Halloween Holidays

Some ideas for Mid Term Break and Halloween

With the kids back to school this week, it's time to think about Halloween Break if you haven't already. Halloween has become a big festive date in the calendar especially if you have kids. So I've put together some ideas for things to do this Halloween!
see www.massvacation.com

Boston skyline

Boston and New England come into their own this time of year and the new England Fall is legendary for a reason. But to really appreciate witchcraft the town of Salem is a must. The Haunted Happenings events run for the entire month of October and are especially good for those visiting with kids. Anyone with an interest in the occult will be spooked to their full satisfaction.

graveyard from the witch trials in Salem

When I visited Salem last year with my son we had our fortunes told and we went on a tour of the graves and haunted locations around the town. The history of the town is fascinating and you will be truly entertained.
For a full list of things to do in Salem go to the Haunted Happenings Website and get ready for a scarily good time http://hauntedhappenings.org/

Some pictures of Salem taken last year.

Omen Witch store where we had our fortunes told

Salem is steeped in history and stories from the witch trails and you can find actors re-enacting the hysteria on the streets.

This quirky bewitched town, where even the cop cars sport witches emblems, is only a thirty minute train ride from Boston. Made infamous by the witch trials of 1692 where twenty innocent people were put to death for witch craft, Salem has been a source of intrigue for writers for centuries. We stayed at the Salem Waterfront Hotel which has a small and cosy swimming pool. It is also next to the delicious Fin's restaurant which offers incredible seafood.

We took the Trolley Tour to get our bearings and pass the House of the Seven Gables, made famous by author Nathaniel Hawthorne. It was impossible to avoid references to the Witch Trials so we go to the Salem Witch Museum to get the full story. Re-enactments of the trials can be seen at the Witch Dungeon and even on the main street. Everything is close by in this pretty town with fine examples of federation houses and brownstones − each labelled with a date and name of the original owner. This is America where the smell of apples and cinnamon resonates through the wooden eaves of the buildings.

Salem witch museum, the best place to learn about the famous trials.

federation house Salem

A trip to Boston and Salem this midterm will set you back this much with Tour America
www.touramerica.ie

or call Dublin  01-8173535

cork -21-2429222

Boston fr€1239 per person

Return direct flights, All taxes and charges

4 Nights accommodation Boston Marriott Copley Square

Return ferry Boston - Salem

Based on 2 adults sharing

Date of departure: 28th October 2016

Our Ref: 519914

Expedia have an offer for a family travelling to Boston for mid-term leaving on Thursday 27th October

  Boston with the family

Return flights and a four night stay in the 4-star Royal Sonesta Boston on the Charles River in Boston for two adults and two children start from €699 per person sharing, including taxes and fees; saving €50 altogether when you book this flight and hotel together with Expedia.ie For this deal fly directly from Dublin to Boston with Aer Lingus on Thursday, October 27th 2016 returning Tuesday, November 1^st 2016.

Salem is a 30 minute car/train ride from Boston, and you can also get there by boat. Expedia.ie offers a Fast Ferry: Boston to Salem for €23.

Disneyland Paris

For kids one of the most magical places to enjoy Halloween is Disneyland. While it is lovely to get some sun this time of year and there are deals to Orlando Euro Disney is much closer and I've found a package from Abbey Travel which might tempt you to treat the kids this autumn.

ABBEY TRAVEL

‘Back to School’ mid-term break offers

With the kids going back to school in the next few days why not plan a getaway for the October mid-term break.

If you book a stay at Disneyland Paris now you can save up to 25% off hotel and park tickets. During mid-term prices for a family of 2 adults and 2 kids start from €1875 including return flights, transfers, 4 nights B&B in Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe and 5 days’ park tickets. Offer is subject to availability. 

TEL: 01 804 7160

http://www.abbeytravel.ie/seasonal-offers/midterm-holidays.aspx

Portaventura with Travalue

I've been to Barcelona in November in the past and pleasantly surprised by the weather - so Portaventura is a sunnier option to enjoy mid-term and Halloween break in Spain. If you haven't been to Portaventura then this three night city break might be the perfect way to try out this lovely part of Spain.

