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Countries, Europe, Music

Party island Croatia has 1244

23rd June 202523rd June 2025 funtime65

Each has their claim to be the summer rave destination but party island Croatia has 1244.

Which, full disclosure here, we’ve just just four ticked off.

Velvet touch

So which to choose next… well, if you want to add Krk to your list you better be quick.

Not because the actual island is going anywhere.

But because the Velvet Festival on Medane Beach in Punat from June 25-29 is wrapping up.

A daily boat party, it boasts four stages and 50+ acts.

Hop to it

And what says rave more than secret parties and the Adriatic notches it up a level with island getaways.

The Garden Resort welcomes back over 170 acts for the 10th anniversary of Love International from Tisno from July 9-15.

From boat parties to secret island sets and sunrise dance floors, Love International raises the bar.

Split for the islands

While ULTRA Europe’s 11th edition bounces from stadiums to sea caves.

The party starts in Split and hops across Croatia’s glitziest islands making it into Adriatic-fuelled odyssey.

Maybe you prefer a more laid-back trippy feel featuring say beach yoga.

It’s all about Ní

So if you prefer your summers slow and your sunsets uninterrupted then the TǑC Festival from July 18-19 then it’s all about Ní.

They promised an olive groves setting and workshops.

But also tradition, sustainability and blissful idleness is to the fore.

Of course, Croatia melds its mainland and islands and Croatians are born hopping.

Dubrovnik meets Love Island

Dubrovnik is the Pearl of the Adriatic.

And the 11th-century time capsule fortress and Game of Thrones location turns into a dazzling open-air theatre for the Midsummer Scene Festival.

For English-language productions on Fort Lovrjenac until July 6.

This year, Richard Sheridan’s biting comedy The School for Scandal echoes a Love Island plot.

But with powdered wigs, vouching that scandalous summer begins here.

So even on the mainland the sea is never far away.

So if you’re looking for a party island Croatia has 1244.

America, Countries, Music, Sport

The L word in Chicago

18th June 202522nd June 2025 funtime65

It’s its USP, the rickety elevated trains that run through the Downtown Loop and which everyone knows as the L word in Chicago.

For a wide-eyed Scottish adolescent with American cousins my entry point to Chicago was through The Blues Brothers.

And Elwood tossing and turning in his sleep above the Plymouth Restaurant.

The filmmakers depicted his room as being right next to the L tracks, named for the elevated position.

With the location now a small park in front of the restaurant.

Your inner Elwood

I channel my inner Elwood in the Palmer House Hotel these five days in Chicago.

Where I nod off every night to sleep, with the clanking train in my ears.

The L couldn’t be easier to navigate, no validating tickets here.

Just book your $2 trip (yes, you read that right) or $5 all-day ticket.

Which praise be, you can pay for too in old Earth money at the machine.

And if even that confuses those new in town there is help at hand at the information desk.

With Old Willie giving me a pass without the need for the machine.

And chewing the fat with me about Scottish white soul band The Average White Band.

An L of a ride

Let’s go round again… and that, of course, means a return to the scene of the crime from my first day here.

The Gaybourhood of North Halsted Street, Andersonville.

And it’s spiritual home the multi-bar Sidetrack where we gather on a hot and sweltering night to celebrate Pride.

In the company of Veronica Pop, Boy J and Tender Oni.

Tender, or Oni, they go by either nomenclature, is championing Drag Kings.

And wows us with an out-of-this world Bruno Mars.

While Boy J prides themself that they can survive and does a mean Bruno themself with Veronica’s Lady Gaga.

Partners in time

We watch it all from the intimate main bar with slushy cocktails in hand of course.

Before doing our own thang on the dance floor.

Where a 4ft tall pocket rocket owns the floor, announcing to everyone that it is her 30th birthday.

She has me at ‘you only look 35’ when I tell her I’m twice her age.

She only, of course, has eyes for her partner, who holds on to her protectively.

Looking out from under the peak of her Cubs baseball hat.

Halsted Street is just down the road from Wrigley Field and I join the wave of happy sports fans back to the Belmont train.

It’s cooling down, there is lightning in the sky and the Chicagoans have brought the thunder.

The L word in Chicago.

I am travelling with Aer Lingus from Edinburgh through Dublin and now back with my luggage and staying at the Palmer House Hotel.

