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America, Countries, Deals, Flying, Music, Sport

When Ne-Yo gave me everything

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It always pays to be up the front which is how I came away with a prized possession when Ne-Yo gave me everything in the USA.

When I came to reach highest to grab his sweat towel just at the point when he was belting out his classic toon with Pitbull.

And yeah, picture me with a Kodak, although we had moved on from that by 2017.

And our friends from the American Travel Fair in Washington DC boomeranged us holding the precious cloth later on.

All of which memories came flooding back as news pinged in my inbox of Pitbull’s much-anticipated run in Las Vegas.

Tonight, let’s enjoy life

Pitbull is taking the party to the Neon City this weekend, Friday, September 12 and Saturday, September 13.

As part of his Pitbull: Vegas After Dark The Residency.

Short notice we grant you but you might want to come back on November 21 and 22.

And a hint there for someone with that week being when I’ll have marked up six decades on this third rock from the sun.

This being Vegas there’s always a fight going on with this weekend seeing Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford going at it at the Allegiant Stadium.

Although Vegas brings out the lovers not the fighters in us.

Whether that was the Beatles LOVE Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage back in the day.

Or dancing to the Whip-Its with Cami from Utah off the Strip.

The Big Fight

Spell it out: Muhammad Ali at the Hall of Excellence

Not that we don’t enjoy watching a good fight or wrapping ourselves up in boxing memorabilia, hype and thunder.

Channel your inner Muhammad Ali then at the Hall of Excellence where The Greatest’s boxing gloves are on display.

Along with Tiger Woods’ golf ball from his first Masters win, Olympic gold medals and all seven of Tom Brady’s championship rings.

Take a self-guided tour, narrated by such voices as Oprah Winfrey, Bob Costas, our old pal from Huntington Beach Snoop Dogg, and Morgan Freeman.

Think outside the box

In her shoes: The ruby slippers at the Sphere

If, of course, its showmanship you’re after follow the yellow brick road to the newest experience at Sphere for a mind-bending showing of The Wizard of Oz.

Which is expanded to fit the 360°, 16k definition screen.

You’ll be wrapped in colour and movement as seats rumble while you feel cool breezes and the sweet scent of poppies fills the air.

And we got a whiff of how much fun these shows are from taking in Shrek at Universal Studios in Orlando.

Before the show, take photos with the giant ruby slippers installation outside.

Also, during Canelo-Crawford weekend, you can catch the Eagles live as the legendary rockers continue their residency.

And because we always try to fly out of Ireland because, well because, but also its preclearance.

Aer Lingus flies nonstop from Dublin with fares starting at €206.61 each way.

America, Countries, Ireland, Sport

Gridiron’s Farmageddon… on a Dublin field

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Scotland has its Old Firm derby, England’s East Anglia their Old Farm version and for College Football it’s Gridiron’s Farmageddon… on a Dublin field.

Yes, it’s that time of year again when tailgaters come over in their tens of thousands to Ireland.

For the 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic which this year features one of college football’s fiercest rivalries.

College footie fans need no explanation but maybe the rest of us do.

It is, of course, Kansas State University’s ‘Wildcats’ face-off with Iowa State University’s ‘Cyclones’.

Mascots touchdown

The latest iteration of which will take place at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow, August 23.

And with a uniquely Irish flavour with a commercial on the EPSN feed of mascots Willie the Wildcat and Cy the Cardinal.

Swapping the gridiron for a lively Irish pub session.

Now putting on any American Football game is akin to a military exercise and the Aer Lingus game just gets bigger every year.

Aer force Lingus

Flying high: Wildcats in town with Aer Lingus.Photographer: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

Aer Lingus operated special charter flights to Ireland, transporting players, coaches, cheerleaders and band members to Ireland.

While hundreds more supporters and friends have travelled on scheduled transatlantic services from cities across the US.

Aer Lingus also transported 947 pieces of baggage to Dublin.

Including 268 pieces of sports gear and 136 band instruments – 84 from Kansas State and 52 from Iowa State.

On top of that 16 tonnes of cargo made the journey from the colleges to Ireland via Aer Lingus’s scheduled cargo services.

Have a craicing time

Only here for the cheerleaders: Aer Lingus packing the fun Pic: Naoise Culhane.

All worth it though with the game alone projected to generate over €130 million for the Irish economy.

