Sunday Independent Travel Magazine Jan 2012

Magazine 2012

Why I love Istanb ul Irish

O’Brya writer Laur his fir n on why ence he set st thr i l l e r Orient al gemin the

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02 Travel Sunday Independent

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Contents

02 Stop the press

All the latest travel news

03 Why I love Istanbul

StopPress

Irish writer Laurence O’Bryan on why his first thriller was set in the Oriental city

Falcon Holidays present Holiday Villages

04 The beauty of the alps

Kevin Flanagan on getting ready for the slopes

06 Northern Ireland

NITB countdown to a Titanic year of events

07 Your ultimate holiday checklist

All the essential items to pack for your holiday to the sun

08 A touch of Arabian magic

Mark Corcoran on everything you need to know about holidaying in the Middle East

10 A helping hand

Tara Leigh discovers that volunteering abroad is more popular than ever

11 Sailing towards a new Horizon Sail between Rosslare and Cherbourg with Celtic Link Ferries

A BeCreative Editorial Production www.becreative.ie EDITOR: Kevin Flanagan kevin@becreative.ie DEPUTY EDITOR: Tara Leigh CONTRIBUTORS: Mark Corcoran ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHY: Nic Mac Innes nicmac@eircom.net ADVERTISING: Cliona Murray cmurray@independent.ie DESIGN: INM Design Studio REPRO: Independent Newspapers (Ireland) Ltd 27- 32 Talbot St, Dublin 1

Find your escape in Quebec this summer Where else can you find the answer to “Je ne c’est quoi”with a perfectly friendly English reply? Canada’s fabulous Quebec… n’est pas! Easy to get to, Mais Oui! With direct flights from Dublin airport to Montreal, you can be shopping in the downtown boutiques and galleries artisans in just over 6 hours. The province of Quebec is famed for maple syrup, ice hockey, and cold winters...but the flip side of spectacular summer is often overlooked. The most populated regions of Quebec lie along the mighty St Lawrence River where the major cities of Montreal and Quebec City are found. Shop till you drop, dine until you can eat no more and party like you are at home, the Quebecer’s as they are called in Canada know how to live and would be the only Canadians that would give the Irish a run for their money at the bar! Spectacular National Parks, majestic mountains and UNESCO World Heritage sites await and are all easy to access. Fancy some bear watching or a whale watching excursion? You can almost do them in the same day! Whether it’s relaxing by a lake or kayaking, biking or hiking, this Province has something to tempt the active and the lazy holiday maker. What is guaranteed, great food, friendly people and plenty of bon vivant! visit www.canadianaffair.ie, www.airtransat.ie or call (01) 866 6700

Sunway celebrate 45 years in business Sunway are offering s choice of 16 destinations from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Knock from just €349.

One destination that has been attracting Irish holidaymakers during the recession is Turkey. Not only is it one of the most reasonable destinations to get to, the cost of living is low and it offers amazing culture and year round sunshine. Travel with Sunway for as little as €399 for 7 nights in the 4* Sea Pearl Hotel during May. Sunway has the perfect choice for fans of the Irish soccer team. If you want to enjoy the atmosphere of Euro 2012 but still have a sun holiday, the Irish owned Sea Pearl Hotel and Palmin Sunset Plaza Hotels in Kusadasi have installed large screens so that fans won’t miss out on any of the Irish matches.

For more log on to www.sunway.ie or call (01) 2886828

This summer Falcon Holidays continue to offer their unique concept, The Holiday Village. With Holiday Villages in 9 destinations, Falcon customers have a great choice to experience one of these family favourites. With experts running the fun, you can see amazing shows, enjoy unique family activities, kids’ clubs and let your children take professional training in swimming, football, and drama. With spacious rooms, lagoon style pools and great dining experiences for everyone, this is an experience unlike any other.

Falcon has some fantastic offers for this Summer with free child places subject to availability. You can get a week in the Holiday Village Viva in Majorca for 2 adults and 2 kids on a self-catering basis in May from just €1,621 including a free child place.

For more information visit www.falconholidays.ie, call 1850 45 35 45, call in to your local Falcon Travel Shop or check out Falcon Holidays on Facebook.

