come as a surprise.

The ITAA members’ survey found that ‘sun and the beach’ was what the greatest number of consumers were looking for – 50pc of travel agents cited this as the number one reason for bookings. The family vacation was also responsible for a large number of holiday bookings (39pc named this number one). Activities like exploring history/culture and sports/adventure were further down the list of Irish people’s travel priorities.

Big destinations

The top three holiday destinations (according to bookings received) for both summer and winter 2016, were the same: Spain, Portugal and the US, in that order – with bookings predicted to remain strong in 2017.

Mary says: “Irish people love Spain and Portugal and they will always be popular due to the short flying times, the accessibility from all Irish airports, the high standard of accommodation on offer, the variety of resorts to choose from, and the

WHY do the Irish travel on holidays – are we adventurers, sun-fanatics, culture vultures? And WHERE do we go?

Spain and Portugal are always among the top spots, but what about undiscovered gems for those who’ve ‘been there, done that’? Ben Murnane spoke to Mary Denton, General Manager, European Holidays, Sunway, to get the latest on Irish travel habits – and to get some advice on alternative destinations with the ‘wow’ factor value for money when in the resort.

“The Canary Islands of Lanzarote, Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria still remain a firm favourite with Sunway

Mary Denton, Sunway clients, as well as areas in mainland Spain like the Costa del Sol and Salou, and also the Balearic Islands of Menorca and Majorca.

“The Algarve in the South of Portugal is consistently popular with the Irish, but we have seen a big increase for holidays along the Lisbon coast, with locations such as Cascais and Estoril.”

Mary adds: “The increase in popularity for holidays to the USA was helped by the new routes launched by the various airlines in 2016, and more competition on existing routes.

“Irish people are no longer insistent on travelling direct to the USA, as they know they can save a lot of money if they fly via another airport.”

Alternatives

If you’ve been to Spain and Portugal – or if you fancy something different from a sun holiday – what does Mary suggest as an alternative?

“For 2017 I would highly recommend Sardinia for families or couples. Sardinia

offers a brilliant alternative to some of the other mainstream Italian holiday destinations, but without the hustle and bustle of the mainland. A sophisticated Italian island that boasts the most fabulous scenery, with rugged cliffs and amazing beaches with turquoise waters. The local towns are very colourful and still keep very much to local traditions, so exploring away from the beaches will give holidaymakers a glimpse of the real Sardinia.”

When it comes to family holidays, cruises are another trend on the up (see page 12 to find out more).

“Cruises are becoming very popular with families and are no longer seen as just for couples. On some ships you will find bowling alleys, bumper cars, sky diving simulators, rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks and massive water slides – which will keep the kids entertained all day! More and more family cabins are also available, which helps keep the costs down.”

2017’s top five travel trends A better online booking experience: “More people are booking holidays on smartphones, so people will stay longer on sites if they are mobile optimised,” explains Mary.

More research: “In 2016 we saw more people research their holiday destination before they decided to book, and we expect that to continue in 2017.”

More adventurous holidays: Activity and adventure holidays are continuing to prove more popular, according to Mary.

Spending more: With the economy continuing to improve, it’s predicted Irish consumers will spend more for their ultimate holiday in 2017.

Short beach breaks: “Short breaks to the sun will continue to be popular for those looking to get some sun and relaxation for a couple of nights,” says Mary.

Sunday Independent January 22 2017

5

6

January 22 2017 Sunday Independent

Portsalon Beach, Co Donegal

Nine million people can’t be wrong Irish tourism had its best ever year in 2016 – with nearly nine million overseas visitors in the 11 months to November.

Isn’t it time you experienced the true wonders right on your doorstep?

Ben Murnane, editor of ‘Dublin on a Shoestring’ and presenter of web travel series ‘The Local Way’ (thelocalway.tv), brings you 10 reasons to holiday at home

T

he record number of people visiting Ireland in recent times has certainly been boosted by what we might call ‘mega destinationing’ – the grouping of different events and diverse tourism experiences into one ‘mega destination/attraction’. Think of the Wild Atlantic Way – 2,500 kilometres of coastline from Donegal to Cork that have been very successfully brought together under one overarching experience. ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ is another attempt to create one mega attraction from the diverse history of a wide geographical area.

However the tourist boards choose to sell it, the fact remains that – as Kathryn Thomas puts it in her interview in this mag – Ireland is right up there with the best places in the world to visit: from the

THERE’S BOUND TO BE SOMETHING CLOSE TO HOME THAT YOU HAVEN’T EXPERIENCED YET!

is favourable, it’s a great day out – go for a stroll along the pretty river, or bring a picnic and chill.

LARCHILL ARCADIAN GARDEN, KILCOCK, CO KILDARE

This is the only example left in Europe of a mid-eighteenth-century Arcadian garden.

After enjoying the walled gardens, take a walk through the landscaped parkland and observe the fascinating follies, including a replica Rock of Gibralter. There is also a pets’ corner and adventure playground for kids.

AN CREAGÁN, CO TYRONE

If you are heading up to Northern Ireland, this visitor centre, at the base of the Sperrins, between Omagh and Cookstown, is one to watch out for. Ask for directions to the 44 monuments that lie within a fivemile radius – Neolithic tombs, cairns and standing stones are all to be seen. One for those into the mystery and majesty of our Celtic past.

astonishing rugged beauty of Connemara to the history and culture of the cities. Not to mention all the undiscovered places in counties around the country, waiting to be explored and enjoyed.

There’s bound to be something close to home that you haven’t experienced yet! On that note, below are 10 ideas for lesserknown places that are worth a visit, or even a second visit – the next time you decide to holiday at home. Be sure to check opening hours for the below. Many are popular summer destinations, so some inspiration for you to book your break early!

NATIONAL TRANSPORT MUSEUM, HOWTH, CO DUBLIN

Who among us is not fascinated by oldendays vehicles? That’s the wonder of the National Transport Museum – rather nondescript as museums go, tucked away in an aging depot on the Howth Demesne.

Here you can see vehicles dating from the nineteenth century all the way up to the dawn of this millennium: horse-drawn carriages, steam engines, trams, fire engines and buses.

KERRY INTERNATIONAL DARK-SKY RESERVE

In the southwest of the county lies one of Kerry’s true gems and a well-kept secret. At nighttime, when there isn’t much cloud, the Andromeda Galaxy – the Milky Way’s neighbour, 2.5 million light years away – can be seen with the naked eye. The Skellig Islands – made world-famous after featuring in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ – are a part of the Reserve.

COPPER COAST GEOPARK, CO WATERFORD

This area was designated a UNESCOsupported Global Geopark in 2004; the Geopark designation was created for “selected territories around the world which integrate the preservation of extraordinary examples of the geological heritage of our planet in a strategy of regional economic development”. The Copper Coast stretches along the southern sea-line, and is named for the historic metal-mining industry.

Volcanic activity has shaped the area’s geology, and the scenery makes for a wonderful day out.

VICTORIA’S WAY SCULPTURE PARK, ROUNDWOOD, CO WICKLOW Have you ever seen the Hindu god Ganesh playing the uilleann pipes? Well, at Victoria’s Way you can witness this and many other strange things. The attraction is an enchanted land populated by fascinating

IMAGINOSITY, SANDYFORD, DUBLIN

Skellig Michael giant statues, many with a Hindu/Celtic twist. Amidst the Wicklow Mountains, there is something wonderfully calming about this place.

DUNBRODY ABBEY AND YEW HEDGE MAZE, CO WEXFORD

This is one of the finest examples of a Cistercian Monastery in Ireland, founded in 1170 by Herve de Montmorency, following the instructions of his uncle, Strongbow.

Beside it lies Dunbrody Castle, and a maze made up of 1,500 yew trees and gravel paths – one of only two full-size mazes in the Republic – with a pitch and putt course around the outside.

ALTAMONT GARDENS, TULLOW, CO CARLOW

Ireland is famed for its ‘fancy gardens’ – from Kylemore in Connemara to Powerscourt in Wicklow – and Altamont in Carlow is up there with the best, though less well known. Highlights include a Bog Garden and an Ice Age Glen. Altamont hosts formal and informal gardens, and is home to both native species and exotics like Red Oak and Swamp Cypress. When the weather

Imaginosity is Ireland’s only interactive museum for children under nine – though it is a delight for all ages. Designed to set alight the imagination and inspire creativity, there are countless fun things to do. Kids can investigate an x-ray in Dr Apple-a-Day’s Surgery, become mechanics in The Garage, dress up in The Theatre or even present the news at the TV Station. It’s not all down-toearth, however – there’s a Wizard’s Lair, a Rocket Ship and Rapunzel’s Castle!

DUNLEWEY CENTRE/IONAD COIS LOCHA, CO DONEGAL

At the foot of Donegal’s highest mountain, Mount Errigal, lies this family attraction, steeped in local history. Visit the home of renowned weaver Manus Ferry and hear stories about a way-of-life long passed.

There is plenty to excite kids here – an adventure play area with climbing frames, zip-wires, rodeo bull, bouncing castles and even kayaking. Take a boat cruise on Dunlewey Lough and pass by the estate of the Guinness family – or those without sea legs can take a train ride.

The Holiday World Show at the RDS, 27th29th January is not just about discovering the world, but rediscovering holidays at home too!

Many Ireland holiday experts will be on hand to answer your questions – visit the centre pages to browse the complete exhibitor listing

Sunday Independent January 22 2017

7

8

January 22 2017 Sunday Independent

STAR DESTINATIONS

Whether it’s for work commitments or relaxation purposes, there’s no doubt that Irish celebrities love to travel. Clodagh Dooley finds out what holiday plans are on the horizon this year for some well-known personalities, as well as some of their best (and worst!) holiday memories

Maria Walsh. Image credit: Plan International

Roz Purcell

ROZ PURCELL, MODEL AND CHEF

Travel planning “I visited LA this month and I’ve booked a trip to Paris in April. I have some work commitments in the UK and US so I’ll be spending some time there during the year too. I really want to go back to South America and explore more places. Chile is top of my list. This Christmas just gone, I went to Thailand again. I visited last year with my sister and loved it there. We stayed at the Amatara Resort in Phuket which is amazing – the staff made us feel like queens during our entire stay. The food was insanely delicious, the weather couldn’t have been better and we explored lots of amazing islands during our trip. It was the most relaxing trip I’ve been on and I really didn’t want it to end.”

Foodie paradise “I really like to experience different cultures when abroad, including the food – which may not always be the healthiest but I like to give it a try as I think it’s all part of the experience when travelling! Copenhagen is a great destination for healthy food. Berlin and Hong Kong are great too. However, my favourite foodie holiday is London. London is massive, with an extensive list of amazing restaurants from low to high budget. I’ve had some of my all-time favourite meals there and any time I go, I have a long list of new places to try.”

RÓISÍN O, SINGER, SONGWRITER AND MUSICIAN

Childhood cruises “Myself and my mam’s side of the family are heading on a cruise around the Caribbean in February. We’re performing on it, but mostly it’s a great holiday for us. We’ve gone on it most years since I was a kid and it’s a great way for us to hang out with our uncles and cousins who live in the States, once a

of my Rose of Tralee year. Ireland offers such beauty and characters like no other. I adored those two weeks.”

Róisín O. Image credit: Dara Munnis

year. The ship usually leaves from Miami and heads around St Thomas and the Virgin Islands. It’s the perfect time to go in early February when the cold dark nights at home start getting to you!”

Hot holidays “My favourite cruise was when I was 15 and we all went to Stingray City on the Cayman Islands. However, I’ll never forget the time while on another cruise, I got so badly sunburnt, I came up in blisters all over my body. At dinner one evening, my little cousin Catriona jumped into my arms and ripped a layer of skin off my chest when she jumped

down. I spent the rest of the holiday in bed.

I never forget to reapply sunblock now!”

MARIA WALSH, FORMER ROSE OF TRALEE AND BUSINESS OWNER

Unique opportunities “To step away and treat myself after my 2014/2015 Rose of Tralee year, I walked the Camino de Santiago, all 500 miles of it! And I loved it. The Camino de Santiago was a gift to myself, 30 days of walking, connecting with various nationalities, all sharing a common quest to answer ‘what is next?’. I also loved visiting all 32 counties of Ireland in a two-week period in a cold January

Travel bug “I can’t relax while sitting beside a pool so adventure and sightseeing have to be on the agenda when I travel. It is on my bucket list to visit a fitness camp somewhere in the sun but I might wait until autumn to find and experience something unique. 2016 saw a trip to Ghana with Plan International, NYC/ Boston and Philadelphia, as well as Toronto and a weekend getaway to Madrid.

“I am biased towards my hometown, the City of Brotherly Love – Philadelphia. Since leaving in 2015, I have missed it dearly and encourage all who are thinking of putting it on their itinerary to please do so. Such a beautiful and historic part of the East Coast. And for all my lovely memories, it will forever remain my home away from home. I am eager to see more of the Camino routes in coming years, in particular the Northern Route, as it looks tougher. Africa and I have always had a love affair, and any time there is time well spent. I first travelled there when I was 21 and, again, in 2014 and this past May. Remarkable continent, full of rich culture. I definitely have the travel bug.

Here’s to 2017 being as packed.”

2017 will see the launch of Maria’s business, Juniper & Ruby, which will cater for both corporate events and weddings. Maria will also be sharing advice at the Wedding To A Tea event across Munster and all tickets can be purchased on www.eventbrite.ie

VOGUE WILLIAMS, MODEL, TELEVISION AND RADIO PERSONALITY

Getting away “I love travelling. I recently filmed a travel series for BBC NI and RTE called ‘Getaways’, which will air in early 2017, and I got to visit

Sunday Independent January 22 2017

9

Vogue Williams

Pat Divilly Image credit: Rick Barrett

Ironman booked in with some friends for Barcelona in May.”

some beautiful places. I went away over Christmas to Spain to see my mum, I love it there – it’s one of my favourite countries in the world. I also love going back to my family home in Howth; it’s the prettiest place and just a great place to relax. This month, I am in Austria filming ‘The Jump’ on Channel 4, where I’ll be for a while. I’ve been doing quite a bit of travelling recently but I’d always love to be doing more – Jamaica’s at the top of my list!”

New experiences “I like to fit in as much as I can when going to a new place, I try to see everything! I

went to Iceland earlier this year which was just gorgeous, truly one of the most breathtaking countries I’ve ever visited. We went and saw this amazing waterfall and then went snow-mobiling. It was so much fun.

The views are just fantastic at Iceland’s glaciers, I highly recommend visiting. I love to go to art galleries in my spare time too, so if I’m going somewhere new then I like to check out the culture. Food is always on the top of my list when I visit a new place, I love local cuisine and trying new things.”