Dublin will be transformed into a festival of American football, with pep rallies, tailgates, live broadcasts, and immersive cultural experiences.

Blending the best of Irish and American traditions.

A full schedule of events as well as updates and key timings can be found on the Official Game Week App.

Following last year’s record-breaking audience of 5 million viewers, ESPN will once again broadcast the game live across the U.S.

Which this year will have a new twist.

Gridiron’s Farmageddon… on a Dublin field.

And it’s just half-time

And will be mega in its own right and a teaser.

For the Pittsburgh Steelers v Minnesota Vikings’ historic first NFL game on September 28.

Countries, Sport, UK

What’s the deal with Trump Turnberry?

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And the question on every tourist’s lips today, naturally, is what’s the deal with Trump Turnberry?

Well, Trump Turnberry is one of two golf resorts the Scots-American owns in the land of his mother Mary, who was from the Isle of Lewis.

The other being Trump International in Menie in Aberdeenshire.

Now if you want to reach the US President just now he’s staying at Turnberry.

Though he’s likely not spending much time in the Presidential Suite.

And rather shooting the lights out on the Championship course.

Duel in the Sun

Rock of ages: Ailsa Craig in the background

Which those of you who are old enough will remember for one of the most famous Open Golf Championships.

Still known as The Duel in the Sun, then young pretender Tom Watson held off Jack Nicklaus under the baking (no, seriously) sun in 1977.

The Open has been contested three times since, delivering drama every time.

And champion golfers in Greg Norman, Nick Price and Stewart Cink.

That victory, on the last occasion the major was played in this idyllic corner of Ayrshire in 2009.

As memorable for Watson forcing a play-off at the ripe young age of 59.

A political golf ball

All of which doglegging around history leads us to the thorny subject of when the Open will be returning to Turnberry.

The course, which has unparallelled view of the Irish Sea and its famous rock, Ailsa Craig or ‘Paddy’s Milestone’ has become a political golf ball.

The R&A, which chooses the venues, said last year that Turnberry wouldn’t be considered.

“Until we’re comfortable that the whole dialogue will be about golf”.

Which, of course, was a not-so-subtle dig at the man we all recognise again as the Leader of the Western World.

I’m Scottish too: In his native New York

Although 50,000 signatories to a petition to stop the Open returning to Turnberry aren’t to be moved on that.

Thing is though that we might very well be on the home stretch with this one.

Not discounting another R&A objection that the infrastructure around Turnberry needs updating.

To accommodate the growing crowds who turn up for the four days of golf each July.

With numbers doubling from the 150,000 in 2009 to 300,000 now.

Turnberry bargaining chip

But the Donald will be wanting to leave with a W (that’s a win for those not down with the kids) from his game on his own course.

And his talks with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

And the 2028 Open Golf Championship host course has not been selected yet.

Not, of course, wanting to go against our own local course here near to North Berwick, the iconic Muirfield links.

But despite not being a golfer himself Starmer must know.

That Turnberry is the best bargaining chip he has with Donald Trump in his Trade Talks.

Whether anyone listens to us, and they should, we’ll leave it there.

Deal us in

Look at that: And views of the courses from your bedroom

Only to come back to the premise we set out with and what’s the deal with Trump Turnberry?

Well, you don’t have to be a champion golfer, or President, to stay there.

Trump Turnberry hotel offers 204 guest rooms, including 4 suites.

And the iconic two-bedroom suite at The Turnberry Lighthouse that rises above the ruins of King Robert the Bruce’s Castle.

All grand then and we found that it will set you back nearly four grand for three nights with a round at the Ailsa Course thrown in.

Although that would be good value for that duffer at a pound per shot!

America, Countries, Sport

Take me out to the ball game

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No marks for originality here but don’t tell me the song hasn’t been going through your head… take me out to the ball game.

A lot has been going on in the world in the last seven days.

But the one thing everyone has been talking about is the Coldplay Couple.

Caught on a kisscam in Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Not that the kisscam originated to expose amorous astronaut company CEOs but sneaky Pete’s and Petras will be extra-wary now.

Kisscam has become part and parcel of the American stadium experience, now extended to music concerts.

And, of course, the first thing humiliated Mrs Astro will have said to Bad Boy Businessman will be ‘I will fix you’.

When it was my first rodeo

The truth is that none of us are safe from the prying lens so just be sure you’ve nothing to hide.

