Some deals with Royal Caribbean Cruises

Book before August 3rd to get these special offers with Royal Caribbean Cruises

14 Night Italian Med 
Anthem of the Seas 
01-15 September 2015 
Sailing round trip from Southampton 

Itinerary includes: Gibraltar, United Kingdom; Cartagena, Spain; Rome (from Civitavecchia), Italy; Florence and Pisa (from La Spezia), Italy; Provence (from Marseilles), France; Seville (from Cadiz), Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Vigo, Spain. 

Prices from €1,759 per person (based on two sharing an interior stateroom) excluding gratuities. Price includes flights from Dublin Airport. Book before 3 August to receive up to $400 to spend onboard! 

Enjoy eight buzzing cities this summer onboard Anthem of the Seas, an action-packed ship which is home to incredible facilities including the Ripcord by iFly skydiving simulator, FlowRider surf simulator, the North Star viewing capsule and the fun and futuristic SeaPlex, where you can practice your circus skills or ride the dodgems! After a day of excitement, you can unwind at the spa or lounge by one of the pools, taking in the gorgeous Mediterranean views. Alternatively, let the adventure continue into the night with a visit to the show-stopping robotic Bionic Bar or enjoy a show at the Royal Theatre! 

For more information on Royal Caribbean International or to book, visit www.royalcaribbean.ie or call 1800 939 490. 

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9 Night Greek Isles 
Rhapsody of the Seas 
30 October – 08 November 2015 
Sailing round trip from Rome (from Civitavecchia), Italy 

Itinerary includes: Katakolon, Greece; Athens (from Piraeus), Greece; Ephesus (from Kusadasi), Turkey; Rhodes, Greece; Chania (from Souda), Crete, Greece; Naples, Italy. 

Prices from €749 per person (based on two sharing an interior stateroom) excluding gratuities and flights. Book before 3 August to receive up to $400 to spend onboard! 

Experience all that Rhapsody of the Seas has to offer, including 11 decks of fun-filled activity for all the family, amazing dining, and stylish accommodation. Rhapsody of the Seas is a light and airy ship with incredible panoramic views, plus top quality sports and fitness facilities, from running tracks to rock walls! What better way to see the beautiful Greek Isles this October? 

For more information on Royal Caribbean International or to book, visit www.royalcaribbean.ie or call 1800 939 490. 


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10 Night Thailand Cambodia & Vietnam 
Legend of the Seas 
11-21 October 2015 
Sailing round trip from Singapore, Asia 

Itinerary includes: Ko Samui, Thailand; Bangkok and Laemchabang, Thailand; Sihanoukville, Cambodia; Nha Trang, Vietnam; Ho Chi Minh (from Phu My), Vietnam. 

Book your holiday before 3 August to benefit from Buy One Get One Half Price (on cruise fare only) - prices start from €2,380 for first guest and just €1,998 for second guest (based on two sharing an interior stateroom) excluding gratuities. Price includes flights and transfers (based on flights from Dublin Airport). 

Experience the exotic delights of South East Asia whilst taking full advantage of Legend of the Seas’ magnificent facilities, including a 9-hole mini golf course, four whirlpools, a beauty salon and a spa and fitness centre, encased by endless glass walls which provide a South East Asian view worth witnessing! 

For more information on Royal Caribbean International or to book, visit www.royalcaribbean.ie or call 1800 939 490. 

Kissimee Quick!

Heading to Florida this summer, then don’t forget to Experience Kissimmee 

Visitors flock to Kissimmee and the surrounding areas to visit world famous theme parks and lose themselves in the fantasy for a time. But Kissimmee also has some truly unique opportunities for fun and adventure so discover the variety of attractions and activities on offer.

If high flying adventure is on your bucket list, then head on over to Warbird Adventures, where you can take the controls of an authentic WWII fighter plane. Explore the great outdoors in a canoe or in an airboat and test the limits of your adventurous spirit.

Warbird Adventures: This is the real thing. Come fly like the aces of yesteryear in some of the most significant military aircraft in history and prepare yourself for the experience of a life-time ! Whether you want a thrilling aerobatic adventure or a smooth straight-and-level flight, the experience will never be forgotten. You take the controls in the front seat for your Discovery flight and one of our very experienced instructors will teach you everything you want to learn about flying these pieces of history. It’s a 100% hands on experience. 

