Category: America

America, Countries, Europe, Music

Our five fab films for Mother’s Day

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And you can put money on Jessie Buckley gushing about being a mum in her Oscars acceptance speech, and while Hamnet is a tour de force, here are our five fab films for Mother’s Day.

With a nod, of course, to the mumdoms where they ruled the roost.

Let’s start at the very beginning

The parent Von Trapp: In Austria

The Sound of Music: And if a mother’s love is unconditional then all the more credit for women who take on another man’s children.

And seven of them at that.

But when you’re an Austrian singing Julie Andrews nun turned governess then you have all the tools for motherhood.

Maria and Captain Georg took the train from Salzburg down to Italy.

Not over the mountains because they’d have ended up in Hitler’s Lair, and then onto America.

Where Georg and Maria added to their Von Trapp brood with three more Kinder.

The mothers of all mothers

Bella: Nonnas

Nonnas: And let’s hear it today for the grandmothers because every Nana is a mamma.

Or in Italian culture a Nonna.

Cue this charming real-life movie, starring Vince Vaughn, about a grieving son who honours his mum by opening an Italian restaurant.

With nonnas on Staten Island, using the recipes of Mamma which has become something of a tourist stop-off in the New York borough.

Some mothers do ‘ave ’em

It’ll choke you up: Throw Momma

Throw Momma from a Train: And because sometimes our mums can be overbearing, this Danny DeVito and Billy Crystal classic has to make the list.

A homage to Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train, DeVito has his usual dark fun with the original.

With Griffiths Park, Los Angeles and Hawaii adding to the enjoyment and the plot.

Magic Mum

Magic wand: Mollie Weasley

Harry Potter: And when you are a poor orphan child with the weight of being a boy wizard you need an adopted mum.

And where Aunt Petunia was ghastly Molly Weasley was magical.

Taking in Harry as one of her own along with her ragbag children, while also facing down Bellatrix Lestrange.

And for the best place to discover how she did it all and what magic tricks she invoked.

Then you’ll need to immerse yourself in the Wonderful World of Harry Potter at Universal Resort Orlando.

A mother in life and death

A mother’s love: A real heartbreaker

Who will love my children? And have the box of tissues at hand for this ultimate of Mother’s Day tearjerkers, again based on a true story.

Lucille Fray faced the worst fate any mother could endure, knowing she would die and would have to leave her ten children.

Because her husband would not be able to cope… and no snide remarks here because there’s a man in the room.

Add to that the homespun, earthy setting of Iowa and that the real-life children appeared on the TV show That’s Incredible.

On the night of the film transmission back in 1983.

 

 

 

 

America, Countries, Culture, Pilgrimage

The Indian roots of Route 66

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And as we continue to follow the journey of the Mother Road on its 100th birthday it’s important to follow the tracks of the Indian roots of Route 66.

With the great American thoroughfare winding its way through more than 25 Tribal Nations.

The start: In Chicago

Half of which, 1,372 miles, are native American lands

So, while we celebrate the neon diners and roadside attractions.

The American Indigenous Tourism Association is reclaiming the native American history of these lands through their A Sovereign Journey campaign.

On the right trail

We were here first: Native American women

From the Pueblos of New Mexico to the Hualapai Nation in Arizona and the 39 distinct Tribal Nations in Oklahoma.

The road is a gateway to a vibrant, modern Indigenous landscape.

With Sherry L. Rupert (Paiute/Washoe), CEO of the American Indigenous Tourism Association painting another picture.

‘For too long, our stories were treated as an afterthought or a marketing gimmick. The American Indigenous Tourism Association is proud to provide the tools for travelers to journey with intention.

‘Honouring the sovereignty and resilience of the Native Nations who remain the heartbeat of the Mother Road.’

And your Indian guides

Know your history: Stops along the way

With the centre of the initiative AIT’s guidebook, American Indians and Route 66 originally published for the 90th anniversary in 2016.

This comprehensive travel guide, created in partnership with the National Park Service is funded in part by the National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program.

It provides historical context on the road’s impact – both the economic opportunities and the challenges of land displacement – and offers travelers essential etiquette for visiting tribal lands.

Digital footpring

To support the centennial, AIT has launched dedicated digital resources to help travellers plan their Indigenous-focused road trip:

Got there: Santa Monica pier

While our Indian friends helpfully map out more.