America, Countries, Music

Sweet home ChicaGay

16th June 202516th June 2025 funtime65

If you want a break, have a Kit Kat the marketeers say so I did just that and came to the Windy City, sweet home ChicaGay.

I’ve taken a Spring Lover too although maybe not tell The Scary One back home.

We’re sat in the Kit Kat Lounge watching Kinley Preston stride the table.

As we tear into buffalo wings, onion rings and curly fries and sipping from a choice of the hundreds of cocktails.

And Miley Cyrus belts out Party in the USA on the big screens.

And we entice our entertainment in to pick us out for a teasing wink.

By flashing our dollars towards her.

But all too quickly they vanish although where scantily-clad Kinley put her George Washingtons only she knows.

Nothing as it seems

That’s magic: Justin at the Magic Lounge

But that’s the beauty of Halsted Street in the iconic Chicago of Andersonville where nothing is ever as it seems.

And so that if you need a laundromat in your travels, say if you’ve been waiting for your lost luggage to arrive from Dublin.

Then don’t be surprised, well actually be, when your host opens the wash to reveal a secret door to the Chicago Magic Lounge.

Joey Cranford’s speakeasy is a living tribute to the days of Victorian vaudeville with posters and ephemera adorning the walls and glass cases.

And he walks us through the history of magic as we sip How Houdini Died rum punches, a knowing nod to Harry’s demise.

Where the magic happens

The lounge is a living, breathing workspace and entertainment hub celebrating Chicago-style Magic.

With two theatres, eats, drinks and a card school.

We’re told Chicago-style Magic grew out of small card acts performed by the owner of a German-American restaurant.

Mine host Joey has given himself a day off today from picking our cards (well, he is the boss).

So Justin Purcell entertains our party with his sleight of hand.

Our hour flies by and alas our spin cycle is done and we are back out on Halsted Street.

Out on Halsted Street

But the gaybourhood fun doesn’t stop there as we are headed for the beating heart of Halsted Street, Sidetrack.

And meet Art, owner and protector of the Andersonville queer community for more than 40 years.

Having turned a small gay bar which he maintained through the worst days of homophobia.

To the international multi-bar buzzing venue it is today.

It is our good fortune that today is Sunday so it’s quieter and there’s no line snaking down Halsted to get in.

So we can enjoy our Frozé and Black Cherry Buzz fruity vodka slushy without having to be cheek by jowl with fellow customers.

Happy to get Sidetracked

Although that is much of the vibe of Sidetrack which we will discover on Tuesday’s Pride evening.

In truth, it hasn’t always been easy to be out on Halsted Street, although contrary to perceptions I am straight.

Which is fine in this inclusive district which straddles the Chicago Cubs’ ballpark, Wrigley Field, the second oldest in the States.

Our guide Victor Salvo walks us through his neighbourhood stopping off at the pillars of gay American and international history,

The legacy of the global community who suffered so the party I have joined for today’s tour can enjoy.

It truly is a Sweet Home ChicaGay. And anyone, straight, queer or somebody who just wants a Spring Liver can enjoy.

And as I’ve been saying all week, I’ve been travelling with Aer Lingus.

For the American Travel Fair, IPW, and staying at the iconic Palmer House Hilton Hotel.

America, Countries, Music

Rainy Days and Songdays – Chicago Singday City

8th June 20258th June 2025 funtime65

And as we count down to getting the band back together our update playlist Rainy Days and Songdays – Chicago Singday City.

Now we’re reliably informed by no less a figure than Frank Sinatra.

That it would never let you down… and Chicago was his kind of town after all.

And while we will celebrate The Second City all through next week in the US at the Travel Fair and after.

Sweet home Chicago

We will also mark its edgy side too.

Which The Blues Brothers immortalised in their cat-and-mouse race.

With the police, a Country band, Neo-Nazis and Carrie Fisher… all on a mission from God.

And, of course, celebrate in our annual Broadway lunch, Roxie Hart, her slick lawyer Billy Flynn and all that jazz.

Mob handed

Elvis recognised Chicago’s gritty side and its resilience.

On a cold and gray Chicago mornin’ a poor little baby child is born. In the ghetto.

While I’ll be glad to take Frank’s advice again that if I do go down to South Chicago.

