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America, Countries

Washington deserves a guided tour

28th February 202628th February 2026 funtime65

And because Washington deserves a guided tour instead of a dangerous midwinter barge Crossing of the Delaware.

We’d like to take him on a hop-on, hop-off bus around the city which bears his name.

Which, of course, we can do because we have the right connections.

Having bumped into George on the National Mall.

And then having been tour guided around the capital of the US by no less a figure than DC mayor Muriel Bower.

Hot in the City

Good luck on topping that but you’ve got more than a fighting chance this USA 250 year on board with City Experiences.

The 24-hour hop-on hop-off ticket gives visitors the chance to take in the capital at your leisure.

All the Smithsonians, the Capitol, your must-do selfie in front of the White House, and the monuments, memorials, and parks.

While, DC being the great cycling city that it is City Experiences are giving us a complimentary one-hour bike rental. And all starting from £44pp.

Now to borrow from Aleta Adams a minute.

We really should get there how we can for America 250 and when we do hop on the range of modes of transport and entertainment CE are offering.

New York, New York

Now one of the best ways to take in New York is on the Hudson and East Rivers.

And CE will take you on a signature dinner and dance cruise.

Where you can take in views of the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and One World Trade Centre.

The two-and-a-half-hour cruise features a chef-prepared buffet, live DJ entertainment, a fully stocked bar, and open-air rooftop decks. Prices start from £63pp.

Out on the Great Lakes

Chicago-go-go: Taking in the Second City

If that whets your appetite, and you are in some of these other great American cities, be our guests and go cruising.

On Lake Michigan, with a chef-prepared buffet on a two-and-a-half-hour cruise taking in panoramic views.

Of the orginal American Skyscraper City, or the Second City Chicago, including the Willis Tower and Adler Planetarium. Prices start from £47pp.

Frisco dancing

Or wine, dine and cruise for two and a half hours in Frisco.

In San Francisco Bay in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. Prices start from £99pp.

San Diego chargers

While if you want to enjoy too those who live in the seas, then City Experiences put on a San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure.

Where your three-and-a-half to four-hour adventure will give you the chance to spot Grey, Blue, Minke, and Fin Whales, along with dolphins, sea lions, and marine birds.

Expert narrators from the San Diego Natural History Museum provide live commentary. Prices start from £50pp.

And again we say Washington deserves a guided tour and so do you, and particularly this America 250 year.

America, Countries, Pilgrimage

D’oh, it has to be Springfield on Route 66

25th February 202625th February 2026 funtime65

And continuing our mission to mark the centenary of the Great Old Road, d’oh, it has to be Springfield on Route 66.

The most famous of the 41 Springfields across the USA on account of it being the spiritual home and final resting place of Abraham Lincoln.

It is, of course, in Illinois, so you don’t even have to venture too far, 180 miles or three hours, from the Route 66 starting point in Chicago either.

And The Great Liberator will be waiting for you there too.

All about Abe, honest

If you do nothing else in Springfrield, and you will, you must take in The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.

Where you can pick out any one of the 1,300 artifacts associated with the Bearded Behemoth.

While you’ll want to go back in time to the recreated 1830s log cabin village at Lincoln’s New Salem, where Lincoln lived from 1831 to 1837.

And the national park and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the only home the Lincolns ever actually owned.

The best way to get around is with your free Explorer Passport and let your Abe’s Hat Hunt & Route 66 Living Legends of Springfield Adventure begin.

Kicks on Route 66

What a ride: The Illinois State Fairgrounds

Now Abe, of course, belongs to the ages and Oak Ridge Cemetery, where he is buried since 1965, and since with Mary and three of their four children.

Which means that he predated the Mother Road by 61 years, although as a great moderniser and lover of technology, we’d imagine he would have taken to the thoroughfare.

In prep for this big year twelve new Wayside Exhibits were installed in 2024.

With several boasting audio stories to allow travellers to hear from the legends of the road, or current proprietors and their story.

Mother Road in miniature

We’ve picked out The Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience.

The Route 66 Experience takes visitors on a walkthrough of the highlights of all 421 miles and 92 communities on Illinois Route 66.

This condensed version of The Mother Road starts at the Route 66 Begins sign in Chicago and ends at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Madison, with photos, neon signs, informative displays, and replica roadside attractions in between.

Route 66 stops in Springfield include Cozy Dog Drive In (home of the corn dog), the Route 66 Drive In Theater, Mahan’s Filling Station, Lauterbach Giant.

