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Global Travel Trends

25/11/2016

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While the economic and global political outlook has looked uncertain this year, it has not dampened people’s appetites for travel.  2016 will be a record year for worldwide travel with 1.2 billion tourists moving around the globe.

Each year in November for World Travel Market, Euromonitor, the market research organisation releases a report on future Global Travel Trends.  According to this year’s  report  “travel thrives on disruptive innovation and the outlook  for the year ahead is no exception.”
The report usually has an invented name to describe a type of traveller, this year the buzz word is Roamies.  They like to co-live with other and live outside the mainstream. They work in the gig economy on projects or short term contracts and can work anywhere with internet.

Roam.co has developed three co-living projects around the world, Miami, Madrid and Bali.  For a fee of $1,800 a month, the Roamies can choose where to live.  In each place you get an en suite room, communal living and cooking space and as they say battle-tested wi fi.  New locations are planned for London and Argentina.  
Other companies in this space are Pure House in New York and We Live in New York and Washington. The co-living concept has caught the attention of Airbnb and through its design studio Samara will explore the possibility of community centres that will host guests.

Supersonic is coming back
A new generation of supersonic aircraft, that will fly 2.6 times faster than normal jets are being developed by start-up Boom.  London to New York will be 3.5 hours and priced around $5,000 return.  A subsidiary of Virgin Galactic, the Spaceship Company is partnering with Boom to provide engineering , manufacturing services and test flight support.  The first test flight is planned for late next year and commercial operations in 2023.

Microadventures with maximum impact
As people’s lives get busier they are looking towards getting the most from their precious time off. Microadventures could be hiking, kayaking, cycling, waterfall climbing, zip-lining or as simple as sleeping under the stars.  Boys’ weekends are now being rebranded as “mancations” and easyJet has created a number of alternatives to city break activities.  Adventure tour companies are offering microadventures for lads, particularly in Europe.

Hiking Through Middle East History
After many years of challenging times in the Middle East hiking through history is beginning to bring hope to rural communities.  The development and promotion of historic hiking trails is a surprising success.  Many of the trails have existed for hundreds and thousands of years and include the Nativity Path in Palestine, Abraham’s Path from Turkey to Egypt, the Jordan trail and Lebanon’s mountain trail. Hiking is sending out a message of peace, hope and reconciliation and local communities are ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for tourists. Visitors to these trails come for religious and Diaspora reasons and the future could see opportunities for development of support services.

Mindfulness in Africa
The demand for spiritual travel is growing and in Africa the concept of “wellness in the wilderness”, where traditional safari holidays are accompanied by meditation, yoga and spa services.   The mindfulness trend combines well with people’s interest in responsible and sustainable tourism.    South Africa and Kenya are the most developed countries for this type of holiday.

Bag free, hassle free travel
With the rise of the sharing economy renting items is becoming more acceptable.  Imagine arriving at your hotel and the wardrobe is stocked with all your favourite fashion brands.  Some Westin hotels are already rent running clothes and shoes to guests from $5.  In Chicago the Virgin Hotel allows guests to purchase clothes from Gap and have them delivered to their rooms.  Fashion brand Pimkie has installed mini fashion bars in hotels in Antwerp, Brussels, Milan and Paris with clothes you can buy, minifashionbar.com.


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Book early for Halloween Adventures