Airboat Rides: There’s nothing like the wind-in-your-hair adventure of “flying” across the water in an airboat. Visitors from around the world travel to Kissimmee to climb aboard and travel at speeds of up to 40 mph to get to the best spots for alligator and bird watching (Side note: Did you know Osceola County is home to the largest number of nesting bald eagles in the lower 48 states?). A number of airboat operators launch out of area lakes – including Boggy Creek Airboats, Marsh Landing Adventures, Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides and Wild Florida Airboats and Wildlife Park. 

Ziplining: The first step is the hardest when you’re strapped into the zipline harness and you’re contemplating stepping off the platform to embark on a long zip ride to the other side. But the feeling when you successfully land on the other side is indescribable. Kissimmee is home to some of the best zipline and obstacle course attractions in the country, including a zipline rollercoaster at Forever Florida Ziplines and Adventures in the Wild. A new attraction guaranteed to test your agility and stamina is Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park, offering an elevated obstacle course that includes ziplining, suspended bridges, Tarzan swings and much more at heights of 10 to 60 feet above the ground! One of Florida’s original roadside attractions also has the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line. You won’t be able to resist dazzling your friends and family with stories of ziplining over a marsh with hundreds of alligators and over jumping crocodiles.

The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek: Some of Florida’s most beautiful scenery can be found in Kissimmee, particularly along Shingle Creek, which are the headwaters of the Florida Everglades.  Guests can climb into a canoe or kayak – single or tandem – and take a journey under a cypress-tree lined creek. The attraction truly is an oasis nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of the theme parks. 

For more information on Kissimmee please see www.experiencekissimmee.com, follow @kissimmee on Twitter and like facebook.com/experiencekissimmee.

I Love New York and EVERYONE else can too!

New York has to be one of my favourite cities. I love it so much that I set my second novel there - Three Nights in New York. I always seem to stay for three nights too which is the perfect time to see lots and leave loads more for the next time!

Below is information for people with disability who need to know in advance suitable places to visit.

NYC & COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS ACCESSIBLE

NEW YORK CITY ATTRACTIONS AND EVENTS

—All Five Boroughs Offer Accessible Attractions and Events for People with Disabilities—

New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organisation, is highlighting New York City as an accessible and inclusive destination featuring attractions and events not to be missed in all five boroughs.

In celebration of the 25^th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) this month, the City hosted its first annual Disability Pride NYC Parade on 12^th July, bringing together people of all abilities to celebrate the accomplishments of the community. The ADA Legacy Tour, a national year-long tour that raises awareness of and excitement about the anniversary, then visited all five boroughs.

Today, NYC & Company is hosting a special NYC & Company Talks: ADA—Beyond Compliance to Service meeting at The Roosevelt Hotel. This first-ever symposium aims to further educate the City’s hospitality businesses to focus on creating a more accessible and welcoming social environment in New York City. Victor Calise, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, and Peter Slatin, founder and president of The Slatin Group, are guest speakers at the event.  

“This year we designate July NYC Disability Pride Month in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act – one of the most important civil rights laws in the history of this nation,” said Mayor de Blasio. “I am proud to welcome visitors with disabilities to this city, which is home to so many historical and cultural institutions, as well as recreational activities, that are committed to accessibility, equality and inclusivity for all.” 

“New York City’s tourism industry has been at the forefront of making improvements to ensure that the City’s attractions are easily accessible to all visitors,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. “The City should be enjoyable and accessible to everyone drawn to its vitality, energy, culture and cuisine.” 

Whether you’re a visitor or local resident, the City’s newest attractions are all accessible for patrons with disabilities:

·         The Whitney Museum of American Art, which recently reopened in its new Meatpacking District location, offers verbal description and touch tours for people who are blind or have low vision, tours in American Sign Language for the deaf or hard of hearing and family access programs for children on the autism spectrum.

·         One World Observatory is fully ADA compliant, and all exhibitions and restrooms are fully accessible with elevators to every floor of the observatory.

·         With its new Peopling of America Center, guests visiting the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration can discover tactile models of the island and borrow wheelchairs and assisted-listening devices. Braille brochures and audio description tours are also available.

For the entertainment-enthused visitor wishing to experience some of the City’s top sports teams and the best of Broadway, there are many options:

·         Barclays Center in Brooklyn, home to the Brooklyn Nets and most recently the New York Islanders, offers guests with disabilities assisted-listening devices, elevators, induction loop locations, interpreting services and wheelchair and companion seating.

