Deals Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Ten years of the real House of Dragons

18th September 2026 funtime65

Consigned as I am to live in ‘Winterfell’, and as a dracophile, I clearly want to mark ten years of the real House of Dragons.

No, not Daenerys Targaryen, who as my own Queen of Dragons reliably informs me is also to be feared.

But the real House of Dragons as those keen-eyed among you will have noted is Postojna Cave in Slovenia.

Which is, of course, one of the world’s best-known karst caves.

Where we only got to watch the development of the olm in real time.

From the first eggs, embryos and larvae hatching to their transformation into playful little baby olms.

Aw, they do grow up so fast

This year, ‘the baby dragons’ from the 2016 olm brood are turning ten.

And our Postojna pals are giving us an insight into how they live today and the interesting developmental stage
they are about to enter…

And whether dragon adolescence is anything like ours.

The very first olm was discovered right enough, in Postojna, in 1797.

The shy olms had, in truth, probably been around for 14 million years ago moving from the surface into the permanent darkness of subterranean waters.

Now instead of vision, which is unnecessary in darkness, the olm has developed a range of highly specialised senses.

Food for thought

It has an excellent sense of smell, taste and hearing, and can detect vibrations in the water.

And sense weak electric fields produced by other animals and orient itself using the Earth’s magnetic field.

And therefore locate its prey, such as small crustaceans, snails, worms and insects.

Its survival strategy in an environment where food is very scarce includes an extremely slow
metabolism, a low heart rate, and minimal movement.

And doesn’t that sound the life?

This one’s got legs

Slithering about: The olms are on the move

And there’s more…

The olm can live for more than 100 years and can reproduce even at an advanced age.

And because of its slow metabolism it can survive for several years without food, maybe not like a human adolescent then.

While here’s where it gets even more interesting.

They can regenerate damaged limbs and organs, blood vessels, the heart and even parts of
the brain.

And how do we know? Well, here’s where little Viktor comes in, handy,

Still of the night: And we’re in their world

Viktor like most kids likes a scrap and hurt and lost part of his leg in a fight with two other olms.

But like the Monty Python knight, he shook it off as a flesh wound.

Because he knew that within just a year he would have grown back a fully functional limb.

Now if you think all of this is dragon on a bit and you want to see Viktor for yourself.

We found round-trip flights for random dates in October to Ljubljna from under £200 with EasyJet because unlike dragons, we can’t fly for ourselves.

America, Countries, Deals

Get your skates on for Ireland’s Aer exodus

11th September 202611th September 2026 funtime65

It’s as much a sign of autumn as leaves on the ground, the Irish flier, and this is where you get your skates on for Ireland’s Aer exodus.

Because as beautiful as Autumn is in Ireland, and we spent 13 years seeing the Garden County of Wicklow turn a golden hue.

There is a world out there in all its many-splendoured colours waiting for us to explore or revisit.

Of course, New York is a true rite of passage for Irish youngsters and J1ers.

Halloween in the Big Apple

And my first trip to the Big Apple being in the Fall when it was New Amsterdam it has always been a special time to visit.

Which we reprised with our wee apples.

Skated on the rink outside the Rockefeller Center with Daughterie.

Went native when we took the Staten Island Ferry where every second brown build had a carved Obama pumpkin to greet us.

And joined the Paw Parade at Battery back on Manhattan where naturally New Yorkers dress their pooches as superheroes.

Before partying with the people on the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade.

The American Each-Way

All of which we can all enjoy and much more thanks to our friends at the national airline carrier.

With great value transatlantic fares available from €199 each way.

While of course the Irish have been known to pop up all over America.

With Aer Lingus flying to 20 destinations from Boston and Orlando to California and great spots in between.

Countries, Deals, Europe, Skiing

Ski TV… and La Plagne’s plans

9th September 2026 funtime65

And we just had to mark Ski TV… and La Plagne’s plans.

The winding up of the iconic BBC Ski Sunday show resonates particularly with Gen X.

Those like us, born in the Sixties and who were first drawn.

To those Incredible Snowmen Franz Klammer and Ingemar Stenmark, as they flew down the Alps in the Olympics.