31/8/2016

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TV3  - Ireland AM – Aug. 31
Appearance by Joan Scales Travel Writer with The Irish Times
*Prices are subject to change at short notice
Now all the kids are back in school and the holidays are fast fading it is time to look forward to the Mid Term holiday and Halloween. Book early to get best prices and have something to look forward to.
Ireland
Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny –
Is having a Hogwarts Halloween with lots of great activities for the children
Forbidden Forest Treasure Hunt
The Chamber of Arts activity room
Treetop adventure playground with Zipline
Fairy Trail
Newpark Childrens Camp every day from 10 – 4pm with lunch and
Krazy Kats Kids Club in the evening from 7.00– 10.30pm
From €169 per adult for 2 nights B&B 1 dinner, 2 children under 12 free, €25 each for next children
Flynnhotels.ie 
Sheen Falls – Kenmare, Kerry
The lovely historic town of Kenmare has a special event for the week, “Halloween Howl in Kenmare” where you can expect the unexpected.  There will be events every day like scary walks and ghoulish gatherings.   The highlight will be the Halloween Night parade with everyone dressed up.
Kenmare.ie
Townhouses to rent €695 per week and €175 per night based on 3 nights minimum.
Sheenfallscountryclub.ie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JSPQiLns-c
Bunk Campers
Do something different  - hire a camper van and tour the country visiting places like haunted woods, Greenan Maze, Tayto Park, the Zoo and lots more spooky places.  Your van is your home with everything on board for a go anywhere trip and safe places to stay each night. 
Bunk Campers – family size vehicle from €410 for three days, bunkcampers.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5En6cDXIdzY
UK
Alton Towers have Scarefest during mid-term and there will be some frightful things to experience like two haunted mazes, a freak show and the House of Monsters as well as all the great rides.
Two adults, two children with a car on Irish Ferries, and two nights hotel with a Family ticket to Alton Towers costs €595
Irishferries.com, 1850 300400
http://www2.altontowers.com/press-centre/image-gallery/?p=1&c=Events
Europe
Portaventura in Spain near Salou on the Costa Daurada is a fun theme park based on the Sesame Street characters.  At Halloween the park is decorated with a scary creatures theme and every night there is a parade with music and lots of strange characters.
The weather is still pleasant at the end October and a week with flights and staying in the Medplaya Pirimide Hotel will cost from €320pps with Abbeytravel.ie, (01) 8047100.
Halloween Parade video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE9rXGxQuoQ
Florida
The biggest event in Orlando is the Universal Halloween Horror Nights that begins on September16 until Halloween night but not midweek. Rated as the best Halloween event in the US.  The award winning Universal entertainment team create intense experiences that you will never forget. Menacing scary actors will stalk you and incredibly details haunted houses will bring your nightmares to life.
Take a trip from Ireland to Florida, stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Resort, with park tickets for a week from €849pps.
Lots of videos on Youtube.com.
Touramerica.ie (01) 8173535, reference 519887.
 
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Travel Advice - Don't overstay your visa

1/7/2016

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​At this time of the year many young people head off to enjoy the summer working and holidaying in mainly the US, Canada and Australia. It is nice to be welcomed into another country but overstaying your welcome can have some long-term consequences. These apply to everyone, not just students.

The country that takes it most seriously is the US. You can stay there for four months on a J1 and 90 days with an Esta.

​If you overstay your J1 or the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (Esta), you can be barred from entering for three to 10 years. That means you cannot even transit through the US. Visa Waiver status will be revoked and you will have to apply for a visa each time you want to travel to the States. Applying for a visa now costs €160 and means a 16-page form and an interview.
The Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) allows for up to three months for business or tourism. Working visas can vary in length. If you overstay by more than 28 days you will be subject to an exclusion period of three years. After the exclusion period you can apply for the ETA.
In Canada the border officer determines how long you can stay. You must have an ETA and generally stays of up to six months are allowed. You can apply to extend your ETA online.
If you overstay, you may be denied entry in the future. If travelling between the United States and Canada you will need an ESTA and an ETA.
Thailand takes a dim view of visitors who overstay their welcome. Generally visitors’ visas are for up to 60 days, every day you exceed that you will be fined 500 baht, €12.50. If you get caught by Immigration police, they will put you in jail until the fine is paid and your exit ticket purchased.
jscales@irishtimes.com

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Travel Advice - dogs need holidays too