Experience a holiday like no other with Attraction Tickets Direct In 2008 ATD launched an office in Dublin and revolutionised the market by selling tickets direct to customers rather than through travel agents. They have now opened the first walk-in theme park ticket specialist shop in Europe, located on Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, offering everything from park maps, travel guides, theme park top tips and latest DVDs. ATD issue real tickets not e-tickets or vouchers to all major theme parks. This means you can enter straight into the parks, with no additional queing.

With the Orlando FlexTicket (5 Parks) enjoy access to Universal Studios®, Universal’s Islands of Adventure®, SeaWorld® Orlando, Aquatica™ and Wet ‘n Wild® Orlando. FlexTicket PLUS (6 Parks) includes all the excitement of the Orlando FlexTicket, plus admission to Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay. Visit www.atractionticketsdirect.ie for more.

Insight Vacations – The Art of Touring in Style

American Holidays say it is good to GO for 2012

Insight Vacations, the world’s leading Premium Escorted Touring company, offers premium escorted tours to Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, Canada, United States, Mexico, India and Nepal. Their 2012 collection has exciting new destinations, such as Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Ukraine and the Crimea, the Channel Islands and Hawaii. With Insight Vacations, guests will benefit from smaller group sizes with business class legroom on board Insight’s private coaches, impeccable service, authentic highlight lunches and dinners, premium hotels or historic palaces, expert Tour Directors and knowledgeable local guides, plus exclusive private tours and experiential activities making Insight the perfect choice for a memorable holiday.

Go Florida, Go USA, Go Cruise: All 2012 brochures are out now with great early booking offers, great value and great holiday ideas available for families, couples and groups. Thinking of Florida for your family holiday this year, American Holidays always has the best offers whether this is your first time to experience Orlando or you are a repeat guest. With offers from €595pp for 14nights 3* accommodation and flights ex Dublin for family of 4 sharing, the price will not be beaten.

With more cruises than ever before to choose from whether you are looking for a short Mediterranean cruise, an Alaskan cruise or a sunny Caribbean cruise – American Holidays have the cruise for you, with cruise only prices from as little as €499pp.

For more details, or to order a brochure call 01 775 3803, log on to www.insightvacations.com or contact your local travel agent.

For more call (01) 6733800 or visit

www.americanholidays.com

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03 Sunday Independent Travel

Why I love

Istanbul

Irish writer Laurence O’Bryan on why his first thriller is about an Oriental gem. In conversation with Kevin Flanagan

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rowing up Laurence O’Bryan pictured Istanbul as a dour city. However, when he met his wife, Zeynep, a Turkish native, that all changed. He has been visiting the city for the past 20 years and set his debut novel, The Istanbul Puzzle, in the vibrant city.

little about. At the heart of the city is the Hagia Sophia, one of the most important buildings in the world. The intriguing thing about Hagia Sophia is that no plans of the structure feature an underground area, yet every major church of that time had one. You will have to read The Istanbul Puzzle to find out what might really be under Hagia Sophia!”

Unlocking the Istanbul puzzle

A warm welcome

“There are a lot of preconceptions about Istanbul, so setting my novel here was about reversing some of those views.

“It is a city rich in history, which people know very

Laurence O’Bryan’s top places to visit: j Hagia Sophia j Topkapi Palace j The Basilica Cistern j The Mosaic Museum j The Grand Bazaar j A boat trip on the Bosphorus

“When you meet the Turkish people you are instantly struck by how friendly they are. The people I met welcomed me into their homes and wouldn’t let me put my hand in my pocket. That being said, you have to be careful as a tourist there, as you would in any country, although I have never felt threatened in Istanbul.”

A city of contrasts

“Visiting Istanbul is an extraordinary experience. The tallest skyscraper in Europe (the Saphire Building – excluding only Moscow here!) can be found in this cosmopolitan city. Yet it is home to some of the world’s most treasured historical buildings. For me, the old part of the city is where the magic lies. No one can leave the city without visiting Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern, the Mosaic Museum and the Grand Bazaar.

“I would recommend spending a day visiting the historical sights and a day shopping at the Grand Bazaar, which is a labyrinth of silver, gold and spices stretching over 60 streets, many of them decorated beautifully. The Grand Bazaar’s shopping speciality, for me, is leather and jewellery. If you are a good haggler you will get a great price.”