As I discovered at the Coors Field in Denver… and I was indoors at the time.

Practising my rodeo skills on the electronic bull.

Only for it to be shot up on the big screen.

Now entertainment in the Oo Es of Eh has always been even-handed with the fan as valued as the athlete.

And even if you’re not clued up on the intricacies.

And it took two quarters for The Scary One to work out that in American Football you pass the ball forward.

Fly balls and podgy presidents

There is always plenty going on in the crowd.

Whether it’s having your hot dog thrown along the row of seats to you.

Trying to catch a fly ball and fans will push their grandparents outta the way for these lucrative artefacts.

While the Seventh Innings Stretch transcends sport.

Dating as far back as the 1860s with Brother Jasper, who brought baseball to Manhattan University.

And started the practice when he called for a break in the game to catch breath.

Where it really takes off is in 1910 when the portly President Howard Taft took time out to stand and stretch his legs.

During a Washington Senators and Philadelphia Athletics match.

And the crowd followed suit in respect.

A date at the game

Duck stops here: The Anaheim Ducks hockey team

The Seventh Innings Stretch now being a thing all that was needed was a song to sing along with.

And so the legend of the baseball anthem Take Me Out To The Ball Game written a few years earlier by Jack Norworth.

Who the story goes was riding a subway in New York.

When he saw a sign that read Baseball Today –Polo Grounds.

In Polworth’s room, Katie’s (and later Nelly’s) fella calls to ask her out to see a show.

To which she agrees but only if he takes her out to the baseball game.

The tradition, of course, has been built upon over the years.

Harry’s game

And if there is one figure most associated with it in modern days it is Chicago sportscaster Harry Caray.

Who any visitor to Wrigley Park, the second oldest ballpark in the country will recognise from his statue.

And who we all honoured in the Windy City at the American Travel Fair, IPW, last month.

Though on this occasion my antics weren’t captured on the big screen.

Not that I ever would but certainly not if I ever want these, or future hosts, to take me out to the ball game.

Countries, Europe, Sport

I peaked as King of the Mountains on Le Tour

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And whatever the French is for fake it till you make it I peaked as King of the Mountains on Le Tour de France on Le Col du Tourmalet.

So I sympathise with cycling star Remco Evenepoel today, who was peddling backwards on the hardest climb of Le Tour.

It is, of course, painful to watch these supermen struggle to ride the 182km from Pau to Luchon-Superbagnères, Lenny Martinez aside.

Now for those who paid attention in geography classes (non moi).

The finishing line is 1,804m above sea level.

With the final challenge a punishing 12.4 km climb at 7.3%, ranked Hors Catégorie.

Up to the Luchon-Superbagnères ski resort (and the clue to the severity is in the activity).

Where I peaked as King of the Mountains on Le Tour.

Pic of the mountains

So the rest of us including the thousands located all the way up the mountain take a coach.

While some of us vilains garçons have been known to borrow a bike at the top.

For that fake pic which proves that you’ve channelled your inner rider.

Et pardon to those Caledonians who came before me who were truer to the race.

Such as fellow Glaswegian and King of the Mountains champion from 1984, Robert Millar now Philippa York.

While that rich tradition has been upheld over the years with Kelso cyclist Oscar Onley flying the flag for Scotland.

All downhill now

Up, up and away: Lenny Martinez scales the mountains

Now Le Tour cyclists have been scaling the great mountain’s heights for 115 years now.

But for every Robert Millar there’s a Eugène Christophe.

Who was disqualified for making his own repairs on his broken bike fork back in 2013.

At at a forge in Sainte-Marie-de-Campan after descending the Col du Tourmalet.

Poor Eugène was penalised for having the blacksmith’s boy pump the bellows.

Different temps as we saw few blacksmiths on our descent.

Although there were plenty of daredevil cyclists skirting corners.

Now with tens of thousands descending themselves on Le Col du Tourmalet for a mere glimpse of their heroes.

There is clearly pressure on billets.

Tents and towering peaks

Le Tour website helpfully carries AirbNb recommendations.

In all shapes and sizes including intriguingly a tent in the mountains at Dome in Ourd for £20 per night.

Our camping days behind us after too many misadventures on the way we would advise the billet we were shown.

On Le Pic du Midi where you can touch the sky.

With an all-inclusive single room from €439pp and double room €469pp back then though best check up on current prices.

