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Avoid air tax hikes and fly through Dublin

29th November 202529th November 2025 funtime65

It’s music to the ears. Avoid air tax hikes and fly through Dublin.

With British travellers feeling the pinch of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ money grab for their air pounds many are looking to their neighbours.

Just like they did when there was a rush on Irish passports after Brexit, Britons are looking to cash in on Ireland’s easier relationship with the world.

Particularly when they are flying transatlantic.

Which we’ve been advising here for all Bandanini and Bandanistas to do since we moved back from Ireland.

Because, of course, as well as being exempt from the tax, unique to the UK, Ireland boasts pre-clearance for visitors going to North America.

Dublin for the night

Catching up with friends: With Teresa, Eoghan Corry and Sharon Jordan in Dublin

It’s a route I know well and confession time here there is a right way and a stressful way of doing things here.

And you won’t be surprised to hear that your Accidental Tourist has more often than not chosen the stressful option.

Through on the day connections from Edinburgh to Dublin and then the States.

Only however many hours you think you have on your side ‘domestic’ flights will usually let you down.

And you may well find yourself rushing through customs and finding yourself still catching your breath on board for your connecting flight to Chicago.

Even if your lemon suitcase takes another four days to join you.

So you might consider a stop-off in the Irish capital the night before and what’s not to like about that option.

Particularly as you’ll still be in pocket through the money you would have spent on those extra Rachel Reeves surcharges.

Turk an overnighter in Istanbul

So you’re going long-haul the other way to Asia or Australia and New Zealand.

Travel expert Simon Calder of the Independent, advises, as we do, Istanbul as your stop-off point.

Where again you can take advantage of the rules by taking a 24-hour plus break in your journey to avoid those extra costs.

Which you won’t regret as you cross continents on a boat trip on the Bosphorus, count your blessings in the Blue Mosque.

And detox from your kofti and Antalya wine in the Cagaloglu Hamam, just like Florence Nightingale, John Travolta, Oprah Winfrey et al have done.

So while all these Rachel Rates have been taxing Britons this week and for years to come, stick with us.

To avoid air tax hikes and fly through Dublin and the jewel of Turkey.

And we’ll keep you straight and with more cash in your pocket through our Holidos and Holidon’ts tips.

America, Countries, Culture

Party like a pioneer in Plymouth on Thanksgiving

27th November 202527th November 2025 funtime65

The people of Massachusetts feel more blessed on this day than any neighbour which is why they party like a pioneer on Thanksgiving.

Because, of course, legend tells us that it was in Plymouth where the Pilgrims and the people who were already there first broke bread and wine in 1621.

Some 53 Pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag, led by Chief Massasoit, feasting on fish, shellfish and veg.

The table is set: What it might have looked like in 1621

Now talk around whether everything happened exactly the way we play it out today keeps a whole industry of historians in work, which is no bad thing.

Of course, the best place to immerse yourself in everything Thanksgiving is where it all began, in Plymouth.

Where they are feasting like it’s 1621.

Pilgrim’s Progress

Free the turkey: And vote for Thanksgiving

Our Plymouth pals direct us to the Pilgrim Hall Museum, Plimoth Patuxet Museums, Plymouth Rock and the National Monument to the Forefathers.

And as we’re channeling 1621 then first off is the Pilgrim’s Progress, a procession to Sabbath worship.

The Donald will: Even if he gets his feathers ruffled

On the site of the original fort/meetinghouse where psalms are sung.

And passages are read by ‘Elder Brewster’ from Governor Bradford’s Of Plymouth Plantation or other sources.

The First Nations

Now Thanksgiving Day, on the third Thursday of November, should be as much about the indigenous population as the settlers.

And Plymouth doesn’t forget them with a National Day of Mourning March and ceremonies at Massasoit Statue, Cole’s Hill.

Now Plymouth is only 40 miles from Boston and should be part of every American history fan’s odyssey.

Thanks to Aer Lingus

And like everything American for us travelling from these next rocks at the eastern end of the Atlantic.

We advise to travel through Dublin.

Irish-Americans all: Thanksgivings in Dublin

With Aer Lingus with pre-clearance.

