Deals Archives - Page 5 of 42 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Africa, Countries, Deals

Sharm el-Sheikh it up

26th October 202526th October 2025 funtime65

And when the leaders of the world have to combine work with pleasure they Sharm el-Sheikh it up.

The fabled resort on the Egyptian Red Sea was, of course, the setting for the Middle Eastern peace conference.

Fittingly, really, as the great watery pleasure ground fronts on to eight states.

Which you’ll know if you’ve been taken out on the water.

Which, we were, in our case by Zuhair, our Jordanian guide on our G Adventures break.

Alas in this region you are never too far away from reminders of conflicts past and present.

Such as tanks which have been dropped in the sea… to help with the marine life.

And which the snorkelers in our party availed of, swimming down to the great hulks.

While others wimped out on first contact with the water and got back on board to get an early start on lunch.

Now should you wish to alight on Sharm el-Sheikh and it is to my regret that I caved in to the Scary One.

And gave away our invitation there back in the day to a less deserving colleague and friend.

Then here are five 5* options hand-picked by our friends at the welcomingly named Plenty Holidays.

With emojis compliments of Plenty Holidays, symbols we think would meet The Donald’s approval.

Good luck Sharm

📍 Stay 7 nights at the 5* Sheraton Sharm Hotel & Spa
🛏️ All Inclusive Stay + FREE Transfers!
🌊 Free Upgrade to Sea View Limited availability !
💰 Just £379 pp with Return Flights Included!
📅 Travel Oct-Dec 2025 / Jan- Oct 2026. Price based on Jan 2026.

The Phew Lagoon

📍 Stay 7 nights at the 𝟓* 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐭
🛏️ All Inclusive Stay + FREE Transfers!
💰 Just £349 pp with Return Flights Included!
📅 Travel Oct-Dec 2025 / Jan- Oct 2026. Price based on Jan 2026.

The lucky Pickalbatross

📍 Stay 7 nights at the 𝟓* 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐥𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐟 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐭
🛏️ All Inclusive Stay + FREE Transfers!
💰 Just £449 pp with Return Flights Included!
🌊 Free Upgrade to Superior with Balcony/Terrace Limited availability !
📅 Travel Oct-Dec 2025 / Jan- Oct 2026. Price based on Dec 2025.

Asp and you shall receive

📍 7 nights at the 𝟓* 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐮𝐱𝐮𝐫𝐲 Resort

🛏️ All Inclusive Stay + FREE Transfers!
💰 Just £459 pp with Return Flights Included!
📅 Travel Oct-Dec 2025 / Jan- Oct 2026. Price based on Dec 2025.

Countries, Culture, Deals, Europe

Your night at the Dresden Semperoper

25th October 202525th October 2025 funtime65

Theirs is an epic story of resilience and rebirth to play out ahead of your night at the Dresden Semperoper.

Twice destroyed by fire and once by water the Semperoper looks every inch the Renaissance classic erected in 1841.

Only this is the second opera house, the original having been destroyed in a blaze in 1869.

And then by Allied bombers targeting Saxony at the end of the Second World War.

The voice of Dresden: With Ingrid in Dresden

All of which I know and more from my freunde and guide, see I was listening Ingrid.

Dresden’s reputation as the Florence of the Elbe alas did not preserve it from Allied Bombers.

Despite the convention that cities of culture should be immune.

Feather touches

Dresden’s renaissance, brick by brick, fresco by fresco, makes it the perfect pick.

For your Institute for Cultural Travel mini-break.

Billed as The Magic of Dresden: A Three-Night Cultural Escape, your delve into history and opera comes in at from €1495pps for April 27.

You’ll arrive from Dublin on your Ryanair flight in Berlin early on your first day in Berlin.

And your guide will drive you the two hours down the road to Baroque palace and moated castle, Moritzburg.

If it’s hunting trophies and ornate gilt leather tapestries that’s your thing then Moritzburg is the place for you.

Never mind the famed Feather Room, adorned with over a million coloured ticklers… followed by lunch in a local restaurant.

The stage is set

You’ll stay the next three nights being wined and dined and sleeping the night off at the Hilton Dresden.

But maybe pace yourself as you’ve 700 years of history to walk through and that Verdi opera at the Semperoper.

Admire the graceful Augustus Bridge and the magnificent Residenzschloss, one of the city’s oldest and most historic buildings.

Your guide will take you to the historic Sophienkeller restaurant for pre-opera dinner and drinks.

Before taking your category 1 seats for La Traviata.