Travel Extras For more information on Turkey visit goturkey.com Turkish Airlines operate regular direct flights from Dublin to Istanbul, with a flight departing daily. For more information on fares and schedules visit www. turkishairlines.com Entry into the Hagia Sophia is 20 Turkish Lira (€8.51)* Entry into Topkapi Palace museum is 20 Turkish Lira (€8.51)*

*Prices correct at time of print

One night in Istanbul

“When people think of Istanbul’s entertainment, they often think of belly dancing. However, in my opinion, there is nothing quite like relaxing in a quality restaurant with a view over the Bosphorous and the Golden Horn.

“Fish is the speciality and as the city is surrounded by water on three sides the offering is usually extremely good and fresh. Think Mediterranean, and you will guess most of the menu.

Irish writer Laurence O’Bryan

“After a delectable dinner, there is nothing quite like sobering up with a coffee and Turkish coffee comes with a twist.

“Coffee reading is very popular in Turkey and someone will usually offer to read your fortune, which can be great fun - though it has to be said that the natives don’t take it too seriously.”

Why visit Istanbul?

“For me it is the gem that sits astride two worlds: the European West and Oriental East and as such it has a unique energy and character. You will find beautiful girls wearing the latest Western fashion and women wearing the veil in one of the many eye-catching traditional styles. Both exist comfortably together. In Istanbul there is not so much a clash of cultures as a kiss. The result is truly worth seeing and experiencing.”

For more information on Laurence O’Bryan visit his blog at http://lpobryan.wordpress.com/ or follow him on twitter @LPOBryan The Istanbul Puzzle is available now from Easons, Dubray Books, Amazon & many independent bookshops.

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The

beauty

Alps! of the

With record levels of snow it has never been more fashionable to enjoy the delights of the modern Alpine resort. But it is not just skiers who are having all the fun as Kevin Flanagan discovered

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he snow just keeps on falling, drawing people from all over Europe to the wonders of the Alps and it’s not just for skiers. Just ask those reluctant husbands, wives and lovers dragged along by their ski obsessed partners. They may never strap a snow board to their feet but they will definitely dip their toes into the waters of the local spa!

Since Roman times people have been flocking to the Alps for “the cure”. The Roman emperor Caraculla came to Baden Baden to recuperate with his legions and most recently the royal families of Europe have continued the tradition and taken “the cure”. Now most Alpine ski resorts have spectacular spas and whaoo wellness centres where skiers and non-skiers alike can enjoy every kind of relaxation and rejuvenation.

From whirlpool recliners to saunas; healing thermal baths to aromatherapy grottos and musical meditation areas. Add in skin and body treatments, mineral spring and mud baths, hydrotherapy and herbal medicine treatments and there is something for everyone. You will come home looking younger and more relaxed.

And it does not end there. There are a whole range of other activities for non-skiers. You can go Alpine walking on specially prepared tracks and enjoy the breathtaking mountain views in the allergenfree Alpine air. All you need are good walking shoes and warm outdoor clothing. Then there is snowshoeing, dog sledding, horse drawn sleigh rides

and tobogganing (though this can be dangerous especially if drink has been taken). Add in shopping, sightseeing and taking time out and it’s the perfect break. I for one can think of nothing better than sitting in a picturesque Alpine village sipping mulled wine while watching the snow fall over the surrounding mountains. And at night there are plenty of things to do. Most resorts run special family shows put on by the ski instructors which often feature firework displays; while the local churches hold regular music and choral recitals. There is also local farmers markets, wine and cheese tasting as well as a range of good restaurants; and there is something about the fresh mountain air that makes the food all the more enjoyable.

Getting ready for the slopes

And if you are heading up the slopes to ski start getting ready now. Research at the Medical University of Innsbruck in Austria has shown that some people are at increased risk of heart attack at high altitudes and low temperatures especially if they have risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure or they smoke.

The authors of the report recommended that people planning to ski should gradually increase their regular physical activity before they head off. Once on holiday the time spent skiing should also be increased gradually.

It seems the problem is that skiing will be the only exercise some people will take all year. They have been sedentary and suddenly they find themselves at altitude

just spent €1.4 million on upgrading the slopes. There is also the Ski Centre in Dublin, (www.skicentre.ie) where you can practise indoors.