We found a random return flight for next month from €634.42.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE

America, Countries, Flying

Rock me mama to Wagon Wheel to Raleigh

24th November 2025 funtime65

Nathan Carter has done more for Irish and North Carolinian relationships than anyone, so we expect the inaugural Aer Lingus flight will rock me mama to Wagon Wheel to Raleigh.

Raleigh becomes the 26th Aer Lingus North American route when it takes off from 13 regional British airports through Dublin next April.

We’ve yet to hear a song around that odyssey so there’s an opening there for us.

There is one though famously out of Maine in New England and on to Raleigh, North Caroline.

Which Nathan and Carolinian Darius Rucker popularised.

With stop-offs in Philly and in Roanoke, Virginia.

Up in New England

And all because the lovelorn hitchhiker wanted to run from the cold and poker losses in New England.

Though we can’t understand that because we’d run to it.

Although he is clearly missing his baby.

Now as romantic as it all sounds, a banjo-playing wannabe fiddle player going to these lengths to get to his guitar-playing baby.

A Breeze of an alternative

He could always have flown with Breeze Airways (no, us neither).

From £132 from Portland and be in her arms in just over two hours.

But then it would have been a very different song, and maybe Boeing Wheels doesn’t have the same lyrical sound to it.

Sweet Caroline

Now while our hero clearly had a warm welcome waiting for him with his baby you’ll more than likely need your own billet.

Our friends at Rome2Rio have kindly pointed us in the direction of a range of hotels and Black Friday deals.

And their three sample nights in March at the Raleigh Marriott City Center has grabbed our eye at £574 for two, down from £820.

Rock me mamma

Now you’ll want to know what you and your loved-one can do in Raleigh.

So we’ll fill in the gaps, or rather Getyourguide will.

As American history buffs we’re clearly all over the full-day Historian Guided City and Raleigh African American History tours.

While of the ghoulish, fiendish or downright criminal can choose between ghost and crime tours.

But our interest is piqued most by the four-hour Raleigh/Durham: Mystery Date Night in the Triangle Area.

Which our pals in the song would doubtless of availed of, particularly after the long hours of hitching.

America, Countries

The Huck stops here 150 years on in Missouri

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They’re literature’s ragtag rascals who stole our hearts and The Huck stops here 150 years on in Missouri.

Big reveal, I was cynical about Tom Sawyer and his outlaw friend Huckleberry Finn.

When I was introduced him to as an English Lit student in Aberdeen where I was a bit of a rascal myself.

Thinking the raggedy-arsed boys from Ol’ Mississippi a childish yarn and the racial language provocative.

To the Britain of my time, the Eighties.

Hannibal lecture

Only to have my eyes opened to the nuance in Mark Twain’s writings.

And piquing an interest in the Deep South which I have been able to explore later in life in Mississippi.

All of which naturally draws me to Hannibal in Missouri in a landmark year in 2026, 150 years since Twain introduced the bad lads to the world.

As part of the new self-drive from The Internet Traveller following in the footsteps of iconoclastic Americans.

St Lou too

Tom and Huck, Jesse James and the picture-book town that became the model for Disney’s Main Street USA.

All on the new ‘Missouri’s Legendary Trail’ 11-night self-drive trip.

Flying into St Louis, travellers can experience the iconic Gateway Arch.

And the city’s rich Blues history, and remember St Lou is the birthplace of Chuck Berry.

Before heading to Hannibal, the boyhood home of author Mark Twain.

And which inspired the fictional Mississippi river town of St Petersburg in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

Then continue west on Highway 36 – known as the ‘Way of American Genius’.

The best thing since…

To Marceline, the cherished hometown of Walt Disney who based his theme-park vision of Main Street USA.

On the beautiful real-life Main Street he knew so well.

Other stops along the Way include Chillicothe, the birthplace of sliced bread in 1928, the best thing since…

And the town of St Joseph which is steeped in Wild West lore as the eastern terminus of the Pony Express mail service.

While visitors can also visit the Jesse James Home Museum.

In the building where the outlaw was killed in 1882.

Continue to Kansas City for a final night, taking in the city’s rich jazz and barbecue scenes, before flying home.