And I bump into Bad, Bad Leroy Brown to call him Sir.

No peon to Chicago can ignore the most notorious of gangsters Al Capone.

And brother what a night it really was and brother what a fight it really was.

When the cops and The Mob duked it out The Night Chicago Died.

My Kinda Town

But, of course, we all know that Chicago is alive and bustling which is why…

It’s Tuggin’ my sleeve, Chicago is
The Wrigley Building, Chicago is
The Union Stockyard, Chicago is.

And one more time… My Kind of Town.

And it’s already on my Rainy Days and Songdays – Chicago Singday City playlist.

Countries, Europe, Music

Rhapsodise about La Boheme

2nd June 2025 funtime65

The Czech monks suspended sympathy for the poor consumptive heroine on stage, to coif Champagne and rhapsodise about La Boheme.

In the Prague State Opera House bar at the interval during Puccini’s masterpiece.

We’d met over Pilsener and goulash at the Strahov Monastery days before.

No stuffiness here in the Czech capital then nor in Giacomo Puccini’s homeland of Tuscany.

Where the great composer is being celebrated at the 71st iteration of his own festival.

At the Gran Teatro in Torre del Lago Puccini in the commune of Viareggio on the shores of Lake Massaciuccoli.

The people’s theatre

Toast of Prague: And the Strahov Monastery

Opera in Italy and Central Europe is very much for the people.

As we found in churches with the locals on folding chairs in Venice and Rome.

So wear your penguin suits and cocktail dresses if you will but you’ll be in the minority.

This year’s festival is a feast for the senses as you would expect.

Nights at the opera

Stage is set: And a poor consumptive femme

With La Boheme, A Gala with Anna Netrebko, Tosca, Turandot, Madama Butterfly, Manon Lescaut.

A site specific Suor Angelica in the sculpture park, chamber concerts, dance, and a tribute to Ennio Morricone.

So if you’ve got a spare 17 evenings, or even a portion of that, you can channel Puccini.

Right here where he lived and composed.

In what he called ‘the peace of my soul’ his villa.

Flyinair to Casa Puccini

It is now a museum managed by the Simonetta Puccini Foundation.

And the village has carried its most famous resident’s name since 1938.

Now Torre del Lago Puccini is easily accessible.

Just 15km from the Galileo Galilei Airport in Pisa, close enough really for you to hear any Fat Lady sing.

We found a round trip from our nearest airport Edinburgh with Ryanair but it’ll doubtless apply to you too, from £92.

And if you want to show off just how bohemian you are then you can Rhapsodise about La Boheme on board.

America, Countries, Music

Happy Lafayette

27th May 202527th May 2025 funtime65

A long time ago before you was born dude when I was single and life was great I hung on Paul Simon’s every word… and learned about Happy Lafayette.

Now swap Paul’s ‘travelling salesman’ for selling travel and we’re just different sides of the same coin.

The great lyricist was sharing happy vibes about Cajun and Creole culture, zydeco music and the Louisianan locale.

And all that, long before it was named Happiest City in the USA by the Wall Street Journal’s Market.com.

Paul Simon’s jazzy paean to the Louisiana jewel popped back into this mush of a mind of mine.

Ahead of World Wellness Day on June 16.

On the back of our Louisiana pals flagging up the best places to chill.

On the trail of Simon’s Lafayette

Now, in the best traditions of American songsmiths Rhymin’ Simon gives us a mailman’s route through his hits.

You see he was standing on the corner of Lafayette after all, State of Louisiana.

Across the street from The Public/Heading down to the Lone Star Cafe.

Now through this great travelling community of ours I sought out Mr Jumbo’s advice for the aforementioned hot spots.

Only to find that our salesman was either trippin’ or being transported through the music.

From Lafayette Street, in Simon’s native New York, where these iconic venues buzz, to the Lafayette in Cajun country.

Louisiana jazz has that effect on you, it trumpets you to the heart of the Deep South.

Marching in

So for Paul Simon’s Clifton Chenier, the King of the Bayou, I’ve been drinking in the sounds of Louisiana and the Sazerac.

On annual trips to the American Travel fair which will be hotfooting its way back to The Big Easy in the coming years.

Until then I’ll let myself be transported by the Louisiana delegation and their famous IPW breakfasts.