America, Countries, Sport

Sugar the surfur of Huntington Beach

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And as the drums roll to induct the legends into Surf City’s Hall of Fame let’s paws to celebrate Sugar the surfur of Huntington Beach.

Sugar, a Collie mix, holds a unique position in the surfing world.

As the first, and as yet, only mutt to be enlisted in the Californian town’s Surfing Home of Fame.

Huntington Beach’s status as the centre of the surfing world is assured.

Though maybe not mention that in rival claimant Santa Cruz, who claim they’re the birthplace of the sport.

But all disputes aside, and my friends in SC were keen to play that down.

As they promoted their fares to me at the American Travel Fair in Chicago last month, everyone can sing Sugar’s praises.

Herein hangs a tail

Because as they say in Sugar the Surfing Dog’s case, herein hangs a tail.

And one that in the land of the moving picture ought really to be a Hollywood blockbuster.

Because Sugar, much like Bob in the British true story A Streetcat Named Bob, turned her owner’s life around full circle.

HB native Ryan Rustan had been battling mental health and drug issues.

But he cleaned up in his 20s when Oakland rescue dog Sugar came into his life.

And she went on to wing 19 surfing titles across her career including multiple World Dog Surfing Championships, Surf City Surf Dog and Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge titles.

Because as all you devoted readers here know and I found out one spring morning over breakfast in Ballsbridge, Dublin with our HB visitors dog surfing is definitely a thang.

And on that occasion it was labrador Bono whose achievements we were recognising.

With, of course, me being professionally incapable of avoiding asking if Bono surfed the waves in his shades.

Follow in Sugar’s pawsteps

Chairmutt of the Board: Outside the museum

We do hope that Sugar’s elevation to Hall of Fame status will push on other surfing dogs to follow in her pawsteps.

And we’ll be following Sugar’s progress and our other pooch pals on SURFER website.

Not that 14-year-old Sugar’s surfing days are behind her with Ryan promising his pooch .

That he will take her to Waikiki, the real birthplace of surfing, as a treat.

‘She does a lot of surf therapy for lots of kids,’ he said.

‘It’s not just [about] surfing against people but also putting smiles on the little kids’ faces and the athletes that are disabled. She gets to ride with them.’

Dogg days

This year’s deserving inductees into the Surf City Hall of Fame are world champion and Olympic gold medalist Caroline Marks.

Outstanding surf photographer Tom Servais and HB local standout surfer Dwight Dunn.

All taking their place alongside Sugar the surfur of Huntington Beach.

HB, of course, ought to be on everyone’s to-do list when in Los Angeles, just an hour north of Surf City USA.

And, if you are lucky enough, you might see another famous Dogg down there doing one of his sets.

And you thought I make all this stuff, well here are the pictures to prove it.

Countries, Sport, UK

Orkney’s your topical island

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Aye, ye read that richt… Orkney your topical island as the draw for aw the ither peedie islands of the world tae show aff their sporting skills.

All of which boils down to the Scottish archipelago off the northernmost bit of the British mainland playing host to the world games of small islands.

That they micht spik funny tae yer English-speaking or Atlantic drawl or Antipodean ear.

Or ither places where the language of Shakespeare has taken hold is yer problem.

Because the Orcadians willnae be changing their dialect which is derived from Ancient Norse for abody.

The best wedding gift

On account of the islanders being Norwegians for nearly 600 years before they were annexed by Scotland along with their sister islands in Shetland further to the north in 1472.

Because the Vikings hadn’t stumped up a dowry payment for Margaret of Denmark promised to James III of Scotland by the family of his bride Margaret of Denmark.

And you’ll learn that here but so much more if you take a dander up to Orkney, ten miles off the northern coast of Caithness.

As Daughterie and her young man did only recently.

While her globetrotting Da is still to, another example of how we all know foreign shores so much better than our own.

Fun and Games

Now 24 countries are participating with more than 2,000 competitors in the NatWest Island Games in Kirkwall.

On Mainland, one of 20 inhabitable islands in the 70 that form Orkney.

Now this is the 20th iteration of the gathering which started on the Isle of Man back in 1985.

Many of the activities you would associate with the bigger international Games are on the programme.

And naturally because we’re dealing with islands here watersports are particularly keenly contested.

Water of life

Packed out: The Games have brought out the crowdsw

The Island Games are of course in miniature to the more celebrated global events.