·         The Staten Island Yankees, a minor league affiliate of the New York Yankees, also have wheelchair-accessible seats at the top of the seating bowl, as well as along the box and reserve sections.

·         Many of New York’s beloved Broadway shows, such as The Lion King and Wicked, are part of theBroadway Accessibility Initiative, which provides services including I-Caption devices for deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons and D-Scriptive devices for blind and low-vision patrons.

At some of New York City’s classic attractions, cultural organisations and parks, guests can enjoy their experience with easy access including:

·         Special programming and devices for patrons with limited mobility, sight and hearing impairment, dementia, autism and developmental and learning disabilities at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art

·         Free wheelchair rentals and accessible exhibits at The Bronx Museum of the Arts and the New York Hall of Science in Queens

·         A unique tour program on Saturday mornings at the American Museum of Natural History, as well as specially trained museum guides who host monthly tours of specific exhibitions and engage with participants through extensive verbal descriptions and touchable objects

·         Full access to Coney Island’s New York Aquarium exhibits, with guides to let visitors know of low-light areas, touch exhibits and assistive listening

·         Lowered viewing walls, binoculars and ramps at the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock. Visitors are also allowed to bring service dogs into all public areas at both attractions

·         Adaptive Hubs at NYC parks with fully accessible recreation centres, basketball courts, beaches, pools, sports fields and more, as well as adaptive sport and recreational activities throughout July

When travelling around the City’s five boroughs, visitors can be informed of accessible travel options and be matched with a volunteer greeter from Big Apple Greeter. When the 7 Subway Line Extension opens later this summer, riders with disabilities will be able to easily access the train platform with the use of two inclined elevators. The MTA also offers wheelchair accessibility on both local and express buses.

For other accessible attractions around the five boroughs, visit nycgo.com

Ìnis Oirr, Aran Islands

Inis Oirr is the smallest inhabited of the Aran Islands and a beautiful diversion for travellers taking the Wild Atlantic Way from Galway City to Doolin in County Clare. Possibly best known as Craggy Island to viewers of the hit TV show Father Ted, it is difficult to find anywhere else like it in the world.

With a population of only 300, the annual onslaught of students to the Irish College during the summer months brings much needed income. On speaking to the islanders most had two or three different jobs to make ends meet year round. The choice of hotels is limited but all were lively, and as used to be tradition in many parts of rural Ireland in the past, the blinds were drawn at about eleven o'clock without a whisper of closing time.

There are few cars on the island and the most common mode of transport for day trippers is a jaunt on a horse and cart. Bike hire is available at the quay side on arrival but with the centre of the village in such easy reach there really is no need.

Boasting its own airport, Inis Oirr requires air transport as a means of survival when the weather is too stormy for the boats to sail from Galway Bay. A shorter service from Doolin runs during the summer months and offers a lovely view of the Cliffs of Moher from the sea also.

Enjoy a scenic tour of the Cliffs on the passage between
Inis Oirr and Doolin

We stayed at the Shamrock B&B which was conveniently located close to the village shop and pub. Everything is close by on this little island and it is worth staying the night because it is after dark that the magical solitude of island life becomes special. I was lucky to be there on a clear night and set off for a walk on the white sandy beach with the light of the moon and a million stars to illuminate my path. The gentle lap of the Atlantic against the shore left me in no doubt that I was experiencing a little slice of heaven.

During the day this stretch of beach holds host to Dusty the Dolphin who is a regular inhabitant of these waters. He is particular about who he likes and who he will allow close to hand so be warned.

A stroll down to the quay means passing a craftsman who makes celtic pendants while wearing a traditional celtic kilt and standing barefoot in the sand. He seems more in place here than the teams of visitors plying back and forth from the quay to the village.

A visit to Aran is complete upon purchasing the delicious Man of Aran fudge which is now available all over Ireland at different artisan food markets. The vendor informs me that his cousin sells the same fudge in the Pheonix Park and his uncle used to sell it at the market in my home town of Howth. I get the sense that everyone who is from the Aran Islands is related to everyone else and this is why it is a mainstay of Irish culture.

