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Countries, Deals, Europe

Soller solace

2nd August 20252nd August 2025 funtime65

And away from boozy Brits in Mehgaluf there is another Majorca, of Soller solace, in the north-west of the island.

Where the tram rolls down from the highest mountain on the island and into the pretty promenade.

The Soller we found back in the day was a sanctuary from Union flag boardies and salmon-pink beer bellies.

Alarmingly, and I blame Bandana bloggers. who have let the cat out out of the bag.

For the modern invasion of Brits to this idyllic corner of the Med.

Flagging up bolshie Brits

Of course, everywhere they go, Brits get their whinge on.

And Soller, traditionally a haven for Germans, Dutch and Scandinavians, is no different.

With Brits baulking at restaurant prices and opting instead for sandwiches and beers on the beach.

And some even trying to secrete their booze in containers to save some euro.

Although even accounting for the fact that it is antisocial they do risk fines of between €750 and €3,000.

And that will sure shoot the price of your holiday up even if you do grab yourself a bargain, like those on offer at loveholidays.

Prom planks and pedalo pranks

These short cuts obviously upset the ambience for locals and more discerning tourists.

And having chosen to live my whole adult life by the sea it’s a real concern when someone comes and dumps in your front yard.

As I told one hulking lout on Portobello promenade near Edinburgh even risking the neanderthal consequences in the process.

Now there is one refuge from the planks on the prom and that is out at sea.

All of which reminds me of erstwhile travel companion April with whom I shared a pedalo back in the day.

April, who from what I can see still runs a successful series of trekking books in Scotland, but like this landlubber is best staying on dry land.

And to this day I don’t know we returned there as we both proceeded to pull in opposite directions and ended up going round in circles.

Love Soller

Far from madding crowd: A little bit of solace

Again our old amigos at loveholidays set us up with the best deals and have a 10% saving on the El Guia 4* boutique hotel in Soller waiting for perusal.

Meaning instead of £1,035 it comes in at £469pp, flight and hotel for seven days.

And to get around those foodie problems we’ve been discussing, El Guia’s restaurant serves lunch and dinner, with room service also available. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.

The seasonal outdoor pool provides a refreshing retreat during warmer months, surrounded by a sun terrace.

And the full-service spa offers massages, body treatments and beauty treatments. Additional wellness facilities include a sauna and Jacuzzi.

Bicycle hire is available for exploring the surrounding area and the hotel offers tour and ticket assistance to help guests discover local attractions.

The Ferrocarril de Sóller Train Station is just a one-minute walk away while the Church of Sant Bartomeu and Plaza de la Constitución are both a two-minute stroll from the hotel.

The Municipal Market of Sóller and Can Prunera Museum of Modernism are within a five-minute walk.

All perfecto for a bit of Soller solace.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Avoid the airport rush by booking out of season

21st July 202521st July 2025 funtime65

Take your pick which date is the busiest and EasyJet, for example, rings July 28, but the best way to destress is to avoid the airport rush by booking out of season.

The budget airline is expecting to fly more than 300,000 customers on nearly 2000 flights across Europe.

With some of our favourites Palma, Faro, Malaga, Nice and Barcelona the most popular destinations this summer.

And the Greek islands and Turkey seeing a spike compared to last year.

Now Malaga, Nice and Barcelona we have all rightly waxed lyrical about in the past.

Faro’s fair

Marine biology: Faro’s answer to the Little Mermaid

But travellers are guilty of treating Palma and Faro as travel through destinations.

In much the same way as visitors to Milan might only see the airport part of Bergamo on account of the Milan-Bergamo airport.

So, and I’m guided by my old amiga Caroline here, bide awhile in Faro and you’ll be beguiled by her charms.

Fly from Glasgow and stay at the 3HB Faro from £2,722 for two.

In the sample middle six days of September, away from that end of July pinch point.

Now we’re reliably informed that you should take a stroll around the marina and harbour.

And take in the street art including Faro’s answer to the Little Mermaid.

While for those who like an old bones chapel and we’ve been sold.

Ever since stepping into the Capuchin Crypt in Rome, then add the Igreja do Carmo to your list.

Prize Palma

Balearics Brits fans, and aren’t we all, are to most men, women and child, in a rush to get out to their resort.