Deal us in

The itinerary is priced from £1,739pps, including return flights, 11 nights’ accommodation and nine days’ inclusive car hire.

America, Countries

Today’s Wild West train traveller

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Buffalo Bill would, of course, have ridden the Plains on his steed, but today’s Wild West train traveller would take a three-day train journey and now for the price of two.

Our friends at Canyon Spirit have put together a Black Friday promotion for a savings of up to 18%/£300pp for Red Rocks and Wild West fans.

On the new Rockies to the Red Rocks route from Salt Lake to Denver (or vice versa) in the US from April.

The rail deal

Where you’ll get to soak up the plunging-rugged canyons, spectacular red-rock formations and the winding Colorado River from eye level.

Which will bookend that Papillon Helicopter tour you took back in the day above the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas.

You’ll overnight in Glenwood Springs (the clue is in the name), Colorado and Moab, Utah.

The additional day of train travel will traverse the mountain passes of eastern Utah and the open vistas of the Great Basin.

While connecting to the urban hub of Salt Lake City.

Hosts with the most

Framing your journey: Zip through the Wild West

And all with your hosts talking you through the destinations through which you pass.

While feasting on the best local fare and beer, wines, and spirits.

And maybe a concert: OneRepublic at Red Rocks

The new three-day Rockies to the Red Rocks Extension journey will take off on April 10.

It will travel weekly with one westbound departure from Denver and one eastbound departure from Salt Lake City.

The three-day rail journey, including overnight hotel accommodation in Glenwood Springs and Moab.

Costs from £1,331 pp (was £1,631 pp – saving 18%/£300 pp) with the Black Friday promotion.

The Rocky Mountain high

Bandanaman: And the Bandanettes In Denver

And if all this looks familiar it’s probably because it’s the new name.

For the luxury train that welcomes travellers to experience the American Southwest by rail.

And which has been operating under the Rocky Mountaineer brand since 2021.

America, Countries, Music

Hardware Hotel

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With apologies to Elvis, it’s down at the end of West Main Street, it’s Hardware Hotel… in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Continuing our Elvis education our Presleyphile pals are flagging up the 80 years since our hero got his first guitar there.

And because I often do things back to front and I hit Santa Monica Pier first on Route 66.

Before marking off the start of the trail on South Michigan Avenue, Chicago.

My Elvis odyssey then ought to have seen me party with the other Elvises in Las Vegas at the end of the journey.

Or have got his first guitar at Tupelo Hardware and then having to strum an air one at Sun Studio.

The wonder of you

Ra King: The Scottish Elvis in Sun Studio

And instead start at the very beginning which is why Presleyphiles should return to sender.

And the address that IS known is 114 West Main Street, Tupelo.

Which is turning 100 next year so would have been well established when Gladys Presley popped by with her lively 11-year-old in 1946.

And famously a shop employee settled the young Mississippian down when he sulked after Gladys refused to buy him a rifle.

Of course, the rest is history and while Tupelo foxes and birdlife breathed a sigh of relief.

The rest of the world sucked in and got ready for the musical trip of a lifetime.

It’s nail or never

Now today’s employees at the Tupelo Hardware Store exude the same good ol’ Southern hospitality that Gladys and Elvis knew back in 1946.

And will be happy to share stories about the Presleys as you browse for guitars, rifles, nuts, bolts and spirit levels.

While you stand in the spot where musical history was made.

Tupelo Hardware Store is one of 14 significant sites in Elvis’ formative years in Tupelo.

All marked with bronze plaques on the Elvis’ Tupelo Driving Tour.

And our Tupelo buddies gladly give us a virtual tour on their site to see what they’re selling,which is still hardware essentials with a little hard rock Elvis.

If I can dream

Mark off all 14 plaques because you’ve come all this way in the first place.

But maybe spend more time at the Hardware Store, compiling stories to tell y’all when you get home.

And the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum on 306 Elvis Presley Drive.

The house, built by Elvis’ father with $180, which draws visitors each year from across the world.

And is part of the 15-acre Elvis Presley Park, which includes many exhibits and Elvis’ childhood church.

