Deals Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Woah, we’re going to Aerbados

12th February 2026 funtime65

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.

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

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.

Asia, Countries, Deals

Kyrgyzstan where it’s no mad

7th February 2026 funtime65

With all sporting eyes focusing on the Winter Olympics in Italy what of Kyrgyzstan where it’s no mad?

The former Soviet republic will be gathering Asian itinerants for the World Nomad Games kicks off in August and September.

Who knew… well, our old friend Stans and Asian go-to Wendy Wu.

Who is putting on a brand-new, fully inclusive tour through Kyrgyzstan.

All in good time to coincide with those biennial 2026 World Nomad Games.

Wendy’s Games

Wendy has put together an itinerary which covers a country of towering mountains and red rock canyons to vast alpine lakes.

And another too… in Uzbekistan.

Wendy’s 2 September departure can be combined with an 11-day fully inclusive Ultimate Uzbekistan tour.

The Kyrgyzstan & the World Nomad Games
11-day fully inclusive tour is priced from £3,940pp.

Departing 29 August & 2 September 2026.

Giddy up

You’ll witness the beauty of the alpine heaven Ala-Archa National Park in the Tian Shan mountains

Bishkek is known for its Manas Monument and vibrant bazaar.

And we know you know that Issyk Kul is home to the world’s second-largest mountain lake and you’ll want to go on a boat ride.

You’ll spend a full day at the World Nomad Games.

Where you’ll soak up nomadic sports like horseback wrestling, archery and eagle hunting.

And take in village life in Tup and enjoy a tour and tasting of the region’s Kyrgyz cheese.

Before relaxing in the natural hot springs of Karakol.

Yurt to know better

Go native in the evening in Karakol with a local family for a home-cooked dinner of lagman.

Which we don’t have to tell you is a popular Central Asia noodle dish with stewed meat.

Now you can’t visit Central Asia without spending a night or, in this case, two in a traditional yurt camp.

Yours along the edge of Issyk Kul Lake has, of course, private en-suite facilities.

And how to make your own from a local family in Kyzyl-Tuu village.

You’ll even take part in a hands-on cooking class with a local chef.

That’s all folks

And what about a lunch in Kadji-Sai village with a family of local musicians.

And a lively folklore performance as you dine.

While Wendy also tempts us with a walk in scenic Chon-Kemin Nature Park.

Followed by a hands-on cooking class making Boorsok – a traditional Kyrgyz bread.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Our romantic beach shot for Valentine’s Day

3rd February 20263rd February 2026 funtime65

And when Vogue comes asking we’ll give them this, our romantic beach shot for Valentine’s Day.

And any one else who wants to promote romantic breaks which at this time of year means gifts to give on February 14.

Which it happens is our friends at Cassidy Travel.

Who are pitching a five-night package to our old hunting ground of the Algarve.

Where we took our first sun holiday in Cabanas.

And survived a circuitous road trip to Expo in Seville which almost ended up in Madrid.

Love in the Algarve

You’ll stay five nights at the 3* Soldoiro Apartments in Alubfeira.

With return flights from Dublin to the Algarve from April 5 with 10kg luggage included.With prices from €430pps.

Your favourite Irish travel providers seem to be mapping the course of our lives here with Malta on their radar too.

Maltese romancing

It was then that I knelt down in the searing sun only for Herself to yell ‘yes’…

And 33 years and two bank overdrafts (or children as we also call them we’re still here.

Now we’ve still to rekindle the magic of that time.

Although I have looked forlornly at the restaurant we pledged our troth in on a return visit with an Irish party.

Which in a roundabout way brings us round to their seven-night package in Malta on March 2.

Where you’ll stay all-inclusive at the 4* DB Sea Bank Resort & Spa.

Return Flights from Dublin with 10kg luggage included. Prices from €810pps.

Countries, Culture, Deals, Europe

Tiaras for tear-ups on the Tenerife carnival

30th January 2026 funtime65

I’ve been known to tart up for an oul’ fiesta so think nothing of donning tiaras for tear-ups on the Tenerife carnival.