Vogue Williams is a brand ambassador for Sun Kiss fake tan (www.sunkiss.ie) and will be competing on Channel 4’s ‘The Jump’ in early

2017. ‘Getaways’ airs on BBC NI and RTE One from January 2017

PAT DIVILLY, FITNESS EXPERT, AUTHOR AND ENTREPRENEUR

New year, more travel “Travel is one of my main passions and I’ve had a busy 2016 of it, visiting close to 20 countries. I keep saying I’m going to slow down in 2017 but we’ll see if that happens!

I’m speaking in Barcelona at an event at the end of October, and then I’m off to climb Kilimanjaro in Tanzania the next day. I’m also looking at climbing Elbrus in Russia, Europe’s highest peak, and I have a half

Adventure of a lifetime “I fell in love with Nepal last year with two trips over there in April and October. After speaking at a conference there and then hiking to Everest Base Camp, I knew it’d be a place I’ll return to for the rest of my life.

I’m currently building a school out there, an hour outside of Kathmandu so that’s a place I’m excited to get back to! The views are incredible, every time you look up, it’s like looking at a postcard. Any bar or teahouse you venture into in the mountains is like a museum with such culture and history.

The locals are incredibly friendly and kind and the other tourists you meet tend to have incredible stories and a true sense of adventure. Closer to home, the West of Ireland is the place to be for an adventure holiday. Leenane is incredible and I like Ballyvaughan for a quiet getaway.”

ADVERTISING FEATURE

10

January 22 2017 Sunday Independent

Magical Macao

Macao’s skyline

From enchanting cultural experiences to glittering nightlife and entertainment, there is much waiting to be discovered in Macao

L

ocated on the south coast of China, just 40 miles from Hong Kong, Macao retains an old-world charm, with a unique Chinese and Portuguese heritage. Comprising the Macao Peninsula, the two islands Taipa and Coloane, and the reclaimed area of Cotai, Macao is also a destination buzzing with excitement.

With the Portuguese arrival in the 1500s, Macao quickly became a significant trading post on routes between Europe and Asia.

In 1999, Macao – like Hong Kong – became a Special Administrative Region of China but today, the Portuguese influence can still be seen in everything from the stunning architecture to the legendary food.

One of the fastest growing and most vibrant destinations in Asia, Macao makes a perfect two- or three-night addition to a Far East holiday or stopover en route Down Under. And reaching the region couldn’t be easier – fly into Macao’s international airport or arrive via Hong Kong and take the one-hour fast ferry ride from the airport or downtown.

So, plan on taking a trip to Macao this year – here are some of the hotspots you should cross off your to-do and to-see list.

MACAO BY DAY Discover

Among Macao’s greatest treasures is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, ‘The Historic Centre of Macao’. Made up of 30 buildings and monuments of both Portuguese and Chinese origin, the area boasts impressive architecture and temples, colourful streetscapes and mansions. Taking pride of place is the iconic Ruins of St Paul’s – the

façade of what was originally the Church of Mater Dei, destroyed by fire in 1835 – the crimson A-Ma Temple, and the elegant Senado Square – Macao’s urban centre surrounded by traditional Portuguese cobblestones and pastel-coloured neoclassical buildings.

Head on to Taipa Island, joined to downtown Macao by three bridges and discover a village with an exotic fusion of East and West. With classic villas and old-style Chinese shops, stroll along Rua do Cunha, also known as ‘Food Street’ and sample delicious treats such as almond cookies and beef jerky. While modern Macao dazzles with impressive architecture and luxury resorts, Taipa Village offers a more traditional experience.

Experience

Ruins of St Paul’s

Approximately 10 minutes’ drive from Senado Square rests the 338-metre Macau Tower, where visitors can not only enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Macao from the Observation Lounge or revolving restaurant, but also those with an adventurous side can bungee jump or test their mettle and ‘walk in the sky’ instead, on the outer perimeter that encircles the tower.

It’s not one for the faint-hearted!

Away from the glitter of Macao’s resorts, nestled against a hill in Coloane, is one of the destination’s most popular attractions, the Macao Giant Panda Pavillion at Seac Pai Van Park. Home to two giant pandas, Kai Kai and Xin Xin, the attraction made headlines last June when Xin Xin gave birth to twins – the first pandas to be born in the destination. The pavilion is a 3,000-square-metre state-of-the-art facility where visitors can watch the fluffy

A-Ma Temple creatures playing, eating and bathing.

For those who want to relax and unwind, Coloane also has more to offer – beautiful walking trails, leafy squares and tranquil beaches.

Shop

Macao has plenty to attract shoppers, from designer malls to traditional street markets.

Within The Historic Centre of Macao, the streets are lined with antique shops and you’ll find a host of delicious cakes

and pastries here. The Taipa Flea Market is held every Sunday in Taipa Village if you want a taste of true Macao tradition. With stalls selling handicraft and boutique items against a backdrop of live performances such as Portuguese folk dance, lion dance, magicians and street paintings, it’s a shopping/entertainment scene that does not disappoint.

Cuisine

Shaped by its Portuguese and Asian heritage, Macao has a diverse and incredible array of culinary experiences.

Along with Portuguese, Chinese and all kinds of international cuisines, is the local Macanese food, which combines influences from both China and Portugal as well as South America, Africa and India. Signature Macanese dishes worth a try include ‘Galinha à Africana’ (African chicken made

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Sunday Independent January 22 2017

Senado Square

Food street

‘The House of Dancing Water’

Macau Grand Prix technology as you combat the villains of Gotham. Or, ride the Golden Reel, the world’s highest figure-8 Ferris wheel, where you can admire the views from 130 metres up in the air. Operating hours are from 11am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 9pm on Saturday and Sunday, so why not take in the views during the day and romanticise amongst the lights at night?

Dine in style

with coconut and spices) and Macanese Chilli Shrimps.

Whether at a sizzling side-street wok or in a traditional pastelaria (pastry shop) on the well-known Rua do Cunha (‘Food Street’), there is much of Macao’s mouthwatering cuisine to savour. Some must-try items found on street stalls are ‘pork chop buns’, while other treats include Pastéis de Nata (Portuguese egg tarts).

Looking for a stylish restaurant to spend the evening in? Macao has many, including 19 Michelin-Starred restaurants, with three restaurants receiving Michelin Stars for the first time last year. Retaining their threestar status are Robuchon au Dôme, serving French cuisine with a choice of 7,000 wines, while The Eight offers over 50 varieties of dim sum. Macao is not only a destination for luxury travellers, but also for food lovers in general, with twelve restaurants and cafes awarded the Bib Gourmand award, given to

Raise a glass

With neon lights of impressive hotel architecture and glitzy casinos, cocktails aplenty and pulsing beats pumped out by world-renowned DJs, Macao really is the place of dreams! High-end hotels and resorts mean there’s no shortage of stylish bars and clubs. Visit Sky 21, a sleek club in the AIA Tower, with terrace views, or Club Cubic, which has a laser-lit dance pool. For a laidback drink, some live music and an atmosphere that feels a little close to home, visit the Old Taipa Tavern in Taipa Village.

For a chic and eclectic feel, try Bar Azul, where you can enjoy a selection of premium liqueurs and champagne.

For more information contact your travel agent, visit www.macaotourism.gov.mo or call 0845 498 9983

ONE TO REMEMBER Macao boasts a unique festival culture – plan ahead and make sure you arrive in time to see it for yourself. Here’s a taster Macao International Dragon Boat Races The Dragon Boat Festival in May commemorates the heroic poet Wat Yuen, who protested against corruption by drowning himself. Today, the celebrations revolve around the popular International Dragon Boat Races contested on Nam Van Lake. Many local and foreign teams participate and it has become one of the destination’s favourite outdoor events as crowds gather to watch races to the sound of beating drums.

Macao International Fireworks Display Contest Taking place on the Macau Tower Shorefront in September/October, the annual Macao International Fireworks Display Contest bursts with colour. Over the years, international teams from China, Thailand, Japan, the UK, Portugal and many other countries have participated.

What’s more, it’s the perfect time of year for travellers to visit – experience an exotic holiday illuminated by spectacular displays in the night sky which can be enjoyed from many vantage points on the Macao Peninsula and Taipa Island.

MACAO BY NIGHT Entertain yourself

No trip is complete without a visit to the bright lights of Cotai. Here, you’ll find some of Macao’s world-class theatrical and musical productions, with ‘The House of Dancing Water’ high on the must-see list. Featuring 90 minutes of spectacular high-dive acrobatics, high-wire stunts and fountain effects, it’s an awe-inspiring show sure to take your breath away! Macao has also welcomed many major artists over the years. Recent visitors include the Rolling Stones and Bon Jovi.

Batman fans behold – prepare yourself for a pulsating adventure on Studio City’s ‘Batman Dark Flight 4D Experience’. This action-packed ride includes the best in audio design, visual graphics and simulation

restaurants offering a three-course menu for no more than 300HKD (approx €36).

11

Macau Grand Prix

Macao at night

For ardent fans of car racing, what better way to spend a trip than at one of the most internationally prestigious events on the motoring calendar, the legendary Macau Grand Prix. Combining the best Formula 3 racers in the world, the roars of crowds and an adrenalinfilled atmosphere, it’s four days of non-stop headturning excitement on one of the most challenging street circuits in the world. From 16th-19th November 2017.

12

January 22 2017 Sunday Independent

Celebrity Cruises ‘Constellation’

Royal Caribbean ‘Ovation of the Seas’ arrives in Sydney

Lorraine Quinn, Business Development Manager Ireland, Celebrity Cruises

✱

What would you say is the key appeal of taking a cruise?

Lorraine Quinn, Business Development Manager Ireland, Celebrity Cruises: For me, a real benefit is the opportunity to sail to a number of destinations and wake up somewhere new nearly every day, with the added advantage of only having to pack once!

Jennifer Callister, Head of Ireland, Royal Caribbean International: Not many holiday options offer the all-in-one experience of a cruise – the ease of experiencing a variety of cultures across a range of destinations, while having world-class dining and entertainment at your fingertips.

Sharon Jordan, Country Manager, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: Cruises are incredibly versatile, and offer many of the elements people seek on holiday – for example, the cruise deck offers sunbathing, swimming, shuffleboard and other outside activities, all of which can be enjoyed while travelling between destinations.

✱

Cruises maybe have a reputation for being for an older demographic, or people may think a cruise is outside their price range.

Who would be your typical customer, and what would you say to someone about why they should choose a cruise?

LQ: We are seeing an increasing number of families book with us. We have invested heavily in the facilities for children onboard, from teen-orientated entertainment to special opportunities for toddlers and parents to interact with each other.

Should I choose a cruise?

Your questions answered Taking a cruise has become an ever-more popular holiday choice in recent years – and it’s set to be one of the big trends again in 2017. But is it really for everyone? And what’s the best way to select from the myriad options available? We spoke to three experts to get your questions answered your most popular options/destinations? How should someone make a selection?

LQ: If you love the sun, then the Caribbean is incredible. I’m excited to see Abu Dhabi, which is a new destination for us this winter. On my own bucket list is Canada/ Alaska, combining a cruise with a trip to the Rockies. For something truly special, try a Signature Event Sailing, where – as part of your adventure – you can enjoy ringside seats at some of the world’s most famous events. The British Open and Cannes Film Festival are just two possibilities.

JC: We recently did research which revealed the most popular choices of 2016/17.

The top pre-booked 2017 itinerary is the 14-night Mediterranean highlights cruise on ‘Independence of the Seas’ or ‘Navigator of the Seas’; the top seven-night itinerary in 2016 was the Western Mediterranean cruise on ‘Harmony of the Seas’. The top prebooked tours and activities in 2017 centre

around St Petersburg. The top pre-booked port to visit in 2017 is Rome (Civitavecchia); and one of the hottest new ports to visit in 2017 is Phuket, Thailand.

SJ: Some of our most popular options are cruises along the Danube (the ‘queen’ of Europe’s rivers), castles along the Rhine, and Burgundy to Provence.

✱

What would be an example itinerary for a location visited – how can people get the most from their stop-offs? Would there be organised activities as well as time to explore on your own?

LQ: If you are really keen on seeing somewhere then the overnight and doubleovernight stays are great. Onboard we have Destination Concierges to help you plan your time in a port of call. In most cases there will be an excursion option offering the destination highlights. Our Celebrity Exclusives programme is designed to

JC: Royal Caribbean hosts guests of all ages and our average is 45 years old. We truly believe we have a holiday to suit everyone.

SJ: Some costs a traveller planning their own holiday would consider are food, drinks, accommodation, airport transfers, excursions and entertainment – these can become quite costly when combined. A cruise may be a preferred option for the extensive inclusions such as all gratuities onboard and onshore, airport transfers, all dining and unlimited beverages, onboard exercise and wellness, free WiFi, etc.

give guests the opportunity to turn their holiday into the trip of a lifetime, by immersing themselves in the sights, sounds and flavours of a destination – for example, you can glide in a hot air balloon above the gorgeous Tuscan countryside.

JC: From expert-guided tours to up-closeand-personal wildlife experiences, or even parasailing and scuba diving, there really is something for everyone. Our onboard guest relations team are there to recommend the right excursion. A lot of our guests like to experience destinations on their own, and we accommodate this with transfers to and from the ship and by sharing a wealth of information.

SJ: It really comes down to what guests want to experience. For example, our eight-day Enchanting Danube cruise is for those who love history, art, architecture and music. Guests will enjoy a private guided tour of one of the world’s most prestigious museums, home to the Habsburg family’s numerous treasures and countless major works. That same evening, guests attend an exclusive ‘Royal Anniversary’ concert at a UNESCO-designated Viennese palace.

✱

What sort of attractions are offered onboard ship at the moment – how do you ensure the actual travelling is as much a part of the experience?

LQ: One attraction I am a huge fan of is the Lawn Club. It’s a half-acre of real grass and we’re the first and only cruise line to offer this. It’s a great space for a picnic as you watch the world sail by – or you can challenge fellow guests to a game of croquet! For those who just want to relax, we have a partnership with leading spa and wellness brand, Canyon Ranch.

JC: Some of our ships’ notable attractions include a robotic bartender, an open-air park, the North Star – a glass observation capsule that gently rises more than 300 feet in the air and provides breathtaking 360-degree views – FlowRider surf simulators, skydiving simulators, iceskating, rock climbing, and even a 10-storey slide off the back of the ship!

SJ: Depending on the itinerary selected, guests can enjoy a film in the movie theatre, attend exercise and wellness classes with certified instructors; we have various lounges, bars and restaurants (including dining al fresco on the deck), a library, pool, onboard signature lectures, and more!

