New European services from Ryanair will bring its number of European routes to 34. Joining the Italian stable on May 20th is Genoa and on July 1st Turin and Ancona. Irish travellers can take advantage of very good fares via Stansted, with prices of around £150 including tax. No minimum stay and no advance purchase necessary. Reservations open from 8 a.m.8.30 p.m. Mon. to Fri., and 9 a.m.6 p.m. Sat and Sun: 01 609800
With fewer cars and a lot more space, driving is a relaxed way to see Sweden. Take to the road and discover a country with a strong sense of history and colourful folklore. Country cottages are the ideal way for families to holiday. You could be surprised at the cost. Pick up the Scandinavian Seaways brochure from your local travel agent. Travel from Ireland to Britain is free with your holiday.
The royal county - Meath - comes alive for visitors when they take part in Kelltic Walking Holidays. You could take in the Boyne Way, the Loughcrew Hills, the raised bog of Girley, the seven wonders of Fore, and visit Lough Derravaragh, where the Children of Lir spent 900 years. Accommodation is in local B&Bs in Kells. Weekend, three-day and weekly breaks are available, with prices from £139. Details from Penny McGowan on 046 49672 or email: kelltic@tinet.ie, and if you book soon you might just be in time to catch the bluebell woods.
TrekAMERICA invites you to ring in the New Year with some new specially designed and well-priced tours. My favourite is the Wild West which has cowboys and canyons, camps and casinos and, best of all, New Year's Eve is spent in Death Valley. Other tours take in Florida, Los Angeles to Baja, Mexico and the Yucatan. Travel is by minibus with professional guide, camping equipment and special activities for each tour. The prices range from $509 to $889. TrekAmerica specialises in adventure camping for the 18-38s. You can get their brochure from 01 6709468 or your local travel agent.
If your interest lies with the sea, then that may be the place to celebrate the millennium. Although many exotic destinations are already booked out, you can still charter a boat with Sunsail in the Caribbean with accommodation at the new Club Colonna in Antigua. Club Colonna combines the magic of sailing with a wide range of shore-based activities and kids' club. Deirdre at Sunway has more details 01 2886828.
Here's another idea for celebrating the millennium. New Orleans Carnival comes to Athlone and Galway. Dust off those Hallowe'en costumes because carnival time means dressing up, from the regal to the ridiculous, and partying. The Hodson Bay Hotel and the Galway Bay Hotel have put together terrific three-day packages to celebrate the millennium. Lots of music, exotic food and, best of all, they have a brilliant programme planned for the little darlings until 1 a.m. The cost is £570 for each person sharing and £65 a night for the kiddies sharing with parents. Details from Hodson Bay on 0902 92444 and Galway Bay 091 520520.