The experience of visiting the islands is unique and it is wonderful to hear the Irish language being spoken amongst the natives. It was unfortunate that most of the staff in the local hotel don't speak Irish, in fact being from other European countries one chap had difficulty speaking English. 

But if you are travelling on the Wild Atlantic Way this summer make time to spend at least one night on this jewel in the Ocean, you won't regret it.
Travel to Inis Oirr from Doolin click here

Heartbeat of Havana

Nine years have passed since my last visit to Havana. I was so enthralled by this romantic city that on my return I wrote the novel One Kiss in Havana. I've yet to find a better setting for a book.

Riding the Malecon in a Buick

Havana is a rhythm, a heartbeat that either resonates with you or pounds with a loud din.  

It's difficult not to be passionate about this place. I am sitting in the back of a vintage red Buick and wondering why I left it so long to return. Luis is driving the car that takes me from Miramar to the old town and he joyously informs me that he works for himself. Wearing a cowboy hat, sunglasses and a wide smile he explains that his father was handed down this car from his father. Pre 1959 Cars were one of the few possessions that the population were allowed to own after the Revolution. Luis works it from dawn to dusk giving the government $100 CUC (Cuban convertible pesos) per month as well as 10% of everything that he earns. The Cubans have a two tier currency - CUCs for the tourist population and purchasing luxury items and the peso for use by the general population. Luis has embraced this new way of doing business but goes on to tell me that on the down side he has to pay for his own gas.

The streets are more carefully manicured than I remember and the sweeping water-fronted Malecon is looking exceptional clean and freshly painted. The president, Raul Castro and Unesco have put a huge amount of investment in to maintaining the city's unique architecture. The roads however are still potholed and this means Luis takes the car on a bumpy, zigzag course. "You sometimes get a massage for free in this car," he jokes. He takes my photo before I pay him $20 and then merrily sets off, adding that he hopes someday to own a Honda!

At the Cathedral Cristobel

The famous Bodegita del Medio, where Hemmingway enjoyed his Mojitos is the very same as it was in 2006 and I fruitlessly search for my signature on the blue walls, covered by years of graffiti. It's an impossible task so this time I take a photo to remind me where I sign my name. Many authors and musicians have passed through these doors including the great Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

My mojito at the Bodegita del Medio

As I make my way along Calle Obispo I'm startled by the subtle changes, there is an industrious air about the locals that was not there before. Some things however do not change and toiletries are still rationed so I bring along a bag filled with shampoo and soap from my hotel room and distribute them to passersby along with some pens. Even sachets of hotel room coffee are greatly appreciated.  Calle Obispo runs from Parc Central to the Malecon and is a good indicator of how the old town is doing − the stink is gone so maybe there have been renovations to the sewer system too.  I pop in to see the Ambos Mundos Hotel where Hemmingway lived from 1932 to 1939 and anyone can visit his room which is maintained in its original state for $5.

Nao restaurant Paladeras

At Cristobel Cathedral old ladies still wear white turbans and long lace dresses as they sell knitted dolls. I stop off in Nao, one of the new breed of self owned paladares (restaurants set in local homes) and am instantly impressed by the welcome and decor. "It's happy hour," the barman Johnny says. He insists that I sit at the bar and drink a Mojito, while a trio of musicians serenade. Although there are only six tables set, it is cosy and the menu offers a wide range of delicacies including octopus and rabbit. Johnny says the fish they use is all freshly taken off the fishing boats every morning. Like Luis his enthusiasm for his work is in complete contrast to the laid back service I found in the state owned restaurants in the past.

Cuban transport

With a little sadness I leave Havana next day to explore more of the countryside.  This agrarian landscape is how I imagine rural Ireland must have appeared to visiting Americans in the 1950s and 60s. I pass small shacks, tumbledown houses with a slap of paint here and there and goats and hens roaming the gardens. The fields vary in size and undulate in most cases as the tractors are saved for the larger centrally owned farms. It's common to find tall palm trees standing in the middle of a field.