For the most frighteningly fun time of the year, spend Halloween in PortAventura! Get ready for a celebration where mystery reigns!  Become closely acquainted with a greedy sheriff, face the vampire teacher, meet a master pumpkin sculptor and all kinds of amusing characters. Chills are guaranteed!

TRAVALUE.IE

Halloween in Port Adventura

Tavalue have a deal to Spain for a family of four this year staying at this lovely hotel

Halloween In PortAventura

€1265 Family 2 Adults & 2 Children

Price Based on 2 Adts & 2 Chd ( under 12yrs)http://www.travalue.ie/deals/holiday/halloween-in-port-aventura/

2 Adts and 2 Chd (under 12 yrs) – 4 Night break €1265

Return flights

10kg Hand luggage per person

Airport transfers

4 Nights accommodation in the 4* Regente Aragon Hotel on a B&B basis

2 Day Pass to Port Aventura

 return flights, airport transfers, 4 Nights in a 4* hotel B&B and a 2 day pass to PortAventura.

TEL: 1890 289 255

Travalue.ie

Alton Towers Scarefest

If you would like a break closer to home and want to take advantage of the weak pound then Celtic Horizons offer a great deal to Alton Towers and taking the ferry means having a mini cruise in the process.

Halloween at Alton Towers Scarefest

ALTON TOWERS SCAREFEST,

October Bank Holiday Weekend, 29^th – 30^th October 2016

Package Includes:

·         Travel by luxury coach & Irish Ferries Ulysses

·         All transfers

·         Entrance to Alton Towers Scarefest on Saturday 29^th October

Cost: €139.00 Adult / €115.00 Child [U/16]

·         Travel by luxury coach & Irish Ferries Ulysses

·         All transfers

·         Entrance to Alton Towers Scarefest on Saturday 29^th October

Saturday 29^th October

From:	Pick up point	Time
Galway	Go Bus Coach Station	03.45

Transfers from Galway are direct to Dublin with Go Bus @ €23pp

There are no pick ups along the way.

Please transfer to the Celtic Horizon Tours coach at Topaz* in Dublin Port, as per itinerary below

07.00hrs               Join your coach at the Irish Ferries (Terminal 1) North Wall

08.05hrs               Depart North Wall on Irish Ferries Ulysses

11.20hrs               Arrive Holyhead

14.30hrs               Arrive Alton Towers – non-stop

21.00hrs               Depart Alton Towers

Sunday 30^th October

01.00hrs               Arrive Holyhead – comfort stop en-route

02.40hrs               Depart Holyhead on Irish Ferries Ulysses.

05.55hrs               Arrive North Wall

*Passengers joining from GoBus / Galway will join our coach at the North Wall.

TEL: 01 629 2000    

EMAIL: info@celtichorizontours.com

www.celtichorizontours.com

Finally Something for the Big Kids

Viva Las Vegas

Las Vegas is my number one go to spot for Halloween. I love this town and they really know how to enjoy festive occasions and Halloween is one of the best! To see all that Las Vegas has to offer go to Las Vegas CVA by clicking on the link. After my last visit I was inspired to write a book - there's so much more to Vegas than you can imagine - It's also close to the Grand Canyon which is on most people's bucket lists.

Every hotel decorates their foyers, bars and nightclubs with such attention to detail you will think you are on the set of a horror movie.

Everybody dresses up on Halloween night and I loved being scared so the old strip is definitely the place to be

This is one of my favourite bar tenders that I'd the pleasure to meet in Vegas. Of course I bumped into Elvis too!

So tune in for Travel Tuesday on TV3's Midday at 11.30 on TV3.

check out this great deal with Tour America

www.touramerica.ie

or call Dublin  01-8173535

cork -21-2429222

Las Vegas fr€789 per person

Return flights, All taxes and charges

4 Nights accommodation Linq Hotel

Based on 2 sharing

Date of departure: 28th October 2016

Our Ref: 519912

Expedia have a great offer for Las Vegas at Halloween

 Las Vegas for couples

Return flights and a four night stay in the 4-star MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for two adults start from €728 per person sharing, including taxes and fees; saving €419 altogether when you book this flight and hotel together with Expedia.ie For this deal fly from Dublin to Las Vegas via Philadelphia with American Airlines onThursday, October 27th 2016 returning Tuesday, November 1^st 2016.