Culture vultures will delight in the next morning’s trip to the Old Masters Picture Gallery.

In the 19th-century Semper Building at the Zwinger, restored after seven years of renovation.

Answer to our prayers

And Dresdenophiles will advise that you visit the Frauenkirche and Martin Luther will point you in the right direction.

Ich bin ein Dresdener: Und Martin Luther

Of course, whatever you miss you can come back and see the next day.

Before your guide takes you back to Berlin and onwards to Dublin.

Asia, Countries, Deals

Sumo Fomo then this is what’s big in Japan

18th October 202518th October 2025 funtime65

It’s the heavyweight attraction taking London by storm but if you can’t get there and are having Sumo Fomo then this is what’s big in Japan.

Wexas Travel will take you to the stable, well they are thoroughbreds.

Where for a £125pp extension to your holiday you can get inside the sumo wrestler (insert your own gag here).

All with the help of a guide and reference book (in English) for the tournament.

Of course the best place to learn about Sumo isn’t Channel Four.

Although that was for most of us our introduction to the heavyweight sport back in the 80s when the station launched in Britain.

A yen for sumo

But, fair play, they had gone out to the Kokugikan National Sumo Arena, Tokyo, where you’ll be going.

You’ll meet your guide at a nearby hotel at 1.15pm for a short lecture about the history of the sport.

And then join the crowds of fans awaiting their favourite wrestlers.

Sumo being as much about the stylised ritual as the sport you’ll enjoy the entrance ceremony of the highest ranked yokozuna wrestlers.

The matches start and continue until 6pm.

All the time guests will be free to explore the stadium as they please.

I’ll have what he’s having

The sumo museum is a must and you’ll be keen to fill your cart with merch and we just know a nodding sumo on your bookcase will get people talking.

Of course the highlight outside the arena will be channeling your inner Japanese at their food and drink stands.

And particularly the hall where sumo wrestlers serve chanko nabe, the delicious that they eat to bulk up.

All of this, of course, is a combo with your main tour.

Essential Japan

And Wexas offers Essential Japan, a 10-day tailor-made holiday from £4,125 pp including flights.

With three nights in Tokyo, two nights in Hakone and three nights in the ancient capital Kyoto.

Wexas kindly boil that down to:

Experience the big city commotion and skyscrapers of Tokyo
Stay in stunning national park ryokans, hike past peaceful forest-fringed lakes and soak in private onsen baths
Take in scenic mountain railways and elevated metropolitan loops on authentic Shinkansen bullet trains
Discover Japan’s ancient capital, Kyoto
Explore ancient geisha districts and elaborate Buddhist temples.

America, Countries, Deals

Universal’s Fast & Furious Flying Cars

17th October 2025 funtime65

My Dear Old Mum‘s driving prowess was legendary with Dad calling her Stirling Moss, so I’d venture that she was airborne long before Universal’s Fast & Furious Flying Cars.

Time has surely whizzed by since Jimmy Fallon, no less, was audio guiding us through a crazy Fast & Furious studio tour at Universal Hollywood.

And now our Universal buddies have only up and added to the fun with Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.

Universal Studios Hollywood has begun extended testing with its first launch of the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift ride vehicles.

As the theme park’s first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster prepares to open in 2026.

The train containing the four ride vehicles, including the Dodge Charger, will be concealed during this initial test phase.

With the remaining ride vehicles revealed at a later date.

Get the drift

Jimmy, Jimmy: Jimmy Fallon and the Universal Studio Guided Tour

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will feature 360-degree rotation of the individual ride vehicles.

As guests travel along 4,100 feet of elaborate track – the equivalent of nearly 12 football fields – built with sound reduction technology.

So for those who haven’t been in a car with my daredevil Mum, and we know you’ll have your own, it’s a seamless sensation of drifting cars.

As guests spin in motion at fast speeds while speeding along an aerial track.

Get there Fast

That winds its way over sections of the theme park, including the multi-level escalator that connects the Upper and Lower Lots.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will be located on the Upper Lot of Universal Studios Hollywood.

Guests will queue up within an expansive garage-like structure before settling into one of four ride vehicles, designed to look like the iconic cars from the films.

Including Dominic Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger.

We found a return Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Los Angeles (LAX) for a sample five days next month from €551.51 with Ireland’s special pre-clearance obviously.

Countries, Deals, Europe

All you need is Algarve

11th October 2025 funtime65

All you need is Algarve, it’s the story of Paul and Portugal, let it Penina Albufeira and the Beatles.

