I look forward to seeing you on my new site
Happy Travels
Michelle x
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
New Website at thenoveltraveller.com
Thanks you for visiting The Novel Traveller on this site - I have moved all my content and all future posts will be on www.thenoveltraveller.com please click on this link to view.
I look forward to seeing you on my new site
Happy Travels
Michelle x
I look forward to seeing you on my new site
Happy Travels
Michelle x
Friday, September 2, 2016
Halloween Deals to get away in Ireland
If you're hoping to get away for Halloween here are some great travel deals to some of Ireland's nicest hotels from the Novel Traveller
Terrifying tales & ghoulish fun this Halloween at Castlemartyr Co. Cork
Who knows what ghostly tales might lurk in the dramatic ruins of an 800 year old castle? Why not take the family on a bewitching break to find out this Halloween at Castlemartyr Resort in East Cork.
The stunning five-star resort, with castle ruins on site, is offering two nights enchanting accommodation in one of the luxurious family rooms, a delicious full Irish breakfast each morning and dinner for the family on one evening in our Italian restaurant, Franchini’s, on an evening of your choice.
There will be plenty of daily activities for the younger guests with a Halloween Kid’s Club packed full of ghoulish fun and games over the midterm period (28th October – 7th November) that is sure to give them a scream. Meanwhile, the adults can escape to the spectacular wellness, spa and fitness centre where the wrap-around glass frontage surrounding the 20 metre swimming pool and Water Room gives unbeatable views out over the country estate.
The family Halloween break is available from €270 per night based on 2 adults and 1 child sharing under 3 years. To find out more visit www.castlemartyrresort.i
Castlemartyr Resort,
Castlemartyr,
County Cork
T: 021 421 9000
Trick or Treat in Tralee with The Rose Hotel
Family time is precious time and at The Rose Hotel family fun is taken very seriously indeed!
From big, comfortable family rooms to complimentary Kids Club activities during the midterm, family passes to the Aqua Dome right next door –one of Ireland's largest indoor water worlds –to an autumnal walk in the Town Park, The Rose Hotel helps make unforgettable family memories every year.
During Halloween break, Kids Teas are served at 5.30pm just before the Kids Devilish Club opens with a different exciting activity every evening including a broom pumpkin race, Halloween arts and crafts and a fancy dress disco!
Let the little devils enjoy the kids club while the grownups relax and enjoy dinner in The Park Restaurant or a drink in the warm and inviting surroundings of Dott’s Bar.
Free Car Parking, Wi-Fi and access to our gymnasium are also included during your stay.
Halloween Family Room packages start from €174 for 2 adults & 1 child including breakfast, dinner, Kids Teas and Devilsh Club.
For more information:
The Rose Hotel, Dan Spring Road, Tralee, Co. Kerry
Get ready for mystery at Fota Island Resort this Halloween
It’s all getting a little spooky at Fota Island Resort this Halloween! Gather up the mini witches and wizards and whizz the whole family to Fota Island Resort for spook-tacular two night stay in a comfy and spacious room and enjoy all that this private island has to offer. Take a stroll in the woods, if you’re brave enough and keep your eyes peeled for any ghosts and goblins that may be lurking around before attending the spine-chilling Halloween Event… What happens is a mystery that will be unleashed on those that are courageous enough to attend! Family Halloween breaks to Fota Island Resort are available from €200 midweek and €240 at the weekend for a family room that accommodates 2 adults and 1 child, an extra bed can be added at a supplement of €25 (can be arranged with Reservations ahead of your stay).
Fota Island Resort, Fota Islan
Halloween in the City at The Kingsley
There is plenty of spooky discoveries to be made in Cork City and The Kingsley is the perfect base from which to explore them! Located only minutes away from the bustling city centre and an array of activities waiting to be uncovered. If your little ones are brave enough, surprise them with a guided evening tour through the spooky halls of the Cork City Gaol and experience the eerie atmosphere of this famous landmark. Halloween breaks including overnight stay and breakfast to The Kingsley are available in a deluxe family room for 2 adults and 1 child from €162 midweek and from €187 on weekends, classic family rooms for 2 adults and 2 children are available from €187 midweek and €212 at the weekends.
The Kingsley, Victoria Cross, Cork
T: 021 480 0555
A Cosy October with your Lil Lodgers at The Lodge at Ashford Castle
There is a special family focused package available at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, perfect for the little ones, called Lil’ Lodgers.
The all-important Lil’ Lodgers themselves receive a separate check in and registration, with a Kids pack waiting for them on arrival that includes a colouring book with colours, and an Estate map so every day’s excursions can be closely planned and followed. There’s a Kids Turndown with milk and cookies to look forward to on both evenings too.
The grown-ups enjoy uninterrupted dinner in Wilde’s at The Lodge at Ashford on one night, and the blissful peace of mind that their Lil’ Lodgers are off having a great time under the supervision of professionals (additional babysitting charge applicable)
The Lil’ Lodgers package also includes Corrib Cruise tickets, a fantastic lake adventure on the M.V. Corrib Queen or the M.V. Isle of Inisfree, the two handsome vessels sailing this family-run passenger boat service on Lough Corrib daily.
There are additional local activities that can also be enjoyed, including the remarkable Hawk Walk at Ashford Castle with Ireland’s School of Falconry, the oldest established falconry school in Ireland, which specialises in one hour private excursions where you fly the hawks – now that’s something exciting and unusual to do on your summer holidays!
The Lodge at Ashford Castle provides a warm welcome to guests of all ages. The Nintendo Wii Room is a fun place to spend time together, and there are plenty of outdoor activities in the area including fishing, cruising on the Corrib, nature walking, archery, clay pigeon shooting, horse riding as well as falconry. At The Lodge at Ashford Castle the whole family will be entertained indoors and out, no matter what the season.
Lil lodgers Family Package
Two night stay including breakfast for the whole family in a Duplex Suite. Enjoy some alone time with dinner for two in Wilde’s, while your children are being looked after by the most experienced babysitters, they will enjoy a special Lil Lodgers meal of their own. On day 2 enjoy a day trip on the Corrib Cruiser. Milk & Cookies on arrival the little ones.
Package from €599.00 per stay based on two adults & two children.
For more information:
The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Cong, Co. Mayo
T: 098 413 4418
Friday, August 26, 2016
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 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.
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.
Salem witch museum, the best place to learn about the famous trials.
A trip to Boston and Salem this midterm will set you back this much with Tour America
www.touramerica.ie
Expedia have an offer for a family travelling to Boston for mid-term leaving on Thursday 27th October
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.
Portaventura with Travalue
TEL: 01 629 2000
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/
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/
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.
 |
| federation house Salem |
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 1st 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
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!
Halloween in Port Adventura
Tavalue have a deal to Spain for a family of four this year staying at this lovely hotel
Price Based on 2 Adts & 2 Chd ( under 12yrs)http://www.travalue.ie/deals/
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
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, 29th – 30th October 2016
Package Includes:
· Travel by luxury coach & Irish Ferries Ulysses
· All transfers
· Entrance to Alton Towers Scarefest on Saturday 29th 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 29th October
Saturday 29th 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 30th 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
Finally Something for the Big Kids
Viva Las Vegas
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
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 1st 2016.
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 WEEKSM 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.
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