Their jambalaya, Sazeracs and the New Orleans Preservation Hall Jazz Band marching us into the conference hall.

To run us through why you’ll come away feeling all kinds of wellness.

And those Sazeracs too will likely make you feel like you’re in Happy Lafayette.

Countries, Music

Nobody is left behind

17th May 2025 funtime65

Our travel corps are a band of brothers and sisters and nobody is left behind.

Which is why our prayers go out today for my old colleague and former Irish Travel Writer of the Year Philip Nolan who is in hospital.

Peripatetic Philip took ill in the Vatican while covering the passage of the Popes.

And is now back in Co. Wexford recuperating and readying himself for his next working assignment.

Flyin’ Ryanland

My old pal has, of course, been all around the world chronicling major events and destinations.

In his own inimitable style.

And nowhere more so than in his best-seller Ryanland.

Where Philip flew to all of the low-fare airline’s routes around Europe.

Writing in rib-tickling fashion about the Ryanair passengers he met along the way.

Much of which is familiar to all of us who have flown with the airline which transformed travel.

And allowed us to visit countries whose names we might only know from World Cups, Olympic Games and Eurovision.

Douze points Philip

Our pal Philip is synonymous among the Irish public with The Biggest Music Show on Earth.

For his acerbic pen pics on the competitors and their countries.

All, as with everything in the Nolan notebook coming from a place of love and knowledge.

From his travels to the four corners of the continent.

Often getting beyond the tourist hotspots by driving around the country.

To road test the latest model for his always entertaining Motoring Page.

Say a little prayer

I’ll be raising a glass of red to Philip tonight as I watch Eurovision.

And like the passengers on the plane to Lourdes he so joyfully celebrates in Ryanland.

Say a rosary and cheer for the safe landing and return because nobody is left behind.

Countries, Europe, Ireland, Music

Dustin down my Eurovision past

16th May 202516th May 2025 funtime65

And with the glitterball up and the party in full flow I’ve been Dustin down my Eurovision past.

And showing everyone who is piling around the house my photo of The Turkey in my Big Book of Celebs.

The Eurovision circus has rolled into Basel in Switzerland this week and hoteliers and hospitality providers have been gleefully counting their francs.

There is a premium, of course, whenever a major event turfs up at any city as any conurbation that Taylor Swift graced with her presence last year will know.

And a cost too to the state broadcaster and the country to putting on the Greatest Music Show on Earth.

Which is why the common consensus in Ireland is that the contest’s most successful country (alongwith Sweden now) wouldn’t want to host it again.

Host with the most

And cynics say that is the reason why Ireland’s contenders haven’t maybe been up to the standards.

Of Dana, Johnny Logan, Linda Martin, Niamh Kavanagh, Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan, and Eimear Quinn.

Dustin’s big moment before he met Yours Truly in a newspaper office in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 was in Belgrade.

When he trilled out Irelande Douze Pointe and alas didn’t manage to persuade the judges to agree.

Not that Eurovision gave him the bird altogether inviting him back for a special appearance at the Liverpool-hosted Ukraine event two years ago.

Feathers fly

Dustin, of course, has never let his feathers be clipped throughout his 36-year musical, and political, career.

And he has duetted with greats of the Irish scene in Chris de Burgh as Christy Burger for Patricia the Stripper.

And paired up with Ronnie Drew and the Saw Doctors for Spanish Lady and Bob Geldof for Rat Trap.

While his political ambitions have seen him compete as Dustin Hoffman in the 1997 Irish Presidential Elections.

And championing the Fianna Fowl and Poultry Party with policies such as ensuring every young person gets a date with a Spice Girl or Pussycat Doll.

All stories I’ll impress our guests when I’m Dustin down my Eurovision past between songs in the final.

Countries, Deals, Music, UK

London’s Theatreland

1st May 20251st May 2025 funtime65

Leave your troubles outside, in here life is beautiful… in London’s Theatreland with dream-makers Keith Prowse Attractions.

And, yes, there was a smile on my face when we whooped and danced in the aisles to Beautiful: The Carole King Story.

Until the mobile started pinging with complaints from the neighbours back in Ireland about our kids’ house party.

And the Earth moving under their feet.

The Emcee from Cabaret was right, of course, a musical night out is the perfect escape from normal life.