Of course. it was a different time, the explosion of package holidays, which even drew in one of the biggest pop stars of his day.

It is hard to imagine the Paul McCartney of today wandering into reception in a Portuguese hotel.

And asking to have five pounds exchanged into escudos (ask your parents).

But party animal and general good guy Paul was persuaded into joining house band Jota Herre on stage in the Sixties.

And improvising a song at the piano which became Penina, before entertaining the patrons until 4am.

Fado Goodbye

And there the story may have stayed other than Portuguese prattle.

Had it not been for Paul playing a version of the song with John Lennon and Ringo Starr during the Get Back sessions.

And Jota Herre recording and releasing the song in March of that year, 1969, followed by Portuguese singer Carlos Mendes.

All of which pop legend is still played out at the Penina.

And Albufeira nights at the Radisson Blu nights in Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

Macca’s pitch

Come on Aileen: With Senorita Albufeira Aileen

Of course when you have such a prized piece of estate as the Paul McCartney piano he played on that night, well you’d keep it.

It is not unfortunately recorded in the annals of history whether Macca played a round of golf.

At the Panina, the country’s first golf course, designed by major winner Henry Cotton.

But the Penina is still dining out on its Paul McCartney connections.

Deal us in

Just 45 minutes from Faro Airport and served by Ryanair and Jet2 Penina has of course many other features to appeal.

Such as the biggest pool in the Algarve, an Olympic-style swim.

And the first and oldest course in Portugal, dating from 1966.

And standing at their version of St Andrews’ iconic Swilcan Bridge.

We found a random week in November with our go-to providers loveholidays from £778 for two, down from £843.

Countries, Deals, Ships, UK

Irish Ferries are in with the bricks for Halloween

5th October 20255th October 2025 funtime65

And as we build for Halloween… let’s go Lego and Irish Ferries are in with the bricks for Halloween.

Bringing visitors across the Irish Sea.

With the culture and mores which we’ve all adopted in Britain in our calendar of festivities and celebrations.

Such as Samhain which the Brits and Yanks have repackaged as Halloween and claimed as their own.

Scaring up a treat

Now, of course, we’re all for cross-fertilisation especially when it adds to the enjoyment.

Which our friends at Lego have always done.

And where Irish Ferries are giving us a fresh incentive this Autumn to join in.

As part of their 10% savings on your theme park package break if you book before October 13.

Now we all have our favourites with some parks feeling like they’ve been around since the first Halloween.

Although they never feel old and are always freshening things up.

Particularly around Halloween, one of the biggest dates in the calendar.

On a theme

Thrill seekers can look forward to the return of award-winning Scarefest at Alton Towers,

While we’ve also been alerted to a fang-tastic Halloween at Chessington World of Adventures, HOWL’O’WEEN!

Both of which look frighteningly good and we’d encourage you to check out.

Gruff break: Gruffalo trail in Chessington

Still, we know that those of us who live in the earthly world are a little more limited in our mobility.

So we’re focusing on one theme park from our old stomping ground.

Brick or treat party

My own Scary One’s back yard of Berkshire in the south of England.

And Legoland Windsor which back in our time was a Safari Park.

But which is now the realm of our favourite blockheads.

And which will naturally be throwing a Brick or Treat party.

Cut us in

Best seat in the house: Legoland attractions

And so you can get your Legoland Windsor package at a cut-price €636, down from €706.

You’ll be treated to a return cruise ferry journey.

Stay for two nights at the Novotel Reading Centre

And enjoy a day at the theme park.

All for two adults and two children up to the age of 11.

Countries, Deals, Europe

This could be Rotterdam, Seville, Riga or Porto

1st October 20251st October 2025 funtime65

And with apologies to popsters the Beautiful South and with very different sentiments… this could be Rotterdam, Seville, Riga or Porto.

Because these too-long neglected destinations, which have been living in the shadows of neighbouring bigger cities are now having their moment.

Of course, long before Paul Heaton had raised Rotterdam’s profile with his hit song, your Bandanaman was carting Herself off to enjoy its charms.

Although she might not have been expecting a football match, the Netherlands v Greece at the De Kuyp stadium.

But hey, as I always say, if you want to get under the skin of a people, go to where they play and pray.

Rotterdam good city

And the train to the match was jumping with orange boiler-suited members of the Oranje Army with half basketballs perched on top of their heads.

While we went native ourselves at the game with pea soup and French Fries with mayonnaise, very Dutch.