✱

Cruises can be very varied in terms of both duration and the places visited.

What are some of

Sharon Jordan, Country Manager, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Jennifer Callister, Head of Ireland, Royal Caribbean International

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises - ‘River Orchid’ sundeck

Many cruise operators will be on hand to answer your questions at the Holiday World Show, RDS, 27th-29th January – visit the centre pages to browse the exhibitor listing

Sunday Independent January 22 2017

13

14

January 22 2017 Sunday Independent

Journey beyond your comfort zone Thanks to her years fronting RTE’s ‘No Frontiers’, Kathryn Thomas has seen more of the world than most. The TV presenter tells Ben Murnane what she’s learned from her travels – and why none of us should be afraid to take a trip that challenges our body and mind

MY DAD HAD BOUGHT ME AN ATLAS WHEN I WAS VERY YOUNG. I USED TO LIE ON THE FLOOR AND BRENDAN WOULD POINT OUT ALL THE PLACES HE’D BEEN

K

athryn Thomas’s love for travel and adventure began at a young age.

“I remember as a little girl, my great uncle Brendan worked for an American company that brought wealthy people on trips around the world.

Any time he came back to Ireland, he used to spend a night or two with us in the house in Carlow.

“He always looked so dapper, and he always had this suitcase. I call it his man bag. And as soon as he opened it there was this smell, that I still remember today – he could have anything in that bag from exotic silks to replicas of the Terracotta Warriors to hookah pipes to gold-thread slippers. I was mesmerised by it!

“My dad had bought me an Atlas when I was very young. I used to lie on the floor and Brendan would point out all the places he’d been. That was my earliest memory of getting a taste for what the world had to offer.

“Growing up, I was always climbing trees and going places I wasn’t supposed to. I never really understood what boundaries were, why travelling further afield wasn’t on everybody’s agenda, not just mine.”

Kathryn first got an opportunity to really travel after her Leaving Cert, when she went backpacking around Greece. When she was 21, she began presenting RTE travel show ‘No Frontiers’.

“By that time I had earned the persona of ‘adventure travel girl’, with a young person’s TV show called ‘Rapid’, which I co-hosted with Jason Sherlock. I used to do all the mad stuff like skydiving, shark cage swimming, bungee jumping – all the stuff that was right up my alley.”

At first Kathryn thought the ‘No Frontiers’ gig might last a year, or maybe two. It was 10 years before her time on the programme came to an end, when the series itself ended in 2010 – and by then she had journeyed to nooks and crannies in every corner of the globe.

“It was 10 years of my life that were so formative. I probably didn’t realise how formative they were going to be.

“The show was done very much as it appeared on camera, which was rough and ready, and plans change; we had to think on our feet. We were sleeping in tents and treehouses. We’d have 500 pounds, me and a cameraman or a camerawoman, and we’d be travelling across Senegal or Mali, and you wouldn’t hear from us for three weeks.

“That’s literally how we did it – this was before the Internet became what it is today; that same facility for communication just wasn’t there.

“As the show went on, I was doing a lot more of the 5-Star stuff. But my heart was always in the backpacking end of things.”

The sheer variety of places Kathryn has been to is incredible. “One week we could be on a private island, and the next we could be in the slums of Calcutta for two or three days.”

LIFE LESSONS What do you learn about the world, when you’ve seen so much of it? What do you learn about your own place in the world?

“It made me appreciate living in a democracy, as a woman. It made me really appreciate the standard of living in Ireland, the fact that we have choices that aren’t available to many people.

“I think you learn that you are a very small part of a very big, complicated system.

Beliefs and cultures and traditions and ways of living are so different. In some places they are unjust, but in a lot of places they’re just different to what we believe in Western Europe. There’s no one right way of living.”

Kathryn describes how her sense of responsibility in her own role grew as she continued with ‘No Frontiers’.

“The first couple of years, I was just in awe – I didn’t really consider it a job. And then I realised it wasn’t just me having these experiences, because of the people at home watching; I wanted to focus on doing the best job that I could to bring the world to people who would never get there.

“As real and exciting as it was to me to be there – I wanted to make that real and exciting for other people, to inspire them to get out and try something new.”

Kathryn thinks that we should all step outside our comfort zone and try something new when it comes to travel.

Some people, though, aren’t adventurers.

If they go on holiday they want to sit by the pool, to not be challenged, because there are

Kathryn and the Pure Results team

Sunday Independent January 22 2017

15

Extraordinary stories, ordinary people Volunteering overseas is a way to experience the world while doing great good – and it will certainly take you outside your comfort zone. Two Irish volunteers share their journeys “It’s very important before you go to be clear on why you’re going and what you want out of it. The website www. comhlamh.org can really help.

“The place where I was, Buduburam camp in Ghana, was formerly a UNHCR camp for Liberian refugees, set up during the Liberian Civil War. Because it had been there for so many years, it was re-

enough challenges in day-to-day life.

Why should we want to step outside our comfort zone when it comes to holidays, when often the very reason for a holiday is the chance to be ‘comfortable’ – i.e. free from the stresses of everyday life – for a little while?

“For me, you have to be open minded.

Life is too goddamn short to sit in a comfort zone, to not have different experiences.

“And I know when people have kids, they go to the same place because it’s easier – but you should definitely try something new.

It doesn’t need to be, you know, in deepest Africa. It could be visiting the wine region in Bordeaux, and trying to learn something new about wine. It could be bull running in Spain

categorised as a settlement.

“You had maybe 30,000 people living there, but without external supports. They’re not permitted to work in Ghana, so you end up with this mini-economy that survives on small businesses operating on camp and a lot of remittances.

“The organisation I was volunteering with was started by local people; I had decided to help out in the school.

“We were free at weekends, and many of the volunteers used that for travel. There were a lot of really interesting, beautiful places you could go. The rainforest canopy walk in Kakum National Park was stunning.

“Kokrobite Beach, between the camp and the capital, Accra, was a place where true Rastafarians hung out. There’d be music and dancing on the sand, and you could stay in the open air under a canopy.

“The camp was about an hour’s drive from Accra. Any city in a developing country is Rachel such a different place to Gilliland the West – even to stand and

watch for five minutes you’ll see a thousand different things! All the people going around with their shops on their heads, all the colours and the smells.

“Personally, I would recommend travelling before or after your time volunteering, rather than during. That way, when you’re travelling you’re travelling, and when you’re volunteering you can really focus on the work.”

“From when I first qualified as a teacher, I always wanted to volunteer overseas.

“In the 1980s, I took a career break and taught in Texas and California. I found myself in an education system that was very different and completely out of my comfort zone – and I really enjoyed the experience.

“So, when I retired last year, I decided I was going to volunteer. I went to Nongpoh, in the state of Meghalaya, in Northeast India, with Global Schoolroom (www.globalschoolroom.net).

“We worked closely with a group of Indian teachers. They would have very large classroom sizes (up to 80 in one case), and we were

helping introduce active teaching methods, such as using drama.

“The location was gorgeous – this lush, green, subtropical jungle.

“At weekends we were able to travel. The Elephant Falls, a series of three waterfalls, is one of the big attractions; that was fabulous.

The Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures in the capital, Shillong, was extremely interesting.

“In terms of a way to see the world, it’s very worthwhile. Obviously you see a small area, but you get to be part of a community for a time.”

– to see if you agree or disagree with it.”

Adventure travel can be about challenging the mind – and preconceived notions we might have – as well as challenging the body.

getaway.

“I’ve travelled all over the world, and seen amazing locations – and Ireland is right up there with them.

“When I set up Pure Results, I wanted to have a space for people, where they could get outdoors, get outside their comfort zone.

I wanted to get them on a journey that they probably never thought they could do.

“Whether you want to lose weight or get fit or tone up, all your individual needs are met.”

From when she was a kid, through her

years on ‘No Frontiers’ to today, Kathryn never seems to have settled in a comfort zone – and she’s determined that the rest of us should live life to the fullest, and experience the world in all its wonder, too.

“There is an appreciation in doing something that you never thought you would do. A lot of the world is now so accessible – I think everybody should go and do something special.”

BRINGING IT HOME In recent times, Kathryn has brought her love of adventure travel home – with her Pure Results Bootcamp, which has a stand at the Holiday World Show, RDS, 27th-29th January.

With two locations in Ireland – Parknasilla Resort and Spa along the Wild Atlantic Way, and Temple Lodge and Spa in Co Westmeath – the bootcamp aims to make challenging body and mind an accessible

Parknasilla Resort and Spa - one of the locations for Kathryn Thomas’s Pure Results Bootcamp

Rachel Gilliland, Bray, Co Wicklow (www.yogabray.com)

Bernadette Byrne at a tea plantation

Bernadette Byrne, Mount Merrion, Dublin

Visit Pure Results at Stand W9 at the Holiday World Show or www.pureresultsbootcamp.com

16

January 22 2017 Sunday Independent

What’s hot in 2017 – the experts’ top sun destinations Glittering blue waters, cloudless sunny skies, beautiful panoramic views… we all dream about packing up our bags and exploring some of the world’s amazing sandy shores. But with so many choices of locations available, what are some of the best sun destinations to consider travelling to this year? Clodagh Dooley finds out SPAIN “Out of the approximately 1.3 million trips Irish people take to Spain every year, the majority would go to Andalusia in the south,” Cormac Meehan, President of the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA), tells me. “This would cover everywhere from Seville and Granada to Cadiz and Malaga.

Up to recent years, nobody really went to Malaga city, they turned right at the airport and went straight down south. Now, Malaga city has become a huge location for a break away. And while the weather in Spain is fantastic for lying out in, people visit to explore the scenery and taste the exquisite food and wine culture.”

Having been to Malaga myself, namely Benalmádena, a town on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol, I can certainly agree there is much to explore in Andalusia. Staying at the Sunset Beach Club complex on the seafront, strolls along the beach would often end up in explorations through streets with whitewashed houses and flower pots.

Adventurous types would love the journey on the Benalmádena Cable Cars to the Peak of Mount Calamorro, at more than 771 metres altitude – once there, you can hike and discover many spectacular viewpoints of the entire Costa del Sol. Meanwhile, Benalmádena Puerto Marina, among the best ports in the world, is ideal for a day (or night) trip. Visit the aquarium, hire a boat, go scuba diving or stroll through the many quirky shops. Try the Spanish tapas at one of at least 20 little terrace bars, where you can sample fresh fish and other delicacies while soaking up the atmosphere of the port, the luxurious yachts and shimmering Mediterranean.

ITALY Flights from Ireland to the Italian tourist regions in 2016 amounted to 98 per week and Alessandra Smith, Press and Communications Executive at the Italian National Tourist Board for UK and Ireland (www.italia.it) believes this may be to do with Italy’s almost 8,000km of glorious coastline.

“The sun holiday destinations popular for 2017 will possibly be Sardinia and Sicily, which have seen a steady rise in interest

Benalmádena Puerto Marina. Image credit: Clodagh Dooley

Chris Lee, Tourism Authority of Thailand

Fascinating fish at Sea Life, Benalmádena, Spain. Image Credit: Clodagh Dooley

Sardinia beach, Italy. Image credit: Fototeca Enit

lesser-known, but equally as appealing, attractions.

“Some of Le Marche’s attractions include the art city of Urbino, birthplace of Raphael and home of the imposing Palazzo Ducale with its rich collection of paintings; the village of Recanati where Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi was born and lived; and Monti Sibillini with plenty of walking trails and opportunities for hiking.

“In Sardinia, if you stay in the northwest of the island, make sure you swim at the stunning La Pelosa beach, located on the Stintino peninsula facing the island of Asinara. The beach and the sea are extraordinary. If you’re staying in Puglia, take an excursion to Alberobello (province of Bari). This little town is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unusual districts of Trulli, the characteristic white-washed conical-roofed houses of the area. Some can now be booked as B&Bs, offering an opportunity to stay in such a traditional building.”

Hua Hin, Thailand

THAILAND Everyone returns saying it’s the With over 60,000 Irish people highlight of their holiday. travelling to Thailand per “I would encourage annum, this is one of people visiting to really Asia’s prime holiday live the Thai life. Get to destinations. Chris Lee, to know a more local kends e e e w o the tw t prices hav d , Tourism Thailand, Thai experience. s r a e “For y get the bes ust 28th an says: “Thailand’s Instead of spending g d , u n n a A a f k h o o e bo ac Me biggest resort islands two weeks on the kends e m e r e k o w a C e s m h been t er 5th,” say en booking, r are Phuket and Koh beach, go and see a b h Decem of ITAA. “W as possible fo Samui. There are, local project or how t r n u ly e o r Presid o do it as ea make sure y e in fact, nine beach the local kids are sure t flights and ry day of th resorts around the living and interact r e e v p E a . n e d li bli ch island of Phuket; it’s with them. It can rt is va e at Du passpo people arriv f-date about the same size of really enhance a o , k t e ou we t with Singapore. holiday and put a new Airpor ssports!” pa “The fastest-growing perspective on life.

✱ TOP TIP ✱

Cormac Meehan, President of Irish Travel Agents Association in the UK market. Puglia too has been one of the up-and-coming destinations of the last few years, thanks partly to the good availability of low-coast flights. Le Marche also has the potential to become an interesting new destination for sun holidays as it offers beautiful locations and an interesting coastline, and is still little known and quite unspoilt.

I ask Alessandra about some of Italy’s

beach resort is one called Khao Lak – this was made infamous when the tsunami hit eleven years ago, but now it’s been fully turned around and is proving really popular for visitors. There are stunning beaches, amazing hotels and beautiful islands just off Khao Lak called Similan Islands, which are ideal for diving or snorkelling.

Chris says there are plenty of unique activities in Thailand for all ages to experience.

“There’s a fantastic elephant experience called Elephant Hills Tented Luxury Experience in Khao Sok, near Khao Lak – there are two luxurious campsites where you might spend two nights and you get a chance to wash and feed elephants.

“Visit a floating market, particularly the Damneon Saduak near Bangkok, where you can buy local crafts and Thai food while seeing the ladies in their boats. It’s a colourful experience. Be brave in terms of where you go, what you do and what you eat. There are many rooftop restaurants in Bangkok, such as Sorocco and Vertigo, but some of the best food is the street food. Try everything because a main part of the whole Thai experience is definitely eating!”