And the newly restored Sonrise Donuts Sign at Route 66 Motorheads & Ace Sign Co. Museum.

Of course, all the hard work traversing the Mother Road between Chicago and Santa Monica will be worth it with all these diversions en route.

And with Chicago and LA obviously major airline hubs we’ll leave you to do the homework to get the best air deals and accommodation along the way.

Countries

Hold a torch for all our Statues of Liberty

17th December 202517th December 2025 funtime65

Lady down, but after the collapse of an 80ft Brazilian replica in a storm a celebration here of the others, as we hold a torch for all our Statues of Liberty.

Particularly with 2026 in the Oo Es of Eh marking 140 years.

Since the erection of the first and most famous on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.

Army of Ladies

The enfant of French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and Gustave Eiffel, mais oui, that one.

Back in the days when the Americans and the French were the best of amis.

Now, we’re not sure if the 305ft Statue of Liberty is the most replicated statue in the world.

But there are hundreds of them.

And wouldn’t it be a great game to go around getting selfies at all, or as many as we can, of them?

But clearly not when it’s stormy.

Two for the price of one

Now somebody’s obviously done it before and if they haven’t I’ve just blown it by giving them the idea.

But how about ticking off the two hundred or so in the Oo Es of Eh, with one Coloradan chum telling us of two in the Centenary State.

Of course, there is none quite like Lady Liberty, whose torch was a beacon of hope for millions.

Sailing in from the Old World, like my four uncles.

And the sight of which for any flyer on their first visit to New York, and I was just 17, is also truly stirring.

Did you know though that upstate there are two Lady Liberties in the one monument and that they are 100 years old this year?

The two Liberties stand 333ft above downtown Buffalo.

On top of step pyramids at either end of a block-long building.

Each is 30ft tall and has an interior ladder that can be climbed to its torch.

Although disappointingly we aren’t allowed to do that any more.

Though disclaimer we were never up there to get into trouble, honest!

Get an eyeful of Paris

Now, it’s as it should be that Paris should have its own Statue of Liberty, but eight?

A present from the Americans in Paris to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution, this one sits on its own island too.

And it’s the biggest too, at 37ft 9ins), a quarter as big as the one in New York.

Originally facing the Eiffel Tower it was turned around in 1937 to face the Big Apple.

While among the others the Left Bank has its very own.

In the grand central aisle on the ground floor of the Musee d’Orsay on the Left Bank.

And, naturellement, the land of Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite there’s a a 40ft high version in Colmar and a terracotta replica in Lyon.

And one in Bordeaux, seized by Nazis in World War Two (and replaced many years later).

Been there, seen that

Now, it will come as little surprise to those who know and love the museum-loving Dutch that they will have their own kooky version of the Statue of Liberty.

With a 33ft replica of Lady Liberty holding a can of beans in Assen, which we’re reliably told is a thing in the region.

Or that in the village of Cadaqués in Spain which Salvador Dali called home, there is an unusual version on top of a small tourism office.

With both arms and hands up holding torches.

That Lady Liberty has spread her arms around the world obviously pleases this wide-eyed adventurer and idealist.

We expect the boys (and girls) from Brazil will get Lady Liberty back on the plinth in Guaiba, Rio Grande do Sul.

And were we there we’d be putting our hand up to help too.

America, Asia, Countries, Flying

Avoid air tax hikes and fly through Dublin

29th November 202529th November 2025 funtime65

It’s music to the ears. Avoid air tax hikes and fly through Dublin.

With British travellers feeling the pinch of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ money grab for their air pounds many are looking to their neighbours.

Just like they did when there was a rush on Irish passports after Brexit, Britons are looking to cash in on Ireland’s easier relationship with the world.

Particularly when they are flying transatlantic.

Which we’ve been advising here for all Bandanini and Bandanistas to do since we moved back from Ireland.

Because, of course, as well as being exempt from the tax, unique to the UK, Ireland boasts pre-clearance for visitors going to North America.

Dublin for the night

Catching up with friends: With Teresa, Eoghan Corry and Sharon Jordan in Dublin

It’s a route I know well and confession time here there is a right way and a stressful way of doing things here.

And you won’t be surprised to hear that your Accidental Tourist has more often than not chosen the stressful option.

Through on the day connections from Edinburgh to Dublin and then the States.

Only however many hours you think you have on your side ‘domestic’ flights will usually let you down.