18/6/2016

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​Travelling with your dog can make holidays all that more enjoyable. The family pet is just as much in need of a change of scenery as you. Finding accommodation that is dog-friendly can involve a lot of research and ringing around.
There are websites that can short circuit that time-consuming exercise and help you find the right place to stay. A long-standing place to begin a search for accommodation in Ireland is Georgina Campbell’s ireland-guide.com There are 100 places that will welcome your dog ,from bed and breakfasts and guesthouses, to country mansions and five-star hotels. There is also a top 10 of pet-friendly places. Ireland’s Blue Book, (irelands- blue-book.ie) is a listing of some very nice country houses which also has a pet-friendly section. Eleven properties around the country welcome dogs. 
Trident Holiday Homes has a section for such self-catering properties, tridentholidayhomes.ie A new arrival website is woofadvisor.com, which hopes to identify not just properties where dogs are welcome but also restaurants, parks, beaches and stopping points when travelling. Members of Woofadvisor. com can add reviews and suggestions for new places to stay or see.
​In Northern Ireland, the tourism board has a dog-friendly scheme, where owners are encouraged to list their properties. There are more than 100 listed on discovernorthernireland.com, scroll down to the Me and My Pet section. Some properties will charge a fee when a dog stays while some places do not charge at all. Check before you book. There is a similar website in Britain to help you find suitable accommodation, Dogfriendlybritain.co.uk. The listings include not just hotels and guesthouses, but also self-catering, cottages, holiday parks and camping grounds. jscales@irishtimes.com

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Travel Advice - Zika update

4/6/2016

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When Rory McIlroy said he would take advice on going to Brazil for the Olympics as he is planning on having children, it put a new spotlight on the Zika virus. The Department of Health also changed the status of the virus to “notifiable”, and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre has set up an advisory group on the disease.

As summer approaches and the weather warms up, the Zika virus is spreading. Dozens of countries have now reported incidences of the virus. It is in almost all South American countries, South Pacific Islands, Central America, Mexico and Cape Verde Islands.
It is expected it will have arrived in southern parts of the United States by the end of the summer. As there is no vaccine yet for the Zika virus, the only positive thing to do is try not to be bitten.
In order to do this, apply sunscreen first then use insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol. Keep your arms and legs covered, the mosquito that transmits the virus, Aedes Aegypti, is more likely to bite during daytime.
Stay in accommodation that has air conditioning or insect screens on doors and windows (if not possible, sleep under mosquito nets). Permethrin-treated bed nets are more effective due to being treated with insecticide.
The virus is not spread from person to person except through sexual activity. The virus is transmitted in semen, so practice safe sex and use a condom. Women planning on getting pregnant should check with their doctor before travel and after. It is now possible to identify if you have been bitten and are carrying the virus.
Symptoms of the virus are a mild fever and generally feeling not well, though most people do not show symptoms.
Keep up to date with the latest news on hpsc.ie and cdc.gov


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Going to the USA - what you need, passports, ESTAs, API

8/5/2016

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The US Department of Homeland Security issued a notice recently about electronic passports that caused some confusion. All Irish passports issued since October 2006 are electronic. This means there is a small integrated circuit or chip embedded in the photograph page. The front page has a small gold symbol representing a microchip under Pas/Passport.

​ The chip securely stores a digitised image of the photo and personal details of the passport holder as they appear on the data page, which allows the use of facial recognition technology. See dhs.gov/e-passports. This requirement applies to all 38 countries under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), of which Ireland is part. The VWP allows for visits of up to 90 days for business or leisure. Though we have a visa waiver programme, you still need to apply for the electronic system for travel authorisation (ESTA). This is the online version of the long form we had to fill out at the airport. It can only be accessed at: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/application.html?execution=e1s1. It costs $14 (€12)to apply and is valid for two years. Part of the cost is applied towards funding the US tourism marketing organisation called Brand USA.

Be careful of scam websites for ESTAs, they will take your money and give you nothing. Many of these sites look official but the US government has not been able to deactivate them. It is recommended that you apply up to three weeks in advance. When you complete the form, you will be issued with a number. Print it out and keep it with your passport.

Also when travelling to the US you will be required to provide the airline with advance passenger information ( API). This means your passport details, though some airlines will ask for an emergency contact number too. jscales@irishtimes.com

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#Ryanair - can they get better - they think so.

13/4/2016

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Joan holding the Grand National Trophy won by Michael O'Leary's horse Rule the World on April 9, 2016.


“I have been taking large doses of humility for the past two years as the Always Getting Better Programme has truly transformed Ryanair for customers.” Said Michael O’Leary on Tuesday April 12 at the launch of Year 3 of the Always getting better programme.