Many sun holiday travel experts will be on hand to answer your questions at the Holiday World Show, RDS, 27th-29th January – visit the centre pages to browse the exhibitor listing

Project1:Layout 1

16/01/2017

10:01

Page 1

Sunday Independent January 22 2017

17 EE

EE

EE

EE

MAIN RESTAURANT CM6

EE

CM5 EE

CM12 CM13

F15 G14 F14 G13

CM3

CM8

CM11

H14

J16

K12

CM8

M17 M16 N13 M15

L16

K11 K10a L15

P11

Q13

P10

Q11 Q12

P9

Q10 Q9

P8

Q7 Q8

R15 R16

S16

R14

S15

T14 U15 T13 U14

CM1

Z15 W16 X16

Z14

EE B13 C16

A30

B12 C15

D8 E10 E9 D7 E8

F13 G12

H12

J15

K10

L14

F12 G11

H11

J14

K9

L13

D6 E7 D5 E6 D4 E5

F11 F10 F9 F8

M14 M13 N12 M12

R13

S14

T12 U13

W16 X15

S13 S12

T11 U12

W15 X14

S11

T10 U11

Z13

Z12

A28 B11 C9 B10 C8

A27

B9 C7

A26 A25 A24

B8

A23

D3

E4

G10 G9 G8

F7 G7 F6a G6 F6

H10 H9

K8

J13

H8 J10 J12 J10 H7

J9

J8

M11 N11 N10 M10 N9

L10

K7

L10

M9

L10

K6

L9

K5

N8

M8 N7 M7

W14 X13 R12

P7

Q6

R10 R11 S10

T9 U10

W12 X11

R9

T8 U9

W11 X10

T7 U8

W9 X9 W8 X7

S5 S4

T6 U7 T5 U6 U5 T4 U4

S3

T3 U3

S9

B6 C6

A22

D2 E2 B5 C5

F5

G5

F4 G4 F3 G3

A19a B2 C2

A19

D1 E1 B1 C1

F2

G2

F1

G1

J5

H5

J4a J4

H4

H3

H3a J3

H2

J2

H1

J1

M5 N4 N5

L8

J7 J6

H6

K4

K1

M4

L5

M3

L4

K1 L2

EE

R6 S6

S8 S7

L7

K3 L5a

M2

L3

Z10a Z10 Z9 Z8

N6 R7 R8

E3

A21

Z11

W13 X12

N3

P5 P6 Q5 Q4 P3 P4 Q3

R5 R4 R3

N2

P2

N1

P2

M1

Q2 Q1a

Q1

R2

S3 S2

R1

S1

T2 T1

U2 U1

Z7 Z6

W7 X6

Z5

W5 X5

Z4

W4 X4 W3 X3 W2 X2

Z3

W1 X1

Z1

Z2

EE A18 A17 A16 A15 A14 A13 A12

A10 A9 A8 A7 A6 A5 A4 A3

A2

A1

INTERNATIONAL HOLIDAYS

INSPIRE CAFÉ BAR

Y1

Y2

EXIT

Y4

Y3 Y5

ORGANISER’S OFFICE

HOME HOLIDAYS CARAVAN & MOTORHOME ENTRANCE

EE

SPEAKER SCHEDULE AND TIMINGS (Schedule timings may change)

FREE with special guests!

FRIDAY 27th JANUARY 2017

SATURDAY 28th JANUARY 2017

SUNDAY 29th JANUARY 2017

3.00pm

12.30pm Q&A Session with Aer Lingus

12 noon Visas and Passports, What you need to know

Opening session - Special Guest

1.30pm Kathryn Thomas, Founder of Pure Results Bootcamp, Television Presenter – Operation Transformation and former presenter of travel programme No Frontiers.

Award winning travel journalist.

Ski & Snow – Activity Holidays Orla Markey, Crystal Holidays; Aileen Eglington of Ski Club Ireland; Catherine Murphy, ski journalist; Anthony Collins, Topflight.

4.30pm

3.00pm

What’s new in the USA

How to get the Cruise Deals Jennifer Callister of Royal Caribbean; Lorraine Quinn of Celebrity; Rebecca Kelly of MSC; Alan Lynch of Cruisescapes.

5.45pm

Platinum Services, VIP Facilities Grainne Morrison, Head of Dublin Airport Travel Service.

Q&A Session with Dublin Airport Vincent Harrison, Managing Director, Dublin Airport.

Special Guests - Courtesy of Dublin Airport

Gary and Paul O’Donovan, Olympic silver medallist rowers.

Kristin Skinner of American Holidays; Dee Burdock of Visit USA Committee; Tryphavana Cross of Las Vegas New York; Reginald Charlot of NYC & Company.

5.15pm

Ireland’s Regions Joe Dolan, President of the Irish Hotels Federation and Managing Director of Bush Hotel; Adrian Cummins, CEO of The Restaurant Association of Ireland; Eoghan O’Mara Walsh, CEO of The Irish Tourist Industry Confederation.

2.15pm 3.45pm

EE

CAFÉ AND KIDS ZONE

PAVILION RESTAURANT

FLOORPLAN

CM10a CM10

CM14

CM15

CM4

CM8

DISCOVER: EUROPE AND THE MEDITERREAN HOME HOLIDAYS ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS THE AMERICAS CARIBBEAN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST CRUISING CARAVAN AND MOTORHOMES OVER 55’s HOLIDAYS WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS

Beth Sunday of the US Consular Office.

12.40pm Out of Africa Dawn Wilson of Botswana Tourism Organisation; Tony Flynn of Ethiopian Airlines.

1.30pm

Q&A session with Ryanair

2.15pm

Flying West in 2017

Robin Kiely of Ryanair.

Ivan Beacom of Aer Lingus; Catherine Grennell Whyte of ASL; Tish Lagerwey, Port Director, Customs and Border Protection Dublin, Ireland Preclearance.

3.00pm

Irish Attractions Alex Connolly of Fáilte Ireland; Colette Coughlan of Guinness Storehouse; Dervla O’Neill of EPIC.

4.00pm

Flying East in 2017 Enda Corneille of Emirates.

4.30pm

Europe Calling Kathryn MacDonnell of The Spanish Tourism Office Dublin; Mary Denton of Sunway; Charlotte Brenner of Falcon.

3.45pm

Solo Travel Sharon Jordan, The Travel Corporation; Marie Claire Porter of Sunway.

HOLIDAY WORLD SHOW RDS Simmonscourt | Dublin 4 www.holidayworldshow.com

18

EXHIBITORS

January 22 2017 Sunday Independent

OPENING TIMES Friday 27th January 1pm-6pm Saturday 28th January 11am-5.30pm Sunday 29th January 11am-5.30pm ADMISSION CHARGES Adults ¤7 Senior citizens ¤4 Students ¤4 Special family price – Two adults & up to four children ¤14

Caravan & Motorhome Show 2017

Exhibitor Co. Name Carado Motorhomes Caravaninthesun.com Cosy Campers Country Caravans Dethleffs Motorhomes Donaghey Motorhomes Happy Campers Hymer Motorhomes

Stand No CM14 CM1 CM11 CM10a CM14 CM14 CM7 CM14

Website www.donagheymotorhomes.ie www.caravansinthesun.com www.cosycampers.ie www.countrycaravansdirect.com www.donagheymotorhomes.ie www.donagheymotorhomes.ie www.happycampers.ie www.donagheymotorhomes.ie

Exhibitor Co. Name Irish Camping and Caravan Club Irish Caravan & Camping Council Knaus Motorhomes Rushin House Caravan Park Smyth Leisure The Green Guide Whiterocks Willerby Holiday Homes

Stand No CM13 M17 CM14 CM2 CM8 CM3 B12 CM8

Website www.iccc.ie www.campingireland.ie www.donagheymotorhomes.ie www.rushinhousecaravanpark.com www.smythleisure.com www.caravanandcamping ireland.com www.whiterocks.me www.smythleisure.com

Exhibitor Co. Name Stand No Camping La Grande Métairie B6 Camping l’Hippocampe A19a Camping la Bretonniere A21 Camping La Garangeoire B6 Camping Le Bois de Valmarie A19a Camping Le Pin Parasol***** A21 Camping Sequoia Parc A20 Camping Village de la Guyonniere A21 Campings Clubs La Sirene A19a Campings In France D2/E2 Campissimo D2/E2 Canadian Affair R9 Canary Islands P7/Q6 Canet-en-Roussillon Tourism Board Q1a Caribbean Tourism Organization N10 Carlow Tourism W11 Carrick Cottage C9 Carrickcraft Z5 Castel le Domaine de la Breche B6 Castellon Tourist Board P7/Q6 Castilla y Leon P7/Q6 Castlecourt Hotel Resort U3 Castlerosse Hotel & Holiday Homes X13 Catalan Tourist Board P7/Q6 Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council T7 Celebrity Cruises G2 CenterHotels N8 Charles Taylor Trading F14/G14 China National Tourist Office H4 Clanard Court Hotel W5/X5 Clare Tourism W2/X4 Classic Resorts J4 Clayton Hotels W1 Click2Travel K4 ClickandGo.com Q8 Club Med H2 Cobh Heritage Centre U9 Cobh Tourism U9 Col. D’ibardin -Cote Basque (Sunelia) B5/C5 Commodore Hotel Cobh U9 Connecticut Office of Tourism M7/N6 Consorzio Sinergia Italiana Q1 Cottage Pride A26 County Kildare Failte W5 CroisiEurope - River cruises.

A8 Crown Tour LLC J7 Cruise & Maritime Voyages L11 Cruise.co L12 cruisefromireland.ie - features all cruises from Ireland A8 Cuba Tourist Board M10 Cyprus Tourism Organisation H3 Czech Tourism S12 Dawson Travel.ie A4 DB / RailShop S6

Website www.lagrandemetairie.com www.l-hippocampe.com www.la-bretonniere.com www.camping-la-garangeoire.com www.camping-boisdevalmarie.fr www.campingpinparasol.fr www.sequoiaparc.com http://www.camping-guyonniere.com www.camping-lasirene.fr www.camping-in.com www.camping-in.com www.canadianaffair.com www.hellocanaryislands.com www.ot-canet.fr/uk/ www.caribbean.co.uk www.carlowtourism.com

Holiday World Show Exhibitors Exhibitor Co. Name Abbey Travel Adventures Abbeyglen Castle Hotel Acorn Insurance Adams Cloud Advantage Austria Aegean Airlines Aer Lingus Air Transat Alabama Tourism Aldo Travel Algarve Tourism Bureau Alis Holidays Aluna Vacances - Ardeche (Sunelia) Amber Springs Hotel and Health Spa American Holidays An Post ANA - All Nippon Airways Andalucia Tourist Board Aquatica Arabella Jewellery Arnolds Hotel Ashdown Park Hotel ASL Airlines France/Nova Scotia Atlantic City CVA Attractions of Snowdonia Awesome Walls Axencia Turismo De Galicia Bahamas Tourist Office Barbados Tourism Marketing INC Barcelona Is Much More Basilica Travel Basque Country Tourism Board Belmare Travel Benidorm Berrua - Cote Basque (Sunelia) Bespoke India Travel Best Holidays In Italy Bike’N Ride Holidays Bill O Brien’s Doolin Ferry Co Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre Blue Air SRL Blue Insurance/Multitrip.com Botswana Tourism Organisation Bradley International Airport Brian McEniff Bundoran Hotel Bunratty Castle Hotel Burren Yoga Retreats Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Butlers Chocolate Experience C’est Si Bon Cambrils Tourism Board CaminoWays.com

Stand No J12 X15 F12 C7 R13 B2/C2 N1 R9 N5 K4 D1/E1 K4 B5/C5 Z8 M4/N3 A1 G5 P7/Q6 L6 R15 T11/U11 X7 S7 L5a U5 W16 P7/Q6 N10 M11 P7/Q6 K4 P7/Q6 D3/E4 P7/Q6 B5/C5 K5 Q1 L2 X2 T1 K4 S2 G6 N7 T12 T1 X4

L6 T1 D2/E2 P7/Q6 R3/S3

Website www.abbeytravel.ie www.abbeyglen.ie www.acorninsurance.ie www.adamscloud.com www.advantageaustria.org/ie www.aegeanair.com www.aerlingus.com www.airtransat.ie www.alabama.travel www.aldo-travel.ro www.algarvepromotion.pt www.alisholidays.ro www.alunavacances.fr www.amberspringshotel.ie www.americanholidays.com www.post.ie www.anaskyweb.com www.andalucia.org www.seaworldparks.co.uk www.arnoldshotel.com www.ashdownparkhotel.com www.aslairlines.fr www.discoverphl.com www.attractionsofsnowdonia.com www.awesomewalls.ie www.turgalicia.es www.bahamas.co.uk www.visitbarbados.org www.barcelona-is-much-more.com www.pelerinaj.ro www.basquecountrytourism.eus www.belmare-tavel.it www.visitbenidorm.es www.berrua.com www.bespokeindiatravel.com www.bestholidaysinitaly.com www.bikerideholidays.com www.doolinferry.com www.birrcastle.com www.blue-air.ro www.blueinsurance.ie www.botswanatourism.org.uk www.bradleyairport.com www.bmceniffhotels.com www.bunratthcastlehotel.com www.burrenyoga.com www.orlandoflexticket.ie www.orlandoflexticket.ie www.seaworldparks.co.uk www.butlerschocolates.com/chocolateexperience www.c-sibon.fr www.cambrils.cat www.caminoways.com

www.cruise-ireland.com www.domainedelabreche.com www.turismodecastellon.com www.turismocastillayleon.com www.castlecourthotel.ie www.castlerosse.ie www.catalunya.com www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.gov.com www.celebritycruises.ie www.centerhotels.is www.charlestaylortrading.com www.travelchina.gov.cn www.clanardcourt.ie www.clare.ie www.classicresorts.ie www.claytonhotels.com www.click2travel.ro www.clickandgo.com www.clubmed.ie www.cobhheritage.com www.visitcobh.com www.col-ibardin.com www.commodorehotel.ie www.ctvisitit.com ttp://www.consi.it www.cottagepride.com www.intokildare.ie www.cruisescapes.ie www.crown-samarkand.com www.cruiseandmaritime.com www.cruise.co.uk www.cruisefromireland.ie www.travel2cuba.co.uk www.visitcyprus.com www.czechtourism.com www.dawsontravel.ie www.railshop.ie