If you really want to soak up the Halloween atmosphere without moving from the comfort of your armchair then my book 4am in LAs Vegas is on €2,99 on amazon kindle. Click here to buy 4am in Las Vegas

For more travel deals keep an eye on the Irish Travel Agents Association website for the latest news and ideas http://itaa.ie/

It's New York Theatre week again!

NYC & COMPANY ENCOURAGES THEATERGOERS TO SAVE DURING NYC BROADWAY WEEK^SM WITH TWO-FOR-ONE TICKETS ON SALE TODAY

—Nearly 20 Broadway Shows Participate from

September 5 to 18—

New York City (August 18, 2016) — NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, is encouraging theatergoers to purchase two-for-one tickets for the next iteration of its biannual program NYC Broadway Week. Tickets will go on sale to 19 of Broadway’s top shows starting at 10:30am today at nycgo.com/broadwayweek for performances taking place from September 5 to 18.

“We are thrilled NYC Broadway Week returns to give theater fans the chance to see the world’s best talent at an amazing value,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. “This year, we have brand-new shows and long-standing favorites participating in the program, so there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy the popular theater promotion.”

“Broadway Week is a wonderful time for both New Yorkers and visitors to take a break from the summer sun to sit in a cool theatre to enjoy some of our hottest shows,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League. “Thanks to NYC & Company’s innovative 2-for-1 ticket offer, two people can see a Broadway show for the price of one, so savvy theatre fans who love plays and musicals can see twice as many!”

Shows participating in NYC Broadway Week:*

·         Aladdin

·         An American in Paris

·         Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

·         Cats**

·         Chicago The Musical

·         Cirque du Soleil Paramour**

·         The Color Purple

·         Fiddler on the Roof

·         Holiday Inn**

·         The Humans

·         Jersey Boys

·         Kinky Boots

·         The Lion King

·         Matilda the Musical

·         On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan

·         The Phantom of the Opera

·         School of Rock

·         Something Rotten!

·         Wicked

*Subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply.

**New NYC Broadway Week participants

Consumers can enter the Official NYC Broadway Week Sweepstakes, powered by Audience Rewards, for the opportunity to win dinner at Becco and tickets to a Broadway show for the winner and five friends.

Since its launch in January 2011, NYC Broadway Week has cumulatively sold 842,593 tickets, generating $56.4 million in revenue for Broadway. NYC Broadway Week is produced by NYC & Company in partnership with American Express, Amtrak, Audience Rewards, The Broadway League, NBC 4 New York, Telecharge and Ticketmaster, and with support from AARP.

Sporty holidays or getting into shape while on holiday

There seems to be so much sport on the news over the last couple of weeks with the Olympics and all sorts of events to motivate us so I thought I'd explore some novel things to do for sporty types. With our lovely presenter Elaine Crowley on Midday doing Celebrity Operation Transformation everybody seems to be on the move and working that body.
In case you haven't realised she's no stranger to working out and is incredibly fit - No1 Bootcamp is just one of the places where she has stayed and you can stay there too

Basic details about the camps  & pictures 

No 1 Boot Camp runs Europe's most popular super-healthy weight loss retreats. Its main camp is on the beautiful North Norfolk coast in England, close to the Queen's Sandringham estate. Elaine Crowley has been to the Norfolk camp along with lots of celebrities including Arg from The Only Way Is Essex (pic included).

Gee Leary is the No 1 Boot Camp head trainer - very hunky. He looks like a movie star. Picture included. 