Our pals at Best Online Holidays have opened up the great port city’s many other charms to us.

Such as the over 40 museums, buzzing cultural scene and bold modern architecture.

Best Online Holidays are offering three nights stay at 3* The James Rotterdam including flights, sure it’s got my name on it.

Stay in the heart of the city, close to Markthal, Coolsingel, and Lijnbaan.

Departs from London Stansted & London Southend on October 11, 12, 13, 26 and 31st from £199pp.

Let’s all be Seville

Seville too was a whistlestop tour to take in the Expo although we almost took in Madrid too.

As The Scary One tried to negotiate the multi-lanes and whizzed back into the right one just in time.

The pride of Andalucia is a delight any time of the year but especially so at festival times, for Semana Santa and Feria de Sevilla.

The same travel providers have two nights stay at 4* Hotel América, room only, including flights.

From London on October 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 from £129pp.

You’ll stay in the heart of Seville’s old town, close to the Cathedral, Giralda, and Santa Cruz district.

Don’t pass the Porto

And so coming to Oporto to give it its proper name we, of course, all associate it with its famous fortified after-dinner wine.

And while the etiquette we’re told is to pass the Port we’d never advise you passing the Porto.

Or you’ll miss the UNESCO-listed centre, lively neighbourhoods, world-famous Port wine cellars, and nearby Douro Valley vineyards.

A three-nights stay with Holiday Buzz at the 4* Eurostars Porto Douro including flights, departing London Gatwick on October 18, 20, 22 and 26 for £289pp.

The last Latv

And, of course, resilient travellers that we are we won’t be put off by noisy neighbours.

Which is why Latvia and its vibrant capital is attracting more and more curious visitors.

Its UNESCO-listed Old Town offers a blend of medieval charm and Art
Nouveau elegance.

With bustling markets, stylish cafes, and riverside promenade making it a captivating city break.

Superscapes offers three nights at the 4* Monika Centrum Hotels.

Just 500m from Riga Old Town, departures from London are on October 5, 6, 7 and 17 October from £139pp.

America, Countries, Deals, Sport

All set for kick-off in LA

25th September 202525th September 2025 funtime65

Soccer has come a long way in the US since George Best’s razzmatazz and Diana Ross’s mishit but we’re all set for kick-off in LA.

With Team USA better placed and Americans more invested for World Cup MkII.

With the hosts coming to the party next year on June 12 where they left off in 1994, in Los Angeles.

Now, many of our countries, and our wee one Scotland hasn’t qualified for nearly 30 years, are still dreaming of getting there.

But there’s no harm in planning ahead.

And if we’re really lucky our country will get placed in the City of Angels, ranked the No. 1 US city for football fans.

But if not the neutral will get to see a feast of international football, including eight matches at the SoFi Stadium.

Just the ticket

The first phase of FIFA World Cup 26 ticket sales is now open with the Visa Presale Draw.

Which gives fans their first chance to secure seats.

You need to register at FIFA.com/tickets and create a FIFA ID.

And registered fans will receive updates on sale dates and details of the ticketing process.

Additional phases will roll out through the start of the event.

With Phase 2, the Early Ticket Draw, running from October 27–31 October.

With successful fans invited to purchase tickets from mid-November to early December.

Phase 3 is the Random Selection Draw, beginning shortly after the Final Draw on December 5.

When fans can apply for specific matches based on revealed group-stage matchups.

Closer to the tournament, any remaining tickets will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Festival for fans

So we’ve been well briefed then so back to everything around the tourney in one of our favourite cities in the Oo Es of Eh.

From the eve of Team USA’s big kick-off, June 11-July 19 there will be World Cup-related events across the city.

Highlights include an official FIFA Fan Festival, along with additional Fan Zones.

Best bar none

For those looking to watch with locals, Los Angeles offers countless football-friendly eateries and bars.

With nearly 40 LAFC-affiliated pubs, from La Chuperia in Lincoln Heights to The Sunset Room in Hacienda Heights.

Global supporters also bring their passion to LA’s pubs and neighbourhoods.

And fans from this side of the pond will feel at home at British-themed pubs including Ye Olde King’s Head in Santa Monica and The Cat and Fiddle in Hollywood.

And popular Irish pubs Tom Bergins in Mid-City and Ireland’s 32 in the Valley.

Deal us in

So they’re all set for kick-off in LA, we’re all set, so it’s just down to the players to make sure we get there.