Sunday Independent January 22 2017

Exhibitor Co. Name Deep South USA Department Of Foreign Affairs and Trade Derry Visitor & Convention Bureau Destination Quebec Destination St John’s Devils Edge Shirt Co Dine In Hotels Durty Nelly’s Discover Boyne Valley Discover Bundoran Discover Mayo Discover New England Discover Newport Rhode Island Discovery Cove Orlando Discovery Puglia Domaine De Champe - Vosges (Sunelia) Domaine de la Dragonniere - Herault (Sunelia) Domaine Du Logis Domaines Les Ranchisses - Ardeche (Sunelia) Dominican Republic Tourist Office Donegal Bay Waterbus Donegal Tourism Donna Bella Doolin2Aran Ferries Dublin’s City Hall - The Story of the Capital Dublinia Dubrovnik and Neretva Tourist Board Dutchess Tourism, NY e-travel.ie Eagles Flying/Irish Raptor Research Centre Edinburgh Outdoor Clothing Co Elite Club Vacanze Family Resorts and Campsites In Italy Embassy of Argentina Embassy of Chile Embassy of Slovakia Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania ENIT - Italian State Tourist Board EPIC Ireland Equinox Education Services ESE Communication Ethiopian Airlines Ethiopian Holidays Europcar Exodus Travel Exploration Dome Explore Romania Explore St. Louis Explore Worldwide Fanad Head Federacion Campings Comunidad Valenciana Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism First Aid Bags Fitzpatrick Group of Hotels Flight Centre flightrights.ie Florida’s Beaches Folgaria Ski Dolomites Follow The Camino Forever Lifestyle Formula One Car Hire Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines Friuli Venezia Giulia Tourist Board Fuerteventura Tourist Board Gateway To Sliabh Liag Gites De France Morbihan and Marne Glasnevin Cemetery Museum Gohop.ie Gran Canaria Grand American Adventures Great National Hotels & Resorts Greater Fort Lauderdale Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Greek National Tourism Organisation Guinness Storehouse Harvey’s Point Heritage Island - Ireland’s Premier Attractions Hertz Rent A Car Hidden in Spain Holiday Green - Var (Sunelia) Horse Racing Ireland featuring Punchestown Racecourse / The Curragh Racecourse / Naas Racecourse

19 Stand No N5 N12a R4/S4 R9 S9 D8 T10 W3 U12 T11/U11 W17/X16 M7/N6 M7/N6 L6 Q1 B5/C5 B5/C5 D2/E2 B5/C5 N9 T11/U11 T11/U11 H13/H14 W4 T1 T1 J14 L4 R1/S1 T13 CM13a A22 K2 J3 S14 F1 D3/E4 T1 G9 D2/E2 P1 F6 J12 Kids Zone K4 L8 H8 T11/U11 P7/Q6 S5 K10A M3 S8 Y1 P5 Q1 M12 L15 CM10 N11 Q1 P7/Q6 T11/U11 F3 T1 G8 P7/Q6 M8 Z2 P5 P5 B2/C2 T1 T11/U11 T1 Outside Q5 B5/C5 W5/X5

Website www.deep-south-usa.com www.dfa.ie/travel www.derryvisitor.com www.quebecoriginal.com www.destinationstjohns.com www.devilsedgeshirts.com www.dineinhotels.ie www.durtynellys.ie www.discoverboynevalley.ie www.discoverbundoran.com www.mayo.ie www.discovernewengland.org www.discovernewport.org www.seaworldparks.co.uk www.discoverypuglia.com www.domaine-de-champe.fr www.dragonniere.com www.domainedulogis.com www.lesranchisses.fr www.godominicanrepublic.com www.donegalbaywaterbus.com www.govisitdonegal.com www.donnabella.co.uk www.doolinferries.com www.dublincity.ie/dublincityhall www.dublinia.ie www.visitdubrovnik.hr www.duchesstourism.com www.e-travel.ie www.eaglesflying.com www.edinburghoutdoorwear.com www.ecvacanze.it www.eirla.mrecic.gov.ar www.chileabroad.gov.cl/irlanda/en/ www.mzv.sk/dublin www.ie.mfa.lt www.italiantouristboard.co.uk www.epicirelandchq.com www.equinoxlearabroad.com www.camping-in.com www.ethiopianairlines.com www.ethiopianairlines.com www.europcar.com www.exodus.co.uk www.explorationdome.ie www.exploreromania.org www.explorestlouis.com www.explore.co.uk www.fanadlighthouse.com www.campingscomunidadvalenciana.es www.fermanaghlakelands.com www.fitzpatrickhotels.com www.flightcentre.co.uk www.flightrights.ie www.sunny.org http://www.alpecimbra.it/ www.followthecamino.com www.formulaonecarhire.com www.fredolsencruises.co.uk www.turismo.fvg.it www.visitfuerteventura.es/en www.killybegs.ie www.gites-de-france-morbihan.com www.glasnevinmuseum.ie www.gohop.ie www.grancanaria.com www.grandamerianadventures.com www.greatnationalhotels.com www.sunny.org www.miamiandbeaches.com www.visitgreece.gr www.guinness-storehouse.com www.harveyspoint.com www.heritageisland.com www.hertz.ie www.hiddeninspain.com www.holidaygreen.com www.goracing.ie

Exhibitor Co. Name Hotel Altstadt Vienna Hotel Beacon NYC Hotel Metro Hotel Westport House of Waterford Crystal Hurtigruten Ibiza Tourist Board Illinois Tourism Independent News & Media India Tourism Inishowen Tourism Insight Vacations Interlude - Ile de Re (Sunelia) Intrepid Travel Ion Body Armour Ireland Irish Golf Review Irish National Stud & Gardens Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) Irish Water Safety ITD Software SRL Jamaica Tourist Board Japan Airlines Japan National Tourist Organisation JMG Travel Kansas/Oklahoma Travel & Tourism KBC Bank Keller Travel Kildare Tourism Kildare Tourism Kilkenny Tourism Killarney Tourism King Johns Castle Kissimmee St Cloud Convention & Visitors Bureau Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens L’Atlantique - Sud Bretagne (Sunelia) L’Escale Saint-Gilles - Sud Bretagne (Sunelia) L’Hippocampe - Haute Provence (Sunelia) La Loubine - Vendee (Sunelia) La Pointe Du Medoc - Medoc (Sunelia) La Ribeyre - Auvergne (Sunelia) Lac De Panthier - Bourgogne (Sunelia) Lanzarote Tourist Board Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Laura Lynn Foundation Le Clos Du Rhone - Camargue (Sunelia) Le Fief - Loire Atlantique (Sunelia) Le Malazeou - Ariege (Sunelia) Le Ranc Davaine - Ardeche (Sunelia) Le Soleil Fruite - Drome (Sunelia) Leitrim Tourism Les Castels Les Logis D’orres - Hautes Alpes (Sunelia) Les Pins - Pyrenees Orientales (Sunelia) Les Trois Vallees - Pyrenees (Sunelia) Les Tropiques - Pyrenees Orientales (Sunelia) Lismore Heritage Little Windsor Louisiana Office of Tourism Lyrath Estate Hotel Made Mahlatini Luxury Travel Maine Office of Tourism Malahide Castle & Gardens Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Maldron Hotels & Partners Malta Tourism Authority MAP Travel (Paradores) Marche Region Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism Mexico Tourism Board Michigan Tourism Mid & East Antrim Borough Council Mid Ireland Tourism Mid Ulster District Council Midleton Park Hotel & Spa Mississippi Tourism Missouri Tourist Board Mitsubishi Motors (Frank Keane Group) Mobile Massage Moroccan National Tourist Office Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion MSC Cruises Muckross Park Hotel & Spa

Stand No R13 M1 M1 Z4 U2 Q9 P7/Q6 K3 Y3 J9 T11/U11 R7 B5/C5 G10 K11 Z3 W5/X5 A3 Z6 K4 L13 G5 G5 L11 L7 M15 A9 W5/X5 W5/X5 X10 W14 T1 P3 T1 B5/C5 B5/C5 B5/C5 B5/C5 B5/C5 B5/C5 B5/C5 P7/Q6 L3 D5 B5/C5 B5/C5 B5/C5 B5/C5 B5/C5 Z9 B6 B5/C5 B5/C5 B5/C5 B5/C5 W14 F13 N5 X10 R2 G7 M7/N6 T1 G1 U1 P10 A6 D3/E4 M7/N6 K1 K3 T5 X1 T3 Z1 N5 L8 A31/34 X1 L9 T4 Q8 Z11

Website www.altstadt.at www.beaconhotel.com www.hotelmetronyc.com www.hotelwestport.ie www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com www.hurtigruten.co.uk www.ibiza.travel/en/ www.enjoyillinois.com www.inm.ie www.incredibleindia.org www.visitinishowen.com www.insightvacations.com www.interlude.fr www.intrepidtravel.com www.ionbodyarmour.com www.selectmedialtd.com www.irishnationalstud.ie www.itaa.ie www.iws.ie www.med-concierge.eu www.visitjamaica.com www.premair.ie www.seejapan.co.uk www.jmgcruise.com www.travelksok.ie www.kbc.ie www.campotel.com www.intokildare.ie www.intokildare.ie www.visitkilkenny.ie www.killarney.ie www.shannonheritage.com www.floridakiss.com www.kylemoreabbey.com www.camping-bretagne-atlantique.com/en www.escale-stgilles.fr www.l-hippocampe.com www.la-loubine.fr www.camping-lapointedumedoc.com www.laribeyre.com www.lac-de-panthier.com www.turismolanzarote.com www.lasvegas.com www.sunshinehome.ie/lauralynn-house.html www.camping-leclos.fr www.camping-le-fief.com www.campingmalazeou.com www.camping-ranc-davaine.fr www.lesoleilfruite.com www.enjoyleitrim.com www.les-castels.com www.logido.fr www.les-pins.com www.l3v.fr www.campinglestropiques.com www.discoverlismore.com www.facebook.com/LittleWindsor/ www.deep-south-usa.com www.lyrath.com www.made.travel www.mahlatini.com www.visitmaine.com www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my www.maldronhotels.com www.visitmalta.com www.maptravel.ie www.turismo.marche.it www.massholiday.ie www.visitmexico.com www.michigan.org www.thegobbinscliffpath.com www.midirelandtourism.ie www.flavouroftyrone.com www.midletonpark.com www.deep-south-usa.com www.visitMO.com www.frankkeane.ie www.mobilemassageuk.net www.visitmorocco.com www.visitmournemountains.co.uk www.msccruises.co.uk www.muckrosspark.com

20 Exhibitor Co. Name Must Have Accessory Naked Penguin New Hampshire Travel and Tourism New York Pass New York State Division of Tourism New York Wheel/Empire Outlets Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism Newpark Hotel Kilkenny (Flynn Hotels) Nire Valley County Waterford North American Representatives North Cyprus Tourism Centre North Wales Tourism Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Nuts in Bulk Nuevo Mundo NYC & Company Oceania Cruises Ontario Tourism Marketing Oranmore Lodge Hotel Conf & Leisure Centre Oriel House Hotel Cork Orlando Attractions.com Paintonce.ie Palmistry & Tarot Parla Di Mare - Corse (Sunelia) Partenaire Lac De L’Uby (Sunelia) Partenaire Le Bois Fleuri - Pyrenees Orientales (Sunelia) Partenaire Mas Des Lavandes - Herault (Sunelia) Passport Service Pennsylvania Perla Di Mare - Corse (Sunelia) Perpignan Airport Perpignan Tourism Board Philadelphia VCB PhoneWatch Pigsback.com Play Florida Golf Polish National Tourist Office PortAventura World Princesa Yaiza & Fariones Hotels Pristine Mountain Adventure Pure Results Bootcamp Qatar Airways Quinta Do Molinu - Turismo SA Radisson Blu Farnham Estate Hotel Cavan Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Sligo Rathlin Island & Cape Clear Island Region Of Valencia Residence Lisa Maria - Corse (Sunelia) Reykjavik Excursions Riu Hotels & Resorts Riverside Park Hotel Riviera Travel Rockefeller Centre Rocky Mountaineer Romanian National Authority for Tourism Roscommon Tourism Royal Caribbean International Rubina Resort - Espagne (Sunelia) Saint-Cyprien Tourism Board Salou Tourism Board Salzburg Tourism San Francisco Sana Massage SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Secrets of India Tours Select Hotels of Ireland Seychelles Tourism Board Shannon Ferries Show Promotions Silver Line Cruisers Silversea Cruises Simon Shopping Destinations Sirene Holidays Smilebright Sole-Mates Spanish Tourism Office Spring Hotels Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau St John’s International Airport Authority St Petersburg/Clearwater

January 22 2017 Sunday Independent

Stand No B11 A25 M7/N6 M1 L4 M1 W5/X5 S9 X10 W13 L2 K7 U4 P9 M17/N14 K2 M1 Q12 R9 W15 Z1 L2 E10 F11 B5/C5 B5/C5 B5/C5

Website www.facebook.com/Musthaveaccessory www.naked-penguin.com www.visitnh.gov www.newyorkpass.com www.iloveny.com www.newyorkwheel.com www.newbridgesilverware.com www.canadeastcost.com www.flynnhotels.com www.nirevalley.com www.tttandt.com www.welcometonorthcyprus.co.uk www.gonorthwales.co.uk www.ncl.co.uk www.nutsinbulk.ie www.gohop.ie www.nycgo.com www.oceaniacruises.com www.ontariotravel.net/uk www.oranmorelodgehotel.ie www.orielhousehotel.ie www.orlandoattractions.com www.paintonce.ie www.handanalysis.co.uk www.perla-di-mare.fr www.camping-uby.com www.bois-fluri.com

B5/C5 P8 L5a B5/C5 Q1a Q1a L5a J16 Z14 L2 R14 P7/Q6 P6 J11 W9 G4 K6 T6 T6 Z10a P7/Q6 B5/C5 N8 S10 X9 Q4 M1 S8 K4 Z10 R1/S1 B5/C5 Q1a P7/Q6 R13 Q3 S16 L6 J10 Z13 J5 X3 B13/C15/C16 X6 Q7 P4 A19a E8/E9 H12 P7/Q6 R10 J6 S9 P5

www.rmasdeslavandes.fr www.passport.ie www.discoverphl.com www.perla-di-mare.fr www.aeroport-perpignan.com/en www.perpignantourisme.com/gb www.discoverphl.com www.phonewatch.ie www.pigsback.com www.playfloridagolf.com www.poland.travel www.portaventuraworld.com www.princesayaiza.com http://pristinetrekking.com www.pureresultsbootcamp.com www.qatarairways.com www.quintadomolinu.com www.farnhamestate.ie www.raddissonblu.ie/hotel-sligo www.rathlinballycastleferry.com www.regionofvalencia.com www.lisamaria-corse.net www.re.is www.riu.com www.riversideparkhotel.com www.rivieratravel.ie www.rockefellercenter.com www.rockymountaineer.com www.romaniatourism.com www.roscommon.ie www.royalcaribbean.com www.rubinaresort.com www.en.tourisme-saint-cyprien.com www.visitsalou.cat www.salzburg.info www.sanfrancisco.travel www.sanamassage7.com www.seaworldparks.co.uk www.travelasyouare.tours www.selecthotels.ie www.seychelles.travel www.shannonferries.com www.showpromotions.com www.silverlinecruisers.com www.silversea.com www.simon.com/travel www..camping-lasirene.fr www.smilebrightltd.com www.sole-mates.eu www.tourspain.es www.springhoteles.com www.srilankatourism.org.uk www.stjohnsairport.com www.visitstpeteclearwater.com

