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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.

Countries, Culture, Europe

Just Jew It and visit a Jewish Quarter on World Holocaust Day

27th January 202627th January 2026 funtime65

It’s maybe not what you’d expect to see but we’d advise Just Jew It and visit a Jewish Quarter on World Holocaust Day.

And the biggest synagogue in Europe in Dohany Street in Budapest.

And learn how the Hungarian capital was bled of its Jewish population.

With half a million citizens sent to die in Auschwitz-Burkenau, the largest number from any single city in the Holocaust.

All of which is laid out in minute and everyday detail.

In the Quarter’s museum and honoured in the architecture and tributes around Dohany,

Been there bought the T-shirt

Of course, the greatest answer to the ravages of the Holocaust is for the survivors and their descendants to live a good and full life.

And that means celebrating your heritage.

Which we discover when we visit that the Jews of Hungary do with self-effacing humour.

With T-shirts and mugs of the famous Michael Jordan leaping logo with Just Jew It written on them.

It is a side of Jewish people which most will not reflect on today.

But we are reminded of one of the most memorable and heart-rending scenes in any film on the Holocaust.

Life Is Beautiful

From La Vita E Bella (Life is Beautiful) when father Guido uses humour to protect son Giusue’s innocence.

Explaining that the signposts ‘No Jews, No Dogs’ and we are reminded that similar prohibitions throughout history have included ‘No Irish’ are a joke too.

And that when they will go on to open a bookstore they will erect a sign saying ‘No Visigoths, no Spiders.’

And by joking that the rules of the camp are a game.

Read all about it: A Tora in the Jewish Quarter museum

Where you can accumulate points by obeying the draconic, inhumane regulations.

While when the guards come for Guido at the climax for execution and he sees Giusue hiding in a box.

He deflects with wit by winking at him and goosestepping.

The humanity of humour

Roll of honour: Artists in the Jewish Quarter

That people use gallows humour in their worst moments is a uniquely human coping mechanism.

And one which Jews have consistently turned to in the face of victimisation.

With Mel Brooks ridiculing Hitler and anti-semitism and Woody Allen celebrating the eccentricities of his own culture.

While a list of great Jewish comedians rolls off the tongue.

Jackie Mason, George Burns, Groucho Marx, Rodney Dangerfield and Joan Rivers.

To today’s powerhouses of Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, Sarah Silverman, Adam Sandler, Billy Crystal, Sacha Baron Cohen and Jerry Sadowitz.

World Holocaust Day is, as it should be, a difficult one for us to get through.

None more so than those Jews, Gypsies and other cultures who suffered more than most.

But this year I will reflect on the shared humanity of humour.

Which I encountered in that small piece of Jewish-American fusion of culture I saw in the Magyar capital by the Danube, complete with its emotional shoes statue.

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.

Countries, Culture, Europe

The best place for an eyeful of the Eiffel

23rd January 202623rd January 2026 funtime65

The best place for an eyeful of the Eiffel, of course, can never be at its top, n’est ce pas, but instead from high up the Paris Montparnasse Observatory.

Which is still the only skyscraper in the City of Light and soars to 688ft.

Now to get the full panoramic experience of the French capital you’ll have to get moving, though.

With the Observatory due to close on March 31 for years of renovations.

The closure precedes the launch of a major renovation program aimed at completely transforming the building and its surroundings.

Highful in the Eiffel

Naturellement the Eiffel Tower is the biggest draw for visitors to France.

Many of whom, like ourselves with our then young family, will climb 674 stairs to reach… the second floor.

Because you can’t scale the 1,665 steps and will instead have to take the elevator, although you can skip the lot and get the lift from the ground floor.

All of which you’ll find out or already have in your Paree vacation.

Va va voom

What you might not know is that that other grand edifice by the Seine, the Paris Montparnasse Observatory, boasts the fastest elevator in Europe to get up to its observatory on the 56th floor.

Which more than 30 million visitors have taken in since its opening in 1974, offering a 360-degree view of Paris and its suburbs.

Now with such a vista you won’t be surprised to learn too that the Observatory has hosted more than 3,200 cultural, artistic, and institutional events at the top of the tower.

It has notably served as the venue for concerts by internationally renowned artists such as Justin Bieber, Soprano, Indochine and Feu Chatterton.

As well as events open to the general public, such as temporary recreational installations, an ice rink, a temporary roller skating rink and fashion shows during Fashion Week.

C’est Magnicity

The renovation project will involve a complete transformation of the building and its surroundings.

Mais non, it’s not adieu though, only a bientot.

And Magnicity, which has owned and operated the Paris Montparnasse Observatory and its floors for 53 years, will continue to operate its other panoramic sites internationally.