We find the best way to get to America from Europe is through Ireland with pre-clearance.

And we found a sample Aer Lingus return flight from Edinburgh through Dublin for LAX from £1,406.19.

America, Countries, Deals, Sport

Tee up the Ryder Cup and Long Island

24th September 202524th September 2025 funtime65

Now they’re the perfect pairing, a match made in heaven and the golf club is the perfect pitch for the biggest occasion, so read on as I tee up the Ryder Cup and Long Island.

As thoughts turn this week to Bethpage State Park in Long Island our own roll back.

To when the US Open was held here and we were in town and one Lucas Glover took home the trophy.

My Irish-American cousin Eddie got his hands on a prize far bigger though than any golf bauble then, his beautiful new wife Sandy.

Proud Americans that they are, Eddie, Sandy, and their two future little Solheim Golfers will, of course, be cheering on the Yanks, as they should.

Long Island gateway

Long Island for me was my gateway into America as a teenager visiting the Oo Es of Eh for the first time.

And being treated like a lord by Eddie and my Irish-American rellies.

For most visitors to New York, of course, the closest they will get to Long Island is when they touch down at JFK Airport in Queens.

But the Island, as it is affectionately known, has its own attractions.

Which, if you can, you should visit on your New York trip.

The well-heeled, of course, put the Hamptons, on the far end of the Island, on the map.

Long before F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jay Gatsby and the Golden Age and Donald ‘Jay Trump’.

And, of course, tourists still flock to the tip.

For a peak of how the rich and famous might live and visit the iconic Montauk Lighthouse.

Which many of us will associate with the Dominic West TV blockbuster The Affair.

The Island’s Fab Four

Beach life: The Affair was shot on the Island

Long Island boasts four regions.

The North Shore is known for its opulent estates and harbourside villages.

Then there is the South Shore where racegoers gather at Belmont Park.

And partygoers converge on the UBS Arena, Jones Beach boardwalk for their kicking concerts.

The North Fork’s farmland and vineyards are the destination for foodies.

While, cycling and swimming friendly South Fork – The Hamptons and Montauk is where you can bag those celebrity sightings as some trophy fishing of your own.

Now whatever your pleasure, beaches, vineyards, museums, waterparks for the kids.

Or shopping at Americana Manhasset’s Miracle Mile.

The Island is a New York 19th hole you need to hang around for.

And on the tee

And on the golfing theme, you’ll notice too that Bethpage being a State Park means that you can play it too.

So just a few tips on how to tee up the Ryder Cup and Long Island.

And you’ll just have to get out and see it all for yourself.

Which, if you’re like me and coming from the Old World.

Then avail of pre-clearance through Ireland with Aer Lingus.

With sample fares for next month which we found from €659.36.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Waltzing Matilda around Gallipoli

22nd September 2025 funtime65

And the band play Waltzing Matilda around Gallipoli, a Turkish outpost where the Flower of Australia shed their blood 110 years ago.

And British, Irish, French, Turk, New Zealander, Canadian, Germans, Canadian and Senegalese.

Which, of course, because of the universality of the World Wars all nations around the world sacrificed their young men and women.

Homage to The Fallen

At Great Uncle Willie’s grave: Flanders, Belgium

And which we discovered ourselves on a GTI Travel centenary commemoration of the Battle of the Somme.

And a homage to our relatives who travelled from remote Co. Donegal in the north-west of Ireland for Flanders.

And never returned.

Although we did our little bit to stand at Willie McNulty’s graveside and say the Lord’s Prayer.

They are the battlefields where battalions, often from a specific country in a specific campaign.

Where soldiers fell and their story seeps into a nation’s narrative.

But while you will, of course, find Aussies and New Zealanders come from Down Under to give homage to the 7,500 who died.

A walk through history

Battlefield specialists Frosch Ireland will also address the 4,000 Irish who fell over the Gallipoli campaign of 1915 and 1916.

All in you will fly Turkish Airlines from Dublin to Istanbul where you will spend three nights.

And embark on a guided walking tour of Sultanahmet.

And visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar.

The joys of Troy

The joys of Troy await with three nights in Canakkale.

While on your third day, you will take a ferry to Anzac Cove and visit the Lone Pine Australian Memorial and Johnston’s Jolly.

We’re told too that there will be visits to Suvla Bay and light relief on the Bosphorus Strait.

Your Frosch Ireland package comes to you today through the Irish Travel Agents Association.

And comes in at from €1,599pp based on two adults sharing, from October 1-8.