This year the 300,000 passengers on Ryanair flights every day can expect.
  1.  Cheaper baggage, 108 possible fees will be changed to 6 only. With no difference between online and in airport fees.
  2. A new Leisure plus fare with 20kg bag, reserved seating and priority boarding for extra €43.99
  3. A better mobile App which is already being used by 7.5 million people with one flick payment options and booking for parking and transfers.
  4. A new “not” a loyalty programme, but one free flight for every 12 flown per year.
  5. Business Plus will have more fast track options at airports and auto check in.
  6. New Schools/groups programme, travel agency set up.
  7. Destination guides tailored to person travelling.

Some thoughts and opinions from Michael on his favourite subjects.
New Runway at DUB
Ryanair is in favour of it as long as the costs do not go up or include gold-plating and unjustified costs. He saw Kevin Tolland DAA head and told him to on Tuesday.
Air Traffic Tower at DUB - Sees no need for it – “Irish Aviation Authority should get cameras and infrared – half the day you can’t see anyway”
On ATC Strikes in Europe
Remove the right to Strike, have binding arbitration, make ATC pay EU261 disruption costs for passengers. Over flights must not be disrupted. Timing of strikes is deliberate. “Idiotic French believe nobody should work and the Germans should pay.”
On Brexit
MOL is very against it, bad move for Britain – companies need to get behind the Stay campaign. The single market is not perfect but it works.
Government
He has some sympathy – electorate are idiots voting for headbangers and a bankrupt property developer. People should grow some common sense.
Italy
Ryanair left Alghero and Pescara as they are not going to fund pensions for retired Alitalia pilots with additional charges.  Ryanair could go back in the autumn to these routes if the Italian Government gets sense.
Highlight – I had my picture taken with the Grand National Trophy he won on Saturday

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What airports and airlines can do to keep you safe

1/4/2016

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The events of the past few weeks will have many people looking over their shoulders when they use airports. Security, a vital part of the travel process has become so intense that it would almost make you reconsider your journey.  Getting people airside as quick as possible should be the aim of every airport. Bombings rarely happen there.

Bring back the days when we strolled into airports, cigarettes in mouths, bags full of booze, newspaper under arm and not a worry in our heads.  Now we have to consider stripping down to our bare essentials, measuring 100ml containers and worrying about losing belongings at security.
The whole security process has become very stressful for many people and is not helped by the fact that we bring far too much stuff with us to avoid luggage fees from airlines.  Airlines should consider bringing back free check-in luggage for passengers.

We are all used to packing better these days and would be happy to have a 15kg or maybe 20 kg allowance for the convenience of not having to haul the bag through Security.  It would also assist the process of X-raying bags for dangerous items. 

Airports in Ireland entice travellers airside with the vast array of shops and well-priced goods.  They could also consider bringing back smoking areas. There is a nice smoking garden in Terminal 1 at Dublin and a smoking area airside in Shannon.  Some European airports have smoking rooms. That would reduce the number of people outside smoking their last fags before flying.
​
Reducing Security queues should be the aim of all airports. If that means bringing in body scanners that can check pockets and handbags without unloading everything into trays, bring them on. Technology has improved to the stage that you can be scanned without being seen in the nip.

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Lost or stolen credit cards - what to do

26/3/2016

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Our dependence on credit and debits cards nowadays means that when your card is lost of stolen abroad it can be a disaster. Sometimes it is not even lost or stolen but a block can be put on a card by an issuer if there are unusual transactions.

Before you travel, it is a good idea to contact your card issuer and let them know where you are going, for how long and give them your mobile number.
AIB have introduced a text service for verifying transactions out of the ordinary. You only have to text back Y or N to clarify that it is you. Always make copies of your cards and keep that information separate and safe when travelling.

Also bring the helpline number with you and put in your telephone for safe-keeping. Chip and PIN cards have reduced the level of abuse of cards, but do be careful using cards in places like internet cafes, where Spyware can be tracking your numbers.