And who we got to see every Sabbath for ourselves when David Vine brought it to our screens in 1978.

Now the British state broadcaster, in their own wisdom, have decided to pull our weekly diet of snow sports.

Leaving us to wait for the Winter Olympics in 2030 for our fix.

Looking up

And it’s our good fortune that we’re in safe hands skiing in La Plagne.

Now, of course, we’ll be blessed with getting to see the world’s best practitioners of the slopes.

In the blue-ribband events at the Olympics.

But in a throwback to our younger days the French Alpine resort is also bringing back a favorite of TV viewers on the continent.

And one which we regret that we didn’t see over on this island.

Where the only snow on our peaks is the northern forgotten bit of this island.

Probably just as well judging by Britain’s record in its companion show Jeux sans frontières .

Or in time-honored British tradition, translated into English, as It’s A Knockout.

Let these Games begin

Well, we will be treated to a new iteration of Interneige, born in 1965, a great year, and held in 1966 in La Plagne.

And but yes, we’ll want you to watch this space to see what they’ve got in store.

And if we’ll see a revival of events such as…

The Hare and the Tortoise, or the Hare and the Tortoise, The Grasshopper and the Ant.

And then there’s The Frog Who Wanted to Be as Big as the Ox.

Which we don’t have to tell you is The Frog that wishes to be as big as The Ox.

Throughout the seasons, there were numerous events, all culminating in Les slaloms parallèles pour le Fil rouge.

Hats off to La Plagne

And interspersing it all is that ubiquitous Plagne red bobble-hat which celebrates its 60th birthday this winter.

Born in a black and white TV age In 1966, La Plagne needed a simple logo that viewers could instantly recognise.

The Red Hat is getting a makeover for 2026.

It will change hats, acquire different expressions and become animated as part of La Plagne’s new visual identity.

Make a plan for La Plagne

La Plagne is a 150-minute drive from three main airports, Geneva, Grenoble, and Lyon.

Either hire a car from the airport, book one of the transfer companies or take the bus.

Alternatively let the train take the strain.

Eurostar Snow train offers rail service from London St Pancras International to the Aime-la-Plagne (with a change at Lille).

Trains depart London St Pancras International on Saturdays and return to London on Sundays.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Cani-hiking in Avoriaz

25th August 202625th August 2026 funtime65

Munro bagger supreme Jimmy thinks nothing of climbing hills with his dog so cani-hiking in Avoriaz will be right up son mont.

Now granted the Pentland Hills which frame Edinburgh aren’t, or would ever claim to be, the French Alps.

See you Jimmy: With Jimmy, far left at Dunbar’s finest

But fear not you won’t have to haul, or be dragged by, Fido up the slope.

You’ll be equipped instead with a waist belt and elastic lead.

And Fido will gently pull you along and set the pace so you can enjoy the scenery.

Dog days

The experience lasts around an hour and a half and includes a break for refreshments for you and your dog.

And the chance to take photos with them.

Suitable for adults and children aged 10 and over, cani-hiking takes place in the late afternoon or evening.

To keep the dogs comfortable during the warmer months.

Available daily from June 25 to 29 August, so it’ll be a case of pencilling it in for next year.

The experience will cost you €30/£26pp.

Taking the lead

Get out for a stretch: No shortage of routes

Plenty of time then for you to get into training.

Although heads and paws up here, you will be provided with a dog, a northern dog… think huskies.

Now you’ll want to know where is best to stay around Avoriaz.

Your residence awaits

And we’ve been pointed to Résidence Pierre & Vacances Saskia Falaise for a seven-night stay.

Arriving 28 August and priced from £312 for a self-catered stay in an apartment sleeping up to four people.

With flights and transfers extra.

All of which we imagine are similar for next year.

Countries, Cruising, Deals, Europe, Ships

Taking the dragon on a cruise

24th August 202624th August 2026 funtime65

Yes, our friends at MSC have opened themselves up to hackneyed gags about taking the dragon on a cruise.

Only this is Asia where the dragon is venerated.

And MSC passengers should be fired up by the unveiling of a spectacular 12-metre sculpture.