 

America, Countries

Lighting 100 candles for Marilyn in La-La Land

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Of course, she will remain forever ageless but this year they’ll be lighting 100 candles for Marilyn in La-La Land.

Like Bertie Taupin, who wrote the immortal lines for Elton John, I never knew you at all but like the millions of other Marilyn fans.

But I have managed to get as close that anyone now can by visiting your last resting place in Los Angeles.

Marilyn is, of course, all around us but nowhere more so than in LA.

Where you’re always likely to bump into her around the Walk of Fame or anywhere around Hollywood.

But because you can never get too much of a good thing we’re taking you today on our Marilyn tour.

With these whistlestop locations where you can pay homage to the Great Woman.

S0mething new

Still blowing up a storm: Marilyn’s famous move

The Academy Museum’s Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon is a new exhibition that will celebrate Marilyn Monroe as a visionary actor and image-maker, opening on May 31.

The exhibition will display hundreds of original objects, including posters, portraits, photographs, production documents, letters.

And rarely seen personal materials.

While the world premiere of ‘Marilyn: The Immersive Experience’ comes to Hollywood for a limited 16-week engagement from May.

Fans will be taken on a fully interactive, cinematic journey through the life of Marilyn, built by fans, for fans.

Every year’s blonde

Curl power: Mazza and Bandanaman

And the quirky Hollywood Museum is where you want to go to find where Marilyn became a blond, in Max Factor’s world-famous make-up rooms.

The museum’s Marilyn Monroe collection includes everything from personal items and wardrobe to her limousine.

And, get this, her million-dollar honeymoon dress from her life with Joe DiMaggio, as well as when she entertained troops in Korea in 1954.

While, if you want to walk in her stiletto footsteps, and men you’re allowed to because this is Hollywood.

Then get yourself down to the TCL Chinese Theatre.

Where she put her signature, hand and shoe prints into cement at the famed Forecourt of the Stars.

While Marilyn’s Walk of Fame star is just a block away at 6774 Hollywood Blvd.

Marilyn’s maisons

Home run: For Joe

So, you want to channel Marilyn where she actually lived, then the landmark Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel was Marilyn Monroe’s home for two years.

Just as her modelling career began to take off.

Marilyn stayed in one of the vintage 1950s Cabanas at the time of her first professional magazine shoot, at the Tropicana Pool.

The 750sqft Marilyn Monroe Suite features a loft-like open floor plan, kitchenette, and a balcony that overlooks the pool.

While Marilyn lived at the Beverly Hills Hotel, or ‘Pink Palace, several times during her career.

Marinade with Marilyn

Norma Jean: The original

And where she wined and dined too.

In the Fifties, Marilyn and Joe and Elizabeth Taylor, and Steve McQueen were just a few of the Hollywood legends that enjoyed drinks and appetizers in the Back Room of Musso & Frank Grill.

For their classic steakhouse fare and famous Martinis.

While the Formosa Cafe was famously billed as the place where ‘the stars dine.’

Its interior was lined with hundreds of autographed photos of its famous patrons.

Including Marilyn, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, James Dean, Humphrey Bogart, Marlon Brando, and Elizabeth Taylor.

The Formosa reopened in June 2019 after a stunning $2.4-million renovation.

A tour de force

Diamonds are: Marilyn’s best friend

Most of Marilyn’s movies were created at the historic FOX Studio Lot located in Century City and while this isn’t open to the public, visitors can head to the nearby Paramount Studio Tour for a look behind the scenes.

When young Marilyn (then Norma Jeane Mortenson) lived in Los Angeles Orphans Home Society, it is said she would look out her window at the water tower of RKO Studios (now Paramount Studios) and dream of stardom.

Goodbye Norma Jean

Lying with Marilyn: In LA in America

And, of course, Marilyn will live forever at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park, her final resting place.

And a Who’s Who of pop culture, including Marilyn, Truman Capote, Farrah Fawcett, Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Dean Martin, Roy Orbison, Natalie Wood, Frank Zappa and many more.

Now we know that Marilyn, who is interred in a pink marble crypt (no. 24).

At the Corridor of Memories, has an unsavoury neighbour there in Hugh Hefner.

But we’d rather dwell on Joe DiMaggio’s enduring love, where he had a half-dozen red roses delivered to her crypt three times a week for the next 20 years.

Why not do the same this year on her 100th birthday.

Major airlines fly out to LA and as we always recommend, flights out of Ireland come with pre-clearance and Aer Lingus will get you there direct.

