Deals Archives - Page 6 of 42 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

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.

America, Countries, Deals, Flying

Let’s hear it for National New York Day

21st September 202521st September 2025 funtime65

And it is a thing, which celebrates America’s Fab 50, so today let’s hear it for National New York Day.

New York State, which I don’t have to tell you, is the 11th state of the union, endorsed by Alexander Hamilton.

And this being the 11th week since Delaware, the first American state, is honoured, the focus is on the Empire State today.

For many of us the Statue of Liberty, the Hudson River and NY is our gateway to America.

And a year before Lady Liberty took her rightful place, one Frederick Trump, The Donald’s dad, arrived from Bremen.

Which means that this year, October 19, marks a very significant milestone, 150 years of the Trumps in the Oo Es of Eh.

NY’s Greatest Living Son

New York’s Greatest Living Son (sorry Jimmy Kimmel) will be delighted then that he got the endorsement, of sorts, of another NY great.

And one who is carved into the stone at Mount Rushmore, Teddy Roosevelt.

When promoting the Roosevelt Presidential Park in North Dakota at the American Travel Fare in Chicago.

And doffing his Raiders hat to the 47th President when saying that, yes, he is a New York City prez.

But he, Teddy, is the only Commander in Chief from Manhattan.

The famous five

Frankly Franklin: Franklin Delano Roosevelt

In all there have been five US Presidents from New York State.

And we should always remember that New York is a state, Teddy’s rellie Franklin, Martin Van Buren and Millard Fillmore.

Which, of course, is a gateway to the other great towns of New York State.

Which in Van Buren, the 8th President’s case, and the first to be born in the post-colonial USA, that means Albany.

For Fillmore, home is the lyrically named the Finger Lakes Area (Moravia).

While Hyde Park is synonymous with FDR.

All ways then to mark National New York Day by toasting all the Presidents then.

Tuck in to NY State food

Which brings us on to which NY food and drink you should take.

And our favourite would always be Buffalo Wings while for the healthier it might be a Waldorf Salad.

And maybe a Knickerbocker ice cream to follow.

While we suggest you go all out with a cocktail, say a Long Island Iced Tea.

So let’s hear it for National New York Day.

And we found an Aer Lingus each way flight through Dublin with pre-clearance from €614.08

Countries, Culture, Deals, Europe, Music

Chopin online

16th September 2025 funtime65

No, not that one, one of my Scary One’s most regular pastimes, but rather Chopin online, and the best composers trip.

In Poland the great pianist is held in such esteem that Warsaw Airport is named for him, Lotnisko Chopina Warszawa.

A common theme we have discovered on our travels and shared we find with at least one other, Panethos, in our WordPress community.

Who has also done some research..

Ticking off Louis Armstrong in New Orleans, John Lennon in Liverpool, Franz Liszt in Budapest, Guiseppi Verdi in Parma and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Salzburg.

It’s a dirty job but somebody has to do it.

Culture vultures

Now unless you speak Polish you’ll only be able to pick out Chopin from Lotnisko Chopina Warszawa when you land in Warsaw.

But by the time you finish your Institute for Culture Travel curated tour next month you will be an expert.

The four-day Warsaw Cultural Tour runs from October 8 from €1,183pps with a single supplement of €299.

Wander the cobbled streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town and marvel at the grandeur of Wilanow Palace and Chopin.

You’ll stay at the 4* Polonia Palace Hotel with breakfast with three meals in your hotel.

And enjoy an excursion to Łazienki Park and Wilanow Palace.

And a visit to Chopin’s birthplace, Żelazowa Wola.

Return flight from Dublin, including taxes and transfers

All for a deposit of €350 per person with a special offer of €50 off if booked in August.

Chopinholics

We came, Warsaw, we conquered: Polish pals

And for special Chopin aficionados a chance to be in Warsaw.

To coincide with the prestigious Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition

There’s a four-nighter Chopin in Warsaw on October 8 from €1,369pps with a €299 single supplement.

You’ll stay at the 4* Polonia Palace Hotel B&B with welcome dinner and two pre-performance dinners.

Return flight from Dublin, including taxes and transfers

A guided walking tour of Warsaw Old Town, an excursion to Łazienki Park and Wilanow Palace.

A visit to Chopin’s birthplace.

The two evening performances as part of the 19th Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition at the National Philharmonic Hall

You’ll pay a €350 per person deposit with the special offer of €50 off if booked in August.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Baby, South Tyrol is a winter wonderland

13th September 202513th September 2025 funtime65

Now nobody likes to see their parents with their kit off but baby, South Tyrol is a winter wonderland.

It’s safe to say that our Tyrolean pals don’t have the same reservations as the British or Irish about baring it all.

Which I found out myself when I bumped into the same couple I’d sat next to in the sauna, the next morning in the breakfast room.

Where I was sorely tempted to say to the young man ‘oh, I didn’t recognise your wife with her clothes on.’

My Soll tale I told to our Tyrolian guide and our Topflight trekkers in Ehrwald.