Wear a helmet!

Researchers found helmets reduce the risk of head injuries among skiers and snowboarders by 35 per cent and when you consider that head injuries account for up to one fifth of all skiing and snowboarding injuries this is sound advice.

Who is that behind me?

Kevin receiving training from Gerhard Mayrhuber on the Ski Club of Ireland slopes

exercising for five hours a day. (1,350m is the average height of a ski resort while most of us live at sea level).

What sort of exercise?

The report suggested that you should engage in at least two hours of physical activity a week in the period leading up to a ski vacation so what sort of activity should that be? First, always consult your doctor before beginning an exercise regime. You can start by walking. I have a very competent ski friend who walks the Wicklow Mountains in the weeks before he goes away. My own favourite place to get fit is the Ski Club of Ireland at Kilternan (www.skiclub.ie). Here you can actually prepare in your ski gear with skis and snowboard on an actual slope! Classes run throughout the week and it is the ideal way for a beginner to get fit while finding out what is in store for them. As a regular skier I go back to the Ski Club of Ireland every year before the season starts to get in condition. They have

Finally, it seems that you should watch out for which nationality is skiing behind you! According to a survey by the travel insurance company InsureandGo German skiers have a lack of awareness of those around them on the slopes. Italians have a tendency to ski and snowboard too fast. British male skiers have a habit of showing off on-piste. The French overestimate their abilities while the Spanish do not take enough tuition.

Late in the afternoon is the time most ski accidents happen, followed by just after lunch while the biggest cause of accidents is people pushing themselves beyond their ability because of jealousy of others expertise on the slopes.

Perhaps after all it is safer to stay in the spa sipping gluwien and watching the Mountain view!

The Ski Club of Ireland: www.skiclub.ie (01) 2955658 Ski Centre in Dublin: www.skicentre.ie (01) 293 0588

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NITB countdown to a Titanic year of events Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is celebrating a titanic year of upcoming events which will offer something for everyone to look forward to in 2012 ni2012: Your Time, Our Place is a major programme of commemorations and celebrations taking place throughout Northern Ireland and Fiona Cunningham, NITB’s market manager (ROI) says it’s going to be a very special year as it gives people the chance to celebrate what Northern Ireland has to offer.

“With so many big events, celebrations, commemorations and amazing projects coming to completion, 2012 is going to offer everyone an opportunity to explore and celebrate some world-class events,” said Fiona.

To provide a glimpse of what people can expect to see, NITB has outlined the key events in 2012: Titanic Belfast Festival 2012: April - May 2012

A fusion of international-scale events is planned to mark the centenary of Titanic’s fateful maiden voyage. From the opening of the multi-million pound Titanic Belfast visitor attraction, through to commemoration services on the 100th anniversary of the ship’s sinking, there will be something to interest everyone. A range of plays, tours, talks, films and major musical events will position Belfast as the ‘home’ of Titanic.

In April a visionary lighting show will showcase the Titanic Belfast building and MTV is set to return to the city for yet another blistering night of live music against the stunning backdrop of the Titanic Slipway. A gala commemorative

event, narrated by well known cultural icons and celebrities, is planned for the Waterfront Hall on April 14 and in September the BBC Titanic Proms will celebrate the rich local heritage of song and music across Northern Ireland.

Peace One Day Concert: Derry, 21 June 2012

With Jude Law as its key ambassador, the Peace One Day Concert, celebrating Olympic Truce, kicks off the London 2012 Festival and will attract massive media attention and the biggest names in music.

Land of Giants: Belfast, 30 June 2012

Land of Giants, the largest outdoor theatre and arts event ever staged in Northern Ireland, will present a unique tale to an audience of 20,000 on Belfast’s latest events space, the Titanic Slipways. The event is inspired by local iconic giants – Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver, Finn McCool, Harland and Wolff ’s Samson and Goliath, the Olympic and Titanic ships and the Giant’s Causeway – as well as Northern Ireland people who are giants in ideas, talent and heritage.

2012 Irish Open: Portrush, 28 June - 1 July

The 2012 Irish Open will be hosted by Royal Portrush Golf Club bringing the world class event to the Northern Ireland venue for the first time since 1947. Home-

grown golfers Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy have enjoyed recent major successes and have firmly established Northern Ireland as the golfing capital of the world.