And London Theatreland is an alternative fantastical world.

Populated by the likes of Orpheus, MJ, the Phantom of the Opera and Elphaba and Galinda.

Bad, Mad, Wicked or Ghostly

Beautiful: Jesse Mueller in Washington DC

It is one of the many benefits of being a travel professional to be invited to the world’s biggest stages.

And I am eagerly anticipating what Broadway trailers the American Travel Fair have in store for us next month in Chicago.

So whether your tastes are Bad, Mad, Wicked or Ghostly then package up your troubles.

Maybe it’s because you’re a Londoner

And sign up for a deal with a musicals tour operator who is always worth an encore… Keith Prowse Attractions’ Bargain Londoner.

You’ll stay at the 3-star hotels like the Royal National, President Hotel or St. Giles, ideal for stretching your budget without compromising on the experience.

Sample Package:
MJ The Musical! – Travel between 16 June 2025 – 18 June 2025 | From €287pps

2 nights at the 3* Lancaster Gate Hotel (room only)
Grand Circle Seats to MJ The Musical at The Prince Edward Theatre

While the Great Value Londoner balances quality and cost with 4-star hotels.

Such as the Copthorne Tara, Holiday Inn Kensington or DoubleTree by Hilton, all hand-picked for superb service at an affordable price.

Sample Package:
Hadestown! – Travel between 01 November 2025 – 03 November 2025 | From €343pps

2 nights at the 4* Copthorne Tara Hotel with breakfast
Balcony Seats to Hadestown at The Lyric Theatre

And because you are a cut above, maybe try out the Touch of Class Londoner.

Step up your stay with stylish, service-led hotels and top seats in 4-star luxury at hotels.

Like The Royal Horseguards, Park Plaza Victoria or St. James’ Hotel with breakfast included for a refined London adventure.

Wicked entertainment

Sample Package:
The Phantom of the Opera! – Travel between 26 August 2025 – 28 August 2025 | From €439pps

2 nights at the 4* St. James Hotel with breakfast
Stall Seats to The Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty’s Theatre

And as ever there is a class above even that, the Posh & Pampered Londoner.

With the ultimate indulgence with stays at London’s finest 5-star hotels, such as The Savoy, The Royal Garden or The Mayfair Radisson.

Sample Package:
Wicked! – Travel between 19 June 2025 – 21 June 2025 | From €777pps

2 nights at the 5* Royal Garden Hotel with breakfast
Best Seats to Wicked at The Apollo Victoria Theatre

Just make sure that you don’t leave your kids in charge of a ‘free house’ at home as you party on in London’s Theatreland.

Countries, Deals, Europe, Music

Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, Mamma Mia after midnight

24th April 2025 funtime65

And because I’ve already showcased Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy Mamma Mia after Midnight I’m back for more at London’s 02.

Bjorn Ulvaeus himself has recreated Skopelos from the movie in a Greek taverna and ending with a glittering ABBA disco.

The Beardie One naturally set up his Greek island in his home city of Stockholm.

Before taking the show on the road to London.

That Greek enchanted evening

For the past five years Mamma Mia! The Party London has welcomed over 500,000 guests.

And delivered more than 1000 performances and has been visited by guests from 110 countries.

All replicating the temperature and lavender scent you would experience at dusk on a Greek evening.

Keith Prowse on the house

And the good news that our invitation is in the post.

From our old pals at Keith Prowse Attractions to join everyone on the dance floor.

Keith will give you return flights from Dublin.

And put you up for two nights (Saturday show) B&B at the 4* DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich, all from €529pps.

Or an overnight special with a Thursday show from €327pps.

Diggin’ the Dancing Queens

Of course, there will be the Dancing Queens who will be wanting to hit the floor in a super troupe of party girls.

And KP offers a two-nights (Friday Show) Ultimate Girls Getaway. From €486pps.

And even a one-night Family Fun Day (Sunday show) at the 4* DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich. From €306pps.

However you put together your party then it’s worth giving Keith Prowse Attractions a Ring, Ring, Ring.

And watch out for the Bandanaman giving it large on the dance floor.

Like he did with his favourite party set, an Irish one, in the Med… and a shout-out here to our Dancing Ian.

Although the real showstopper, is as always, Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, Mamma Mia after midnight.