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/

Get on the water in Ireland or Europe!

Things to do on the water Travel Tuesday 16th August 2016

As the temperature heats up for our Irish sailors at the Olympics in Rio, there's still time to enjoy the water at home or on a European city break this autumn. I'm looking at top things to do in Venice, Paris and at home in Ireland. whether you want to take a day trip or are staying near the water and want to try something different there are lots of ways to enjoy the water at home. I've listed a few below.

A word of caution if you are swimming in the sea in the south or east of the country.

Lions Mane Jellyfish

There has been an increase in sightings of Lions Mane jelly fish in the waters around Ireland. If you see large brown shapes in the water with long tendrils then stay well clear. Their sting can cause symptoms such as vomiting nausea and respiratory distress. seventeen were removed from waters in Dun Laoghaire and Sandycove last week. I saw one in Howth Harbour this morning and apparently they are all over Skerries and Portmarnock.

Some victims can suffer an anaphylactic shock from the sting so please keep away if you see the long brown hair-like tendrils. The weever fish is also present in waters one hour either side of low tide so be on the look out for this creature that can also cause shock and excruciating stings.
for more information see the Irish Water Safety board on  www.iws.ie

Lough Erne

County Fermanagh is a beautiful rural county and unspoilt due to its unique geography. With so many lakes and waterways it hasn't been over commercialised or changed by agriculture. Enjoying wonderful views on the water, I recently stayed at the lovely Killyhevlin Hotel which is only two miles from Enniskillen. A water taxi takes visitors into the town and Erne Tours offers a cruise of Lough Erne under cover of glass. For more information see www.ernetours.com
Enjoy a Saturday evening ruise for £28 per adult and £16 per child. Or take a two hour trip to Devenish Island and see some monastic wonders dating back to the sixth century including a round tower and high cross.
If you prefer to follow a food trail then www.ernewatertaxi.com will bring you on a three hour tour of tasting the best food in the area on Saturday Mornings at 10am for £50 pp. If you would rather a picnic then for £35 they offer a picnic hamper of local produce in one of the many beautiful locations on the lough where you can enjoy the food in a peaceful setting.
 Lough Erne is made up of two lakes, Upper Lough Erne and Lower Lough Erne and the best way to see them is to be on them.

A little over two hours drive from Dublin brought us to the Killyhevlin Hotel where we checked in and got straight down to enjoying the leisure facilities. The Kids loved the pool while my friend Catherine and I hopped into the outdoor hot tub to enjoy the view of the lakes. The treatment rooms are tucked away in the leisure centre and I enjoyed a speciality Killyhevlin massage which included a head massage and cleansing facial.

The hotel is bright and modern and we enjoyed cocktails before dinner in Kove restaurant while the girls lapped up their mocktails! Being the year of food and drink is just another excuse to travel up North. But the food was mouthwatering and we enjoyed, duck, sea bass and my daughter sampled the children's menu and devoured her chicken fritters. The staff were so friendly and went out of their way to make us feel at home.

The rooms were large and enjoyed views of the lake and a settee which doubled as an extra bed making it great for families. We really enjoyed our meal and went for a little trip on the water after dinner into the town of Enniskillen by Water taxi. Fermanagh turned out to be quite a nice surprise and I look forward to going back and exploring other parts of Lough Erne another time.

Midweek escape

2 x nights bed and breakfast available Sunday to Thursday, one four course dinner in Kove restaurant, with breakfast each morning.  Guests can also enjoy comp use of the Killyhevlin health club, complete with indoor swimming pool and outdoor hot tub.

From only £99 per person sharing. Subject to availability. http://www.killyhevlin.com/

We enjoyed some of the areas local attractions from boating on the water and exploring the Marble Arch Caves. 

The caves have been open over thirty years and have all the features enjoyed at the Ailwee Caves with similar flora above ground to the Burren in County Clare. It was one of the worlds first Global Geoparks making it a must do for geography teachers and great for school trips.

The caves tour includes a boat trip through the caverns but isn't always open if the water level is high. For more details visit www.marblearchcavesgeopark.com
A guided tour is £9.50 for adults and £6.50 for kids. family tickets are £23 for 2adults and 2 children.

To find out more about things to do in Northern Ireland visit http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/information/aboutNI.aspx

Athlone

I took the kids on a Viking Tour from Athlone Castle on a replica Viking ship. Our captain and navigator gave a running commentary which was informative and enjoyable with stories of folklore and natural history. It proved great fun for all ages and an interesting 45 minute trip along the river to Hodson Bay. At €10 per adult and €5 for kids it was good value too. Running from Easter to the end of October you can find more details here http://www.vikingtoursireland.ie/

We were left off on the jetty at Hodson Bay and home to Baysports Boat and Water Sports Centre. This is Ireland's largest inflatable waterpark and will rival any found on the continent. There was plenty to entice my teens and tweens who were given wet suits on arrival and after debriefing were brought out to the floating pontoon by rib.