A Coastal Installation by Deborah Warner: Northern Ireland coasts, July 2012

This new living artwork will be created by renowned opera and theatre director Deborah Warner. The installations, poignant explorations of love poetry and a celebration of the beauty of our coastlines, will appear simultaneously from dusk till dawn at locations along the UK and Northern Ireland coasts.

Clipper Maritime Festival: Derry, July 2012

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race fleet, followed by a global audience of more than 460 million people, will race across the Atlantic to Northern Ireland on a ‘homecoming’ leg. Derry will welcome the ten international yachts, including the city’s own participating team, with a four day maritime festival.

Opening of the Giant’s Causeway Visitors’ Centre: Co. Antrim, September 2012

This year will see the opening of a new visitor centre at the Giant Causeway (Northern Ireland’s only World Heritage Site). The multi-million pound, stateof-the-art centre will be worthy of the Causeway’s giant reputation as a mustsee destination.

50th Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s: 9 October - 3 November 2012

Already a festival of international stature, this year’ event features an extended programme which will dramatically increase its visibility and Northern Ireland’s cultural offering.

For further information on ni2012 events or to find out more about places to stay and things to see and do, check out the free booking and advice service on callsave 1850 230 230, visit NITB’s Tourist Information Centre in Suffolk Street Dublin 2 or click on

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www.discovernorthernireland.com

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Your

ultimate holiday checklist

When it comes to your summer holiday, it pays to be prepared

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hile we all love a break to the sun, getting organised and deciding what to pack can be a nightmare. To make the process easier, we have compiled a list of everything you need to pack before embarking on the holiday of your dreams.

Travel essentials Insuring peace of mind

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Like it or not, travel insurance is essential for those taking a vacation this year. It offers peace of mind in the event that your passport is stolen or you injure yourself while you are way. There are dozens of great offerings on travel insurance – check online.

Vaccinate before you vacate

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Vaccinations should be considered when travelling to certain countries outside of Western Europe. When planning your trip, it is vital to discuss your plans with your doctor so they can determine what vaccines you need for your trip. There are also medical centers around the country who provide this specialist service.

Passport check

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It may sound simple, but there is nothing worse than booking your holiday, buying a brand new holiday wardrobe and discovering your passport is out of date. Ensure your passport is valid well in advance of your travel date. It is important to note that some countries require passports be valid for up to six months after your departure.

Visa requirements

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When travelling outside the EU it is necessary to check whether the country you are travelling to requires you to have a visa.

Getting behind the wheel

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Whether you are bringing your car abroad or planning on renting one once you reach your destination, you must have a valid driving license. It is also a good idea to become familiar with the driving laws of that country.

Money matters

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Of prime importance to those travelling abroad is a budget! Set out a realistic budget for your trip to avoid overspending. It is advisable to convert your money, if travelling outside of the EU, before you leave for the airport as you may incur higher expenses there.

Healthy habits

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Save yourself time and stress by packing your sun block before you embark on your travels. Remember to take in to account the whole family’s needs when deciding on the factor strength.

Language lessons

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When travelling to a country in which you are not familiar with the language, it is worthwhile packing a language guide to help with ordering, looking for directions and the price of goods and services.

Adapt to your surroundings

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Travel adapters are a packing necessity. Just imagine you reach your destination with phone, CD player and hair straightener but the plug won’t fit!

Pack for the weather

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Before embarking on your trip, check the weather forecast for your destination and pack accordingly.

A well planned vacation has the chance of being a more enjoyable one – Happy Holidays!

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Arabian magic

Travel Sunday Independent

A touch of

Sun, sand, sea and skyscrapers, what more could you want from a summer holiday?

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Dubai

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Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

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hen planning a city break, there are many diverse cities competing for our attention.

However, as we surf the internet we often overlook some of the world’s more

exciting destinations.

Take the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for example.

You might think visiting cities like Dubai or Abu Dhabi would be too expensive.

Think again! At the moment there are a range of summer deals to the UAE with five nights in a four-star beachside hotel in Dubai costing in the region of €850 per person including flights. Meanwhile four nights’ bed and breakfast in a four-star hotel in Abu Dhabi including flights will come in well under one thousand euro. These figures compare favourably with five nights in New York City or five nights in a good hotel in Paris this summer.