No 1 Camp has a second camp in Ibiza which runs from March till October. It is very popular with celebrities such as Ireland's Nadia Forde. Two pictures included of her at camp. Other pictures of celebs at the Ibiza camp include Ashley Roberts from the Pussycat Dollars, Vanessa White from the Saturdays, Binky Felstead from Made In Chelsea. No 1 Boot Campers hiking and doing yoga on the beach as well as the beautiful Ibizan coastline near the camp.

Ethos of the camp

No 1 Boot Camp aims to help clients lose weight fast. Average weight loss is around 1lb a day - so we aim for most campers to lose at least half a stone in their first week. We cater for all levels of fitness - from the seriously out of shape to super-fit gym bunnies who want to hone their fitness.

Almost all our trainers are ex-Military so their routines are based on the science which informs Army/Marine physical instruction. It is tough but the trainers are well aware they are dealing with paying clients so they go easy on the shouting.

The aim is to lose weight but also instigate long-term lifestyle change so that ex-boot campers go home with lots of good habits they can keep up at home.

Prices

Prices for the Norfolk camp start at  €1,000 for a shared room, going up to  €1,900 for the most luxurious single room. 

Prices for the Ibiza camp start at €1,500 for a shared room week, going up to €2,900 for the most luxurious single room. 

Full prices here (in £s)

http://www.no1bootcamp.com/index.php?page=dates_and_prices

 * * *
Check out the Irish Travel Agents Association website for a selection of late deals and specialised holidays
http://itaa.ie/

Cycling Holidays at Kanes Travel

Tel: 0433 334500

www.kanestravel.ie

·         We work with Velo Vercors (www.velovercors.com) who offer a one stop cycling holiday in the Vercors alps of France.

·         Prices as follows for Sportive challenges

·         We can tailor make a package at any time of year to suit groups or families or particular interests and abilities.

ALL RATES are Price Per Person based on 2 sharing a room in a gite or B&B. Include some evening meals, breakfasts, Transfers on arrival and departure, Transport to Sportive, accompanied rides. See cyclosportive page for full details.
7 nights         3 night weekend
Vercors Challenge (May)	Euro699	Euro459
L'Ardechoise (June)	Euro749	Euro489
La Dromoise (Sept)	Euro699	Euro459

The Vercors offers superb Alpine training for the Etape or the Marmotte. The 3 local sportives we support are well organised events that attract a wide range of cyclists' and have a buzz and atmosphere similar to Top Amateur and Professional races. They are on closed or marshalled roads giving much greater safety than UK sportives. Local villages embrace the events offering support and a warm welcome for all the riders with local town bands, animations and a festival atmosphere. There are regular feed and drink stops and a buffet at the finish. Timing chips will also be given to record an accurate time and place. We will be supporting riders on the following local events and offer weekend and weekly packages priced on a per person rate on a shared basis in our gites or B&B.  

At Cullentragh Lodge, Velo Leitrim offer you the opportunity to enjoy the comforts of their Irish home which they have lovingly restored. Experience staying in an original classic Irish stone cottage complemented by eco credentials, luxurious interiors and stunning views. An ideal base to discover everything the hauntingly, beautiful County of Leitrim has to offer. 

Whether you come to cycle, walk or simply chill out, Cullentragh Lodge, with its spectacular views across the valley and the peaceful surroundings will leave you with wonderful memories.

Their hand chosen bike routes will lead you along quiet, low traffic roads, along rolling hills, Loughs, Waterfalls and the Wild Atlantic Way. And if you don't want the hassle of bringing your own bikes they can arrange bikes to be ready and waiting for your arrival.

The  location offers a great choice of being in Leitrim but just a stone’s throw from the Counties of Cavan, Donegal, Sligo and Mayo in the Republic and Enniskillen across the border. It offers the best of country living with its abundance of lakes, rich landscape and incredible fauna and flora as well as being situated only 35kms from The Wild Atlantic Way with its many sandy beaches and Top Surfing locations

weekly rental of lodge is €925 for six people

* * *

Enjoy a deluxe hiking holiday in Madonna di Campiglio, a beautiful resort in the Dolomite Mountains.- last minute deal with Topflight is good value

