You know those days between Christmas and the New Year when there's nothing to do but drink and slop around the house and it all seems an anticlimax, and you wish you had gone to the Canaries. Well, this year I have the remedy for the dog days of Christmas. Publican Pictures are re-making The Quiet Man at the Hodson Bay Hotel, and they need some stars or even amateurs with a sense of humour.
On the first evening you will meet the director, Fintan Quarantino. With Mr Quarantino will be his crew and cast. You will have the opportunity to rub shoulders with Gerald Fitzbarry, Scarlett O'Tara, Booby Waxe and many more. Filming will continue through your stay. Full dress premiere on the last night. Budding Kate Danaghers can apply to (0902 92444). Cost is £149 for three-night B&B and two dinners. On 2nd and 3rd they will be staging a Murder Mystery Weekend for £99.
Environmental issues are top of everyone's agenda, from the simple recycling of household garbage to national waste management. The travel and tourism industry has also recognised the need to be environmentally friendly.
In 1994, following the Earth Summit in Rio, Green Globe was established as an environmental management and destination programme for travel and tourism companies and tourism destinations. It is dedicated to improving environmental practices within the travel and tourism industry. This year at World Travel Market they presented the first destination in the world to achieve Green Globe status - Jersey. A popular holiday location for many Irish visitors.
Another item I picked up at World Travel Market is details of the Orlando Flex-Ticket. If you are travelling to Florida to visit the various attractions, then Universal Studios, Sea World, Busch Gardens and Wet'n'Wild offers visitors unlimited admission for the length of their stay to the various parks. The cost will be $99.95 for adults, and $82.95 for children.
When booking, ask your agent for details. The Flex-Ticket can be sold separately or as part of a package.
Now that the monsoons have put out the forest fires in south east Asia, the smog has lifted and life is returning to normal. Long-haul destinations to Asia, in particular Thailand, have become more reasonable from Ireland. From January to June, Trailfinders are offering a fare of £449 to Bangkok (01 677 7888).
Twohigs Travel (01 677 2666) will put together tailor-made itineraries and have a range of packages to this exciting country. Joe Walsh Tours (01 878 9555) also has a good selection of ideas for trips to Thailand.
The Kildare Hotel and Country Club was recently awarded the Egon Ronay Ireland Hotel of the Year 1997. This winter, they are offering short breaks to enjoy the surroundings in elegance. A two night break which can include a choice of a round of golf, fishing, a massage and mini facial or horse-riding, from £300 per person. They will also be continuing their Christmas and New Year programmes. For details: (01 601 7200).