Aboard its newest flagship, MSC World Asia, ahead of its launch in December.

Suspended 10 metres above the outdoor promenade, Dragon features nearly 700 mirrors and more than 3,000 LED lights.

Bright lights

Now MSC are known for being the bright lights of cruising.

With their iconic sparkling staircases and tens of thousands of genuine Swarovski crystals.

Now we don’t have to wait long to see the new feature for ourselves.

With MSC World Asia beginning its seven-night Mediterranean sailings from December 4.

A sample seven-nightMediterranean sailing from Genoa aboard MSC World Asia is available from €769pp.

Columbus crew

Now you’ll leave from Christopher Columbus‘s homestead for Civitavecchia, the port of Rome.

Messina (Taormina) is your next stop for all things Sicilian.

Before you take in the harbour of delights that is Valletta in Malta.

And then a day at sea with on board activities.

Before you disembark in Barcelona and if you think that Columbus has been following you.

Well, there he is in Las Ramblas pointing you to the New Word… and your next trip?

Before cornering for Marseille and back to Columbustown in Genova and home.

Africa, Countries, Deals, Europe

Why everyone really wants to go to Ceuta

10th August 202610th August 2026 funtime65

It’s this year’s must-visit destination with 60,000 clambering across the border… but here’s the real reason why everyone wants to go to Ceuta.

If you hadn’t heard of Ceuta before don’t worry, none of us had.

But truth is the Spanish enclave in Morocco has long been a day out for visitors to Fezland.

With a cursory glance at Get Your Guide opening up a host of attractions and activities for the city across the Gibraltar Strait.

Which despite being encircled by Morocco has been under Spanish rule since 1580.

Now you can reach Ceuta by land, by sea, by air and from either neighbouring Morocco or mainland Spain.

Boats and moats

Get Your Guide offers a new full-day Excursion to Cueta from Algeciras from £135pp.

You’ll ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar in the company of a licensed tour guide.

And lunch at a local restaurant, and a cruise tour on Europe’s only navigable moat.

And that will allow you to see the Royal Walls from a privileged perspective.

Visit the Casa de los Dragones which will doubtless appeal to Game of Thrones fans.

Walk through the historic centre, get an selfie with Hercules, and discover the mix of Spanish and Moorish cultures.

Afterwards, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant where you can sample Ceuta’s cuisine.

Before free time to stroll through the city center, relax by the sea, or have a drink at the marina.

A Spanish stroll

Now the bonus of being an enclave is the accessibility to Morocco.

And your friendly excursion specialists offers a two-continent African trip with a dip into Morocco. And all for £154pp.

There are pickups available from Malaga and other cities along the Costa del Sol.

You and your guide will travel to Algeciras for the 45-minute ferry ride across the strait of Gibraltar.

You’ll arrive in Ceuta before passing through border control into Tetouan.

You’ll spend five hours in Tetouan with a guide and take in the old Jewish quarter of Mellah and Hassan II Square.

You will also visit the souk of Tetouan and the Medina of Tetouan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site… and shop til you drop.

Before you visit a Moroccan Berber farmhouse.

So, there you have it and now we get it, why everyone really wants to go to Ceuta.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Porchewgal the foodie’s haven

5th August 20265th August 2026 funtime65

And here’s somewhere to get your teeth into… Porchewgal the foodie’s haven.

Where it’s two full three-course meals and grazing with pasteis de nata and quaffing Vinho Verde every day.

Which is probably why Cristiano Ronaldo decamped to the Gulf to hone his body.

I partly blame José, who puts on tours de force in Portugal for visitors, and the pounds.

With no carnivore or piscavore left behind.

While Quinta do Lago serves up sustenance and sports in equally oversized portions.

Fado, footie, Fatima & food

There are, of course, other resorts available, although only one for Special One José.

For whom everything and everyone came from Coimbra, including, of course José.

And here we turn to management experts Amazing Evolution will keep you sated.

Portugal savours its traditions and, of course, when it comes to food, they are a cod-fearing people.

No visit to its ancient capital, Lisbon, is complete without trying bacalhau à Brás.

