Edinburgh and Dublin have often been described as similar types of cities. The architecture is substantially Georgian and the both cities are easy to stroll around. Theatrically they would also have a lot in common. Both have castles, but Edinburgh's is more impressive. Edinburgh is ideal for short breaks and if you are looking for unusual accommodation, No. 3 Greenside End could well fit the bill.
A grade A listed building right in the heart of the city, its self-catering flats have been sympathetically restored. Some of the flats also have jacuzzis. Prices are from £39 per night - details from Robert Dow, 9a Blenheim Place, Royal Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5JH. Telephone: 00 44 131 478 0421.
Adventurous bodies would love to follow the Incense Route in Yemen, hike in the Pyrenees, take the backroads of Crete, challenge the Atlas Mountains, safari in Zimbabwe and Zambia, trek to the roof or Africa, visit the Moghul cities, travel the Silk Route through Kirghizstan and Kazakhstan, overland to the Everest Base Camp from China, journey down the Mekong, look for spies in Vientiane, see Angel Falls or walk the Inca trails. If any of these adventures sound like you, you need to get the Travelbag brochure.
They organise small groups to all of the above places and lots more. Write to 15 Turk Street, Alton, Hampshire GU34 1AG, 00 44 1420 541007 or email: mail@travelbag-adventures.co.uk.
Andalusia - the Spain of Carmen and flamenco, Moorish castles and mountain villages, white light and romance, just the tonic to chase away the winter blues. A light cultural tour is how Cultural Tours of Spain describes its March programme to this fascinating region of Spain. The tour will visit Seville, Ronda, Cordoba, Granada. In addition to the cities vilists will also be made to Portobanus, Ecija and Alcala La Real. One of the highlights of the tour will be the Alhambra Palace at Granada and the Generalife Gardens. The tour is from March 8-15th, and the price of £579 includes flights, accommodation, and all tours. Details from 3 Dalkey Park, Dalkey, Co Dublin. Telephone: (01) 285 8508.
Imagine booking your holiday home from the comfort of your own home or office. A new company on the Internet Holiday Rentals provides access to holiday homes all over the world. You can pick what country you would like to go to, see photographs of properties and book there and then. It is like a directory on screen. Also if you own a property it is a cheap way of advertising, costing £7.50 sterling per month. When I had a look it was hard to choose between French chateaux, a Scottish Georgian manor, a flat in Rome, an apartment in Venice with a grand piano, or a thatched cottage at home. Holiday Rentals can be contacted at: http://www.holidayrentals.co.uk, Tel: 00 44 181 741 7878, email: advertise@holiday-rentals.co.uk.
The Holiday World experience is on today and tomorrow in Dublin at the RDS. This year there are over 700 exhibitors. Many of the tour operators will launch their summer brochures here. Representatives from more than 40 countries will be here to give advice and information. Over the next few weeks I will bring you some of the best ideas I find at the exhibition. Cork readers can visit their own holiday show at the Silver Springs on January 31st and February 1st.