Exhibitor Co. Name St Vincent and The Grenadines Stena Line Stormhall Sunelia Vacances Sunway Travel Surf Snowdonia Taipei Representative Office in Ireland Talbot Hotel Carlow Talbot Hotel Stillorgan Taste With Gusto TDactive Holidays Tenerife Tourism Corporation Tennessee Tourism Texas Tourism The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel The Connacht Hotel The Dragon Trip The Earth Trip The Gobbins Coastal Path The Lake Hotel Killarney The New Hampshire Ski Group USA The One / Pure Jeanius The Outing/Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival The Safari Expert The Talbot Collection The Travel Broker Tipperary Tourism Tirol Tourist Board Tiroler Zugspitz Arena Topflight Tour America Tourism Northern Ireland Tourism Nova Scotia Tourism Thailand Trailfinders Tralee Chamber Alliance Travel Department Travel Escapes Travel the Unknown Travel Trade Tickets and Tours Travelmood TrekAmerica Tunisian National Tourist Office Turismo De Santiago De Compostela Turismo Torino & Provincia Tourist Board Turkish Airlines Turkish Culture and Tourism Office Uganda Tourism Board Umbria Incoming Umbria Region Unique Japan Tours Universal Orlando Resort Universal Studios Hollywood Uniworld Boutique River Cruises USIT VARSEJ - Luxury Guided Vacations In Italy Vermont Department Of Tourism Villaggio Dei Fiori - Italie (Sunelia) Visit Buffalo Niagara, NY Visit California Visit Florida Visit Kentucky Association Visit North Carolina Visit Rochester, NY Visit USA Ireland Visit Waterford Visit Wexford VisitFLANDERS Vorarlberg Tourism Wallace Travel Group Waterways Ireland Wendy Wu Tours WestJet Westport Plaza Hotel Westtoer Tourism White Mountains Visitors Bureau Wicklow County Tourism Wien Tourism Woodlands Park World Synergy Travel WOW Air Youghal Tourism

Stand No K9 N12 K12 B5/C5 H1/J1 U6 H6 Z1 Z1 D4/E5 Y2 P7/Q6 N5 M2 P5 X14 H5 K5 T5 U8 M5 K13/L7 W2 G8 Z1 A7 X11 R13 R13 R13 G2 R4/S4 S3 H7 P2/Q2 X12 Y2 N11 M14 L2 N2 M8 J2 P7/Q6 Q1 R12/S11 R12/S11 G7 D3/E4 D3/E4 G5 L5 L5 R6 L10 E3 M7/N6 B5/C5 L4 Q3 P3 N5 N4 L4 P1 W12 Z8 F5 R13 A5 Z12 J8 S9 U3 F5 M7/N6 Z7 R13 X12 K4 N8 T8

Website www.discoversvg.com www.stenaline.com www.nightlights.ie www.sunelia.com www.sunway.ie www.surfsnowdonia.com www.eng.taiwan.net.tw www.talbothotels.ie www.stillorganpark.com www.tastewithgusto.ie www.traveldepartment.ie www.webtenerife.com www.deep-south-usa.com www.traveltexas.com www.fortmyers-sanibel.com www.theconnacht.ie www.thedragontrip.com www.theearthtrip.co.uk www.thegobbins.gov.com www.lakehotel.com www.usaskiholiday.co.uk www.theoneoutlet.ie www.emcgpr.com www.gohop.ie www.talbothotels.ie www.travelbroker.ie www.tipperary.com www.tirol.at www.zugspitzarena.com www.topflight.ie www.touramerica.ie www.discovernorthernireland.com www.novascotia.com www.tourismthailand.co.uk www.trailfinders.ie www.tralee.ie www.tdactiveholidays.ie www.travelescapes.ie www.traveltheunknown.com www.tttandt.com www.travelmood.ie www.trekamerica.co.uk www.cometotunisia.co.uk www.santiagoturismo.com www.turismotorino.org/ www.thy.com www.gototurkey.co.uk www.visituganda.com www.umbria-incoming.com www.umbriatourism.it www.uniquejapantours.com www.universalorlando.com www.universalstudioshollywood.com www.uniworld.ie www.usit.ie www.varsej.com www.vermontvacation.co.uk www.villaggiodeifiori.it www.visitbuffaloniagara.com www.visitcalifornia.co.uk www.visitflorida.com www.deep-south-usa.com www.neworleanscvb.com www.visitrochester.com www.visitusa.ie www.visitwaterford.com www.visitwexford.ie www.visitflanders.com www.vorarlberg.travel www.wallacetravelgroup.ie www.waterwaysireland.org www.wendywutours.co.uk www.westjet.com www.westportplazahotel.ie www.toerismewesthoek.be www.visitwhitemountains.com www.visitwicklow.ie www.wien.info www.kingdomcamping.com www.worldsynergytravel.com www.wow.is www.youghal.ie

Sunday Independent January 22 2017

21

22

January 22 2017 Sunday Independent

Skiing in a changing world

Kevin Flanagan visits three resorts in the Austrian Tyrol and finds an innovative solution that will keep us all on our skis

S

ince I took up skiing (rather late in life) I always wanted to ski before Christmas when the slopes were comparatively empty, and the Alpine towns are bedecked with festive decorations.

So, when the chance came to ski in Austria last December, just as the season opened, I jumped at it.

I put in extra gym sessions and visited the Ski Club in Kilternan to get valuable slope practice. When the 14th December arrived, I was as ready to go. There was only one problem. When I looked at the webcams overlooking the Alpine ski slopes we were visiting, there were only green fields. The snow had not yet arrived.

There has been a growing problem of global warming that we cannot escape. The Arctic ice sheets are in retreat. Glaciers are disappearing. But it seems that those living in the Austrian Tyrolean (and in mountain ranges around the world), have a solution that will protect their livelihoods and ensure that skiers enjoy their breaks no matter how much snow falls.

We did not know this as we left and began our ski odyssey courtesy of Aer Lingus, flying to Munich from Dublin.

On our hit list were the three resorts of St Johann and Kirchberg in Tirol and Westendorf in the Ski Welt region. For our ski odyssey we were going to choose the Kitzbueheler Alpen All Star Card, as it gives the flexibility of skiing the entire region, regardless of which resort you are staying in. But would we have snowy slopes to ski on?

When we arrived, the weather was cold and the skies clear but there was still no sign of snow. We were greeted by Gernot Riedel, Head of St Johann in Tirol Tourist

Board, who explained that modern snowmaking technology now being used by many resorts, will produce adequate amount of snow as long as the temperatures hit zero or below.

The next morning, the fields around St Johann remained green but the pistes above were white, glistening in the sun and perfectly groomed.

The new, snow-making technology was working and soon we were attacking the slopes. By the afternoon we were hitting speeds of 60km plus, led by Thom, from the Wilden Kaiser Ski School (www.schikaiser.com). The lack of naturally produced snow made little difference to our skiing experience, we were in ski heaven.

St Johann Ski area is perfect for beginners, intermediates and families.

Wide pistes and beautiful huts show off the typical Tyrolean style of the area. And there are lots of opportunities besides the slopes: tobogganing, snowshoeing, horse sledge riding, and shopping in some of the smartest shops in the Tirol. That night we had a fabulous gourmet meal in Post Hotel and the next day, we rose early and made our way to Kirchberg. With 170 kms of piste, Kirchberg has a great choice of blue, black and red slopes and is a perfect choice for intermediate to advanced skiers. Kirchberg also has access to the Ski Welt area – which gives another 280kms of piste.

Kirchberg, too, has been using the very latest in snow canon technology and our guide Sam showed us how it works. Pipes take water from specially constructed lakes to the many snow canons strategically placed around the resort. When the temperature hits zero the cannons fire fine droplets into the air. The droplets freeze instantly and form a blanket of snow - just like the real thing. As a result, most of the

pistes were open.

Sam, our instructor, grew up in Kirchberg and knows it like back of his hand.

He took us to the start gate of the world famous Hahnenkamm, where the best skiers gather to celebrate the most spectacular ski run in the world, reaching speeds up to 140km/hr. Television pictures of the wintry Kitzbuehel, and the Hollywood celebs that gather there, go around the globe.

FACT BOX Aer Lingus, Ireland’s only 4-Star airline, flies twice daily from Dublin to Munich and operates a weekly service from Cork. One-way fares including taxes and charges start from ¤54.99.

For more information visit aerlingus.com.

During the winter season Aer Lingus also operates a charter to Salzburg with partners Crystal and Topflight.

Ski School websites: www.kitzbueheler-alpen.com/en/brixental/ winter/families/skischools.html Links for St Johann in Tirol: www.kitzbueheler-alpen.com Explorer Hotel: www.explorer-hotels.com/angebote/preise/ preise-kitzbuehel.html Adler Hotel: www.der-adler.at Kitzbuhler Alpen All Star Card for 6 days Peak Season (24.12.2016 – 11.03.2017): ¤256.00 www.allstarcard.at/en/ allstarcard-skipass-tyrol-salzburg-austria Ski Club Ireland: Year-round practice for skiers of all levels: www.skiclub.ie

We had lunch nearby, surrounded by mountain peaks – it was bliss. Artificial or natural snow? It made no difference to the skiers.

That night we stayed at the Adler Hotel in Kirchberg (www.der-adler.at) and ate there. When a hotel in Austria has an excellent restaurant for non-residents, it is said that the hotel “keeps a good kitchen”.

That was certainty the case here as we enjoyed local delicacies like rabbit and deer.

Westendorf was our final destination.

It is part of the Ski Welt, one of the largest interconnected ski areas in Austria with 280kms of piste. Again, though the town was snow free, the pistes above were picture perfect. We had a full day of skiing and by time the sun set, we left the mountain, happy and exhausted as only tired skiers can be. That night we dined in the Ober Gaisberg Restaurant, high in the mountains.

It offers spectacular views over Kirchberg.

The place was rocking with pre-Christmas revellers and the atmosphere unforgettable.

Next morning was a very early start but that meant we would be in Dublin by lunchtime – an added bonus, and one supplemented by a trip through the Christmas market in Munich Airport to buy last-minute presents.

Despite the lack of early season snow, we had enjoyed a fabulous three days skiing and got full value from our Kitzbueheler Alpen All Star passes, enjoying skiing right across the Tyrolean alps.

As I write this piece it’s early January, 2017 and heavy snow is falling across the Alpine ski resorts of Europe and I can’t wait to get back and experience it. But it’s good to know that despite climate change, those that make their livelihoods in the high Alps are ensuring that skiers can enjoy one of the greatest holiday experiences, whatever the time of year, whether it is pre-Christmas or late season, right up to Easter. I guess you could call it a manmade solution to a manmade problem, one welcome to both visitors and locals alike.

Sunday Independent January 22 2017

23

24

January 22 2017 Sunday Independent

Sitges, Barcelona

Pantheon, Rome

Trevi Fountain, Rome. Image credit: Fototeca Enit

Rooftop views of Porto

Cities to fall in love with A city break is the ideal way to experience a burst of culture in a short space of time.

Whether it’s an exhilarating new city or an ‘all-in-one’ destination you want, Patricia Madden talks to the experts about some well-known cities, and what’s new to be discovered

BEAUTIFUL BARCELONA

When I think of Barcelona, I think of the architecture of Antoni Gaudi. Sites like La Sagrada Familia and Casa Vicens are simply unforgettable. But what you might not know is that just an hour outside of the Catalan capital is a largely overlooked region that proves that the Barcelona area has much more to offer.

Maria Mercè Rosés Domenech of www. barcelonaismuchmore.com explains that Gaudi fans can enjoy sites like his Colonia Guëll structure and explore the landscape of Alt Berguedà; all before sitting down to a Michelin-starred feast at the nearby Els Casals.

I enjoy a glass of wine and this region boasts some amazing vineyards. “Learn to distinguish between a young and a vintage wine and spend the night at the estate,” says Maria Mercè. “There are also trails surrounding the vineyards to be discovered by bike, hot air balloon, or on horseback.”

This is a great way to work off any overindulgence.

“Four to 10 days is ideal to spend in the region”, says Maria Mercè. As a fan of Barcelona, I’m thrilled to know that there is more yet to be discovered.

For more information, visit www.barcelonaismuchmore.com

PORTO

Porto in Portugal is the home of the sweet wine, port, and the creation process takes place in the Douro Valley. Historically, wine was carried in rabelo boats that are used today for river cruises.

“Porto is called the ‘grey city’, as its architecture is largely built from granite.

This creates a romantic atmosphere,” says Celina Tavares, Portuguese Trade and Tourism Board. To add to the fairytale-like experience, she suggests staying at the beautiful hotel Palácio do Freixo.

I grew up reading the Harry Potter books and was intrigued to hear that author JK Rowling lived in Porto for a time. Lello, one of the oldest bookshops in the country, became an inspiration for the Hogwarts library and was chosen for the international release of ‘Harry Potter and The Cursed Child’. So grab your wand and broom, and visit this fantasy-lover’s gem.

I asked Celina what is a must-try food when visiting Porto: “The Francesinha is a sandwich made with fillet steak, ham and smoked sausage covered with cheese and a spicy sauce, served with fries.” I don’t know about you, but that certainly stirs my senses.

“It’s a new and exciting break destination with airlines adding extra flights from Dublin. Weather-wise it gets mild winters and 26-degree summers.”

Rabelo boats, Porto

TO ROME WITH LOVE

The Eternal City of Rome has long fascinated me with its popular sites like the Trevi Fountain, but Stefania Gatta of the Italian National Tourist Board reminds us, “Look around you, you will always find something new to discover in the streets of Rome.

“Rome is a city that encompasses diverse layers of history and art: from Ancient Rome, to contemporary art, it is an open air museum,” says Stefania.

I attribute a romantic Hollywood glamour to Rome from its appearance in films like Woody Allen’s ‘To Rome with Love’, I asked Stefania if my fantasies were correct: “Rome is a most romantic city; just strolling hand-in-hand in the old streets, or taking a Vespa ride and stopping off at historic Caffe Greco will inspire romance.”

For the foodies, she recommends dishes including spaghetti all’Amatriciana or carciofi alla giudia, which are deep fried artichokes. As if I needed to be further convinced that a trip to Rome would feed the soul…

Crypt Güell, Barcelona

Las Vegas Strip

While I enjoy a good party as much as the next person, I also like to relax while on holiday. Tryphavana says: “You can chill out by the pool and many hotels have a spa.