Banks operate a 24-hour service for reporting stolen or lost cards and arrangements can be made to replace your card quickly. The speedier the replacement the more it will cost. In some cases it may be possible to get money to you via bank transfer or wire transfer services such as Western Union. It depends on where you are travelling in the world.

​ Hotels will often allow someone else to pay your bill. Generally they will need a third-party authorisation signed by the person lending their card for the transaction and in some cases copies of the front and back of the card. Some travel insurance will cover your for the replacement cost of your credit and debit cards. It is always useful to have more than one card to rely on.

See Ask Joan online at irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel Send queries to jscales@irishtimes.com 

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Food festival season in Ireland kicks off from Easter

23/3/2016

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Galway Food Festival, Galway City, March 24 - 28
The city of the Tribes boasts several of the country’s finest restaurants and has long been a foodie destination. This five-day festival coincides with Easter week and, in honour of the centenary of the Rising, aims to celebrate 100 years of Irish food through open-air food markets, epicurean trails and the involvement of some of the West’s greatest chefs.
 
West Waterford Food Festival, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, April 15 - 17
Celebrity chef Paul Flynn helped put the Waterford coastal town on the culinary map thanks to his restaurant and cookery school and this annual festival is ensuring it stays there. With demos about healthy food to special gin-distilling classes in the mix this year, and with plenty of markets and food trails to enjoy, there’s something to savour for all the family.
 
Taste the Wild Atlantic Way Street Food Festival, Kinsale, Co Cork, April 22
The 2,500km Wild Atlantic Way offers innumerable quality food options, and Kinsale has long been a destination for gourmands. Several food festivals are held in the West Cork town every year and this one celebrates food that’s removed from stuffiness and formality, but loses nothing in taste and panache. Think open-air food markets and stalls and lashings of live music.
 
Connemara Mussel Festival, Tullycross, Co Galway, April 29 - May 2
They’re proud of their seafood in the West - and for very good reason: the Atlantic oysters and muscles that grow along the Irish coastline are among the world’s best. But this festival does far more than merely showcase the magnificent molluscs from Killary Harbour: it celebrates the abundant food produce of the area and its ‘cooking with kids’ classes are highly recommended.
 
Ballymaloe Literary Festival of Food and Wine, Ballymaloe, Co Cork, May 20 - 22
Three generations of the Allen family helped make Ballymaloe House globally famous among food lovers and this festival is now etched on the calendars of serious food lovers everywhere. Besides the best of West Cork’s greatest ingredients, the festival boasts talks from some of the finest food writers on the planet, including chef Yotam Ottolenghi and ‘Master of Wine’ Jancis Robinson.
 
Wexford Food & Wine Festival, Wexford town, May 27 - 29
The centuries-old streets in the heart of Wexford town are given over to all things food and drink for the last weekend in May and if the sun is shining in this part of the sunny south east, it will be a summer festival to remember. Besides a cornucopia of food stalls showcasing cuisine from around the world, there will be wine-tasting sessions and a real ale trail.
 
Killarney Beerfest, Killarney, Co Kerry, May 28 - 29
Irish craft beer is most definitely having a moment right now and the huge range and variety of local brews can be enjoyed in an open-air setting. Several bands, including Mongrel State, will be on hand to generate a safe and memorable festival atmosphere, while beer-tasting sessions, brewing masterclasses and food stalls will enhance the experience.
 
Burren Slow Food Festival, Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare, May 28 - 29
A food festival with a polemical message, this annual celebration of the best of Irish produce argues that the food we put into our bodies should be local, seasonal and grown and raised without recourse to chemicals and intensive farming. It’s location in the heart of the Burren is apt - it’s a unique part of Ireland that encourages the visitor to slow down and take stock of their surrounds.
 
Westport Food Festival, Westport, Co Mayo, June 24 - 26
Moving forward to June from its usual September berth, the hugely popular festival will feature foodie tours, mushroom foraging and children’s pizza-making classes. As before, a food village showcasing the best of local artisanal produce will take place at the Octagon - Westport’s picturesque market square.
 
For more mouth-watering food festival ideas, please visit www.discoverireland.ie
​

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