And you may well find yourself rushing through customs and finding yourself still catching your breath on board for your connecting flight to Chicago.

Even if your lemon suitcase takes another four days to join you.

So you might consider a stop-off in the Irish capital the night before and what’s not to like about that option.

Particularly as you’ll still be in pocket through the money you would have spent on those extra Rachel Reeves surcharges.

Turk an overnighter in Istanbul

So you’re going long-haul the other way to Asia or Australia and New Zealand.

Travel expert Simon Calder of the Independent, advises, as we do, Istanbul as your stop-off point.

Where again you can take advantage of the rules by taking a 24-hour plus break in your journey to avoid those extra costs.

Which you won’t regret as you cross continents on a boat trip on the Bosphorus, count your blessings in the Blue Mosque.

And detox from your kofti and Antalya wine in the Cagaloglu Hamam, just like Florence Nightingale, John Travolta, Oprah Winfrey et al have done.

So while all these Rachel Rates have been taxing Britons this week and for years to come, stick with us.

To avoid air tax hikes and fly through Dublin and the jewel of Turkey.

And we’ll keep you straight and with more cash in your pocket through our Holidos and Holidon’ts tips.

America, Countries, Culture

Party like a pioneer in Plymouth on Thanksgiving

27th November 202527th November 2025 funtime65

The people of Massachusetts feel more blessed on this day than any neighbour which is why they party like a pioneer on Thanksgiving.

Because, of course, legend tells us that it was in Plymouth where the Pilgrims and the people who were already there first broke bread and wine in 1621.

Some 53 Pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag, led by Chief Massasoit, feasting on fish, shellfish and veg.

The table is set: What it might have looked like in 1621

Now talk around whether everything happened exactly the way we play it out today keeps a whole industry of historians in work, which is no bad thing.

Of course, the best place to immerse yourself in everything Thanksgiving is where it all began, in Plymouth.

Where they are feasting like it’s 1621.

Pilgrim’s Progress

Free the turkey: And vote for Thanksgiving

Our Plymouth pals direct us to the Pilgrim Hall Museum, Plimoth Patuxet Museums, Plymouth Rock and the National Monument to the Forefathers.

And as we’re channeling 1621 then first off is the Pilgrim’s Progress, a procession to Sabbath worship.

The Donald will: Even if he gets his feathers ruffled

On the site of the original fort/meetinghouse where psalms are sung.

And passages are read by ‘Elder Brewster’ from Governor Bradford’s Of Plymouth Plantation or other sources.

The First Nations

Now Thanksgiving Day, on the third Thursday of November, should be as much about the indigenous population as the settlers.

And Plymouth doesn’t forget them with a National Day of Mourning March and ceremonies at Massasoit Statue, Cole’s Hill.

Now Plymouth is only 40 miles from Boston and should be part of every American history fan’s odyssey.

Thanks to Aer Lingus

And like everything American for us travelling from these next rocks at the eastern end of the Atlantic.

We advise to travel through Dublin.

Irish-Americans all: Thanksgivings in Dublin

With Aer Lingus with pre-clearance.

We found a random return flight for next month from €634.42.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE

Countries

Lighting a candle on my Dad’s 100th birthday

13th November 202515th November 2025 funtime65

Now as you can see here’s a man who loved to blow his out… so seeing he’s somewhere else now I’m lighting a candle on my Dad’s 100th birthday.

Where to start? Probably 100 years ago in a tenement in Denistoun in the east end of Glasgow.

Where James Gerard was born, the third of what would be five children, with one not lasting past four years, to joiner George and homemaker Mary.

Whether rich chocolate cake would have been the order of the day then is doubtful.

More jeely sandwiches (jam sandwiches) and tea and, on special occasions, biscuits, but food was always on the table for the Murtys.

And James, or Jim, as he was always known did the same for us.

While gleefully reminding us spoiled kids that he used to eat bread and dripping (the fat from the meat) as a kid.

The patisserie chef in Norfolk

Jim Murty, whose name I proudly carry on, was a self-made man.

Educating himself at night in his 20s after his day job with the corporation.

And then working jobs outside his medical course and then in the summers down in Norfolk.

Where he cheekily boasted to us that he had been a patisserie chef, and sending money home to his family.

Later in life my Dear Old Mum would take him back there to Sheringham where alas the hotel had gone.

Inevitable really as they had lost the best patisserie chef they ever had.

Spain, Portugal and the Irish homeland

The trappings of a doctor’s life, and he also did out of hours work for the police, meant.