Countries, Cruising, Ships, South America

Rio by the Sea-oh with Swan Hellenic

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The hospitality manager on our first cruise told us their favourite trip was Brazil which is why we’re alighting on Rio by the Sea-oh with Swan Hellenic.

One of the 36 voyages on offer as part of the Black Friday Expedition Collection sale, ranging from six to 20 nights.

The offer comes with a$1,000 onboard credit per cabin and savings reaching up to £2,600 per stateroom.

Clients can choose from journeys across Antarctica and the Arctic, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

For departures spanning March 5 to July 29 with bookings to be made between November 17 and December 2 to avail of the offer.

With offer inclusive fares starting at £2,695pp.

Braziliant cruising

Among the standout sailings is the six-night Salvadore Rio voyage departing November 25. Soul, Samba and Sea Journey to Heart of Brazil.

From £2,835pp, your Braziliant cruise, our pals at Swan Hellenic tell us that it is an unforgettable journey.

Starting in Salvador de Bahia, a city rich in Afro-Brazilian culture, and culminating in the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro.

They encourage us to explore the historic Pelourinho in Salvador and take in the colonial architecture.

While Itacaré buzzes to the rhythms of local capoeira dancers (no, us neither but we’re here to learn).

Trancoso is known for its boho-chic setting, with its iconic quadrado surrounded by lush rainforest.

Dip you toe in

The Abrolhos Archipelago throbs with marine life and breathtaking biodiversity.

While you can dive in too to the clear waters of its natural pools.

And snorkel, or simply enjoy the ship’s observation decks.

And because you know that you like to spend your nights partying.

Then you’ll be lapping up in Buzios and Rio, savouring caipirinha cocktails and the carnival vibe.

And having taken in the charms of Swan Hellenic in rather different shores, off Leith, Edinburgh’s port, we long for warmer Brazilian climes.

Countries, Flying

Ryanair’s new friendly face

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Michael O’Leary famously quipped ‘if I’d known being nice to passengers would be so good for business I’d have done it years ago’ and that goes too to his staff, and Ryanair’s new friendly face.

Today, of course, was the big roll-out of Ryanair going fully digi with passengers’ boarding passes.

And for those fearful that they would be strong-armed by ground crew, such as Mrs Bandanaman who on being chivvied along called the woman at the gate a fascist, bravely under her breath.

Green for go

Ya dancer: Ryanair staff happy to meet you

The evidence at Dublin Airport was completely to the contrary.

My old travel pack colleague from Ireland, the award-winning Conor Power, reported in the Irish Times of a seemless transition.

With Michael O’Leary seemingly putting out the directive to his staff to be patient with customers… he must be getting soft in his old age.

And the company has said it will accommodate the paper generation.

And that ‘if you have already checked in online and you lose your smartphone or tablet [or it dies or gets left behind].’

‘Your details are already on our system and you will be assisted at the gate’.

While for those who turned up without digital boarding passes staff were there.

To show travellers where it could be found on your phone.

And they were only too happy to direct stressed-out holidaymakers to the Visa check desks for further assistance.

At your assistance

All of which we welcome as airport travel grows increasingly more stressful.

And it doesn’t matter how seasoned you are because it seems the more you know about what can go wrong the more anxious you become.

Thankfully, of course, some of those mishaps are behind me.

Such as not reading the small print on the paper boarding pass on the Olympic Air ticket.

And realising I’m at the wrong terminal.

And putting on my naughty schoolboy face to Greta at the Lufthansa desk and taking the telling-off.

To ensure I get put on the next flight from Munich to Athens on my Greek Odyssey without a charge.

Maybe then these digi check-ins and boarding passes are the answer.

Even for old technophobes like Bandanaman.

Countries, South America

Go nuts for Amazon Brazil

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And if all those big heads pressing the flesh at COP30 has piqued your interest then here’s where’s to go nuts for Amazon Brazil.

They’re the Amazon Explorers travel providers, who will immerse yourself into indigenous life.

Now our amigos at Feel Brasil know everything there is about the state of Amazonas.

The most indigenous in South America’s largest country, and home to over 50 ethnic groups.

Who guard the secrets of medicinal plants, astronomy, and sustainable forest management.