Bettered, of course, by mine host.

Who told us that he would sauna buck naked in the public baths with his parents as a child.

Fun for all la famiglia

Mind you, we wouldn’t recommend you all getting in the buff in Italy’s South Tyrol.

But they do put la famiglia first at the AKI Family Resort PLOSE.

Where in the winter, PLOSE Mountain region becomes a veritable playground for families.

AKI Family Resort PLOSE provides all the kit required for a great winter escape for children of all ages.

Slip and slide down 10 kilometres of sledge runs on toboggans.

Or head down the family-friendly rail-guided Plocebo bobsleigh track.

While you can enjoy quiet family explorations along the many mountain and forest trails.

Or indulge in more high-energy ski and snowboard adventures on the popular pistes.

Ski kids

From AKI Family Resort PLOSE, take a 10-minute ride on the shuttle bus to the ski resort, which welcomes families of all ages.

And scoot off on whatever stretch of the 40 kilometres of pistes suits your purposes.

Including two designed specifically for children and beginners.

All connected through seven state-of-the-art lifts.

Even toddlers can take to the slopes and learn to ski.

With the magic carpet ski area, where equipment and instruction for kids are available free of charge.

Get some therapy

Border force: At the Austrian/German border

After a day on the slopes, soothe tired muscles at AKI Family Resort PLOSE’s family sauna and fun snowflake shower.

And select from the family-friendly spa menu with tailor-made therapies and combined parent-child treatments.

And who doesn’t love a heated pool and relax before a seasonal family dinner?

In the mountain-view restaurant.

Parents’ time

Of course, as much as we love our bambini, parents do need their space.

And will relish the tranquil adults-only forest spa and saunas.

While the children are happily entertained at the AKI Kids Club.

Now we all know that a family that dines together reclines together (OK, we made that up but still).

And AKI PLOSE offers gourmet cuisine and child-friendly buffets with live cooking stations.

Serving fresh and nutritious ingredients filled with flavour.

Before settling in for a cosy night together in your home-from-home family suite.

Deal me in

Prices from: €750per suite/day (occupied with max. 2 adults and 2 children).

With AKI Fullboard, buffet breakfast, lunch buffet, and four-course á la carte dinner.

To get to South Tyrol from Britain or Ireland.

We’re advised that Bolzano has limited international flights.

So probably better considering Innsbruck in Austria or Verona, Venice or Bergamo.

And maybe stay a night in any of these much-vaunted destinations, particularly the often overlooked Bergamo.

America, Countries, Deals, Music

The other Aid at 40 in Minnesota

11th September 202511th September 2025 funtime65

All eyes this year have been on Band Aid and Live Aid but let’s focus here on Farm Aid, the other Aid at 40 in Minnesota.

That the Land of 10.000 Lakes is staging this year’s Farm Aid, its 40th, is a homecoming of sorts.

With Minnesota’s favourite son Bob Dylan the inspiration for the charity which has helped out struggling farmers with $80m.

The Bard of Duluth

Because it was the Bard of Duluth who planted the seed for the movement which continues to pull up trees.

When he made a cri de coeur during his performance at the Philadelphia leg of Band Aid.

By exhorting the organisers to use some of the money raised to pay the mortgages on some of the farms in the US.

A clarion call that was taken up by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Elton John and Bonnie Raitt annually over four decades.

The Grand Old Men and Women of Country and Americana will gather at Minneapolis’ Huntington Bank Stadium on September 20.

The pre-festival

Making music with my friends: Willie Nelson

A pre-festival event, Color Me Country Takeover at the Fine Line two days before will honour the legacy of diverse musical artists and farmers.

And will feature this year’s Academy of Country Music Lift Every Voice Award recipient, artist Rissi Palmer.

Of course, there is one other who might contest that he is Minnesota’s favourite son, one Prince Rogers Nelson.

And, of course, there is always something new and purple going on in Minnesota.

Prince Rain over us

With Purple Rain, the world premiere stage adaptation of Prince’s legendary film and album, running October 16-November 16.

At Minneapolis’ historic State Theatre before an anticipated Broadway run.

More Minneapolis stages like the Guthrie, Latte Da, Jungle and others have theatrical productions throughout the fall season.

Jet over to Minnesota

While Sir Paul McCartney will appear at U.S. Bank Stadium in the Got Back Tour on October 17.

So Get Back to Minnesota if you’ve been before or jump on the Jet out there for the first time.

Or if you can turn your mind to those who till the land of this great state and country back in the USA.

And you’ll be doing something for the other Aid at 40 in Minnesota.

And because we always promote transatlantic travel out of Dublin with Aer Lingus with preclearance.

Dublin to Minneapolis flights from €196.43 as part of an each way flight.

America, Countries, Deals, Flying, Music, Sport

When Ne-Yo gave me everything

10th September 202510th September 2025 funtime65

It always pays to be up the front which is how I came away with a prized possession when Ne-Yo gave me everything in the USA.