We would be among the tranche of early package holidaymakers to Spain and Portugal.

Although with my Dad’s memories strong of his childhood days when every penny had to be earned the hard way.

That was only after camping holidays.

Where my Dear Old Mum never tired of reminding him that she used to have to wash my nappies.

The best holidays of all were in Mum’s heartland of Brockagh, Co. Donegal.

Where the McNultys, who ran the hamlet, or townland’s hotel, held fort.

And where pictures of her 12-strong family cover the boards to this day in the Isaac Butt Heritage Centre.

Empty nesting

As the baby of the family it was my good fortune to get my parents to myself when my brothers were all growed up.

And although they never told me, they must have been pleased when I too took off allowing them to go out and see the world.

America, where Mum’s four brothers had emigrated, was a favourite.

And it was a love for the US and my Irish-American family that I have inherited.

Canada, where Dad’s own father had lived for 20 years and fought for in the First World War too.

And his brother Joe had taken his family out to live and my own brother who married out there and worked too before returning to Britain.

There was Mexico, South Africa too, Russia, India, China and Australia, and only some of them I have got to in the years since.

Glasgow belonged to him

But as much as he enjoyed all those adventures it was home where this proud Glaswegian was happiest.

With his beloved Teasy, who is now reunited with him.

And we, God willing, will one day.

Although not too soon.

DOUCEMENT DAD

Countries

La La Land goes AI Land

10th November 202510th November 2025 funtime65

It’s where we all go to reimagine our world which is why it’s almost inevitable when La La Land goes AI Land.

And not only because of the factory that is Silicon Valley up the road, which churns out these mad robotic tech-bro geniuses.

Who, never shy to flaunt their wares, are opening up a new AI museum, Dataland, in the City of Angels.

To show us the future of the human race.

And if you’re hearing echoes of floaty hippy Joni Mitchell ringing in your ears it’s not AI feedback.

‘They took all the trees and put them in a tree museum and charged all the people a dollar and a half just to see them.’

Only don’t be surprised if the tech-bros of the Oo Es of Eh are working on putting all the people in a people museum.

Some like it hot

Lying with Marilyn: West Village Morturary

Of course, in LA, you find out quickly that little is as you expect.

From the West Hollywood waiters who are not waiting for you.s

But canning the room for Martin’s Scorsese or Greta Gerwig to walk in.

To Marilyn Monroe, who greets you on the Walk of Fame.

The real Marilyn is, of course, at rest in Westwood Village Mortuary, where Playboy Hugh Hefner pushed in next to her.

Because, money buys you access in LA and the Next Big Thing which was what Marilyn was.

When Hefner bought nude pics of her to put on his first edition.

The Next Big Thing

The Next Big Thing we are told now is Artificial Intelligence.

And, of course, it very helpfully offers to write my life every day.

Although, I doubt if they could replicate my thoughts, words or deeds as I don’t even know them myself.

Which is the way it should be for all of us.

But because to be forewarned is to be forearmed.

I reckon I’ll pop by Dataland, the world’s first museum of AI Arts, which has Refik Anadol‘s fingerprints all over it.

When I’m next back in the City of Angels to see who I’m being replaced by.

Of course, it’ll cost more than a dollar and a half.

The tree museum

And as a sample of what’s on offer in Dataland, and we’re not making this up is what Joni was predicting.

Biome Lumina, the first collection powered by the Large Nature Model.

A generative AI system trained on 2.4 million ethically collected images of flora, fauna, and fungi.

Along with rainforest sound recordings, pigment analyses, and biosensor signals.

Dataland’s researchers have, of course, collected its 16 rainforest sites.

Equipped with LiDAR, photogrammetry, and environmental sensors that measure the heartbeat of the forest.

Billed as ‘a bold new frontier in generative art’.

Do the Data

Collectors are told they will be able to engage in dynamic conversations with the artwork.

Through a generative AI interface trained on environmental knowledge and datasets.

Now if you see a Bandanaman in Dataland at the Grand LA in Downtown LA.

We can’t guarantee that it’ll be the authentic but we promise you the real one wouldn’t be found dead there.

Because I have my heart set on the plot the other side of Marilyn Monroe

Our transatlantic airline carrier of choice Aer Lingus fly from our local airport here in Edinburgh.

Through Dublin with pre-clearance on a sample date from £675.