But as we found out in spare time off our first cruise 25 years ago give yourself time to look around the Old Town of Palma.

EasyJet will give you seven days in the first week of November.

Staying at the Playa De Malma, outside the town at the Iberostar Selection Llaut Palma from £1,239 for two.

And enjoy the rooftop restaurant which specialises in Asian-fusion cuisine.

A luxurious spa with saunas, a Turkish bath, a whirlpool and an ice fountain.

And is just 0.4kms from the nearest beach.

Of course you should get out and about in Palma Old Town which will surprise you.

With its upside down boat architecture and a windmill where you wouldn’t expect one.

We perused Palma’s churches, museums and galleries and explored its Moorish past.

And still wanted to come back for Moor and more.

Out of season, deal me in

So you’re welcome to this spotlight on two popular destinations where we often don’t get past our landing spots.

And at a time when we can avoid the airport rush by booking out of season.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Star in your own Love Island on Mallorca

26th June 202526th June 2025 funtime65

Who says you can’t star in your own Love Island on Mallorca… not us nor Zafiro Hotels who are reopening their temple to the body adults-only in the Balearics.

The Zafiro Alzinar Mar will be open to those over 16+ in the tranquil seaside town of Ca’n Picafort, just moments from Playa de Muro and the S’Albufera Nature Reserve.

Well away from the preening poseurs in the Love Island villa.

In your comfort zone

Zafiro tell us that the resort has 128 reimagined suites embracing clean, contemporary aesthetics with soft island tones, sun-drenched terraces, and options for private pools.

Signature Junior Suites with Private Pools offer complete privacy and barefoot luxury, while outdoor spaces include a central swimming pool and a serene chill-out pool, designed for quiet moments.

All’s wellness

For those seeking more than just sun-lounging, the hotel’s brand-new semi-Olympic pool, state-of-the-art gym and outdoor CrossFit zone provide all the facilities for an energising break.

Daily activities include yoga, aquagym, and aerobics, all included in the Zafiro Fit & Sports programme.

While the fully renovated spa invites guests to detox with a Turkish bath, sauna, and signature treatments including deep tissue and hot stone massages.

You like a cycle, well there’s a dedicated bike station, repair workshop, and easy access to scenic coastal routes position.

Gastronomic delights

The à la carte lunches at the Sage&Olive Restaurant boast the best Mallorcan dishes and tapas, while there is an Asian-Mexican fusion buffet at the Es Mercat Restaurant.

The Wet Bar, a guest favourite, invites swimmers to sip handcrafted cocktails without ever leaving the water.

Sustainable, Local, and Authentic

You can keep this: Love Island along the road

Reflecting the global trend for slow, conscious travel, Zafiro Alzinar Mar places emphasis on local sourcing and authentic island experiences.

The hotel’s setting near the nature reserve and ancient necropolis of Son Real also allows guests to reconnect with Mallorca’s heritage.

While the nearby towns of Muro and Sa Pobla offer insights into traditional island life, far from the crowds.

Room Rates at Zafiro Alzinar Mar start at £85 per night for a double room (B&B)

The ultimate Mallorcan R&R and not a glimpse from overamorous wannabe Love Islanders.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Last-minute summer holidays

2nd April 20252nd April 2025 funtime65

Every summer the scene played out in our household as others with my Dear Old Dad badgered about last-minute summer holidays.

If only Mum had our online travel providers like Cassidy Travel at the tap of a button.

With the clocks going forward we’re now in Summertime so the need is urgent.

And CT have responded without the need for Dads and Mums to go hunting them down.

At increased costs as happened back in the day.

Fun for all the family

What Dad and Mum could have done too if they’d had access to AI (All-Inclusive) too.

Although it would have denied me the very-grown up responsibility on holidays.

Of being sent to the beach bar and ordering due cuba libre and an Orangina.

Because, of course, they were encouraging me even then to learn new languages.

And mug up on la lingua

You’ll get a full seven days as a family with Cassidy to mug up on la lingua in family favourite Mallorca.

Travelling on August 6, Cassidy is offering a seven-night package at the AI 3* Vista Park.

Just minutes walk from the beach with swimming pool, sun terrace and evening entertainment.

You’ll get flights, luggage and accommodation with prices from €2,025., based on two adults and a child.

Our very family dynamic when my folks had empty nested my elder brothers.