Go native

Communities such as Cipiá, Tatuyo, Diakuru, and Tuyuka are located along the banks of the Rio Negro.

And they are happy to open up their villages for a responsible ethnotourism experience.

Where visitors are not mere spectators but active participants in a cultural legacy that dates back centuries.

Each ritual, every body painting, and every story told reveals a sacred relationship with nature.

Tour de force

The indigenous immersion in the Rio Negro is a community-based tourism experience.

Where indigenous guides point out healing leaves, trees that house spirits, and fruits that nourish generations.

You’ll dine like a native which means tanajura ants, smoked fish, and exotic fruits.

The adventure begins early at the Roadway Port in Manaus’s historic centre.

Where you’ll board a fast boat that glides over the dark waters of the Rio Negro.

The tour lasts six hours and is available from Monday to Sunday.

A warm welcome

Walk like a Brazilian: Learning the customs

All the best cultural tours come with a welcoming committee and Amazon Explorers’ comes with bells and whistles.

And a ritual dance, where music and movement express the spirituality and stories of the original peoples.

You’ll be invited to participate actively, learning basic steps that express gratitude to nature.

And given a craft demonstration and the chance to take home a memento.

And know you have contributed to the local economy.

How to get there

And if you want to be really eco-friendly then you’ll bus it from Rio.

And here Rome2Rio have done all the heavy lifting for us with the details.

It’ll be a mere 49 hours 42 minutes but that’s a small sacrifice, and price at from £184-241, to help the planet.

You’ll get to see more of the region too as you get driven through Ribas do Rio do Pardo en route to Maunas.

But, of course, we’ll not judge if time, and maybe a bad back, is your enemy.

With flights from Rio taking 6 hours and 7 minutes and costing between £141-411.

Now TAP Air Portugal are the carriers to take you from London to Rio.

And we found a sample price return at £1424pp.

America, Countries, Music

A front seat peek into the world of Vegas divas

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Mick and Macca are mean but Elton would give you the world and this your front seat peek into the world of Vegas divas comes free.

With your party-loving Bandanaman and our driver Crystal, not her real name, of course, because what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

Crystal has driven all the stars in her stretch limo.

And will share her insider knowledge and her champagne.

Your entertainment: The free Neon City Festival

As you sit back and take in the sights, sounds and smells of Neon City outside.

Everybody and anybody has played Vegas and of course the big ticket is the artists in residence.

The stars come out to play

Mariah Carey, with her Christmastime in Las Vegas show at Park MGM Las Vegasn November 28 & 29. December 2-13.

The Eagles at Sphere, and you can check out any time you like…

Jennifer Lopez, Def Leppard, Kenny Chesney, Styx, Kelly Clarkson and New Kids on the Block.

The King and I: With Elvis at the Graceland Chapel Vegas

Now you want to be Hangin’ Tough you’ll have to book well in advance.

But if you want your entertainment for free then check out the off Strip bars.

And you might find a burlesque Seventies and Eighties covers band, bar staff ringing bells and doing body shots and Cami from Utah.

While this month, from November 21-23 Neon City Festival is putting on a range of free concerts.

And all for my 60th birthday, you guys!!!

The stage is set

So Good Charlotte and De La Soul headline the Friday, DeadMau5 and Breaking Benjamin the Saturday.

And Two Friends and Fitz and the Tantrums the Sunday, no us neither.

Our Vegas buddies tell us that the shows will unfold under The Canopy, the main stage nestled between Golden Gate and Circa.

The 1st Street Stage, located between Circa and Binion’s and the third stage near Fremont, Four Queens and the D Plus.

While VIP options are also available exclusively at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.

The Founding Properties are offering exclusive weekend packages, with food and drinks credits, and discounted room rates.

Fremont wheelin’

As a sample and because we have fond memories of being shown how to zipline through Fremont Street by a very accommodating Elvis.

There is 25 per cent off at the Fremont Hotel & Casino.

When you book three nights or more, with nightly prices from $41 to $107.

We found a sample return flight from Dublin with our tranasatlantic airline carrier of choice, Aer Lingus, to Vegas from $544.18.

And, of course, be sure to travel in style when you get there, in a stretch limo.

So ask them who they’ve had in the cab.