The much-loved salted cod, finely shredded potatoes and egg dish.

Or enjoying that warm pastel de nata fresh from the oven from the Pastéis de Belém bakery.

Beyond the restaurants, food lovers should explore the Time Out food market.

And neighbourhoods including Mouraria, Intendente and Príncipe Real.

Where independent cafes, wine bars and traditional taverns sit side by side.

We’ve got it Infame

Amazing Locations will put you up in 1908 Lisboa Hotel which is perfectly positioned for exploring Lisbon’s thriving culinary scene.

Their restaurant Infame, has become a destination for Lisbon locals and creatives.

Serving modern Portuguese cuisine inspired by seasonal ingredients from local producers and the best cocktails and wines.

And get this… their dishes start from €15.

With rooms at 1908 from €140 per night.

Portugal’s take on a tale of two cities would, of course, be the capital and Porto.

Although Jose would have something to say about Coimbra.

Vinho Vici Verde

Hidden between Porto and the Douro Valley, Amarante is one of the north’s best-kept culinary secrets.

Set in the heart of the Vinho Verde region, at the heart of the town sits Casa da Calçada.

It is home to the Michelin-starred Largo do Paço.

Here, beautifully crafted tasting menus showcase the finest seasonal ingredients from northern Portugal.

Combining traditional flavours with contemporary techniques.

And you can learn too about that great vinho gateway Vinho Verde at one of their estates.

Or enjoy leisurely riverside cafes.

Or wander Amarante’s historic centre.

Where independent bakeries, wine shops and artisan producers celebrate the flavours of the region.

Largo do Paco’s exclusive tasting menus start from €150.

Rooms at Casa da Calcada start from €230 per night.

Porklife

If you prefer pigging out on pork then Alentejo is the region for you.

Here it’s all about timeless recipes, exceptional local produce and slow, seasonal cooking.

Signature dishes include porco preto, the region’s prized acorn-fed black pork.

And açorda alentejana, a rustic bread soup flavoured with garlic, coriander and olive oil.

While you can learn about local vintages Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez and Antão Vaz from family-owned wineries.

You’ll be based near Montemor-o-Novo at Sleep & Nature.

Monte do Vagar Restaurant showcases regional dishes filled with artisan cheeses, traditional breads, olive oils and fine wines.

Main dishes at Monte do Vagar Restaurant start from €12. Rooms start from €115 per night.

Countries, Culture, Deals, UK

Where there’s a Will, there’s an Irish, you will, you will, you will

12th June 2026 funtime65

Ok, so this is a bit of a laboured Irish ink to Shakespeare country (what’s new, you say) but where there’s a Will, there’s an Irish you will, you will, you will.

Is it just me (again, probably) but I could just see Father Ted’s char lady Mrs Doyle in one of Shakespeare’s comedies?

But certainly Irish actors were the go-to for Chloe Zhao when she was casting Hamnet, the moving film around the death of the son of Will and Anne (or Agnes).

With Jessie Buckley scoring an Oscar for Best Actress opposite Irish compatriot Paul Mescal.

Stratford on the map

While all the world’s a stage and millions’ focus is centred on footballers running around the field, hopefully with a football attached, let’s not forget the other players.

The ones that put Stratford-on-Avon in the Heart of England on the map.

Our friends at Institute for Culture Travel have put together a mini-break to Shakespeare Country.

Because each of us must play our part.

Its Oxford, Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds trip departs on August 9 and will set you back €1,189pps, with a single supplement €259.

Will’s World

Cottage industry: Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

You’ll base yourself in Stratford, perfect to explore Will’s World and the heritage connected to his life and times.

Now, if you’re worried, having mugged up on Will that you’ll be put in his second best bed.

Like the fate of poor Agnes, who was bequeathed this in his last will and testament.

King of the castle: Or queen in Warwick Castle

Then don’t be… your three nights will be spent in the lush 4* Crowne Plaza Hotel.