It is a four hour bus ride to Cayo Coco and the archipelago of wetlands that make up the Jardins Del Rey, named The Gardens of the King by Columbus after his arrival in Cuba. These mangroves are joined to the mainland by a seventeen kilometre causeway. The Melia group have opened a new four star all-inclusive resort with the same name and it has prime location on the unspoilt waterfront.  This is a much smaller resort than the more widely visited Varadero beach. A white sandy beach runs along the back of the hotel. Every little comfort is included in the hotel package as Pedro and his donkey patrol the beach handing out beers and soft drinks to the hard-pressed sunbathers.

portable bar, the Melia at Cayo Coco

Next day I take a trip with Gaviota tours on a Catamaran. As we set sail wild dolphins swim past. This is the Caribbean at its best. The catamaran anchors close to a coral reef and it's time for snorkelling. These are the moments that I will dream about on rainy winter days. As the warm breeze kisses my cheek and the velvety turquoise sea beckons I take a sip from my Cuba Libre and smile. This cocktail of White Rum and Cola was given its name by Americans who flooded the country after the expulsion of the Spanish in 1898. Ideally the mix of the Cuban Rum and American Coke symbolised the new free Cuba, hence the name Cuba Libre. But it wasn't the case as Cuba became a playground for rich Americans. However after the revolution headed by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara some staples remained and this drink is one of them.

A week is easy to fill by the beach if a sun holiday is what you want but I'm on my way to Santiago de Cuba so I start the long voyage via my next stop at the city of Camaguey. This is a clean and beautifully preserved city. It is different from Havana with more surreys and bicycles than old Cadillacs.  The winding labyrinth of streets, hide a cornucopia of talented artists exhibiting their work and an abundance of clay pots that the city is famous for. That night I stay at Santa Lucia where the waters are bath temperature and shallow. I check in at the lively Brisas resort and embrace the beach. Reluctantly next day I set off by bus and the roads become more sporadic − many have evolved into mounds of clay. It is rainy season but the rains haven't travelled down to this part of the countryside yet and there are serious concerns about the drought.

Camaguey

The journey through the spine of Cuba is fascinating as the locals pile in and out of cooperative cars. Every horse and cart is packed to capacity and good humour accompanies the travellers as they set off. My next stop is Holguin where the local beers Cristal and Bucanero are brewed. The landscape changes the further south I travel and bumps rise out of the landscape. This city is crowned with a sacred site and terrific viewpoint from Loma de la Cruz. I pay homage to patron St Lazarus temple at the foot of a large cross and breath in the panoramic view.

Holguin

The rest of the journey towards Santiago de Cuba involves passing through El Cobre and the contrasting mountainous landscape. Cuba's second town has similar attractions to those found in Havana and is celebrating its 500th year since the Spanish founded it. The Tropicana cabaret is a wonderful excursion and the dancers come out into the crowd and perform the conga at the end of the show. The Casa de la Musica has a venue in Santiago de Cuba also and many of the original Buena Vista Social Club hailed from this town. San Pedro de la Roca Morro Castle has one of the best views over the city so I stop and dine in El Morro restaurant and sit in Paul Mc Cartney's chair which has been engraved since his visit. It's pointless to compare the cities any further without getting into a Dublin Versus Cork style debate. Santiago de Cuba is a beautiful city that stands alone and has the unique advantage of being the original site where Castro declared the socialist state on January 1st 1959.

The balcony in Santiago de Cuba, from where Fidel declared the revolution in 1959

It is over 900 Kilometers from Santiago de Cuba back to Havana so I take an ATR42 with Cubanacan tours back to the capital. This island, the biggest in the Caribbean will not be ignored. Change will come to Cuba as the doors open and embargo is lifted however I think this change will be slow. My advice is to get there before it does.

At the Tropicana

Michelle Jackson is author of One Kiss in Havana published by Poolbeg Press and available on www.amazon.co.uk for more information see www.michellejackson.ie

Factfile

For more information about Cuba see www.travel2cuba.co.uk

Air France flies from Dublin to Havana via Paris with return fares starting from €812 including all taxes and fees. For more information and to book, visit www.airfrance.co.uk.

Havana & Varadero twin centre holiday, 9 nights from €1689 (per person based on 2 people sharing)
2 nights at the 4-star Melia Cohiba, Havana & 7 nights at the 4-star Melia Peninsula Varadero,
Includes flights from Dublin to Havana via Paris with Air France, all transfers to, from & between hotels, breakfast in Havana & all inclusive in Varadero.
Valid for selected September 2015 departures.  

Trailfinders Tailormade Holidays:  Dublin 01 677 7888, Cork 021 464 8800 & Limerick 061 292 700  http://www.trailfinders.ie/

California Dreaming!