 

 

America, Countries

Washington deserves a guided tour

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And because Washington deserves a guided tour instead of a dangerous midwinter barge Crossing of the Delaware.

We’d like to take him on a hop-on, hop-off bus around the city which bears his name.

Which, of course, we can do because we have the right connections.

Having bumped into George on the National Mall.

And then having been tour guided around the capital of the US by no less a figure than DC mayor Muriel Bower.

Hot in the City

Hail to the Chief: And Issy and Jimmy

Good luck on topping that but you’ve got more than a fighting chance this USA 250 year on board with City Experiences.

The 24-hour hop-on hop-off ticket gives visitors the chance to take in the capital at your leisure.

All the Smithsonians, the Capitol, your must-do selfie in front of the White House, and the monuments, memorials, and parks.

While, DC being the great cycling city that it is City Experiences are giving us a complimentary one-hour bike rental. And all starting from £44pp.

Now to borrow from Aleta Adams a minute.

We really should get there how we can for America 250 and when we do hop on the range of modes of transport and entertainment CE are offering.

New York, New York

Statue no limitations: Lady Liberty

Now one of the best ways to take in New York is on the Hudson and East Rivers.

And CE will take you on a signature dinner and dance cruise.

Where you can take in views of the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and One World Trade Centre.

The two-and-a-half-hour cruise features a chef-prepared buffet, live DJ entertainment, a fully stocked bar, and open-air rooftop decks. Prices start from £63pp. 

Out on the Great Lakes

Chicago-go-go: Taking in the Second City

If that whets your appetite, and you are in some of these other great American cities, be our guests and go cruising.

On Lake Michigan, with a chef-prepared buffet on a two-and-a-half-hour cruise taking in panoramic views.

Of the orginal American Skyscraper City, or the Second City Chicago, including the Willis Tower and Adler Planetarium. Prices start from £47pp.

Frisco dancing

Golden trip: San Francisco

Or wine, dine and cruise for two and a half hours in Frisco.

In San Francisco Bay in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. Prices start from £99pp.

San Diego chargers

Whale of a time: San Diego

While if you want to enjoy too those who live in the seas, then City Experiences put on a San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure.

Where your three-and-a-half to four-hour adventure will give you the chance to spot Grey, Blue, Minke, and Fin Whales, along with dolphins, sea lions, and marine birds.

Expert narrators from the San Diego Natural History Museum provide live commentary. Prices start from £50pp.

And again we say Washington deserves a guided tour and so do you, and particularly this America 250 year.

 

 
Caribbean, Countries, Deals, Flying

Woah, we’re going to Aerbados

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And with apologies to soft reggae revellers Typically Tropical… woah, we’re going to Aerbados, woah, Aer Lingus Airways.

Yes, you read that right… Ireland’s national airline carrier have stepped up to fill the gap.

Where floor fillers Typically Tropical gave us Coconut Airways.

Sail away: Club Barbados

Which Son and Heir and Daughterie will recognise the tune from being repurposed in Woah, we’re going to Ibiza.

Now the Balearic Island has always had its charms which we enjoyed on family holidays long before it became Rave Central.

Bridging the gap

Irie: The toast of Barbados

But we have long hoped and believed that the Caribbean could more than match it.

Once we opened it up for Irish travellers with a direct route.

England’s loss here, and more specifically Manchester’s, will be Ireland’s gain.

When Aer Lingus opens up a temporary seasonal route connecting Dublin and Bridgetown from 31 March to 31 May.

With fares available from €229 each way, including taxes, fees and carrier charges and departing Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Now it might be a small window but there’s a world of fun waiting through it once you get out there to Bim.

Just promise us that should you get along to say Club Barbados and you see a dapper dude.

Suited and booted

In penguin suit and bow tie designed on to his t-shirt in the bar chaneling his Typically Tropical then say an Irie from us.

And he’ll be happy to let you join him at the mic.

Now Club Barbados is on Barbados’s prestigious Platinum Coast but you don’t have to be Midas to afford it like you might at next-door Sandy Lane.

And join the Club

Me-me and Dee-Dee: At Crop Over in Barbados

Club Barbados is all-inclusive and adults only and we found a Garden View room for £1830.14 (€2,102.45).

And an Aer Lingus return flight for the random dates of April 7-14 for €449.11.

