America, Countries, Europe, Music

Our five fab films for Mother’s Day

And you can put money on Jessie Buckley gushing about being a mum in her Oscars acceptance speech, and while Hamnet is a tour de force, here are our five fab films for Mother’s Day.

With a nod, of course, to the mumdoms where they ruled the roost.

Let’s start at the very beginning

The parent Von Trapp: In Austria

The Sound of Music: And if a mother’s love is unconditional then all the more credit for women who take on another man’s children.

And seven of them at that.

But when you’re an Austrian singing Julie Andrews nun turned governess then you have all the tools for motherhood.

Maria and Captain Georg took the train from Salzburg down to Italy.

Not over the mountains because they’d have ended up in Hitler’s Lair, and then onto America.

Where Georg and Maria added to their Von Trapp brood with three more Kinder.

The mothers of all mothers

Bella: Nonnas

Nonnas: And let’s hear it today for the grandmothers because every Nana is a mamma.

Or in Italian culture a Nonna.

Cue this charming real-life movie, starring Vince Vaughn, about a grieving son who honours his mum by opening an Italian restaurant.

With nonnas on Staten Island, using the recipes of Mamma which has become something of a tourist stop-off in the New York borough.

Some mothers do ‘ave ’em

It’ll choke you up: Throw Momma

Throw Momma from a Train: And because sometimes our mums can be overbearing, this Danny DeVito and Billy Crystal classic has to make the list.

A homage to Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train, DeVito has his usual dark fun with the original.

With Griffiths Park, Los Angeles and Hawaii adding to the enjoyment and the plot.

Magic Mum

Magic wand: Mollie Weasley

Harry Potter: And when you are a poor orphan child with the weight of being a boy wizard you need an adopted mum.

And where Aunt Petunia was ghastly Molly Weasley was magical.

Taking in Harry as one of her own along with her ragbag children, while also facing down Bellatrix Lestrange.

And for the best place to discover how she did it all and what magic tricks she invoked.

Then you’ll need to immerse yourself in the Wonderful World of Harry Potter at Universal Resort Orlando.

A mother in life and death

A mother’s love: A real heartbreaker

Who will love my children? And have the box of tissues at hand for this ultimate of Mother’s Day tearjerkers, again based on a true story.

Lucille Fray faced the worst fate any mother could endure, knowing she would die and would have to leave her ten children.

Because her husband would not be able to cope… and no snide remarks here because there’s a man in the room.

Add to that the homespun, earthy setting of Iowa and that the real-life children appeared on the TV show That’s Incredible.

On the night of the film transmission back in 1983.

 

 

 

 

Countries, Europe, Sustainable Tourism

I spa with my little eye they’re five years as a World Heritage site

They’re the original holiday resort and I spa with my little eye they’re five years as a World Heritage site.

The 11 sites of the The Great Spa Towns of Europe.

Now for those who imagine that wellness tourism is a a 21st century indulgence they’d be wrong.

With water treatments, or thalassotherapy, dating back to Roman times.

Sippy time: In Karlovy Vary

When Roman soldiers took the waters in modern-day Belgium to ease their weary or injured bones.

And the acronym SPA was formed from salus per aquam, or health through water.

A spin on your own spa

Golden vision: Ladislav Renner

Now as well as the Belgian town Spa, which has been welcoming water wellness visitors since the 14th century, there are six other countries celebrated now by World Heritage.

With Austria, Czechia (famous for its Spa Triangle), France, Germany, Italy and Britain on the WH spa map.

All of whom are marking this year’s five-year celebrations with their own spin on their own spa.

Our friends at Great Spa Towns have identified what’s going on across the Eleven.

Water party

Bath time: English spa city. Picture: Colin Hawkins

Including 100 years of the Art Deco Thermalstrandbad Lido in Baden bei Wien.

Twenty years of Thermae Bath Spa in Bath, Britain’s only thermal waters.

And 235 years since The Women’s Revolt in Františkovy Lázně, a women’s protest that founded the spa town.

While Vichy in France, runs spectacular birthday festivities every July.

So, let’s hear it for the Eclectic 11 and splash it all over if and when you get there.

The Eclectic Eleven

Spring time: Vichy. Picture: Christian Parisey

1. Baden bei Wien, Austria. | The Spa of Emperors
2. Spa, Belgium. | The Cafe of Europe
3. Františkovy Lázně, Czech Republic. | A European Model Spa
4. Mariánské Lázně, Czech Republic. | Grand Harmony with Nature
5. Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. | Europe’s Open-air Salon
6. Vichy, France. | Queen of the Spa Towns
7. Bad Ems, Germany. | The Picturesque Imperial Spa
8. Baden-Baden, Germany. | Summer Capital of Europe
9. Bad Kissingen, Germany. | Between Classicism and Modernity
10. Montecatini Terme, Italy. | Garden Spa of Europe
11. City of Bath, UK. | Georgian Spa City

 

Countries, Europe

Venice L’elisir d’amore

And because it’s a natural stage. for romance then sing your love from the rooftops in the Floating City… Venice L’elisir d’amore.