Also enjoy some retail therapy at some of the best outlets in America.”

I’ve always wanted to visit the Grand Canyon; the terrain is so different to what we see in Ireland. You can take a helicopter tour to experience it up close. “You’d For more information, visit never think you were in www.italia.it Vegas when you’re outside in the Canyon, it’s just one of the most beautiful For me, Las Vegas calls places to go,” says to mind the cliché of Tryphavana. bright lights and casinos.

Tryphavana’s top However, after speaking recommendations for to Tryphavana Cross of dining include Harvest by Tryphavana Las Vegas Convention and Roy Ellamar at the Bellagio Cross Visitors Authority (www. or Andrea’s at the Wynn. One lasvegas.com), I’ve learned of her favourite shows to take in is that there is much more to this everThe Beatles LOVE at The Mirage. changing city.

“I think the Irish are in love with Vegas Tryphavana explained that with over already,” says Tryphavana. “It is becoming a 150,000 rooms on offer, there is something repeat destination for visitors.” to fit every budget: “In larger hotels, there are multiple Falling in love with a new city creates endless restaurants, ranging from fine-dining right opportunity for exploration and can liven up down to bistros, some of them even have your 2017. Make sure to check out the city a McDonald’s! You really can get value for breaks on offer at the Holiday World Show, money.”

RDS, 27th-29th January

LAS VEGAS ADVENTURE

Sunday Independent January 22 2017

25

Travel makes you more attractive Any time you take a risk and attempt a new way of doing something, the risk of the unknown presents the chance to increase self-confidence, as the more you travel alone, the more likely you are to tackle any challenge with aplomb. And research has confirmed that both men and women rate confidence as an attractive trait in a potential partner.

SMILE AWAY A recent survey has shown that 48pc of Irish people rank being on holiday as their happiest time and it’s no surprise that escaping our day-to-day lives every now and again can put a big smile on our face.

And science has proven that a smile is contagious and can make us appear more attractive to others.

When you smile, people treat you differently. A study published in the journal, ‘Neuropsychologia’, reported that seeing an attractive smiling face activates your orbitofrontal cortex, the region in your brain that processes sensory rewards. This suggests that when you view a person smiling, you actually feel rewarded, while a subsequent study found that men and women were more attracted to images of people who smiled, than those who did not.

FOOD FOR YOUR BRAIN It’s an old cliché that travel broadens the mind, but according to the researchers, the experience of another culture endows us with valuable open-mindedness, which makes it easier for us to realise that one simple thing can have multiple meanings.

For example, in China the act of leaving food on a plate is considered a compliment – that the guest has enjoyed their food and has enough to eat. In America, it is seen as an insult to leave your food. Knowing cultural contrasts mean that travellers are aware of ambiguity and more willing to realise that there are various ways to interpret the world – and it helps them stand out in a room.

BOOSTS CONFIDENCE LEVELS Some Olympic athletes train in ways that

HEALTH MATTERS Not only has science proven that travelling is an effective way to tackle the issues of stress that are commonly intertwined with our everyday lives, but a study by Expedia Travel has demonstrated that travelling helps you to reduce weight. This is because it results in a short burst of healthy behaviour, which makes you start a new routine, resulting in the chance to break unhealthy habits. Not to mention, travelling requires a lot of walking to get around, and sometimes strenuous activities, which both may contribute to keeping you in shape.

Travelling to another country is one of the most rewarding experiences, but did you know that getting on that plane can make you smarter, sexier and more productive?

Here are the science-backed reasons how are intended to build confidence. Rather than focusing on the gold medal, they may set smaller and more achievable goals, building from there and giving them the

confidence to achieve more wins every day.

Match this to travelling solo. When you take the first step to travel alone, even just for a few days, you feel accomplished and proud.

WANDER-LUST A survey of 30 million travellers found that more than one million respondents felt travelling increased their sex drive – which makes sense as being on holidays means you have more opportunities to act on those impulses. But there’s even scientific evidence to support the theory that wanderlust may lead to lust in the bedroom.

Travelling can reduce the stress hormone cortisol, meaning as stress decreases, it may have positive benefits on how we perceive ourselves – and a positive and happier attitude may subsequently put you in a sexier mood! Now that’s reason enough to get booking your next break!

26

In it for the long-haul

January 22 2017 Sunday Independent

From lounging on luxury islands to ziplining through tropical rainforests, long-haul holidays are great for those who want to experience new cultures in far flung destinations. The travel professionals share their top advice on how to make the most of the time you spend on the other side of the world ONLY IN AMERICA

With New York topping the poll as one of the top city breaks in 2016 in the recent ITAA survey of travel agents, what are predicted to be other popular US destinations for Irish tourists this year? Yvonne Muldoon, Aer Lingus, says: “Orlando continues to be a popular destination with Irish holidaymakers. Due to increased demand, Aer Lingus has added a fourth direct flight per week from March this year.

“LA is proving to be extremely popular and a firm favourite. Aer Lingus flies four times a week to LA and is increasing to daily from May. LA and the surrounding coastline offers a rich mix of both beautiful beaches and a trendy city vibrancy. With a cultural mecca boasting more than 100 museums, a paradise of good weather, and tourist attractions like the Walk of Fame’s collection of stars (numbering 2,576, and growing by one or two a month) and the largest historical theatre district on the National Register of Historic Places (located Downtown on Broadway), it is the entertainment capital.

“Irish visitors also have access to a 75mile Los Angeles County coastline and LA is home to Southern California’s greatest beaches, stretching from Malibu to Long Beach. The coastline is extremely popular with surfers. Each seaside town is unique and visits to distinctive landmarks such as Santa Monica’s famous pier, Venice’s iconic Muscle Beach, and Malibu’s stunning

Yvonne Muldoon, Aer Lingus

Art Deco District, Miami, Florida shorelines and Getty Villa are must-dos.”

In September, Aer Lingus will also launch a new direct route to Miami, and extra flights to Chicago in May. While Miami is

renowned for its famous nightlife, Yvonne says there is much more to Florida’s main city.

“From South Beach to Sunny Isles Beach,

Miami has an amazing selection of pristine white sand beaches and is home to the famous Art Deco Historic District, where you’ll find the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world. Structures featuring white façades, neon lights and sleek designs line one of America’s most exciting streets, Ocean Drive. Miami is also extremely popular with cruises so is an ideal destination all round.

“Chicago, on the other hand, has a large Irish influence, so much so that on St Patrick’s day the river is dyed green! Go on the Architectural River Tour, which is a fantastic way to explore Chicago. One of the highlights is Chicago’s 28 miles of beach in the city around Lake Michigan. The historic Route 66 is a firm favourite which takes up on a stretch of road from Chicago to LA. With over 8,100 acres of green space with 580 parks and 26 beaches, there is much to do and see.”

Yvonne advises booking flights as far in advance as possible to avail of the early bird offers.

“January tends to kick off the peak booking period for the year with tour operators offering very competitive packages to North America. Visit your local travel agent or visit aerlingus.com to secure the best deals.”

THE CARIBBEAN EXPERIENCE

Seeping with history, culture, a captivating mystique, hammocks and plenty of authentic rum, Cuba, the Caribbean’s largest island, offers a depth and diversity that few locations can offer.

Dave Green, Cuba Travel (www.cubatravel. ie) says Havana, Varadero and Trinidad de Cuba were the most popular places visited in Cuba in 2016 and are set to remain the most popular this year.

“Varadero is one of Cuba’s most famous beach destinations, which stretches along the Penisula de Hicacos. For families, visiting Cayo Blanco is a must, where you can sail off-shore and discover the crystal-clear waters surrounding the Cuban peninsula, while swimming or snorkelling. You can enjoy a delicious seafood lunch (lobster, shrimp and fish) and an open bar is provided onboard the vessels. A 15-minute interactive encounter with dolphins makes this an unforgettable experience. If you want to get up close, then consider the specialised excursion called ‘Swimming with Dolphins’.”

In central Cuba, Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Cuba’s most popular tourist towns. Travellers can soak up the ambiance of the city in the cobblestone Plaza Mayor, where you’ll find 17th-19th century mansions, several museums and an art gallery.

East of Trinidad, the Valle de los Ingenios is worth a road trip through to take in the beautiful sugar cane fields, palm trees and mountains.

Meanwhile, Havana is a well-preserved slice of history, with grand baroque and neoclassical buildings. Word has it that

Dave Green, Cuba Travel

Experience the serenity in Varadero, Cuba!

Ernest Hemingway’s favourite hangout was Bodeguita del Medio in Old Havana – why not take time to cool down and stop by the unique

restaurant-bar for a Mojito?

“Book a day trip to Vinales Valley near the western end of Cuba from Havana,” says

Dave. “Notable for its mogotes (hills), it’s also known for its traditional agricultural practices related to growing tobacco. Get a glimpse of Cuban past and experience Cuba’s best hiking, climbing, caving and vistas.

“Cuba has become very popular over the last three years, so it’s vital that people book early to get the best prices. Independent travellers should book transfers in advance if possible, as it isn’t the easiest country to get around. Car hire is expensive and the quality of car isn’t great. Irish visitors need to have a tourist card to enter Cuba. These are ¤25 each and are valid for 30 days from day of arrival.”

Sunday Independent January 22 2017

27

Surviving a long-haul flight

Monkeys roam free on Yakushima Island!

EXPLORING JAPAN

For many, travel means broadening your horizons. And for Hollie Mantle, Japan National Tourism Organisation, this begins with stepping away from the commonly known destinations in Japan and trying somewhere new.

“Tourists from overseas tend to stick to the ‘golden route’ – Tokyo, Kyoto and Fuji/ Hiroshima, which is a shame as the best of Japan is beyond this! Ise-Shima National Park in Mie Prefecture is home to the Isejingu Shrine and set in a sacred forest.

The park is rich in scenery and the old-style shopping area next to it is spectacular – it hosts local craftsmen and women who make their specialities the traditional way, from radishes they’ve picked by hand, to tea they’ve sourced from their own farms. Also in that area are the Ama divers – female free divers who don’t use any modern equipment. You can visit their huts for lunch with them and eat what they’ve dived for!

“Yakushima Island in the south is a wonderland for hikers. Yakusugi Land takes you through wooded trails to some of the oldest cedar trees in the world. Deer and monkeys roam free on this island, which is possible to reach by ferry or plane. There are also great beaches with giant turtles, diving opportunities and beautiful hotels.”

Hollie advises that to make the most of Japanese culture, you should spend only a few nights in Tokyo, and make use of a Japan Rail Pass to really explore the country.

“The hot spring towns such as Ginzan Onsen, the hiking trails along the Kumano Kodo, or the cycle path along the Shimanami Kaido are all things you can access easily as a tourist, but which aren’t on most people’s radars. In terms of the cuisine – jump in! Things might look strange at first, but Japanese food is some of the best in the world. If you’re hesitant, stick to things you might be used to, such as ramen noodles, or try okonomiyaki (a Japanese savoury omelette/pancake).”

For many people, long-haul flights can be off-putting, whether due to fear of flying or the tedious length of the flight! Air hostess Ann Marie Harte has all the tips to help you cope “If you’re nervous, don’t hide it,” says Ann Marie. “Tell the cabin crew or the person beside you. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, and sometimes it’s good to have someone like cabin crew told as they’ll be more aware of you and talk you through things you might want to know. Book a seat closer to the front of the aircraft – you don’t feel the turbulence as much as you would if you were at the back and a window seat sometimes helps if claustrophobia is a trigger.

“Distraction is always good. Use movies, series, books and music to keep you from letting that mind think about your fear. If you’re travelling with a friend or family, chatting about your upcoming holiday or planning the trip can keep your mind at ease during the flight!

“If it all gets a little too much, take deep breaths and treat the turbulence like bumps in

a road, because that’s all that they are. Bring an elastic band in your bag and if you can’t relax, pop it on your wrist and snap it against your skin. It will help bring your focus on reality and take your mind off the fear.”

To make a long flight infinitely more bearable, Ann Marie says hydration is vital.

“A few days beforehand, up your water intake. The number one problem I find is passengers faint or have terrible headaches because they are not hydrated. The reason being that the air is drier and the high altitude will make you dehydrated a lot quicker.”

Ann Marie also recommends putting together a little travel ‘go-to kit’. She always brings face wipes, a toothbrush, hand sanitiser, face mist, lip balm, ear plugs, a neck pillow, snacks and a sleeping aid in her carry-on bag to make the journey more comfortable.

“Always listen to your body. My life is a different time zone every three to four days so I have learnt that when I’m hungry or when I’m tired, I listen to my body no matter what time of the day it is. Although, if you want to adapt to the time zone you have landed into, stay awake until bedtime. As hard as it may be, you will find you will adapt a lot quicker.

“With my job, every day is a new adventure, from ticking off my bucket list moment of hang gliding across Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, to visiting my favourite long haul destinations, Auckland in New Zealand and Seattle in the USA. Our days can be seven hours or 26 hours, but I enjoy every minute of it, helping the passengers get the best possible experience!”

28

January 22 2017 Sunday Independent

Five ways your travel agent is indispensable

W

ith dozens of online travel sites and the ability to book directly with almost any airline, hotel or other travel service, many may think that travel agents are gone with the dinosaurs. But as the economy begins to recover in Ireland, savvy consumers are beginning to realise the benefits that travel agents can offer. Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) members cover over 140 outlets in different towns and cities throughout the Republic of Ireland, meaning that there could well be one right around the corner from you!

Here are five reasons why you should drop into your local travel agent before booking your holiday this year:

complimentary breakfasts and spa credits.

3. EXPERTISE

Travel agents act as unbiased travel advisers. There are hundreds of details that go into every trip and travel agents can be your guide for everything from what to pack before you leave to all of the ‘must see’ attractions. They have access to the personal feedback from hundreds of clients, as well as their own personal travel agent network, to provide you with insights and insider tips that you can’t get on TripAdvisor or social media sites.

4. AFTERSALES SERVICE

One of the main reasons to choose a travel agent is the aftersales service. If your plans change unexpectedly, your travel agent can save the day. If a flight is cancelled, a piece of luggage gets lost or a passport is stolen, it is reassuring to have someone you can count on to resolve problems. Many travel agents offer their clients 24/7 support by phone or email and all ITAA members are licensed and bonded. This security and peace of mind can really help take the stress away, so you can enjoy your holiday.

1. SAVE TIME AND STRESS

Smartphones and tablets have made it seem easy to book a ‘do-it-yourself’ holiday. Yet, even for experienced travellers, planning and booking trips online can prove daunting. Sometimes, spending hours on the computer searching for the best deals gets you results and other times, it just leads to frustration. Instead of searching blindly on the Internet for hours, why not have a travel agent do the legwork for you?