But they pride themselves on their own individuality.

And despite being only 40 years old the actual islands have been around for thousands of years.

A traditional symbol of the games was started in 1991 when Aland in Finland asked all teams to bring some water from their islands.

They mixed it in a fountain and in all subsequent games water from the previous fountain has added samples of water.

From each island competing in the new games.

All creating a symbol of “mixing together”.

God’s own island

All of which preamble is our attempt at getting you to visit Orkney, your topical island.

And take in its many charms, culinary, cultural and historical.

The Neolithic village of Skara Brae lies near the white beach of the Bay of Skaill.

Uncovered by a storm in 1850, the site presents a remarkable picture of life in Orkney around 5,000 years ago.

Orkney has had its fair share of visitors, and remember that this is a nature-lover’s idyll with puffins a particular favourite.

More surprising might be that it was home to Italian POWs in the Second World War who left their mark.

In The Italian Chapel made out of two Nissen huts.

And transformed into a beautiful house of God by Domenico Chiocchetti and his colleagues.

Worth a prayer you would think for the competitors this week.

Countries, Sport, UK

Open for golf business

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And as East Lothian’s economy yields £8m from our tourney and the oldest major returns to Portrush, our corners of the planet are officially Open for business.

The Open Golf Championship is certainly a hospitality money-spinner.

With Northern Ireland taking in £100m to the coffers and the Causeway Coast and Glens area directly benefiting with £26m back in 2019.

Probably better not to mention that my friends at Discover Northern Ireland afforded me hospitality six years ago.

And Savannah and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, generously hosted me last year in Royal Troon on the west coast of Scotland.

The home of golf

Now any destination that gets to put on a big sporting event comes with a premium for player and spectator alike.

And I’m always reminded, at this time of the year, of an old work colleague whose parents rented out their home in St Andrews.

The champion golfer’s brothers had approached the couple, who had put their names forward as a rental home.

And asked if they could take it, offering to pay top dollar and putting on a conservatory for them.

All of which paid off when Steve Ballesteros won the Claret Jug.

Up for rent

Timing is, of course, everything and alas our arrival in North Berwick has come at a time when the nearby Muirfield championship course is off the rota.

A course of such a standard and historical significance that the great Jack Nicklaus named his course Muirfield in Ohio after it.

So the opportunity to rent out our own demesne to a Tiger Woods or a Rory McIlroy will have to wait.

The golden ticket

The Open Golf Championship rolls into Royal Birkdale next year and the R&A and golf fans are already preparing themselves.

For us in East Lothian, already putting on a show for the Scottish Open dress-rehearsal for next week’s main event.

We say, haste ye back to Muirfield. We’re Open for golf business.

And if that means we can earn a pound or two on our house for a week and the local economy too then all the better.

Countries, Deals, Europe, Sport

Hungaroaring with F1 specialists Keith Prowse

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Our Magyar mates have come a long way since Communist Brabants so go Hungaroaring with F1 specialists Keith Prowse.

Formula 1 is the marquee sports watch with a titular film starring Brad Pitt with input from Lewis Hamilton the early summer hit.

And as inclusive an experience as the big screen is there is nothing like seeing the fast cars fly by in front of your eyes.

As a symbol of bougie capitalism and consumerism nothing is quite as va-va-voom as Grand Prix.

So it was a sign, though we might not have seen it then, that Communism was going off the tracks.

When Budapest became the first city behind the Iron Curtain to come over to the other side and host a Grand Prix in 1986.

Motoring Magyars

Although technically it had been at the front of the grid as early as 1936, albeit for three teams of three cars each.

That Bernie Ecclestone’s geopolitical breakthrough came at the expense of Russia.

And that could only have excited ordinary Magyars even more.

All of which has put eyeballs on the magnificent Magyar city on the Danube.

And that gets the thumbs-up from us.

After soaking up Budapest in the spring with loveholidays.

We turn to KP though when it comes to the specialist sports market and you should too.

To access their decades of experience in motorsport hospitality and event travel.

They offer ‘Ticket Only’ and expertly curated ‘Hotel & Ticket Inclusive’ packages.

For every race on the calendar with Hungary always a roaring success with sports tourists.

And the first of the three packages here that KP are offering.

And they’re doing the heavy lifting and we are showcasing.