Like the random bella figura Italian who broke out in opera in front of us near the Grand Canal.

Because opera belongs to everyone in Italy, in a way that it doesn’t in our buttoned-up bit of an island in the north-west of Europe.

And, of course, our friends at Institute for Culture Travel know what we want.

Which is a Donazetti melodrama which you and I know as being Bergamo’s favourite son and songsmith.

The Phew Lagoon

Venice: And let’s catch a gondola back to Padova

Every culture vulture loves to take in their surrounds and all the better when you have someone to guide you.

Which ICT will do on your first full day in La Serenissima, taking in Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge and a swathe of churches.

Your five-day tour will take in the picturesque island of Burano and the glass-blowing hub that is Murano.

While, of course, you’ll be wined and dined with the best seafood in the Adriatic and reclined in the charming Hotel Santa Chiara.

Now you always learn something new every time you visit Venice.

And ICT will give you a half-day Bacaro tour you’ll never forget.

Through its most historic wine-bar district where your guide will take you into authentic bacari.

Talk like a Venetian

Go with the flow: The Grand Canal

The beloved gathering places where real Venetians go to chill and chat.

And savour a delectable cichetto—a classic Venetian bite—perfectly paired with a regional wine or refreshing spritz as you immerse yourself.

The highlight of your Venetian venture is that evening of opera at the Teatro Malibran and pre-opera fare.

The Malibran, inaugurated in 1678 on the site of Marco Polo’s former residence, played a central role in the development of Italian opera throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.

It ain’t over: Until she sings

In 1835 the theatre was renamed in honour of the legendary Spanish mezzo-soprano Maria Malibran, who refused her fee to help improve the venue’s condition.

Carefully restored over the centuries it now seats around 900, including you.

You will fly out on August 23 with Aer Lingus and return on August 27. From €2,109pps.

 

 

 

Countries, Europe, Food

In Portimao where they’re packed in like sardines

And because they never taste as good anywhere else they hold a festival in Portimao where they’re packed in like sardines.

Anybody who has stopped off in a lay-by on a road trip through Portugal will be familiar.

With the smells emanating from the grills.

Off the scales

Festival of fishes: Portimao

Portimao in the Algarve makes a virtue of its fish.

With the Sardine Festival a particular highlight every August.

Where for five nights, the streets are lined with craft stalls and grilled sardines.

There are also concerts and historical reenactments of the unloading of the sardine.

And a ‘sardinhada’ – a classic charcoal grilled sardine – for all visitors.

Around Portimao

Just swimmingly: The Portimao Museo

This year’s event will be the 30th iteration.

And if last year’s is anything to go by then it’ll be right off the scales.

With 2.5 tons of sardines consumed.

Now much of the action will play out around the marina.

And the first of the city’s beaches, Praia da Rocha.

With its towering rock formations, a 17th-century fort.

And a boulevard lined with restaurants, bars, shops, clubs, and hotels with sea views.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Portimao is filled to the gills with sea creatures.

A lesson in fish

Who’s next: For a grilling

All of which you can learn for yourself so that you can look knowledgeable around Festival.

At the town’s award-winning museum.

Which sits on the site of Portimão’s largest sardine canning factory which closed in the 1980s.

But reopened in 2008 and explains the fish canning industry in the area.

It shows the restored production lines and artifacts found around the region (many of them underwater).

Dating back to prehistoric and Roman times.

With everything helpfully labelled in Portuguese and English.

And now that we’ve picked out the bones, it’s over to you to book your flights to Faro and treat yourself to a fishy feast.

 

Countries, Deals, Europe

Our romantic beach shot for Valentine’s Day

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

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

Which it happens is our friends at Cassidy Travel.

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

Where we took our first sun holiday in Cabanas.

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

Love in the Algarve

Golden vision: Albufeira

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

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

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

Maltese romancing

The best resort: Malta

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

Countries, Culture, Deals, Europe

Tiaras for tear-ups on the Tenerife carnival

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

Think pink: Take to the streets

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

Flouncing it up: Carnival Queen Gala

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

Get your steps in: To party at Carnival

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

Reign and my parade: The Grand Parade

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

Luxurious: Spring Hotel Vulcano

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

Cross dresser: Jesus in Tenerife

●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

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.

Phew Danube: Taking it slow

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

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

Got it covered: The Just Jew It take

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.

Answer to our prayers: The synagogue

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

Moving: La Vite E Bella

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.

The shoes fit: By the Danube

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.

Worship: My tribute

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

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

Stark beauty: Corfu

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

Enchanting: Corfu town

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.

Stretching out: Ready for your trek

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

Lie back: And think of Corfu

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

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.

Les Enfants: Dans Paree

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

Simply the vest: Justin Bieber

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

City of Light: Paris

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.