Notably the architects in Warsaw, Berlin, Rotterdam, and the iconic Sears tower in Chicago which is a truly ear-popping experience.

Countries, Europe, Flying

An Edelweiss by any other Alpine name

15th January 202615th January 2026 funtime65

If a rose is a rose by any other name then surely it figures that an Edelweiss is… An Edelweiss by any other Apine name.

Now this horticultural turn isn’t because of the influence of my very own Green-fingered One or Burns Night coming up on January 25.

Although I did serenade her at our wedding with My Luve Is Like A Red, Red Rose.

But because of the news of Swiss airline Edelweiss Air‘s launch of new Glasgow-Zurich flights this summer.

A tale of the roses

Another flower of Scotland: The Jacobite Little White Rose

It got us thinking that symbols often come without borders.

As they grow across lines and are also celebrated and worn too by neighbours who can fall out and fall back in again.

Which is the case of the Scottish Jacobite Little White Rose.

While our English friends mark equally a Yorkshire red and Lancastrian white rose.

Small and white clean and bright

So it can be done, and is, in the Alps where the Edelweiss is hailed by both Austrians and Swiss.

And as we discovered from the globetrotting Daughterie and Mr Daughterie.

That the wee flower figures too on Romanian currency.

So if you thought that it was the preserve of Austria because of The Sound of Music then you would be wrong.

The Swiss too treasure the mountain flower and market it in their tourist brands.

As does Edelweiss Air which has been trading and flying us Helvetiaphiles out to Switzerland for 30 years this year.

An Alpine hand

How sweet is my valley: Switzerland for all seasons

Glasgow will be served by flights every Monday and Friday from May 29 to September 14.

And continuing the Burns theme this is how ithers see us.

Although we know already that the Swiss are fans.

From their regular visits up to Caledonia to showcase their beautiful country and to share Scots-Swiss stories.

Our Alpine amis describe Scotland’s largest city as ‘combining Victorian architecture with modern culture, a vibrant music scene, and a rich football tradition.

‘And thanks to its location, Glasgow is ideal for a city break.

‘As well as a perfect base for tours through the Scottish Highlands or in combination with Edinburgh.’

MEET YOU IN THE AIR

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.

Countries, Europe, Pilgrimage

May St Anthony guide you in 2026

3rd January 20263rd January 2026 funtime65

It’s never too early in the new year to be looking for inspiration so may St Anthony guide you in 2026.

And your travels as St Anthony is the Church’s torchbearer for travellers.

Now if the Christmas season is about Baby Jesus and the main saint is Nicklaus.

Then Saint Anthony is not far behind him.

Because as well as being the patron saint of peregrinators St Anthony is also the go-to man for lost causes.

And Christmas is definitely one of those occasions, as well as when you’re portable on holiday, when things go missing.

Under a pile of Christmas wrapping and bundles of new gifts.

Which is what happened to Herself when we repaired to go out for a tipple at the local North Berwick hostelry.

Only to realise that her keys were nowhere to be found.

Answer to our prayers

Of course, misplacing our valuables comes when we’re distracted.

And we are thinking about too much at the same time.

And I’m a master of both and have a mountain of possessions long since fenced by those little Borrowers blighters.

Now after Herself hunting high and low and sending me out of the house and the way.

I suggested we ask St Anthony as a last resort.

For a token fee, of course, in his collection box at the chapel.

Now disbelievers will scoff but the evidence is there and moments later She called to inform me.

That she had found them among the wrapping and tinnies in the bin.

With some story about the dog lead knocking them in there.

Man of charity

All of which mishaps among the merriment brings us to the hero of the moment.

No, not me, but St Anthony, and where we can find him to bank our favours for the future.

Well, for those who follow such things, St Anthony is often referred to as St Anthony of Padua.

Lisbon native Fernando Martins de Bulhões, having been as is so often the case, born from a privileged status.

But going on to dedicate himself to charity in the 13th century.

And preaching, and here is where this peregrinator, came face to face with the great man.

Or the closest thing to that with a reliquary of the Portugueezer in his adopted town of Padua in north-east Italy.

Now Anthony, his given monastic name, found himself in Italy after his ship was blown off course.

On his way back from Morocco, where he had fallen ill (been there, done that).

The trip of the tongue

And it was in Bologna where the legend of Anthony intervening when you lose something was spawned.

When Anthony lost his psalter and prayed to God that it would be found or returned.

And the thief was moved to not only return the book to Anthony.

With the stolen book now said to be preserved in the Franciscan friary in Bologna.

While St Anthony’s tongue and jaw bone which miraculously survived, while the rest of him turned to dust, is the sight of veneration.

In the St Anthony Basilica in Padua where pilgrims gather to pay homage.

And ask where they’ve left their keys, wallet, mobile phone or whatever is dear to you.