You might ask: ‘so what is so special about the UAE?’ The answer is simple. Year-round sunshine (360 days a year!), pristine beaches, spectacular sand dunes and a pulsating cosmopolitan lifestyle plus a touch of Arabian magic! All these make a short visit to the UAE definitely worth considering.

Capital city, Abu Dhabi, is characterised by its signature seaside promenade known as the Corniche.

This is one of the liveliest areas in Abu Dhabi. From early in the morning until late at night, locals and tourists alike are out jogging and strolling along the Corniche.

But do not forget your sunscreen as it gets hot in the summer and just about every day is sunny! Average temperatures for the summer months are in the mid 30s.

It is also a good idea to bring coins you can use to buy water and ice cream in the vending machines on route.

The recent economic boom has transformed Abu Dhabi, but the city has not lost sight of its culture. A visit to the Cultural Foundation gives great insight into Abu Dhabi’s past. If you wander around the city centre building, you will discover glass cabinets displaying fascinating black and white photographs of the pre-oil capital. They depict the Abu Dhabi of 50 years ago. This is an Abu Dhabi of basic palm fond huts – in dramatic contrast to the modern, thriving city we see today.

If Abu Dhabi is the UAE’s cultural side, then Dubai is its adventurous side.

In Dubai there are countless exciting opportunities

to experience something new. The desert safari is the perfect example. The safari itself starts at 3pm and finishes around 9.30pm and is a fantastic opportunity to explore the desert. The safari has many notable activities including a campfire and barbecue. However, the highlight is undoubtedly the dune bashing. This is where your driver takes you up and over sand dunes in a four wheel drive. The cost of a desert safari is €40, which is good value for six and a half hours of entertainment.

If you have never skied before, Dubai could be the perfect place to start! You might find the concept of snow in Dubai quite bizarre but Dubai is home to the largest snow park in the world. The slopes are covered with real snow and you can avail of them for skiing, snowboarding or bobsleighing year round. There is also a ski school for beginners. All clothing and equipment is provided in the entrance price which is €25.

If shopping is your thing a visit to Dubai’s Gold Souk is a must. The Gold Souk has been selling gold for over 100 years. Dubai is famous for its cheap gold.

You can buy gold jewellery for half the price it would cost in a jewellery shop in Dublin. (And gold would definitely have been a safer investment than shares in certain Irish banks!)

The UAE is also the perfect location for a family holiday as the beaches are incredible. If you stay in a beachside hotel, you will not be interested in the pool.

The warm, shallow waters are ideal for kids to play in.

Many beaches also have many activities such as water sports for families to partake in.

All in all the UAE offers something very different: a short break with a dash of Arabian magic!

Getting to the UAE: Flights: Between Etihad Airways and Emirates, there are 17 flights from Dublin to the UAE every week.

Ticket prices can start from as little as €500.

Hotel prices: Hotels prices in the UAE are reasonably competitive. This summer, five nights in a four-star beachside hotel in Dubai can cost as little as €450 per person.

Weather: The weather in the UAE is generally hot.

The average temperature in the summer is 34°c and Dubai has 360 days of sunshine per year! Meanwhile, on average, Dubai receives 10 hours of sunshine per day during the summer.

Currency: The currency in the UAE is called the dirham (which is abbreviated to AED). €100 will roughly buy AED 464.70.

Useful websites

www.visitabudhabi.ae www.dubaitourism.ae www.emirates.com www.etihadairways.com www.dubai.ie

Business and pleasure – all in the sun!

The Gulf region is also home to some of the most diverse countries on the planet. Rapidly developing cities such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE make ideal locations for Irish tourists to explore. However, the Middle East is more than a holiday destination. It is the perfect opportunity for the Irish to mix business with pleasure.

The Middle East offers strong business prospects for Ireland. Over the past 25 years, Ireland has used successful trade missions to build relationships with gulf nations such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

And Ireland is beginning to reap the rewards.

Irish exports to the UAE and Saudi Arabia grew steadily from 2000 to 2010. In that time Irish exports

to Saudi Arabia have risen by 40 per cent to total at €499m. Similarly, In the UAE, exports have grown 23 per cent to €270m in the same period.