America, Countries

Birthday state Colorado always Springs a surprise

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And as they turn 150 this year we spent a day, celebrating with old friends (and new) and were reminded how Birthday state Colorado always Springs a surprise.

Now having dipped my toe in Steamboat Springs’ Old Town Hot Springs where the Ute First Nation would soak in their reviving powers.

I was intrigued to learn more about the state’s other offerings.

There are ninety-three springs in all which means the interstate competition is fierce.

It is why Glenwood Springs have travelled the world and brought back their secrets.

All so that they can add to their local knowledge in their corner of their near square-shaped state.

Of course, looks can be deceptive and Colorado is not actually square but hexahectaenneacontakaiheptagonal, 697 sides.

What’s Up Doc?

Cowboy country: Colorado

Glenwood Springs lays claim to the world’s largest hot springs pool.

One of seven such, and a 107-room Lodge for clients to luxuriate in.

And a rich history which just keeps updating since our old friends the Ute and then it was opened in 1888.

With the locals referring to the source spring as ‘Yampah’ or ‘Big Medicine’.

And with 15 minerals in the water you’ll be washed clean of body, spirit and mind.

Tranquil: Glenwood Springs

Now everybody who is anybody in these parts, and wider afield, have taken the Springs.

With ‘Doc’ Holliday, who was as known for his TB as his hot shot at the Gunfight at the OK Corral and card-playing visited Glenwood.

As a last vain bid to cure his ailment.

Although you’d hope that he had comfort in the waters.

And like all cowboys wanted, he died in his bed, and is buried in the Linwood Cemetery.

Bill and Teddy’s excellent adventures

Pay your Bill: Leave your donation at Bill’s grave

He is perhaps the greatest figure from Wild West folklore, and there have been many, Buffalo Bill Cody was a frequent visitor.

And he even dropped in five days before his death in Denver, although of course, he didn’t know that then.

Our old friend Teddy Roosevelt too championed Glenwood Springs.

And the Hotel Colorado which for a time became known as the ‘Little White House of the United States.’

Me and my Teddy: Teddy Roosevelt

It is even said that the Hotel Colorado was where the first Teddy Bear was born.

After the Prez returned to the Hotel Colorado from a hunting trip empty-handed.

And maids fashioned a cloth bear from scraps of material and presented it to his daughter who was with him.

And she named the bear Teddy.

Spring a surprise

Easy rider: In Steamboat Springs

Not that all visitors were as welcome with Al Capone and Ted Bundy making their own infamous imprints on Glenwood Springs.

You, though, and me, of course, will always be greeted warmly in Glenwood Springs and Colorado as a whole.

Dramatic: Hotel Colorado

Though perhaps not the obnoxious Aussie who was part of our party and I chased around the Springs the last time out…

But that’s a different story.

 

 

Countries, Flying, UK

Concorde by a nose in Scotland

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And because you can still board the greatest plane ever built without shelling out a fortune, we mark 50 years since its inaugural flight and how it’s always been Concorde by a nose in Scotland.

Because, here on our doorstep at the National Museum of Flight in East Fortune in East Lothian, east of Edinburgh, Concorde still holds pride of place in its own hangar.

Which you can board, and enjoy, for just £14.50 of your Earth money.

And see how the other half lived, and flew, back then.

It wasn’t inevitable, of course, that Scotland would house a Concorde, in this case Golf-Bravo Oscar Alpha Alpha, the first of her kind to go into service with British Airways.

Since her maiden flight in January 1976, she has flown 22,768 hours and 56 minutes, landing 8,064 times and going through 6,842 supersonic cycles.

Concorde’s most dramatic journey

Circle of life: Your co-pilots

In almost 25 years of service, she traversed the globe, touching down in New York, Paris, Bahrain, Miami, Calcutta, Auckland and Barbados.

Its most dramatic journey perhaps though was one where it never got off the ground.

When G-BOAA took to the water instead.

On an unforgettable week-long journey from Heathrow to a bunch of fields east of Edinburgh.

Aisle be looking after you: In-flight entertainment

Concorde was loaded onto a specialist barge, the Terra Marique, at the Thames port of Isleworth.

And sailed up the Thames and north,.

Before being rolled ashore at the British Energy jetty at Torness, East Lothian.

The pipes are calling

Pot of gold: In East Fortune

She was then guided by members of 39 Engineer Regiment’s 53 Field Squadron (Air Support), with a helicopter hovering overhead.