Hungry for driving

Hungarian Grand Prix – Budapest
Set at the challenging Hungaroring circuit, this is a firm favourite among fans.

Thanks to its technical demands, intense atmosphere and dramatic on-track battles.

Ticket Only: General Admission Weekend tickets from €349pp
Hotel & Ticket Package: 3 nights from Friday 01 August 2025 in a 3* or 4* hotel with General Admission Weekend ticket from €949pps
Upgrades available to Apex 1 or 2, Podium, Paddock Club, and more

Sing for the Grand Prix

Singapore Grand Prix – Marina Bay Street Circuit
F1’s original night race delivers an electric fusion of racing and entertainment in the heart of the city.

With a spectacular backdrop of skyline and sound.

Ticket Only: Zone 4 Walkabout Weekend tickets from €279pp
Hotel & Ticket Package: 3 nights from Friday 03 October 2025 in a 3* hotel with Zone 4 Walkabout Weekend ticket from €582pps
Upgrades available to Marina Bay, Pit Grandstand, Champions Club, Paddock Club and more

Neon lights

Las Vegas Grand Prix – Las Vegas Strip Circuit
An adrenaline-filled night race through the bright lights of the Strip, this Grand Prix combines speed, glamour and the vibrant energy of Neon City.

Ticket Only: Sphere General Admission Weekend tickets from €795pp
Hotel & Ticket Package: 3 nights from Thursday 20 November 2025 in a 3* hotel with Sphere General Admission Weekend ticket from €1130pps
Upgrades available to West Harmon Zone, Sphere Grandstands, Main Grandstand, Skybox Main and more

And KP say that these and many more grand prix destinations and package options are available.

Although we’d get you going with Hungaroaring with F1 specialists Keith Prowse.

Countries, Deals, Europe, Sport

In a pickle you’ll love all these breaks

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So if you’re in a pickle about a sporting activity holiday this summer you’ll love all these breaks.

Our interest in pickleball was pricked by the makeshift court in the conference hall of the American travel fair IPW in Chicago.

Complete with classes although anybody who has mastered tennis will take to its easier sister sport.

Tennis ticked after being tutored by no less a figure than Judy Murray in Quinta do Lago in Portugal it must be time for a new skill.

Particularly as it cuts out the most challenging aspect of tennis, the serve, with pickleball players only serving underhand.

Serving up a treat

The offshoot sport which began in the back yards of Washington State in the US is 60 years old this year.

And Solos travel providers have introduced pickleball to their roster.

With a week-long pickleball break in Portugal.

At the site of the Portuguese National Pickleball Championships.

You’ll be assigned a Solos Tour Leader.

And enjoy daily play, from fun morning sessions to extended afternoon matches, all tailored for social and competitive players.

You’ll stay at the four-star Prime Energize Hotel near Monte Gordo Beach.

With spa and wellness facilities, a beach club, and cultural excursions to nearby Tavira, Cacela Velha, and more.

A seven-night Algarve Pickleball trip, departing 1 November, costs £2,269pp on a half board basis with flights.

Anyone for tennis

If you’re old school, Solos, of course, caters handsomely for tennis fans.

With an all-inclusive week at the stylish 4* AP Adriana Beach Resort.

With an adults-only pool, a massage at the on-site spa, or stroll to the beach.

A seven-night Tennis in Western Algarve trip departs on 22 March, 2026, £1,869pp all-inclusive basis with flights.

Advantage Corfu

Evergreen Corfu is a sports nut’s ideal destination with even a cricket pitch in Corfu town.

But it is that other staple of the summer which is our focus here.

And the Grecotel Luxme Daphnila Bay Hotel.

Overlooking Dassia Bay and the Ionian Sea, there is a range of off-court activities.

From mountain biking to pedal boats.

The seven-night Corfu Tennis trip departs on 6 October, costing £1,995pp all-inclusive with flights.

Join our club

Pictures of pickle: And Solos are all over it

While for club level players Solos offers a week in Campo Internacional Maspalomas, Gran Canaria.

Staying at the Kumara Serenoa by Lopesan Hotel, you’ll enjoy five mornings of organised tennis at the Conde Jackson Maspalomas Tennis Club.

And friendly matches with your new Solos pals.

A seven-night Gran Canaria Tennis trip departs on 15 November, costing £1,795pp all-inclusive with flights.

So if you’re looking for a racquets break don’t get in a pickle you’ll love all these breaks.