TRAVEL
Home & Away with Robert Walshe MANY online travel companies are falling short of consumer expectations for customer service, new research shows. Low cost airlines were amongst the poorest by running only basic booking sites supported by minimal human contact, according to the study of 45 leading travel websites. Cruise lines and cross channel ferry companies scored highly for customer service with consumer queries dealt with quickly and efficiently, the digital market research company digital research found. But the online travel sector still has some way to go to catch retail which is the best cross-sector performer.
Holiday Hotspot Dubrovnik, in Dalmatia’s south, has become one of the best known and most visited holiday destinations in the Mediterranean - popular both with international tourists and celebrities alike. Once you land in this heavenly place, you will discover an abundance of divine and breath taking locations to delight in promising surreal moments which you will remember for a lifetime. Its appeal lies not only in the old world grandeur of its appearance and the range of facilities, but in the stunning landscape that surrounds it; the passionate describing it as one of the finest bases from which to explore the Adriatic coast by sea. Dubrovnik has a rich cultural life that includes theatre, several cinemas as well as a famous film and summer festivals, held yearly in July and August. The city achieved a bit of infamy in the early 90s during the war in old Yugoslavia with footage of Dubrovnik’s walls being bombarded by the Serb paramilitary and Yugoslav army flashing across the world’s media. Dubrovnik has had a long and rich history, these days reflected in its many monuments and the surrounding walls. The city was originally established by the populace of Epidaur (today’s Cavtat). In the 7th Century they created a settlement called Ragusium, the predecessor of Dubrovnik. There is a lot to see and do during your visit to this stunning city including a stroll through the cobbled streets admiring the ancient architecture and exploring the Rector’s Palace, which was home to the Ragusan government. The Dominican Monastery is home to many manuscripts and paintings of the Renaissance school of Ragusa and a must see. The monastery was used as a burial place therefore the floor has tombstones
of many famous Ragusans. Dubrovnik is certainly a five-star destination. Luxury yachts are docked in the harbour, and giant cruise ships are anchored at the port. In the old town, boutiques sell jewellery of local and international ■ Dubrovnik Harbour design and many fine restaurants are tucked away down alleyways, or up countless stairs. Dubrovnik has become a mecca for celebrities, either passing through, or taking their time in soaking up the local atmosphere. While in its early days the city played host to the likes of Agatha Christie, Lord Byron and George Bernard Shaw, these days Dubrovnik attracts the likes of Tom Cruise, John Malkovich, Naomi Campbell, and others. This Unesco-listed city is now so popular with cultural tourists and cruise ships that from June onwards it is packed solid. Therefore I suggest spring or autumn to visit. Remember the tourist season is just beginning and the weather is warm enough for swimming and from high over the city see spectacular sunsets over the Adriatic and its hypnotic nearby islands. The ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, as it is known, houses a selection of Croatia’s most famous luxury hotels. I stayed at the elegant Hotel Lapad overlooking Gruz harbour. The property takes the form of a Venezia villa with a Victorian style façade. The two accommodation wings are linked by a courtyard, with a harbour facing swimming pool and gardens. The room was small but this was more than made up for by the décor and its harbour front location. The staff was generally friendly and the breakfast buffet was well run. Concorde Travel is Irelands Croatian holiday specialist offer packages from Dublin on Aer Lingus flights (Sundays) and Belfast on Sundays (Jet2. com) to Dubrovnik. Tailor made options and durations with Aer Lingus who have 4 weekly departures in high season can also be organised. www.concordetravel. ie www.aerlingus.com For information on Croatia visit www.croatia.hr
Pet’s Corner...
■ Hotel Lapa
d Dubrovn
A holiday to Egypt is an experience not to be missed. Egypt is one of the most vibrant and varied destinations in Africa with ■ Dubrovnik Old Town attractions varying from the gorgeous beaches of the Red Sea, to the pyramids and the bustling cities of Luxor and Cairo. Or for those who prefer a more laidback holiday, the fabulous beach resorts and world-class dive sites of the Red Sea await. Book a package to Egypt for a 10 night stay at 4* Jaz Belvedere Resort in a Superior Room on an all inclusive basis from €717pp or €952pp including taxes. Flights from Dublin with BA. Travel November/ December. www. travelmood.ie The Sunway Cyprus sale is now on with prices valid for departures from 06 - 27 June 2010 based on 7 nights and including flights, transfers, accommodation as stated and all taxes and charges 2* self catering Ayia Napa from €449 3* Nestor Hotel, Ayia Napa, B&B from €599, 4* Elias Beach Hotel, Limassol, B&B from €659 5* Adams Beach Hotel, Ayia Napa, B&B from €849 www.sunway.ie Robert Walshe is a freelance contributor / broadcaster and is guest travel writer and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland
with Kathleen Murray
Hot, dry spells of weather water available at all times and many of them don’t eat during the day, they prefer to eat in the evening. Dogs and cats especially that are living in enclosed cement yards can die from exhaustion. Animals cannot tolerate the same temperatures as us so, while we enjoy sitting in the car behind the glass, enjoying the heat of the sun, dogs can die from that. If you are going shopping or have to take your dog somewhere during the daytime in hot weather then park the car in a very cool, shaded spot (under trees or near a high
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with Kathleen Murray: Animal Behavioural Therapist
WEATHER is something we need to be prepared for. Cool days are great for getting things done but sometimes we get exhausted in the heat and need to rest and drink more water. It’s easier to work in the evening again when it’s cool. It’s the same for animals. Animals are worse off than us as many of them have thick fur coats. Can you imagine trying to do things in hot weather with a fur coat, scarf and hat on? Animals with fur need to find a cool shaded place to rest from the sun. They need lots of fresh, cool
Living
wall) so that the sun can’t get into the car. Leave windows down a bit to let air in. It is always dodgy leaving a car with windows down a little in case of theft but your dog can’t be in a hot car so there’s no choice. Dogs are great defenders of cars so a thief will be warned by a barking dog if they try to steal something. Unfortunately, dog theft is rife also so you may need to get someone to watch the car for a few minutes if you are running into a shop for something. Make sure that your dog is micro-chipped so that, in the
event of it being lost or stolen, it can be scanned and hopefully returned unharmed. Animals in fields can benefit from having a tree to stand under also, as this is preferred by the animal in hot weather or rain. Remember also that the sun moves so at different times of the day the sun will be in different places in your yard or garden. Allow for this if you are going away and leaving an animal outdoors. Animals get sunburn also and skin cancer so please watch over them as they can’t do it for themselves.
Home and Away Extra The consumer product review magazine, Choice, has named Singapore Airlines as the best airline to fly on in 11 out of the 12 most popular international destinations for Australians. British Airways scored the lowest satisfaction levels for flights to the UK. The survey asked 9000 Choice members to rate their satisfaction for their most recent international flights in a number of areas including cost, in-flight service, seat comfort, leg room, punctuality, food quality and the check-in process . One of Ireland’s best known contemporary artists, Neil Shawcross regularly exhibits in Belfast, Dublin, and throughout the country. This year marks his 70th birthday and to celebrate, he is exhibiting over 20 works from his own private collection in The Culloden Estate & Spa, in Belfast throughout the next few weeks. To mark the occasion, Head Chef Paul McKnight and his team have, together with Neil’s input, put together a ‘Shawcross Signature Tasting Menu’, which features dishes selected to showcase the very finest of local produce such as locally caught fresh scallops and Wicklow venison. This tasting menu can be enjoyed with your own wine selection, or alternatively there is also a recommended wine pairing for each course, including, naturally, a glass of Mumm Champagne with the first course. www.hastingshotels.com