Madonna di Campiglio is one of the most beautiful destinations for walkers, hikers and groups alike. Explore scenic mountain trails, spectacular landscapes and some of the most beautiful paths in the Dolomites. You will be based in the luxurious 4-Star Superior Hotel Cristal Palace, a beautiful Alpine-style hotel.

the dolomites

ABOUT THE 4-STAR SUPERIOR HOTEL CRISTAL PALACE

Stay at the elegant Hotel Cristal Palace in Madonna di Campiglio during your deluxe hiking holiday. Hotel Cristal Palace boasts stunning Alpine-inspired architecture, along with a beautiful wooden interior. The rooms in the Cristal Palace are luxurious, comfortable and spacious while the facilities are of the highest quality.

After an activity-packed day of hiking, guests can unwind in the beautiful panoramic restaurant and bar. Enjoy spectacular views of Madonna di Campiglio and the Brenta Dolomites.

You will be spoiled for choice by the range of treatments at the Cristal Energy SPA, with a vast range on offer. Enjoy a relaxing swim in the heated indoor pool, or perhaps indulge in a massage treatment, and recharge your batteries.

www.topflight.ie for more details - September 10th departure €849
01-2401784

YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES

 Return Flights from Dublin
 Return Transfers by Luxury Coach
 7 Nights Half Board Accommodation at the 4-Star Superior Hotel Cristal Palace
 A FREE 6-Day Dolomeet Card / Lift Pass (worth up to €85)
 5 local guided hikes, with two private guides for groups of up to 40 people
 20kg baggage allowance  All taxes

* * *

The Novel Traveller is notoriously not sporty even though I love adventure and chance to do something daring but even I could be tempted to go healthy while on a cruise and two of my favourite cruislines are offering healthy options. Going on a cruise doesn't automatically mean that you are going to put on a few kilos and I love the idea of losing weight, toning up and getting all sporty in a different country everyday?

Celebrity Cruises

1)     Yoga on The Lawn Club at Sea

·        Pull off your best downward facing dog or sun salutation while taking in the serenity of the turquoise seas. Celebrity Cruises guests can take to the real grass lawn on the top deck and enjoy a yoga class while sailing into idyllic destinations such as the Greek Isles, Turkey and Italy

·        The mind-body yoga workout features T-Spheres to help stretch and flex out of the workstation slump or texting crouch. The pressure-point experience facilitates unwinding with quiet, precise movements that corrects poor body alignment, increases flexibility, relieves mental stress and promotes restorative sleep

·        Costs from

2)     AquaClass information

·        For the ultimate health and fitness enthusiast, Celebrity Cruises serene AquaClass® Staterooms are the holiday of choice. Located comfortably close to the AquaSpa Relaxation Room, the Solarium and the Persian Garden, each room offers a beautiful balcony and some in-room extras to help guests relax. AquaClass® Stateroom extras include a plush bathrobe and slippers, an aromatherapy diffuser, pillow menu and additional toiletries including shower gel, facial spray and lip balm. Daily deliveries of bottled water and teas are made, with an enhanced room service menu on offer designed with health-conscious guests in mind

·        Guests will have access to a Personal Spa Concierge, who will arrange AquaSpa® treatments for them, and guests can also take part in Celebrity Cruises special programme of wellness classes like meditation and yoga

·        Celebrity Cruises offers an exclusive AquaClass® guests restaurant for breakfast and dinner, Blu offering “clean cuisine”  

3)     Kayak, Snorkel, and Beach Experience (George Town, Grand Cayman

·        Enjoy three fun adventures on one tour with kayaking, snorkeling and relaxing at Seven Mile Beach. You'll receive snorkel gear and a two-person kayak at the water sports complex on Seven Mile Beach. Then paddle toward the official Governor's Residence and snorkel among the abundant tropical fish and coral formations at Governor's Reef before paddling back. Enjoy complimentary rum or fruit punch and spend an hour enjoying the beach facilities

·        Costs from $59 USD per child and $84 USD per adult

4)     Reventazon Whitewater Rafting (Puerto Limon, Costa Rica)

