NEWS
Hidden Vietnam: InsideVietnam Tours has launched a new experience for the new year, exploring the country's most remote communities and rural areas. The 12-night Northern Star trip takes travellers on an intimate journey, from home stays with the Tay minority people in the village of Pac Ngoi on the shore of Ba Be Lake in the Bac Kan province, to visiting local markets in Meo Vac in the beautiful province of Ha Giang. The fully tailored itinerary will incorporate your personal preferences, whether breathtaking scenery or witnessing women's co-operatives in action is your idea of a dream vacation. This is Vietnam as you have never seen it before. For more information and pricing see insidevietnamtours.com.
All In: Ryanair has added another travel service to its ever growing offering in the form of package holidays. Travellers will now be able to book complete trips – from flights to accommodation and transport – on the low-cost website. See ryanair.com for more.
Sweet state: Travel guide Lonely Planet has named North Carolina as its most exciting destination for 2017. Ashville, known as the Beer City, is fast becoming a creative and cultural hub in the southeastern corner of the US, garnering attention for its diverse offering, from artists showcasing their work in the River Arts District, dozens of craft beers and spirits produced locally, to the Blue Ridge Mountains and friendly hospitality. For more, see lonelyplanet.com.
ENCHANTING ICE RINKS
London: Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Henry VIII's 16-century palace, Hampton Court's rink is a must-do for visitors in London this December. For those who are a little unsteady on their feet, their ice guide is on hand. See hrp.org.uk.
Las Vegas: Of course Vegas embraces the Christmas spirit better than most. Visit the Venetian where a pop-up ice rink welcomes skaters to scoot from rink-side bar kiosk to bar, under giant sparkly snowflakes; venetian.com.
Paris: Skating here is as dreamy and fairytale-esque as it gets. Glide under the Eiffel Tower overlooking the City Of Lights on the first-level observation deck before a hot cocoa and a view to remember; eiffel-tower.com.
MAGIC OF THEATRE
Families seeking a Christmas experience with a difference this year need look no further than the Westbury Hotel's pantomime package for two adults and two children. The five-star hotel, just off Grafton Street in Dublin, will treat little ones to a host of festive surprises, as well as tickets to the Gaiety's panto, Robin Hood and his Merry Men. The Westbury's festive afternoon tea can be sampled, too, with seasonal sweet and savoury treats. The Enchanting Pantomime Experience at the Westbury starts from €530, including accommodation, tickets and breakfast. The festive afternoon tea starts from €47 a head. doylecollection.com
GET APPY
Journi: Build beautiful stories capturing your travels with photos, maps and memories. Available for iOS and Android; journiapp.com. DEALS: Rome – last-minute present idea, three nights in Rome in the three-star Santa Costanza Hotel with flights from Dublin from €149pps, clickandgo.com, 01-539 7777. Party like a rock star at Dunowen House, outside Clonakilty, Co Cork, the former home of rock legend Noel Redding of Jimi Hendrix Experience. Special offer for January 20th-22nd for 14, €1,610 for two nights self-catering, dunowenhouse.ie, 023-886 9099. Thailand – eight nights for the price of four in Karon Beach in Phuket during May and June. Flights and accommodation from €1,145pps, book by January 4th, flightcentre.ie, ref. 4251671, 01-695 0395.