The Canary Island might not immediately strike you as being Carnival Central.

And most wouldn’t pick it out as the second biggest in the world after Rio.

But once you get under the skin of Tenerife and it has many layers.

You’ll see the island has many, varied and colourful costumes.

I mean where else will you see Jesus kitted out in a skirt on a cross… and not just at carnival?

Float on

Tinerfenos and Tenerifophiles are gearing up for next month’s Carnival.

In truth they have been since the last float was broken down and tiara hung up last year.

As have island specialists Spring Group Hotels.

Which boasts half a dozen beachfront and city-side hotels across Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos.

Just 50 minutes from Santa Cruz.

Reign with my parade

The action gets underway on the Wednesday, February 11 with the Carnival Queen Gala.

After a night of revelry, guests can retreat to the boutique Sir Anthony Hotel.

With its ocean-view rooms and private plunge pools.

The Opening Parade (Cabalgata Anunciadora) is on the Friday.

Guests at Spring Hotel Vulcano can toast the day from the UP! rooftop terrace or unwind by the pool.

And try the pilates, yoga, meditation, and spa treatments.

Super trouper

Ready for Ritmo y Armonía Parade the next day.

Glad you asked… well, it’s high-energy Latin dance troupes along the seafront.

Mediterranean Palace offers children (those who insist on coming along) the Club Mare Kids while you relax by the pool.

Or unwind in the spa and saltwater pool.

After giving worship at your kilted Jesus Mass you’ll be cleansed for the Daytime Carnaval.

The Apoteosis

Guests staying at Spring Hotel Bitácoracan continue the Carnival energy in the south on the UP! rooftop terrace.

A new week and the fun keeps coming on Carnaval Monday.

Wellness is the order of the day at Arona Gran Hotel or if you’re the active type hire a bike to take a spin along the coast.

All to give you energy for Tuesday’s Coso Apoteosis (Grand Parade/Main Parade).

With its fantastic floats, comparsas, music, and fireworks.

Before setting off your day with a rooftop sunset at the Spring Hotel.

Sardines and other fishy tales

The scales of it: The Burial of the Sardine

Well into the ways of the locals you’ll be exercised by now at what to do with your sardines!

Don’t be… the islanders host the Burial of the Sardine on the Wednesday.

A playful, theatrical farewell blending theatre, satire and tradition.

Back in the south, carry on the party in the Piramide de Arona at the Mare Nostrum Resort (beside Cleopatra Palace).

Then it’s back to your Spring hotel for downtime.

The Festival of Rondallas & Children’s Carnival Parade spans the next two days.

There’s still a weekend to go and we won’t take any flagging now.

Take it all out on Piñata Weekend on the Saturday and Sunday.

While for the more grown up there is the Exhibition and Parade of Vintage Cars.

Take a plunge

Seven nights Half Board at 5* Hotel Sir Anthony departing London Stansted on 11 February 2026.

Superior Double room with Sea View and Private Plunge Pool from £2,305pps with Jet2holidays.

Seven nights B&B at Spring Hotel Vulcano departing London Stansted on 11 February.

Standard room. From £1,113pps* with Jet2holidays.

Seven nights B&B at 5* Mediterranean Palace departing London Stansted on 11 February.

Standard Twin room. From £1,082pps* with Jet2holidays.

Expansive: But not expensive at the Cleopatra

Seven nights B&B at 4* Cleopatra Palace Hotel departing London Stansted on 15 February.

Standard Twin room with Pool View. From £1,197pps* with Jet2holidays.

Seven nights B&B at 4* Spring Arona Gran Hotel & Spa, Los Cristianos, Tenerife, departing London Stansted on 11 February.

Twin room with Side Sea View. From £1,122pps* with Jet2holidays.

Seven nights Half Board Plus at Spring Hotel Bitácora, Playa de las Américas, departing London Stansted on 11 February.