Published in the Sunday World Magazine 7th June 2015

Our dream car from Sixt Car rental on the Pacific Coast Highway

A Family Road Trip could well be a recipe for disaster, especially with a wifi obsessed teen and tween. So, I make sure that our route from Los Angeles to San Francisco is dotted with internet friendly hotels. Our trusty steed is a comfortable Volvo jeep from Sixt car rentals − it's easy to book online and organise its return to an alternate city. 

The Pacific Park fairground at Santa Monica

The journey starts at Santa Monica as we check-in to the super trendy Shore Hotel. We are offered a glass of champagne on arrival and slip out to the pool with the best view on Santa Monica's Ocean Avenue. There's so much more to this town than pristine beaches. Third Street Promenade hosts great stores and eateries with sculpted dinosaurs and animal trees. We hire bikes from Perry's Cafe which has rentals dotted along Ocean Front Walk. As we take the winding bicycle path to Venice Beach my daughter Nicole is instantly swayed towards the henna tattoos. 

Venus Beach by bike

A cacophony of buskers, Bob Marley and entertainment from a $5 freakshow beckon, but we keep peddling. We are part of bohemia and this teenage heaven gets a cool thumbs-up.
Back on Santa Monica Pier there's lots to do at the retro Pacific Park fairground complete with wooden rollercoasters and the absolute end of the road signpost for route 66. Inspired by the body builders and svelte-like models on rollerskates whizzing past, we take the healthy option to eat at the True Food Kitchen. Mouth-watering smoothies with Kale and mangos wash down our grass-fed-beef burgers.

The end of Route 66 on Santa Monica Pier

Bus tour of LA is best way to get around

A bus tour is the best way to get our bearings in the sprawling LA metropolis. We take the long established Starline Tours red route from the Chinese theatre. Rodeo drive is a decadent display of over indulgence and even the Pretty Woman factor doesn't entice us to get off the bus. Instead the kids love the upbeat graffiti covered stores on Melrose and funky eateries like Pinks Hot Dogs. We spend ages walking along Hollywood Boulevard while the kids search for their favourite stars. California is theme park paradise and we opt for Universal Studios. We jump on the newest rollercoaster rides and end up drenched at some old jewels like Jurassic Park and the stunt show Waterworld. We move in to the city centre next night to stay at the Radisson Midtown Hotel situated close to Staples Centre. I bought tickets on line for a Lakers basketball game and we find ourselves rubbing shoulders with the kid's favourite actor, Will Ferrell.

At Universal studios

We wave goodbye to LA and start our drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. Highway One takes us past Malibu mansions and the crystal blue coastline. Soon we start to climb the winding roads through the national parklands en route to our first stop at Santa Barbara. We check-in at the Fess Parker by Double Tree which is situated on the seafront and a great location to explore State Street and the pier. The kids hit the hot tub and I take the opportunity to stroll on the Mediterranean-like seafront, as Donald Trump and his entourage jog past.

Fess Parker hotel in Santa Barbara

One night isn't enough in this cosy haven that smacks of old Andalucia but we set off again. 'Look at the lovely wine-gardens,' the tween points out on the road to San Luis Obispo. Our hotel at Apple Farm is fantastic for families and we are greeted on arrival with a glass of local wine and warm chocolate chip cookies. 

We wave goodbye to LA and start our drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. Highway One takes us past Malibu mansions and the crystal blue coastline. Soon we start to climb the winding roads through the national parklands en route to our first stop at Santa Barbara. We check-in at the Fess Parker by Double Tree which is situated on the seafront and a great location to explore State Street and the pier. The kids hit the hot tub and I take the opportunity to stroll on the Mediterranean-like seafront, as Donald Trump and his entourage jog past.

Bubblegum Alley San Luis Obispo

The rooms in our family suite are adjoined and cosy, decorated with vintage-apple-crate design. Downtown San Luis is home to Bubblegum Alley − my daughter informs me that her favourite Youtubers have been here. We can smell the sweet sickly stench of chewed gum as we approach it. Some people choose to leave notes and other mementos attached to their gum but my crew just stick a blob on the wall. Ideal for families SLO boasts the stunning Pismo Beach and famous Hearst Castle nearby. We get up early next morning to eat breakfast at Morro Bay.