Flat rate

Or if you prefer your own apartment, and yes Mum brought her own teabags and later in life her Black Heart rum.

You’ll stay for seven nights at the 4* Vistamar Hotel Apartmentos from August 27.

With flights, luggage and accommodation from €769pp for your nuclear family.

And only a short stroll from a sandy beach

With a swimming pool and plenty of local amenities nearby.

And all at the tap of a button with Cassidy Travel for your last-minute summer holidays.

Or the option of going into any one of CT’s stores.

Countries, Europe

Pour on the porron in a Balearic boat

10th June 202410th June 2024 funtime65

The sun does funny things to you and it was only on Med childhood holidays that we got to pour on the porron in a Ballearic boat.

It was the one time that my parents pushed the boat out and got us to drink in the culture and wine.

My first tastes of the vino came on a Ballearic boat when our day tour guide encouraged to tilt our heads.

Harbouring dreams: The old Mallorcan fishing boats

And let the red juice flow into our mouths.

Of course, when we returned home to cold Scotland it was back to Irn-Bru and books instead of boats.

Llaut of this world

Sunkissed Seventies days in the Balearics burst through the gloom of a working Monday.

When my Mallorcan amigos updated us on their llaüts.

At the Zafiro Palace Andratc.

And who knew what the small fishing boats we picnicked on then, and now, were called?

If you were wondering then we were too and yes, llauts, doesn’t sound Spanish.

And that’s because Catalan influences the Mallorca dialect.

Med for sea-lovers

Helpfully, the 5-star Zafiro Hotels, who are flagging up their llaut day tours as part of their resort, fill us in.

Llauts, of course, have modernised since the Seventies.

And Zafiro are offering a trip on a super-duper sustainable 4m electric version for six.

Where you’ll be able to enjoy the Med in all its forms.

For you snorkellers, stand up paddleboarders, while there’s also an underwater scooter and a GoPro camera.

While you may prefer the privacy of swimming in secluded coves.

Guests can choose to add that Mallorcan picnic and drinks service throughout the day.

Zafiro tours

Sailing Days by Zafiro are available every Friday from June to September.

A 4-hour sailing (10am to 2pm) for six people costs €400.

There are also full-day sailings (10am to 6pm) and sunset sailings (7pm to 9.30pm) available to book via the hotel concierge.

Zafiro Palace Andratx, above Camp de Mar, is surrounded by the mountains of the Sierra de Tramuntana.

The hotel has six outdoor and two indoor pools, five restaurants and rooms with private pools and whirlpool bathtubs.

So we say… pour on the porron in a Balearic boat.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Devilish fun in Majorca

8th December 20228th December 2022 funtime65

You don’t have to be on a lads’ week away (although it helps) to have devilish fun in Majorca.

Just bring along daring kids (the ones not umbilically attached to their phones).

Instead those who see it as a rite of passage to take on the hardest ride in the splash park.

Which in Majorca’s case is the Cola del Diablo.

In the Western Water Park, Magaluf.

Making a splash

Yes, you’ll see the salmon-coloured Brits bulging out of their boardies coming down the chute.

But if you just ensure you’re a couple of places back in the queue.

To ensure you don’t get the splash back and an eyeful of their builder’s bum.

Then you’ll get that Dad/lad Balearic holiday experience and the bragging rights at that night’s dinner.

A word on eating out too in your Majorca (or anywhere in these parts) holiday.

Try to avoid those restaurants where there are pictures of what you’re about to eat on boards outside.

They rarely are what they’re billed as.

And if you’ve got an ambitious lad who wants to try the Spanish specialty maybe disavow him of the notion.

All of this, of course, when you put yourselves in the hands of those with local knowledge.

A holiday for TUI

Toe in the water: Holiday Village Majorca

And for us our go-to people are TUI.

Holiday Village Majorca, especially, is a hit with the whole family.

Facilities include a spa trip and a trio of à la cartes, as well as a splash park, a football pitch and an Aerial Adventure course.

And best of all you’ll get spending money out of €1,000.

So that’s €849pps, €2,499 (2+1) or €3,479 (2+2) for seven nights on an all-inclusive basis.

With flights departing 16 May.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Love this island Mallorca

24th August 202124th August 2021 funtime65

Now that it’s cleansing itself from those fame-hungry reality TV stars it’s time again to love this island Mallorca.