Today, more than 70 Irish firms are doing business in Saudi Arabia and 20 have a full-time market presence in the country. A similar number of Irish firms are doing business in the UAE and 55 have a presence in the market.

Dublin resident Paul Beecher is a perfect example of how the Irish can prosper in the Middle East. Beecher lived in Dubai for 12 years. When he returned to Ireland, his love for the UAE and Dubai inspired him

to set up his tourism website www.dubai.ie.

According to Beecher, the Middle East provides the ideal opportunity to combine business with pleasure.

“I was involved in the dairy business in the UAE for a long time. My passion for the country and for Dubai led me to the tourism industry and inspired me to set up my website.”

Irish business has a strong foothold in the Middle East, but Beecher believes that there is room for growth.

“There has been a lot of trade between Ireland and the Middle East, but not as much as there could be.

The Trade Board now have a full time representative in Dubai. That role was not always there and I think it is working well. It has been successful, particularly in promoting Irish food. There is a big market in the Middle East for Irish butter, cheese and meat.”

Beecher believes that Irish people have the skills to exploit the business opportunities in the Middle East.

However, he can identify two key areas where the Irish should be performing better.

“Irish business could be taking better advantage of the booming oil industry,” says Beecher. “There are numerous Irish engineers working in the UAE, but there is certainly room for more. There are various projects involving the installation of pipe lines. Projects such as these could put the skills of the Irish engineers to the test.

“There is also room for expansion in the agricultural industry,” says Beecher, “particularly in the dairy business. We could be doing more to exploit the large market for Irish produce.

“Aside from these areas, there are also a lot of Irish nurses and teachers in the UAE. There is definitely a big opportunity for Irish people to travel to the Middle East to teach English.”

Beecher believes that Irish people often have the wrong perception about the UAE. If you’re expecting it to be a quiet and reserved society, think again. “The lifestyle of the Irish in Dubai is very hectic. They work hard and they play hard. There is so much to do and so much going on. Irish people who have never been there will probably think it is a very quiet place but you can compare it more with Temple Bar and Marbella all mixed into one.

“Generally the locals tend to live extravagant lifestyles. They have money and are willing to spend it.

They drive expensive cars and live in nice houses. It is a very exciting place.”

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A helping hand

With the recession in full swing, thousands of young Irish people are flocking to foreign shores in search of adventure, experience and more importantly, a sense of meaning

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hen Ciara Spain,19, set foot in Vietnam, “jet lagged and sticky”, the first thing that struck her was the sheer volume of people. “There were people everywhere. I live in Dublin and I have done a fair bit of travelling but the density of bodies per square inch in Vietnam was something that took me by surprise.”

These are, however, the most friendly and hospitable people you are ever likely to meet. “At the supermarket, people would come up and ask to shake our hands and little kids would come over looking to practice their English.”

Unlike most people of her age, Ciara did not visit Vietnam for a holiday. She was there to teach street children English with EIL Intercultural Learning, an Irish ‘not for profit’ organisation supporting local projects across the world.

“When I told my family and friends that I would be volunteering in Vietnam I was met with concern. It seemed strange to them that I wouldn’t prefer a three week trip to Ibiza with my friends!

“However, standing in front of a class of eight-yearolds doing the ‘hokey pokey’ was an incredible feeling.

I have never laughed so much as when I was in that classroom.”

What surprised Ciara about her time away was the extent of the effect it had on her.

“If you plan on volunteering as a teacher, you are the one that will do most of the learning. It sounds like a funny thing to say but before I went to Vietnam I would of classified myself as a bit of an introvert. None of my friends would expect me to stand up in front of a class but I grew up there. I became more independent.”

Figures released by Volunteers Centres Ireland showed that the numbers of Irish people volunteering had doubled from 2010 to 2011. And it seems that once you catch the volunteer bug, it’s hard to shake.

Judith Lambert, a 25 year-old teacher, has been involved in various volunteer projects, from sports day fundraisers to helping out at homes, for a number of years. This year, she has decided to take the next step and head to Nepal with The Umbrella Foundation, a non-government entity that works with abused children who have been part of the sex trafficking trade.

“My role will mainly be to act as a role model for the

Preparing for your project

Judith Lambert

Ciara Spain

kids. Someone they can look up to and chat to.”

