Countries

I’ll be my own Valentine

Just returned from paying homage to the patron saint of lovers and his relics in Dublin. He’s on in his own, and you might be too so to all those fab singles say it loud and proud. I’ll be my own Valentine.

Globe trotting these last years I’ve had the pleasure of Mrs M’s company and group parties but I’ve also been an independent traveller.

Although that has almost always invariably involved the help of Good Samaritans to get me out of any number of scrapes.

We all know, of course, that the best people to help you through your travel planning is your local agent,

And in Ireland, Cassidy Travel have a rich tradition of seeing you’re never alone wherever you go in the world.

All of which is why this Valentine’s Day they’re bringing us these teasers… so go on treat yourself.

Lisbon fun and fado

On the right track: Lisbon’s trams

Fado, I do, I do, I do… Lisbon is the home of fado, the Portuguese song of panging among poor but there’s passion there too.

Cassidy are offering a two-night package for next month, staying in an a 4* hotel with return flights included from €289.

Jump on the trams and stop off at their bars and cafes for the fado and delicacies like bacalhau (dried and salted cod, to you and me) and pasteis de nata (those moreish custard tarts).

Dip your toe in

Love a duck: In Fuerteventura

Single life is all about pleasing just yourself and that’s exactly what you can do in Fuerteventura.

Cassidy are offering a seven-night package at the 4* Kn Hotel Matas Blancas with return flights from €689 for next month.

The adults-only resort has sparkling swimming pools and comfortable

lounge areas so you can kick back and relax.

Me, oh Malta

Have wheels: A lone rider in Gozo

Now the jewel of the Med will always be a special island for myself and my loved one after she jumped at my proposal to join me in life’s journey.

The restaurant is still there and in our haste we left our comp bottle of Champagne… although I dare say they might think I was at it i’d gone back in.

I did though put up a couple of yearning solo pictures (just for her benefit) of Malta and Gozo.

Cassidy are offering a seven-night package for next month at the 4* Paradise Bay Resort, Mellieha with return flight from $510.

With the Paradise Bay Resort boasting four seawater pools, glorious sea views and a private stretch of Blue Flag Beach.

I’ll sail this ship alone

Fjord fiesta: MSC in the fjords

Now while, of course, you can lose your partner on a ship the perception of cruising is that it is a couple’s activity.

True, and we were king and queen of the waves on board MSC in the Norwegian fjords, but equally a cruise is a great adventure for those singles who were on board.

And a few slip-ups I’m sure I was on probation and risking leaving the ship a single!

Cassidy offers seven nights in a studio interior Fantastica cabin for travel on the MSC Grandiosa around the West Med… and I dipped my toe in.

Full Board including all-inclusive drinks package and gratuities for the trip on October 23 with price from €1039 (based on 1 adult). Deposit Only €250

You’ll take off from Barcelona amd visiting Tunisia, Sicily, Naples, Genoa and Marseille

And you’ll get return flights from Dublin… so maybe time to check back in on Valentine there too.

And maybe tell him I’ll be my own Valentine.

Drop into Cassidy Travel today or contact them on 01 8779890.

America, Countries

Aermerican Black Friday dream

Now we all know that it was an Irishman who discovered America which explains the love affair with the States and why there’s an annual invasion to live out the Aermerican Black Friday dream.

What, you thought that America wasn’t on our radar until Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492.

Well, St Brendan the Navigator might have something to say about that.

The Irish saint having crossed the big ocean around 800 AD.

Negotiating as he went sea monsters, volcanoes, icebergs, and other adventures.

All of which is chronicled in a ninth-century tome, Navigatio.

Saints above

Aerial shot of paradise 50+ Mpix

Irish saints these days go transatlantic in style… on the side of Aer Lingus planes.

Every plane is splashed with holy water and given a saint’s name.

And which other airline can claim that.

All of which perigrinations the likes of which St Brendan could associate with brings us to our Aermerican Black Friday dream.

The price is right

Bustin his moves in Boston: This year

The offers the national airline carrier are tempting us with for our trips to the States.

Customers can bag €100 off return economy class flights to North America or €200 off return business class travel.

Book before midnight on Tuesday, 29 November, for travel between 1 January – 28 March 2023.

In Donald’s home: In Orlando

And remember there are 15 direct routes from Ireland to choose from.

Including Boston, New York, Newark, Chicago, Orlando, Miami, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Hartford, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Toronto.

And would you believe there are three/four I haven’t even been to yet?

And Europe too

A million years ago: In Munich

For those who prefer to travel a little closer to home, Aer Lingus is also offering up to 25% off return flights to many popular European destinations.

Sun-seekers can lap up Lanzarote, Fuerteventura or Malaga, while ski enthusiasts can take to slopes from Lyon, Verona, Geneva, and Munich.

Fare savings are valid for travel between 1st December 2022 – 28th March 2023.