·        Grab a paddle and hit the river for a fast, fun, and unforgettable ride down these legendary rapids. The Reventazon River has hosted the World Rafting Championships. Now, it’s your turn. Rumble down an easy to maneuver section of the river thats perfect for kids, families, and all types of adventurous souls. Zoom over swirling rapids. Enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you and have a blast on this funfilled adventure down the river

·        Costs from $99  per person

5)     Cozumel 12 Metre America'S Cup Regatta (Cozumel, Mexico)

·        Be part of Americas Cup history as you sail the fastest "Twelves" ever built. Designed to do one thing race in Americas Cups the 12metre class was retired following Dennis Conner’s win in 1987 at the helm of Stars and Stripes. Very few people have had the privilege of sailing aboard these classic mega yachts. Now you can be one of them as you experience the thrill of racing in the original Dennis Conner’s challenge

·        Costs form $114 per person

6)     Mayan Frontier By Horseback and Ecolounge Beach Break (Cozumel, Mexico)

·        Saddle up and ride through the natural wonders of the island of Cozumel. Horses are assigned and instructions are given at Rancho Buenavista. You'll ride through the rainforest passing original Mayan ruins, replicas and caves dating back 1,500 years. Your guide explains Mayan history and customs as you trot along the trails. After this mystical experience, you'll arrive at a beautiful beach where you can relax, swim and enjoy the amazing Caribbean breeze

·        Costs from $60 per child and $99 per adult

Package

Join Celebrity Cruises’ (www.celebritycruises.co.uk; 0800 441 4054) Celebrity Equinox on a 12-night Ultimate Caribbean fly/cruise from €2,189 per person (based on two adults sharing an interior stateroom).
Price includes return flights from Dublin, transfers, one-night pre-cruise accommodation and a 10-night cruise departing from Ultimate Caribbean Cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) and calling at George Town (Grand Cayman), Cartagena (Colombia), Colon (Panama), Puerto Limon (Costa Rica) and Cozumel (Mexico) for an overnight stay before returning to Fort Lauderdale for the flight home.

Price is based on 19 January 2016 departure.

* * *

MSC offer The perfect cruise for wellness & fitness enthusiasts

The new Wellness Experience - powered by Technogym, gives you the privileged access to state-of-the-art fitness equipment, a comprehensive one-on-one health assessment, a personalized fitness program and a selection of healthy food and drink options to choose from. We’ve partnered with Technogym, the world’s leading wellness company, to bring this new experience exclusively to the 

MSC Cruises’ ships starting from Summer 2017.

Further customize your vacation based on your own personal desires and interests by booking the new Wellness Experience – part of the existing Inclusive Experience categories that guests can choose when booking their cruise.

The personalized experience features cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art fitness facilities, specialized food & beverage offerings, exclusive shore excursions, and access to MSC Cruises’ Master Trainers certified by Technogym.

Discover the wellness category that best suits your goals

As soon as you book the Wellness Experience, you’ll be invited to compete the Aspiration Finder™ - the first-ever scientific questionnaire developed by Technogym’s Research Department – which helps MSC understand your wellness motivations and match you with one of the following wellness categories. The result of the questionnaire is a personalized Aspiration Map, which forms the basis for the individualized program.

ONBOARD CONSULTATIONS AND HEALTH ASSESSMENTS

Receive a one-on-one appointment with a MSC Master Trainer, who will conduct an assessment consisting of body scale analyzer test combined with an in-depth consultation. You’ll also receive a medical check-up with the MSC Doctor, which will include a blood pressure test, electrocardiogram 

ACCESS TO THE MY WELLNESS APP

Receive complimentary access to the MSC Cruises-only version of Technogyms’ award-winning mywellness app. This app tracks your movement & assigns a daily movement target, includes info from your personalized training program and allows you to see fitness class schedules 

Starting price on inside cabin for wellness package is €949pp on the newest ship MSC Meraviglia with €300 add on for flights!!

* * *

To find out more details about cruise prices and offers contact www.cruiseholidays.ie

So Tune in to TV3 tomorrow for Travel Tuesday to hear all about these fab options to get fit this autumn