Countries

New Orleans a wonderful musical world

3rd November 20253rd November 2025 funtime65

And jazzing it up today, we’re happy to sing the praises of New Orleans a wonderful musical world, on the occasion of it being awarded a UNESCO Creative City for Music award.

Nawlins, as the natives pronounce it, is, of course, known for its jazz.

And as the hometown of the great trumpeter Louis Armstrong.

But The Big Easy has also spawned Blues, R&B and Soul greats Fats Domino, Irma Thomas and Dr John and crooner Harry Connick Jnr.

While leading hip-hop light Lil Wayne has also brought the Big Easy sound into his music.

A-Z of Cultural Cities

It feels like an oversight that New Orleans is only now joining the 407-strong pantheon of cities globally.

From Abu Dhabi to Xalapa in Mexico.

And also including my home city of Glasgow and favourite English city of Liverpool.

Although they’ve yet to bestow a ‘Z’ so maybe time to step up Zurich.

New Orleans’ enrolment on World Cities Day 2025, sees it join Charlie Parker and Burt Bacharach’s back yard, Kansas City, Missouri.

The mantle of Creative City gives local musicians prestigious global recognition.

And opportunities with other named cities.

The Biggest Rock Band on Earth

Building on this designation, January will see New Orleans welcome the Biggest Rock Band on Earth.

Which we don’t have to tell you but is the Rockin’1000, to the US for the first time.

Having gained rave reviews across Europe.

To perform on the floor of the Caesars Superdome.

Rockin’1000 is a collection of 1,000 singers and musicians from around the world who perform in unison.

All of which is a Godsend for the New Orleans economy which means we can roll out our take… the cents come marching in.

And all that jazz

Give it some blow: New Orleans at its finest

With apologies, of course, to the jazz exponents who have long entertained us in host American cities at the travel fair IPW.

When the New Orleans Preservation Hall Jazz Band have marched us into their gatherings.

In time-honoured fashion then we’ll raise a brunch Sazerac to our friends in New Orleans.

And say, as a proud Glaswegian, welcome to the band.

America, Countries

Why Oregon is the wheel deal for accessibility travel

29th October 202529th October 2025 funtime65

So in the state where they let ’er buck they never let ’er buckle… or why Oregon is the wheel deal for accessibility travel.

Now if you’re either hell on wheels yourself or have travelled with wheelchair adventurers you’ll know.

That disabled travellers are always prepared to go the extra mile.

And often have to because too many destinations still don’t cater for even the most basic accessibility needs.

Bang for your buck

Definitely not so, though, with the Beaver state, which has become the first in the Oo Es of Eh to get Wheel the World Accessibility Verified.

The designation elevates transparency and promotes inclusivity in travel experiences.

For those with visible and non-visible disabilities.

This milestone marks the improvements in the accessibility of tourism businesses across all seven of Oregon’s tourism regions.

From hotels and outdoor adventure experiences to cultural attractions and culinary experiences.

Your accessibility guide

Oregon is now the first state to offer disabilities travel itineraries as an online resource.

Now WTW has done the heavy lifting for us here.

Assessing more than 750 hotels, restaurants and tourism businesses in 43 communities.

With more to come, and all Travel Oregon Welcome Centers.

Evaluating mobility, visual, hearing, and cognitive features.

On the lake with Kaylee

Now to bring the story to life, Travel Oregon and Wheel the World partnered with accessibility advocate Kaylee Bays.

With Kathleen being the first wheelchair user to compete on So You Think You Can Dance.

Hat’s the boy: Bandanaman goes Oregon cowboy hat

We can only imagine our old pal and Yorkshire disability advocate from joint travels in Germany, Debbie, was busy.

Kaylee shares her journey with her 140,000 followers on Instagram.

Helping to inspire a wide audience with her experiences. Kaylee explored Oregon’s accessible offerings.

Kayak Kaylee

Experiencing the dramatic landscapes of Smith Rock.

And kayaking Hosmer Lake in Central Oregon with the backdrop of the stunning mountains.

“I used to assume nature wasn’t something I could really be part of. Oregon showed me that I was wrong,” said Kaylee.

Let ’er buck, not buckle

Kaylee, who has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a degenerative condition she was diagnosed with at 21 added: ‘It opened a whole new world for me.’

With accessibility data now visible and bookable online, travellers can explore detailed listings.

So let ’er buck, not buckle, it’s time to freewheel around the great state of Oregon.

We found return flights with Aer Lingus from Dublin with pre-clearance for a sample week next month from €875.09.

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.