Lovely Apple Farm hotel San Luis Obispo

 A mound protrudes just outside the harbour like a giant weathered sandcastle that the tide forgot to take out and a skateboard museum amuses the kids for a while. As we cruise along Big Sur the kids never once ask, 'Are we nearly there yet?' The waves are a shade of turquoise blue that only the ocean can mix up. Big Sur is more a state of mind or rite of passage than a destination and we are delighted that the kids 'get it!' We stop at a gallery and restaurant for a chance to ponder the glorious three hour drive we have taken.

Cannery Row in Monterey

We are fully in our stride as we cruise in to Monterey and John Steinbeck country. Yes, Cannery Row is a 'tourist trap' but no longer 'a stink' as described by the author of the same novel. Instead the profuse aromas of warm chowder and homemade ice-cream fill the air. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a thrill for the kids and the little sea otters give displays of affection as they twist and turn on to their backs. The colourful jelly fish are a must see. Later we dine at the delicious Beach House restaurant at Lovers Bay − named after the religious pilgrims who came to this site to pray rather than the other kind of lovers.

Moneterey Bay Aquarium

Beach house restaurant in Monterey

Next morning I insist that my teen gets to know Steinbeck, after all he has read The Pearl. We eat lunch at Steinbeck House where the author was born and lived as a boy. It is lovingly preserved and run by the volunteers of Valley Guild who have created a welcoming restaurant. With appetites sated, the Steinbeck Center is only a stone's throw away on Main Street, Salinas. Here the author's work comes to life as we are treated to memorabilia and clips from the movies East of Eden and the Grapes of Wrath amongst others. I have to be dragged away by the family from my homage and ninety minutes later we are driving in to San Francisco. The San Remo hotel is over 100 years old and houses the atmospheric Dior d'Italia restaurant which has been around since1886. We are serenaded by wonderful live jazz as we dine on authentic Italian cuisine.

Entertainment at the San Remo Hotel

Shopping in Chinatown

There is so much to do in San Francisco it’s difficult to choose. Alcatraz is a must see and the audio tour takes us through every step of the cell-block. It's pricey but book online to avoid the queues. Later we hire bikes to cross the Golden Gate Bridge and take in the overwhelming views of the bay and Marin County. Muir Woods, with Redwood trees stretching over 250 feet high is a great way to spend the day on the other side of the bay. We stop off in Mill Valley for lunch, a nice alternative to the bustling Sausalito.

Tram in San Fran

The Westin St Francis Union Square

We move into the Westin St Francis Hotel − an iconic landmark in Union Square and close to Westfield shopping centre with all the brands kid's love. It’s a stone's throw from Chinatown and probably the best location in the city. Our rooms are comfortable and modern - everything expected from a leading four star property. 

At the Golden Gate Bridge

Our CityPass assures entry into the main attractions including all transport options. We take a wooden tram from outside our hotel down to Pier 39 and dine at Pier Market restaurant. The fun packed Exploratorium and Madame Tussauds fill up the next day and all too soon we've reached the end of the road. 

Shopping in San Fran is great fun!

CityPass for SoCal and San Francisco can be purchased at www.CityPass.com

SoCal CityPass includes entry into the four big theme parks.

San Francisco CityPass includes all transport systems and entry into key attractions

Sixt Car rental 'Rent Luxury Pay Economy' see Website: http://www.sixt.com/car-rental/usa/santa-monica-ca/santa-monica-ocean-avenue

To get started go to www.sanfrancisco.travel and www.discoverlosangeles.com

Sightseeing Bus Tours see www.starlinetours.com

The Shore hotel, Santa Monica www.shorehotel.com

Radisson midtown http://www.radisson.com/los-angeles-hotel-ca-90007/cafiguer

For more about San Luis Obispo www.slo.org

To stay at Apple Farm www.applefarm.com

Moneterey www.seemonterey.org

To learn more about The Steinbeck House see http://steinbeckhouse.com/

For more on The San Remo Hotel see www.Sanremohotel.com

For information on Muir woods visit www.marincounty.com

The Westin St Francis Hotel website is at http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin

Flight details:

United Airlines will launch a daily nonstop service between Dublin and its Chicago hub, O'Hare International Airport, during the period Jun 5th, to Aug 18th (both dates westbound)

The lead in fare to LAX (through Chicago) and home from SFO (through Newark) ex Dublin - €620.25 per person. This includes the tax and fuel surcharge. Visit www.united.com or call 1890 925 252.