Sharing a Standard room. From £1,131pps* with Jet2holidays.

T&Cs

●All prices correct at time of writing and include Jet2holidays’ promotional offer (January payday offer of £100pp off all holidays, plus an extra £100 off per booking).

Prices include 22kg checked baggage per person, 10kg hand luggage per person,

Countries, Deals, Europe, Sustainable Tourism

Where to go and getting there rail slow with Super Escapes Travel

28th January 202628th January 2026 funtime65

It’s the downside of an island and the upside of a continent. a variety of accessible countries, but here are our friends to show us where to go and get there rail slow with Super Escapes Travel.

Because from Portugal to Poland we’re cutting out the stress of even more regulated travel through airports, preferring to let the train take the strain.

And addressing the heightened awareness of environmental impact, rising flight costs, and a desire to travel with greater purpose.

Increasingly, mature travellers, and don’t you know this pup of a 60-year-old has been pitched into that category, are choosing curated European
itineraries.

The ones that combine two or three destinations in a single trip.

By linking destinations seamlessly, travellers are also finding better value for money and making smarter use of their time abroad.

Still on the right track

The train in the plains: The Jungfraujoch in Switzerland

Back in our day it was EuroRail and Transalpino to the French Riviera (ask your Mums and Dads).

These days companies like Super Escapes Travel have stepped in and stepped up.

With an expanded product offering a new collection of multi-stop European itineraries.

Tailored specifically for those older travellers who train-hopped back in their salad days but have lost the habit since.

These trips prioritise comfort, convenience, and cultural depth and centrally located hotels.

Clock this: The Astronomical Clock in Prague

The focus is on balance, pairing contrasting destinations such as coastal retreats and historic capitals.

Or vibrant cultural hubs and quieter scenic regions, all while minimising unnecessary travel stress.

It’s no surprise then that the poster twin-centre city breaks for Super Escapes Travel are two of our favourites.

The Central European gems of Prague and Budapest.

Central casting

Culture vulture: With the locals in Budapest

You will look out from the Wenceslas Square Hotel in the Czech capital, no, not on the Feast of St Stephen but on selected dates in March.

And enjoy the charms of the Bohem Art Hotel in Budapest.

Super Escapes Travel will fly you from London into Prague and back from Budapest.

With rail travel between the two cities included.

Your four-day trip, from a choice of March 1, 3, 8, 11 and 15, from £179pp and your hotel stays will be room only.

Deals, Europe, Pilgrimage

Corphew go trekking in the Greek islands

24th January 202624th January 2026 funtime65

Giorgios, Maria, Evi and all our Greek friends, and Dutch Frank, all tell us that the locals head for the islands when it heats up so Corphew… let’s go trekking in the Greek islands.

And put in the hard work we wimped out on the last time we were there.

On honeymoon, 32 years ago when it was more about sunset walks on the Corfiot beach.

In my defence it was toga-wearing hot when we were there in the September of 1994.

Good reason then for the grumpy Greek Orthodox monks to be wearing robes.

Going Solos

I have since got my walking shoes on on my travels out to the Attica region and Kythera, and continue to mither The Scary One to join me.

Although, of course, my notorious wayfaring is hardly a persuasive argument.

Which will be why she always suggests I go on my own… ‘take a long walk down a short pier.’

Solos are, of course, the go-to for, er solo, trips where you meet like-minded travellers.

Or those who have exhausted the patience of those at home and who you end up falling out with on holiday.

Come what May

And so Solos are marking this May, in celebration of National Walking Month, by sending us all out on a week of hiking and cultural discovery in Corfu.

You’ll be based at Aronda House in Dassia.

And the itinerary features moderate guided hikes through the hills, coastal paths and valleys on this most verdant of Greek islands.

Highlights include a coast to coat walk from Skripero, a forested trail past the heritage village of Agios Markos.

And a loop around the flamingo-dotted Korission Lagoon in the island’s quieter south.