While Judith is looking forward to her time away, she is quick to acknowledge that it is a major undertaking. As well as needing Garda vetting, organising your visa and getting a number of vaccinations, you have to raise money.

All volunteers with the Umbrella Foundation must raise €1,500 to cover their living expenses, programme running costs, expenses for activities and enough money to cover the costs of caring for one child for an entire year.

“The Umbrella Foundation has no corporate or government sponsors, so I am trying to raise as much as possible myself.

“I have a few events planned to meet this target.

I am holding a sports tournament, a mother and daughter evening, a raffle, even ‘bag packing’ at supermarket checkouts! It is a big undertaking but with the right planning it can be perfectly managed.”

For more information on The Umbrella Foundation log on to www.umbrellanepal.org/ To visit Judith Lambert’s fundraising page log on to www.mycharity.ie/event/judy_lambert_nepal/ For more information on EIL Intercultural Learning log on to www.eilireland.org

USIT, an Irish travel company specialising in volunteer programmes, on everything you need to know before volunteering abroad.

Documentation

When considering volunteering abroad it is important to note that there is documentation that needs to be completed and Garda Vetting undergone. USIT goes through all of this with you and review all of your documents.

Research the area

Researching the culture and the area you are going to gives you a better idea of what to expect when you arrive. In terms of the project itself, USIT provides each participant with a brief on all of the projects to give a clear indication of what it will entail.

Vaccinations

Check out vaccinations for your country. USIT recommends the Tropical Medical Bureau (TMB) but usually your local GP can administer these too.

Visa

A visa may be needed, if so USIT will advise you on how to go about obtaining the correct one. In some cases they can process the application for you.

For more information call Martin on (01) 602 1742, email volunteer@usit.ie, visit www.usit.ie/ volunteer or call in to USIT, 19/21 Aston Quay, Dublin 2.

Sailing towards a new

C

Horizon

eltic Link Ferries is a low fares ferry company sailing between Rosslare and Cherbourg, France. Its ship, Celtic Horizon is the newest and fastest vessel sailing on the route. Celtic Horizon is a state-of-the-art vessel that is the only vessel in Ireland that travels to France every week of the year. No longer will people need to curtail their travel arrangements around Christmas time due to there being no available transport.

The company which is locally owned in the SouthEast of Ireland shipped over 60,000 passengers in 2010 and by the end of 2011 the company is on course to have moved 72,000 passengers. Celtic Link Ferries believes that it can move over 85,000 in 2012 due to the increased capacity. Celtic Horizon has the ability to carry 1,000 passengers at any one time.

Celtic Horizon has a host of modern facilities that will allow you to relax away the hours as you travel to your destination. Relax and have a drink at one of the ship’s two bars, grab a bite to eat in the vessel’s onboard restaurant. The restaurant sells a fabulous choice of tasty and conveniently priced food which includes fish, chicken, beef and a range of vegetarian options.

Celtic Horizon has a fantastic selection of cabins.

When you sail with Celtic Link Ferries you will have a choice of a two berth outside, four berth inside, four berth outside, large four berth inside, a six berth outside, a six berth inside, and now for the first time ever, Celtic Horizon offers people the opportunity to travel in pure luxury with their very own Suite cabin. The Suite cabin includes a double bed, a fridge, wine and cheese in your room a leather couch and your own 42 inch television.

What’s most special about Celtic Link Ferries are its prices. Celtic Link Ferries have the absolute best prices for anybody travelling between Ireland and France. People will no longer need to land bridge between Ireland and France and instead travel directly.

By travelling with Celtic Link Ferries during Summer time you can save up to 35% in comparison to the other operators that also go to France from Ireland.

Celtic Link Ferries offer a multitude of value drivers including free bike rack transport, free roof box and there is also no charge for baby cots on board.

The most significant value driver associated with the Celtic Horizon is free pet travel. Pets (under the designated pet passport scheme) are allowed to travel at no cost.

Wine trips are becoming increasingly popular with Celtic Link Ferries. The company offers people the opportunity to travel to France with their car, have a 2 berth outside cabin both ways for as little as €200 return (car + driver + two berth outside cabin). Each additional passenger can travel under this deal for as little as €10 extra each.

For more information call (053) 9162688 or long on to www.celticlinkferries.com