When I came to reach highest to grab his sweat towel just at the point when he was belting out his classic toon with Pitbull.

And yeah, picture me with a Kodak, although we had moved on from that by 2017.

And our friends from the American Travel Fair in Washington DC boomeranged us holding the precious cloth later on.

All of which memories came flooding back as news pinged in my inbox of Pitbull’s much-anticipated run in Las Vegas.

Tonight, let’s enjoy life

Pitbull is taking the party to the Neon City this weekend, Friday, September 12 and Saturday, September 13.

As part of his Pitbull: Vegas After Dark The Residency.

Short notice we grant you but you might want to come back on November 21 and 22.

And a hint there for someone with that week being when I’ll have marked up six decades on this third rock from the sun.

This being Vegas there’s always a fight going on with this weekend seeing Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford going at it at the Allegiant Stadium.

Although Vegas brings out the lovers not the fighters in us.

Whether that was the Beatles LOVE Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage back in the day.

Or dancing to the Whip-Its with Cami from Utah off the Strip.

The Big Fight

Spell it out: Muhammad Ali at the Hall of Excellence

Not that we don’t enjoy watching a good fight or wrapping ourselves up in boxing memorabilia, hype and thunder.

Channel your inner Muhammad Ali then at the Hall of Excellence where The Greatest’s boxing gloves are on display.

Along with Tiger Woods’ golf ball from his first Masters win, Olympic gold medals and all seven of Tom Brady’s championship rings.

Take a self-guided tour, narrated by such voices as Oprah Winfrey, Bob Costas, our old pal from Huntington Beach Snoop Dogg, and Morgan Freeman.

Think outside the box

In her shoes: The ruby slippers at the Sphere

If, of course, its showmanship you’re after follow the yellow brick road to the newest experience at Sphere for a mind-bending showing of The Wizard of Oz.

Which is expanded to fit the 360°, 16k definition screen.

You’ll be wrapped in colour and movement as seats rumble while you feel cool breezes and the sweet scent of poppies fills the air.

And we got a whiff of how much fun these shows are from taking in Shrek at Universal Studios in Orlando.

Before the show, take photos with the giant ruby slippers installation outside.

Also, during Canelo-Crawford weekend, you can catch the Eagles live as the legendary rockers continue their residency.

And because we always try to fly out of Ireland because, well because, but also its preclearance.

Aer Lingus flies nonstop from Dublin with fares starting at €206.61 each way.

America, Caribbean, Cruising, Deals, Ships

Cruise into Cruise Week with Click&Go

8th September 20258th September 2025 funtime65

Yes, on land or sea we’re always thinking of our next trip but the industry sets aside a period every year to highlight its offers, and we’re going to cruise into Cruise Week with Click&Go.

The Irish online travel providers, as usual. are ahead of their time with Cruise Week next week, Monday, 15 September to Sunday 21 September.

With fantastic MSC Cruises full fly and cruise packages.

Including return flights from Dublin with checked-in bag, transfers, entertainment gratuities and meals onboard.

Caribbean cruising

For many their first port of entry to cruising is Florida and the Caribbean.

And that’s where we’ll start with a fly/cruise from Dublin to Orlando and the Caribbean.

On board MSC Grandiosa for €1,129pp from January-March.

You’ll get four nights in an Orlando hotel with plenty of time to catch up on our Disney and Universal pals.

And then a seven-night cruise, leaving Port Canaveral and headed for Nassau, Bahamas.

Where we’ve sailed to but like Aaron in the Bible didn’t get to set foot in the Promised Land.

It’s then onto San Juan, Puerto Rico, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and back to Port Canaveral.

The offer is based on 2+2 (aged 2-17 sharing).

And a bite of the Big Apple

This year’s blond: With ‘The Donald’ in New York

Now if you still fancy the Bahamas but think well it’s just down the coast from New York then Click&Go have you covered here too.

They’re offering a fly/cruise on board Meraviglia based on €1,399pp from this October-April.

It includes an overnight hotel stay in New York and a seven-night cruise.

Departing New York for Port Canaveral and then onto Nassau.

And also taking in the Ocean Cay Marine Reserve before it’s back to the Big Apple.

Miami nice

Even closer, of course, is Miami and you can set off from there on board the brand new World America.

Based on €1,549pp with travel from October 2025 – March 2026.

Your trip includes one night Miami hotel stay and the 7-night cruise.

And you’ll get to take in Roatan, Honduras, Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico (areeba, areeba) and the Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas.

The bumper 14-nighter

Or the bumper 14-nighter.

Fly out to Orlando before stepping on board the Seashore for €1,599pp with travel from October 2025 – January 2026.

Including seven nights Miami hotel, plenty of time to sample the nightlife, beaches and architecture.

Even if you are prone to go around in circles, like this blogger.

And then the seven-night cruise, leaving Port Canaveral for Nassau.

And on to Cozumel, Mexico, Roatan, Honduras, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas and back to Port Canaveral.

So a good way to start your Monday with our pointer to cruise into Cruise Week with Click&Go.