With daily distances around 13kms and routes made up of gentle ascents, it’s ideal for all walkers.

Deal us in

A seven-night Corfu Walking Tour departs on May 1 and is priced at £1,259pp.

This includes return flights, transfers, airport taxes, double room for solo use.

A welcome drink, daily breakfast, BBQ dinner at hotel, three picnic lunches.

Four exclusive fully guided walks and a Solos Tour Leader.

America, Countries, Deals

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

17th January 202617th January 2026 funtime65

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

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.

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

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).

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

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.

Countries, Cruising, Deals, Europe

In your sixties on a Rhine river cruise

14th January 202614th January 2026 funtime65

You look at the world differently from a double-decker booze bus when you’re a teen than from when you’re in your sixties on a Rhine river cruise.

With, of course, the behaviour codes laxer on the TopDeck bus to the Oktoberfest in Munich with a travelling party of Aussies and Kiwis than on the five-star MS Riviera Resplendence.

Let’s just say that we can’t imagine our Irish buddies Cassidy Travel allowing you to tip your bladder onto the thoroughfare in the way our crew did on the German autobahn.

It is, some 40 years since I first dipped my toe into solo travelling, going it alone after my Uni buddies had failed to raise the money for our group trip to Munich.

And I decided to jump in on my own, only to find that the bus was full of Aussies and Kiwis and I was the outlier.

Which meant that I was the novelty and made a busload of new friends, rattling on a bus and looking at the cruisers on the Rhine.

Some of whom dropped in on us for a weekend later that year… and stayed six months!

Rhine of your life

So now we’re in less of a rush to get there and happier just to go with the flow then what better way to travel than on the Riviera Rhine Cruise to Switzerland.

Where Solo Travellers can enjoy a stress-free, sociable way to experience some of Europe’s most beautiful regions without single supplements or the pressure of travelling independently.

You’ll board the brand new five-star MS Riviera Resplendence, launching in July.

On a seven-night river cruise promising solo guests a fully organised itinerary along the Rhine.

And you’ll get to enjoy historic towns and cities such as Strasbourg, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Speyer and Lucerne.

With scenic highlights such as the Rhine Gorge, the Black Forest and a mountain rail journey into the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland.

Solo run

Guests will enjoy the comfort of sole occupancy cabins, expertly planned excursions.

And the support of tour managers hand-selected for their ability to connect solo travellers.

Days are spent taking in the scenery while evenings offer the option to socialise over dinner.

Or to simply enjoy live on-board entertainment including a violin soloist and folk music performances.

You’ll travel from October 31-November 7.

The full package

The Solo Rhine Cruise Package includes:

Exclusive price for Cassidy Travel customers
Free drinks package
7 nights on board a five-star ship
Return flights & transfers
10 included experiences
Full board *except one lunch if choosing the full day excursion
Complimentary on-board tea & coffee
Expert Tour Managers looking after you throughout
All additional taxes
Checked luggage
Free Wi-Fi

Prices from €2,899pp with a deposit of €300 (Exclusive Cassidy Travel price!)

Countries, Culture, Deals, Europe, Music

Time to say good buy… in Prague

10th January 202610th January 2026 funtime65

Horizons are never far, and particularly with the Institute for Culture Travel, who know exactly when it’s time to say good buy… in Prague, with this Andrea Bocelli special trip.

Now Bohemian Prague is embedded in opera and you’ll jostle with punters from monks to mainstream at the bar at the interval.

While humming to La Boheme or whistling to the Magic Flute.

Our pals at the Institute know us better than we know ourselves and that we have resolved to be more cultural in 2026.

And so they have sneaked in this last-minute concert tour to the Czech capital, departing January 23 and featured a performance by tenor Andrea.

The three-night tour offers guests the chance to see Andrea perform live at Prague’s O2 Arena.