The largest of the Balearic Islands offers much more than sun, sea, sand, stripping off and something else beginning with ‘s’.

And that ‘s’ is style as Soller.

Sun, sand and Soller

Soller in the north is less charted course for most British and Irish who tend towards Magaluf on the west coast.

And you’ll hear more Guten Tags and God Dag than Awrite mate or Howiya.

The best way to reach the town is by tram which comes down from the hills.

And in two years’ time it will celebrate its centenary.

And also instead of salmon pink bodies you’ll see more tanned Teutonic and voluptuous Viking.

Drift away

The beauty of Mallorca though is that wherever you go on the island you can easily avoid the tourist traps.

And so on our stop-off from our Western Med cruise we stayed a few hundred metres away from Magaluf.

And a world away.

With a dinner cabaret night with The Drifters… Saturday night obvs.

Classy Cassidy

Our friends at Cassidy Travel are offering the type of Mallorca villa we all love.

Without the Stepford (or should that be Southend?) Wives and Husbands.

Stay in one of their luxury villas for seven nights from €295pp.

Their four bedrooms can accommodate eight people

And best of all the Irish Travel Agents holiday are putting it on for next month.

And that means all those Love Islanders will be gone.

So you can love this island Mallorca.

Countries, Culture

The day Travel fought back exceptionally

24th June 202124th June 2021 funtime65

This was the day Travel fought back exceptionally.

I have discovered since returning to the UK last year after 13 years in Ireland that a sinister exceptionalism, dressed up as nationalism, stalks the island.

Our clarion call

Britain wants to be treated as an exception in the world from the continent in which the Ice Age determined it must lie.

And within that island its northern part is claiming that it should be treated as an exception.

On account of it having voted against Brexit.

Day of action

Scotland, meanwhile, is caught up in knots.

Because it had voted to stick with England not long before the Brexit referendum.

The separatists want now to reverse that poll which they put down to dirty tricks and misinformation…

Much like an offside goal at the Euros.

They hope that a second referendum which would be in the gift of an anti-vote Boris Johnson.

To free them from the UK.

They want to open the doors to readmission to the EU if only Spain fearful of Catalonian secession would remove their veto.

People power

Yes, I know what you’re thinking…

Is this not a Travel site, jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com and not jimmurtywafflewafflewaffle.com?

Quite right. Only that British exceptionalism is stopping us travelling while the land I left, European Ireland can.

So while the EU prepare to roll out its vaccine passport the UK pushes back its Freedom Day.

Scotland stand up

We’re going into next month, a Freedom which doesn’t contain any such document.

Those of us of a Scottish variety must wait until August.

Only then can we enjoy what we once claimed could never be taken from us… our Freedom.

As is the way with a controlling figure we are being seduced with the offer of something shiny.

To keep us happy in the meantime.

Hail Malta and the Balearics

Malta and the Balearics are being floated to be put on the Green List.

As welcome as that is we are particularly sore about this.

Because this is one situation where we promote exceptionalism.

We have long been advocating that there should be a special case made for the Spanish Islands.

So what about the Canaries? And the Greek islands?

For now, of course, our Travel sector must keep pressing our case.

Real freedoms for our exceptional Travel professionals and customers.

Yesterday was just the start, the day Travel fought back exceptionally.

MEET YOU ON THE ROAD

Africa, America, Countries, Deals, Ireland, Sport, UK

Holidos and Don’ts – the alpha and the omega

20th March 202120th March 2021 funtime65

So, the alpha and the omega of Holidos and Don’ts as there’s so much disinformation out there.

Greece lightening

Dip your toe into Kythera in Greece

No, you didn’t misread that…

I’m here to lighten the load for our Greek friends who have been painted as super spreaders.

We’ve got Public Health England to blame for the hue and cry.

They reported that the largest number of infections between June and September came from returning holidaymakers from Hellas.

They made up 21% of new cases, compared with 16% from Croatia and 14% from Spain.

The report which still needs to be peer reviewed, of course, doesn’t factor in that that was a pre-vaccine world so let’s not panic.

And book our Greek holidays with confidence.

Our old friends at Travel Department are offering a range of Greek breaks with Athens & The Island Short Break immediately catching the eye.