So boiled all down you can look forward to…

Return flights from Dublin, taxes and transfers
Three nights in the 4* Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon with breakfast
Four lunches and one evening meal
Entrance to Warwick Castle
Full-day excursion to Oxford and Blenheim Palace
Visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
Excursion through the scenic villages of the Cotswolds
Private transfers and local guide throughout.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Inside the United Nations in Geneva

11th June 202611th June 2026 funtime65

And you thought it was in New York, well it is, but here’s somewhere else where you don’t have to press your nose up to the glass… inside the United Nations in Geneva.

Switzerland is famous for its internationalism and neutrality so of course it embraces the whole United Nations ideal.

And is more than happy to open its doors for a new gateway into how the world works… the Portail des Nations.

Located at the entrance of the Palais des Nations (along the Alley of Flags), this immersive visitor centre invites you, we’re told, to explore the forces shaping our world.

Of course, now we’ve had our big kick-off to the football World Cup, we’ve got our own Alley of Flags along the garden fence.

Our own little effort at world unity.

Flagging up the Portail des Nations

More than a visitor centre, the Portail des Nations, which opens on Friday, June 18, is designed as a journey.

Across nearly 1,000m², interactive installations bring global challenges to life.

From climate change to human rights and global health.

A highlight of the visit: an immersive experience inspired by how the United Nations operates.

And it offers visitors insight into the mechanisms behind international decision-making.

Designed for everyone, the experience is easy to access and does not require the usual formalities associated with institutional visits.

The art of diplomacy

Whether you’re travelling solo, with family, or in a group, it’s the perfect introduction to international Geneva.

With this new landmark, the city on the lake reinforces its position as a hub of dialogue and diplomacy.

The Portail des Nations becomes a must-visit starting point.

To understand how global decisions are made and how they impact us all.

We found an EasyJet return flight from our local airport here in Edinburgh to Geneva for £200 return…

That’s assuming that the half-Scottish Donald Trump can’t get us on Air Force One.

Deals, Europe, Sport

For go-karting in Galway read Avo-Drift in Avoriaz

9th June 20269th June 2026 funtime65

Plus ca change as they say en France and for go-karting in Galway read Avo-Drift in Avoriaz aujourd-hui.

One of the highlights back in the day on holiday in Salthill on Ireland’s west coast .

And before Sky television and mobile phones and girls, was the go-karts.

And we’d spend the hard-earned Saturday work cash on cornering and pretending we were James Hunt.

Of course, I should have known then I wouldn’t be cut out to be a natural driver.

Spin me right round: Underground karting

Although I did manage to get my driving licence after I think six times.

During which I got lessons from Her Behind the Wheel which is where she has stayed, not allowing me to drive since.

And the most laidback rasta driver who would pass over anything I might be doing wrong.

Occasionally stepping on the emergency brake, but mostly waving at his ‘brothers’ out the window.

One careless driver

You can take it as red: Fiat 501 en France

A range of work cars laters, a slip on the ice in Aberdeen and a rear-end outside a football ground and a clamping and we’re more or less up to date.

Apart, of course, from the time on the French Riviera when our party were given Fiat 501s to drive.

Only I couldn’t work out the old hand gears and the tour operator insisted they drive me instead!

All of which driving mishaps behind me I was rather taken by the invitation put out here.

To discover Avo’Drift in Avoriaz on the French-Swiss border.

And despite the billing, it doesn’t down scary at all, which is more than be said for my mountain escapades.

Get the Drift

Avo’Drift, we’re told, and I checked out the pics, is a unique drifting-style driving experience.

Set inside an underground parking garage.

All transformed into a vibrant illuminated arena with neon lights and an underground atmosphere.

Participants take the wheel of electric vehicles.

All specially designed for drifting, featuring one front wheel and two rear wheels built for sliding.

All of which is meant to allow drivers to drift through corners, swing the rear out, and challenge friends in a fun and immersive setting.

Helmets and gloves are provided if necessary, and the activity is accessible to anyone over4.5ft tall.

Sessions last between eight and ten minutes.

And prices are set at €15/£13 per driver or €13.50/£12 with the Multipass discount.

Count us in

A seven-night stay at Hotel des Dromont s, arriving August 8, is priced from £643pps, sharing a double room with breakfast included. Flights and transfers extra.

We found flights with EasyJet from £194.48.

BON VOYAGE