Before, in true traditional Scottish style, was greeted by two pipers on arrival.

Which is a little bit extra.

And not what you’d get at any of the four Concorde sites in England.

Worth the journey then.

 

 

 

 

America, Countries

Bewitching Boston and the Salem witch trials

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Now Scotland’s World Cup opener with so-called underdogs Haiti is scary enough but we’d like to avert your eyes away from the football to Bewitching Boston and the Salem witch trials.

Because the beauty of football travel is to drink in the culture (and here it’s Sam Adams) around you when you’re there.

Which, of course, we’ve done during a working summer after uni at the coalface, and 30 years later as guests of the Bostonians.

From the cradle to the grave

Boston, of course, is front and centre this year of the 250-year celebrations, as the birthplace of the American Revolution.

It is tempting to imagine Beantown‘s story beginning in the 1770s with the Boston Tea Party but the great old city dates back to 1630.

And, of course, Boston’s hinterland has always been central to its history which is why you should enjoy the city, yes, but also get out to the hinterland.

Where back in the 17th century, and still, the spirits are still exercised.

In the shape of the restless souls in Salem.

Where 19 people were hanged in the Salem Witchhunts of 1692.

Scaring up a treat

Fun of the fair: Haunted Happenings Festival

All of which you can see for yourself at the Salem Witch Museum & Witch Trials Memorial.

And the Haunted Happenings Festival with parades, live music, themed nights and family-friendly events.

With the train from Boston North Station to Salem taking just 35-40 minutes and costing just $20pp round trip.

Going back to Massachussetts

By hook or by crook: The Salem Witch Museum

Our Irish pals Cassidy Travel are offering a three nights in Boston and one night in Salem package for October from €1,999pps with the option of adding nights.

Staying at the AC Hotel Boston Downtown and The Hampton Inn Salem.

You’ll be taken on a Ghost Tour, Experience Haunted Happenings Festival, Visit The Witch House & Witch Trials Memorial.

The Old Burying Point Cemetery, Pickering Wharf, Old Burying Point Cemetery & Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery.

Your package includes direct flights from Dublin.

 

America, Countries, Deals

Dolly Parton Day… and she’s working it 9 to 5

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So power up the karaoke because Monday is Dolly Parton Day… and she’s working it 9 to 5.

The evergreen Dolly turns 80 in two days’ time, January 19And to mark the occasion her fellow Tennesseans have given their favourite daughter her very own day.

And Dolly being Dolly she has given back with a special rerelease of her classic Light of a Clear Blue Morning.

With Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire, with David Foster on piano, all pitching in in perfect pitch.

And the money going to pediatric cancer research at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Dolly’s Tennessee Mountain Home

Love is like a: Trip to Dollywood

Every day, of course, is a Dollyday at Dollywood.

Although you’d expect her Tennessee Mountain Home will be dialling it up to 11 on Monday.

With Dollywood boasting more than 40 rides, splash park, high-energy entertainment and exceptional dining.

Hello Dolly: No.1 fan

And that good ole Southern hospitality.

Of course as with everything Dolly there’s that little bit extra up top.

With Dollywood laying out the pink carpet to y’all to stay at the HeartSong Lodge & Resort.

And crimp yourself at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa.

Dolly good show

Fly the flag: The Stampede Show

While, of course, the shows are spectacular, whether the Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction, the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show.

Or the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, the Comedy Barn Theater, Frizzle Chicken Cafe and even the Titanic Museum Attraction (just because she can).

Soul food: Your ole’ Southern food

So to stay in a Dolly Bear Cabin with all the Dolly bells and whistles.

Then Dollywood is offering for May 23-September 20 the 2026 Dollywood Summer Fun Pass.

Smoky Mountain Hide-Away

Cabin forever: Smoky Mountain Hide-Away

Now Dolly’s cabins are all playfully named but we alighted on A Smoky Mountain Hide-Away.

Which you’ll be able to make your own for $3,252 for two bedrooms for six guests and two baths for a sample May’s week vacation…. well this is caring, sharing country.

And with British Airways flights now to Nashville from London Heathrow.

Since last we visited Tennessee and had to get an interconnecting flight through Newark you’re made up.

With it costing you £867.99.

And to mark her standing in Country music the Grand Ole Opry are dedicating tonight, January 71 to Dolly.

Because, Dolly you know we will always love you.