And all that jazz

In the Strahov Monastery Brewery: In the Czech Republic

Along with the added bonus of an expertly curated itinerary of cultural experiences in one of Europe’s most enchanting cities.

So that you can continue your musical odyssey by taking in the jazz saxophonists on the King Charles Bridge by the great River Vlatva.

Which, if you’re like me, and God help you if you are, might prompt you into channeling your inner Ray Charles later in the evening.

All after one too many Pilsener Urquells, you understand, and urged on by Swedish Agnetha (no, not that one).

You’ll stay at the stylish 4* Jalta Hotel on Wenceslas Square.

And don’t worry if it’s after the Feast of Stephen and it’s not snowing, it’s still a marvellous sight.

On a pedestal

You’ll be within easy reach of the State Opera, of course.

And the National Museum and the city’s many historic and cultural attractions and that Astronomical Clock.

Explore the city’s palaces, castles and churches and wander the charming lanes of the Old Town and get in your steps.

Take in the guided tours of Prague Castle and the Lobkowicz Palace.

And look out too for the David Cerny statues dotted around the city, cheek by jowl with Habsburg architecture.

The trip also includes a pre-concert dinner and a return coach transfer to the arena, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

Tour highlights

Return flights from Dublin and airport transfers with local guide assistance
Three nights B&B at the Boutique Jalta Hotel
Guided walking tour of Prague Old Town
Guided tour of Prague Castle and Lobkowicz Palace
Pre-concert dinner in your hotel
Andrea Bocelli concert at Prague’s O2 Arena (upstairs sector 110)
Prague city tax

And because we know you’ve tucked a little away for your deserved January treat, you’ve got this.

The Institute break comes in at €1,097pps|Single Supplement €256. With a booking deposit of €450pp.

Deals, Europe

Let il treno take the strain

7th January 20267th January 2026 funtime65

And when you’ve only got pidgin Italian and you’re unsure if you’ve got a connection then… Let il treno take the strain.

And those helpful international travellers you find just when you need them most.

To tell you that the last train of the day will only get you halfway to your destination.

For the start of your Via Francigena last 100kms into Rome.

But that there is a bus for immigrants that does leave in the early hours of the morning.

This being Italy then a little local knowledge is everything.

And this would not be the first time that I would lean on helpful locals on the road back into La Citta Eterna,

Italian Sky is the limit

Now if a little local knowledge is a good thing just think how much more more local knowledge could be.

And that’s where our old pals at Tropical Sky come into play.

With their Italy by Train journeys for 2026.

And their designed twin and multi-centre itineraries that link the nation’s most iconic cities.

Every detail is taken care of, including first class train tickets and all mod cons as standard.

So travellers can unwind and enjoy the scenic journey.

Your seven-nighter through Il Bel Paese takes travellers from the ancient wonders of Rome to the artistic heart of Florence, with all travel and transfers pre-arranged.

Rome to Firenze

The experience begins with four nights at the elegant 4* Hotel The Guardian in Rome, with a rooftop terrace with sweeping city views.

Guests then continue to Firenze for a three-night stay at the restored central 16th-century Palazzo Lorenzo Hotel Boutique & Spa.

A beautifully restored 16th-century residence close to the city’s most celebrated sights.

The itinerary can be fully tailored with hotel upgrades, alternative transport options, or additional Italian destinations to suit individual interests and travel styles.

The seven-night Rome and Florence trip is priced from £979pps B&B basis.

Including a flight to Rome airport, a private transfer to Rome city, four nights at 4* The Guardian on B&B.

Private transfer from Rome hotel to Rome Termini Station, first class train from Rome Termini Station to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station in Florence.

A private transfer from Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station to Florence hotel.

Three nights at 4* Palazzo Lorenzo Hotel on B&B, private transfer from Florence to Florence Airport or Pisa Airport, and flight home from Florence Airport.

So let il treno take the strain.

And all because you can’t always depend on a kind-hearted and knowledgeable English speaker.

To point you in the direction of a special bus to get you to your destination.