The hour spent on the slides, trampolines and other delights slipped by but even after all that exertion they wanted to try kayaking. The waterpark is excellent value at €10 per hour for children up to 14 years old. http://www.baysports.ie/

There are lots of things to do at Baysports so why not fill a day on your way to or from your holiday destination around Ireland. We stayed at the Radisson Blu Athlone and enjoyed great location with the kids to see the town and get to Hodson Bay to enjoy the water sports.

Whether it’s a family break or a trip for the cycling enthusiasts there is something for everyone at Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone this summer.

A family of two adults and two children can enjoy two nights’ accommodation, breakfast each morning to set you up for the day ahead, a delicious dinner on the evening of your choice in Element’s Bistro with bike hire to explore Athlone and beyond in the fresh summer air. The Get Your Greenway On package is available from €445 per family, so trade in the daily grind for some leisure time at Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone this summer.

Couples can enjoy a two-night stay with a freshly prepared breakfast on both mornings and an evening meal in Elements Bistro on a night of your choice. Complete the experience with a scenic cycling tour to explore Athlone and beyond in the fresh summer air. The Get Your Greenway On package is available from €145 per person sharing.

Paris

You  can get on the water even on a city break. It's a great way to get a new perspective of a city.

I've a great deal for a trip to Paris next spring and if you do decide to go to the capital of romance then make time to dine on the Bateau Parisienne.

The Bateaux Parisiens is the most upmarket way to take in views on the River Seine. We sat at cloth covered tables and our hostess greeted us with glasses of wine with kir and warm nuts. We browsed the menu as our barge gently pulled away from the gaze of the Eiffel Tower. The kids devoured the roast chicken and gravy while the adults ate salmon and pork belly. Desserts were more-ish and all this while we were serenaded by a live rendition of La Vie en Rose. 

My daughter Nicole enjoying lunch on Bateaux Parisiens

                                       

Expedia.ie offer Return flights and a three night stay in 5-star Juliana Paris on the Left Bank in Paris start from €381 per person sharing, including taxes and fees; saving €157 altogether when you book this flight and hotel together with Expedia.ie For this deal fly directly from Dublin to Paris with Ryanair on Thursday, March 9th 2017 returning Sunday, March  12^th  2017.

For details of the bateaux Parisiens see http://www.bateauxparisiens.com/ prices start from €59 including three course meal wine and cruise.

Venice

Venice has to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Built on water it has some of the best collections of art from the Guggenheim to St Marks Basilica. In fact every building is a unique piece of art in this city of warm ochres, siennas and pretty painted facades.

Taking a gondola is a must and water taxis will allow you to haggle.

It's a popular destination for departing cruise ships and a stopover at the begining or end is a great opportunity to experience the city.

If you are tempted to get some Late Deals to Italy Topflight have a great deal to Lido de Jesolo

The Hotel Portofino is a 3* hotel offered on a half board basis.

Price includes flights, return transfers, accommodation for 7 nights, all taxes and services of the Topflight respresentative in resort. Go to 

http://www.topflight.ie/summer-sun/italy/venetian_riviera/lido_di_jesolo/hotel_portofino
for flight details and prices - 7 nights September 3rd from €668 pps

Christmas and New Year Luxury from Classic Collection Holidays

Want to get away for Christmas - you need to plan now 

Christmas and New Year Luxury from Classic Collection Holidays

It’s that time of year when those of us who like to plan ahead are booking a winter sun break and Christmas and New Year in the sun are always booked well in advance. Classic Collection Holidays the luxury tailor made specialist has a range of handpicked 4 and 5 Star Hotels available for the holiday period.

The Canary Islands with guaranteed year round sunshine are by far the most popular destinations with Irish holidaymakers. Here are just some of the hotels on offer from the Classic Collection extensive range.

If you want to getaway for the week that takes in Christmas the 4 Star Gloria Palace San Agustin Thalasso & Hotel in Playa San Agustin on Gran Canaria is available on a Half Board basis for just €1,325 per person sharing for 7 nights or if you prefer All Inclusive, in the resort of Maspalomas, the RIU Palace Oasis is available for €2,165 per person. In Lanzarote Classic have a huge range of hotels available starting at €1,365 per person staying at the 4 Star Iberostar Lanzarote Park on a Half Board basis for 7 nights.

For those who prefer Christmas at home and New Year in the sun Classic have 7 nights in Tenerife starting at €1,215 per person for the 5 Star Iberostar Grand Hotel Mencey in Santa Cruz . Prices in Lanzarote start at €1,445 for the Lanzarote Park or treat yourself to a Junior Suite with its own hot tub in the Barcelo Teguise Beach for €2,170 per person .

All Classic Collection Holidays prices include flights, accommodation, private transfers and complimentary access to the Executive Lounges at Dublin, Cork and Shannon  Airports. Holidays are available from any Airport on any day for any duration. The above prices are based on departures on the 22^nd and 29^th December departing from Dublin .

For more details on these and many more offers contact your local travel agent or contact Classic Collection Holidays on 01 5413000 or visit www.classic-collection.ie