Amble along the Neighbourhood of Gods in the Plaka district and head up to the Acropolis.

Tip here: take an impossibility cheap taxi with your driver (who will look like Adonis) suggesting you pay what you like.

Travel Department will throw in a full-day cruise of the Saronic Gulf: Hydra, Poros and Aegina.

So that’s four days B&B from €749pp with departures in June and October.

And for a teaser on all things Greek… here’s my odyssey.

Digital Green Passports

Una ciocolatta di calda densa: In Bergamo

And it makes sense that the Irish Travel Agents Association should welcome the European Commission’s proposal for a Digital Green Passport.

The idea is that it will be proof that you’ve been vaccinated, received a negative test result or recovered from Covid.

Of course there’s no pain, no gain.

And I’d take the Scary One drilling that stick up my nose and down my throat.

Like I did to travel to Bergamo…

And thoughts to the Bergamaschi and all our Italian amichi as they tackle lockdown again… Molamia.

Olé for Spain

Hugs for Spain and Catalonia. https://www.google.com/amp/s/jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/2020/03/24/messi-around-on-the-water/amp/

And Olé for Spanish Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto who is championing our return to Espana.

She told the TV station, Antenna 3: ‘We could be in a position to start implementing the digital passport when FITUR (Spain’s Travel Fair) in Madrid starts on May 19.’

The government over here in the UK has held out May 17 as the date when travel can resume from England.

Although that relies on the findings of the Global Travel Task Force report on April 12.

The Spanish jewel of the Med, The Balearic Islands have already stepped up.

And they have said they will be happy to trial it.

And as a signpost that the British are coming with Jet2 informing the Majorca press to expect a ‘massive’ arrival in June.

Watch this space for updates on Travel returning and…

MEET YOU ON THE ROAD

Countries

Our Love Island – what’s yours?

14th February 202114th February 2021 funtime65

The fact that the Love Islanders never get out of their bed, or each others, in Ibiza says it all about them.

La Isla Blanca (Ibiza) and the Balearic Islands, Majorca, Menorca and Fuerteventura are more, of course, than chavs and raves.

I’ve savoured all the islands and revisit whenever I get the chance.

I would of course though like to get my Valentine out there on my own without the family.

And when I do I will definitely get her on the pedalos by Soller in the north of the island where the Brits never go.

The family’s designated driver she’ll not go careening towards mine which my ditzy colleague did way back then.

Each of course are perennial favourites with us British.

And each have their own identity if only you escape your own tribe.

Magical Majorca

Majorca: The best thing about Magaluf is the road out and you really don’t have to go that far to arrive at more exclusive and less Britified Majorca.

You know you really don’t want to be eating a full English breakfast wtih a pint of lager under the beating heat with your top off, men! And watching Del Boy on the telly.

You’re better getting along to the nearby Western Water Park.

But watch out for the the salmon-pink Brits making a big splash and dousing you and your young lad just coming off The Beast.

Menorca rocker

And one from my childhood here where my parents got on board the fashion for all things Balearic back in the 70s.

And while they topped up on their tans and made friends with people from their own neck of the woods in I did my bit for international relations.

I had not a word of German but befriended Uwe over games of sand bowls on our Menorca beach.

Being German I think he beat me in a sudden-death shoot-off.

Viva Ibiza

The sun must have got to my folks because they allowed me a freedom in the Balearics that they would never ever sanction at home in Scotland.

And that meant allowing me a half a glass of vino in Ibiza.

Pepe, the waiter from Seville who worked in Portinax , topped it up a little bit more!

Ole, ole, ole, ole!

Open wide in Fuerteventura

Now I blame those very same parents, just like Philip Larkin did, for my drinking habits on those early Thomson, now TUI holidays.

My Dear Old Dad love the exoticism of ordering a Cuba Libre (a rum and coke to you and me) from the beach shack.

And they were changed days as I would be sent to collect them. I would always ask for an Orangina which had specks of actual orange and came in a funky bottle.

And that took the edge off this nine-year-old’s sore head from the previous day’s outing on the boat to Fuerteventura, something a bit like this.

Find out first if they’ve got a porron.. and this is how you do it.

Although Mum knew that already despite never having seen a porron before. She is from Ireland after all where every drop of alchohol is saced!

So where is your Love Island… let me know and we’ll share.