Often, they will already have the best deals and packages at their fingertips – and if it’s something bespoke you’re after, let them put their experience and resources to work, searching out the options that meet your needs and budget.

2. CHOICE AND VALUE

Travel agents offer choice and value. Rather than cutting corners to get you the lowest price, their focus is always on value for money with no hidden charges. Due to their strong relationships with suppliers, travel

agents receive information and access to promotions from resorts, cruise lines and other travel providers that aren’t available to the general public. Travel agencies

have the leverage to negotiate with travel suppliers on behalf of their clients and can secure hotel upgrades, rooms with the most desirable views, or extra amenities like

IF IT’S SOMETHING BESPOKE YOU’RE AFTER, LET YOUR TRAVEL AGENT PUT THEIR EXPERIENCE AND RESOURCES TO WORK, SEARCHING OUT THE OPTIONS THAT MEET YOUR NEEDS AND BUDGET

5. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

A good travel agent is like a good mechanic – once you find them, you’ll never want to give them up. For many people, their yearly holiday is their biggest discretionary spend so it is important that it’s done right.

Travel agents create something that can’t be ‘Googled’ – a personal experience. They take the time to understand your unique travel needs and interests and translate them into your own personalised travel experience.

Find your local travel agent at www.itaa.ie

Sunday Independent January 22 2017

29

30

January 22 2017 Sunday Independent

Family holidays with a twist Three stories from ordinary families about their best holiday experiences

HAPPY TO CAMP

Lorraine Brennan and her husband enjoy heading to campsites in the sun with their five kids – aged 14, 11, 11, 8 and 7

Paul Muldoon with wife Ursula and boys Adam and Mark

BRINGING THE KIDS TO GLASTONBURY Paul Muldoon had been to the Glastonbury music festival six times with his wife – before they decided to bring the kids this year

THE FAMILY THAT SKIS TOGETHER…

Brian Geraghty, a Dublin accountant and Partner at Crowe Horwath (www. crowehorwath.ie), shares his passion for skiing with his family

“Our two boys are chilled out, good lads, age seven and 12; I felt they were ready. They’d been to other festivals and loved it.

“Glastonbury is much more than music – it’s the whole atmosphere; the people there; the quirky corners where you find a magical performer you’ve never heard before.

“And then you can randomly come across a star – this year we were walking through the kids’ area and there was Chris Martin with his two children. We wished him good luck for his performance!

“We don’t camp in the heart of the festival, we do the ‘glamping’ thing, in a private site, with all the facilities you’d need.

That’s a bit of extra comfort. But plenty of families do go into the centre.

“We’d usually head into the festival about lunchtime; we’d mapped out in advance who we wanted to see. If acts were playing that we weren’t keen on, we’d have a walk about and come across something new.

“The music itself? Superb. Coldplay headlined on Sunday – they were out of this world.

“We were all dancing in the mud for five days!

“The kids had an amazing time – when we came back they had a confident strut about them!”

“We go skiing every year – myself, my wife and our four children – to Notre Dame de Bellecombe, a small village in the French alps.

“We started bringing the kids on ski trips as soon as they were old enough – from the age of four or five – and they are still coming with us.

“We’ve had many fantastic trips and great stories over the years. Just last year, we were skiing between two villages, and a very significant snowstorm came in, and they closed all the lifts.

“So we got stuck in a lift station, and they had to come and ferry us out on the back of snowmobiles. That was quite exciting and thoroughly enjoyed by the children!

“As a parent, to see the children take up and

enjoy one of my passions is great.

“A ski holiday is a family holiday that the kids will always want to come on, regardless of what age they are.”

AS A PARENT, TO SEE THE CHILDREN TAKE UP AND ENJOY ONE OF MY PASSIONS IS GREAT

Brian’s eldest son took to freeriding “with very significant gusto”

THE KIDS USUALLY JUDGE A HOLIDAY

BY THE NUMBER OF NEW FRIENDS THEY’VE MADE! “We are quite limited in where we can go because of the size of the family; it’s hard to find affordable options.

“So, we usually go to a campsite – the price to rent a mobile home is the same whether there’s four or seven of us.

“We’ve been to different places: France, Spain, Italy…

“The campsites are usually very good, very accommodating, and there are activities organised onsite for the kids.

“For me, it’s a fantastic holiday, because if I decide to lie beside the pool for a day and do nothing, I can do that – I know the kids are taken care of. Everything is onsite and everything is safe.

“The kids have met so many pals over the years; they usually judge a holiday by the number of new friends they’ve made!

“We live in a rural area, so they can’t just go outside and find someone to play with.

When we go away, they love having friends next door.

“When my children are happy on holiday, I’m happy.”

You can get great advice and tips for your next family holiday at the Holiday World Show, RDS, 27th-29th January – turn to the centre pages for the full exhibitor listing

Sunday Independent January 22 2017

31

32

January 22 2017 Sunday Independent

The secret life of a travel agent James Malone of Rathgar Travel – former president of the ITAA and a long-time exhibitor at the Holiday World Show – tells us about the excitement and challenges of being a travel agent

E

very day is different. The first thing we do in the morning is check anything that came in overnight – it could be people wanting to come home early or change arrangements, people wanting to extend their holiday. A lot of the job involves being responsive to customers’ needs and just being there to help them.

Obviously when something like bad weather or an unforeseen event happens, we have to work very hard to try and reschedule people. During the ash crisis, for instance, we went through a time where the maximum sleep we had was about three hours a night, over that whole period.

We had to repatriate around 180 people that were stranded, and we wanted to see everyone home and sorted.

But of course you hope crises are kept

THERE’S NO SUBSTITUTE FOR BEING ABLE TO TELL THE CLIENT, ‘I’VE BEEN THERE – THE FOOD IS GREAT’

After the 2010 Icelandic volcano eruption which created huge disruption for airlines, many travel agents worked around the clock to help get people home to a minimum! A lot of our time is spent preparing new products. Our customers always give us good feedback on wherever they’ve been, and we try and be responsive to that. We’re also always on the lookout for something new.

We go off and investigate – we’ve been to most of the resorts that we offer. There’s no substitute for being able to tell the client, ‘I’ve been there – the food is great’, or what have you. Our clients would want to know

where each hotel is in relation to the beach or the bus stop, or how many restaurants are nearby, all those things. It’s great that we have the opportunity to go and look at each resort, see the value and the quality it offers.

It’s exciting to be able to travel for work but it’s a very professional approach that we take. The last trip I took to Spain to have a look at hotels, I think I drove 1,700 kilometres over nine days, and stayed in five

hotels over that time.

It’s fantastic to actually love the business that you’re in and to be able to give people the holiday of their dreams. We bought Rathgar Travel 18 years ago, and over that period we must have had over 150,000 people travel through us, and luckily they still come back.

The consumer has changed in the years I’ve been in the business – today they’re much more aware of what they would like to do, and we’d be able to help them and advise them of the best way to do it.

People want flexibility – they might do 11 nights or five nights rather than a package of seven or 14. Different family circumstances mean that maybe one parent will come down for the first week, and the other will come down for the second week.

People will set a budget for themselves and have a timeframe, and we work hard to give them the best value for their time and money.

In conversation with Ben Murnane

Sunday Independent January 22 2017

33

34

January 22 2017 Sunday Independent

TRAVEL NEWS Experience Italy in 2017 with Ireland’s Italian Specialist Italy has such a diverse range of holiday options to suit everyone, from the beach enthusiast to the culture vulture, the family to the touring guru or romantic couple – or indeed anyone else looking for a holiday with a difference!

As Ireland’s Italian Specialist, Topflight have years of on-the-ground experience in the Italian market – and their selection of Italian holiday options and destinations for 2017 is second to none.

Thanks to the year-on-year success of Topflight’s family holidays to Italy, there is more choice for families than ever before, with fantastic destinations along Lake Garda, options in Sicily, as well as the resorts of the Venetian Riviera, ideal for families.

If you fancy a cruise that takes in Italy –

‘Which?’ magazine’s highestranked river cruise operator In 2016 Riviera Travel were ‘Which?’ magazine’s highest-ranked river cruise operator, rated five stars for service.

Every feature of a Riviera Travel cruise is handpicked by a member of the passionate team – and they offer exceptional value for money, with prices including return flights and transfers, excellent dining, fascinating tours and excursions, and complimentary WiFi onboard.

Current river cruises offered include: • Amsterdam, Volendam & the Dutch Bulbfields – 5 days from ¤849 • Bruges, Medieval Flanders, Amsterdam & the Dutch Bulbfields – 8 days from ¤1,299 • Burgundy, the River Rhône & Provence – 8 days from ¤1,889 • Medieval Germany, the Main to the Danube – 8 days from ¤1,629 • Rhine Cruise to Switzerland – 8 days from ¤1,819 • The Seine, Paris & Normandy – 8 days from ¤1,999 • The Douro, Oporto & Salamanca – 8 days from ¤1,989 • Cruise the Heart of Europe – 15 days from ¤3,029 Discover more at www.rivieratravel.ie

Topflight offer a selection of unforgettable options with their cruise partners, many of which incorporate a stay in a wonderful Italian resort pre- or post-cruise.

BE FLEXIBLE Offering flexibility is key for Topflight.

Twin-centre and multi-centre holidays allow you to experience the best of a number of destinations as part of one holiday.

Topflight’s dedicated team are on hand to help design the perfect itinerary to suit your personal tastes and needs.

Many great deals and early bird offers are available now – so log on to www.topflight.ie, call Topflight on (01) 240 1700 or visit your local travel agent to make your 2017 Italian dream come true!

PEACE OF MIND WHEN SERVICING YOUR LEISURE VEHICLE Buying a new leisure vehicle – a caravan or motorhome – is a big investment, but can certainly bring you much pleasure. However, keeping the vehicle regularly serviced is vital.

If you find yourself in the UK and in need of a service, that’s where the Approved Workshop Scheme (AWS) comes in. AWS is there to give owners peace of mind and to ensure their continued safety.

AWS is a joint enterprise between the UK’s three biggest leisure vehicle industry organisations: the National Caravan Council (NCC), The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club, and is the benchmark for leisure vehicle habitation servicing. Workshops are approved to carry out servicing during the warranty period without invalidating it. Displaying the badge shows workshops will adhere to a strict Code of Conduct and owners can expect from them excellent customer service, technical workmanship and professional advice.

Find out more at www.approvedworkshops.co.uk

Walk or cycle the Camino with CaminoWays.com

Aer Lingus Kids Zone at the Holiday World Show Aer Lingus are providing entertainment for all the family at the Holiday World Show Kids Zone. Drop in for colouring competitions, giveaways, goodie bags and a special exhibition area where you can display your artwork!

Aer Lingus will be offering special prizes for art creations that celebrate the adventures and excitement taking place up in the sky. From hot air balloons to hang gliders, from rockets to aeroplanes – let your imagination fly!

Aer Lingus are also sponsoring this

year’s Holiday World Show Schools Art Competition with a variety of fantastic prizes (see www.holidayworldshow.com for more details).

The FREE Aer Lingus Kids Zone will be inspired by all things travel and is suitable for all ages, abilities, and interests.

For the more adventurous little explorers, visit the Exploration Dome nearby for an interactive discovery of science, astronomy, geology and geography in the digital planetarium – open all day Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th January.

The Camino de Santiago is probably the most famous walking route in the world. Originally a pilgrimage to the city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, the Camino today is more than that: it’s a unique cultural experience and a memorable trip. Thousands of pilgrims of all ages and nationalities head to Santiago each year. While most of us will be familiar with the famous Camino Frances, there are many Camino routes criss-crossing Europe and all taking you to Santiago. Dublinbased Camino specialists CaminoWays.com organise walking and cycling tours, both for individuals and groups.

Sunday Independent January 22 2017

PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES!

and toiletries. If there is something you will need before you go on holidays, the open boxes will allow you to retrieve them easily rather than having to rummage through your suitcase.

Three days before you are set to depart, move everything you have placed in the boxes into your suitcase – it may seem like more work, but this will give you another chance to reconsider some of the items you had previously packed. Anything you are unsure about bringing, place to the side and continue packing until you are finished.

This way, you can avoid overpacking, which results in emptying the suitcase to decide what to leave out. If you have room left at the end, then you can include the items you left aside!

Travel is exciting, yes. But the packing process? Not so much – particularly when it’s not only yourself you have to worry about. Take the stress out of packing for your upcoming holiday and follow these five helpful tips to prepare the essential family suitcase PLAN IN ADVANCE Avoid a mass dumpage into the suitcase and begin packing at least two weeks in advance. Depending on how many members are in your family, place one or two large

cardboard boxes in your room and when you come across items you feel you may need to pack, place them into the boxes.

Go an extra step and categorise the boxes – your clothes, the kids’ clothes, underwear

FOLD OR ROLL? When it comes to packing for a trip, we’re not only faced with the dilemma of what to pack, but also how to. There has been a lot of debate on which method saves more space: flat packing or rolling. There are many advantages to both – tightly rolling clothes may allow for tighter packing and reduce creases, while the traditional flat packing is preferred for clothes that easily wrinkle. Why not use both methods? Roll softer garments, such as underwear, t-shirts or shorts, and arrange at the bottom of the bag. Fold stiffer garments, such as dressy pants or jeans, and layer on top. Top off with a light dry-cleaning bag for when you’ve worn everything.

SHOES, SHOES, SHOES As shoes take up a considerable amount of room in your suitcase, follow the rule of three when choosing your footwear – consider one casual sandal, a pair of trainers and one evening shoe. Wear the heaviest pair over and back, and pack the lighter

35

pairs. Shoes can also be convenient and act as miniature storage compartments – you could save space by stuffing shoes with small items such as chargers, socks or even underwear!

TRAVEL TOILETRIES Full-sized toiletries hog precious space, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid packing them altogether, as larger families are almost guaranteed to use up all liquids by the end of the week! Shampoo, conditioner and shower gel can all be packed in a small washbag and placed on top of, or to the side of, clothes in the suitcase. If there are certain items that are used by only one member, such as facial creams, opt for travel-sized versions. Remember, many hotels in Ireland keep miniature bottles of shampoo and conditioner in bathrooms, which are handy if you do manage to run out.

SUPER DAYPACK A daypack that can fit compactly inside your suitcase can be a lifesaver during busy trips that involve many activities. A small backpack can act as an in-transit pharmacy or a picnic basket. Fill with everything from plasters and sunscreen to small snacks and books, and avoid crocodile tears throughout your trip!

36

January 22 2017 Sunday Independent