TRAVEL
Home and Away WELCOME to our new weekly column Home and Away, which will become a definitive guide on where to go and what to do in 2009. This feature will identify travel trends at home and abroad, review some of the finest destinations and offer you practical advice on how to bag that last minute bargain and beat those recession blues. It’s important to mention that schools break up again for a fortnight on April 3, followed a week later by the Easter weekend on April 10. As UK holidaymakers find the euro increasingly pricey, it’s likely that France, Italy and Spain are likely to be better value for money for Irish holidaymak-
ers this year. Early booking used to guarantee the best deals but there is a new rule game in town and that’s hold off if you can and find the best deal on offer!
Holiday Hotspot The long haul travel interest of people on the island of Ireland seems to be holding up despite the economic downturn and my suggestion, if Southern Asia interests you, is to strongly consider The Philippine Islands. The 7,000+ islands are a starting point, but a must see, during a typical 10-day visit include island hopping on Boracay, Cebu and Bohol.
The capital Manila combines American, Spanish and Asian influences and its sophisticated feel is exciting along side the constant traffic nightmare. This sprawling metropolis is famous for its hospitality and my favorite hotels include The Shangri La and The Regency. There is a budget to suit every need with accommodation in all standards Ethiad Airlines new daily service ex Dublin via Abu Dhabi is a great way to get to this exciting melting pot, and internal flights are regular and value for money. The best websites for information is www.wowphilippines.co.uk and www. ethiadairways.com.
Weekly Best Buy
Cebu
Living
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TUESDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2009
The island is awash with value at this time and the consumer will ultimately be the winner. My deal of the week is Oslo. Like the Swedish and Danish Kroner, the Norwegian Krone is at a record low against the Euro (€1 to 8.6 Norwegian Krone). So if you are looking for an inexpensive holiday full of culture, make even more savings with the Oslo Pass and get access to free transOslo
port, free attractions and discounts on sightseeing and many other activities. Scandinavian Airlines offer direct flights four times a week from Dublin to Oslo from as little as €90 one way including taxes and charges. Please refer to www.flysas.ie.
with Robert Walshe
Holiday at Home Extra Ballyknockan House and Cookery School in Glenealy, Co Wicklow, is running a course on how to make beauty and spa products. See www.thecookeryschool.ie. Tom Cruises new movie “Valkyrie” an account of an internal plot to overthrow Hitler has brought the German city of Berlin back in vogue. This destination is wonderful, great value and truly historic for World War II enthusiasts. Kempinski Hotels offer two amazing properties in the city with one overlooking the Brandenburg Gate. Aer Lingus ex Dublin and Easyjet ex Belfast International all offer great flight deals.
Robert Walshe is a freelance contributor/broadcaster to travel publications and radio programs across Ireland and the UK.
The well earned weekend away is must do and nearly all hotels are offering super deals Ca st l e g ro v e Co u n t ry House on the outskirts of Letterkenny celebrates 20 years in business in 2009 and plans are afoot to reduce prices accordingly to match 1980’s prices! This rambling home set on the banks ofLough Swilly is paradise, just unwind with the weekend newspapers. The wine selection together with the most wonderful menu never disappoints at this culinary heaven? See www.castlegrove.com