Fear of flying must be one of the most limiting phobias to live with. Air travel is so much the norm for business and leisure the fearful flyers must feel very left out. But help is at hand with Dr Maeve ByrneCrangle who runs the Fearless Flying Programme for Aer Lingus. She has researched and designed various programmes to help flight phobics and other anxious passengers. A single consultation with Dr Byrne-Crangle cost £35, the firsttime programme which includes graduating by taking a flight costs £245 and the intensive course which also includes a flight is £346. You can receive more details or make an appointment on (01 705 6983 or 3200).
I remember when football was only on television on Saturday, then Wednesday appeared on the agenda and now it seems every night there is some match or other that has to be watched. And it's not just Premier League it's also European leagues too. Well, if you want to take control of the TV remote why not send your football fanatic on one of the Italiatour weekend packages to see Italian football. They can arrange one, two and three day packages which include match tickets, flights and accommodation from £337, (01 671 7821).
The October bank holiday is fast approaching and if you have not booked anything yet the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (1850 230230) has have a selection of special offers. Weekend costs range from £49 per person at Drumgooland House, farmhouse and equestrian centre near Seaforde, Co Down to £116 in the Blue Book's Glassdrumman Lodge in the foothills of the Mournes. A three-night stay with two dinners will cost £65 at Portneal Lodge, close to the Causeway Coast and the newly refurbished Killyhevlin Hotel, overlooking Lough Erne is £145.
Special offers from charge cards for the autumn include Hayfield Manor Hotel (021 315600) in Cork which is featured by both Diners Club and American Express. A two-night weekend in this new luxury hotel costs £140 and includes a bottle of champagne. American Express also has a special offer for cardholders with Breaffy House Hotel in Mayo (094 22033), a 19th century manor house. Diners Club cardholders can go to Tinakilly Country House (0404 69274), in Wicklow for a truly romantic weekend for £98.
The Fort Royal Hotel is set in 18 acres of woodland and lawns overlooking Lough Swilly at Rathmullen, Co Donegal. On 17th-19th October 17th-19th, they will be having a Floral Weekend with Dorothy Hanley and Margaret Carton. The cost, of at £120, includes bed, breakfast lunch and dinner for the two days and start with a sherry reception on the Friday evening. There is also a par-three golf course for the non-floral partners.
Trailfinders special autumn offers include with China Airlines for £473 return, flying via Amsterdam. The Hong Kong special fare of £445 is with the award winning Emirates Airlines. Best of all though is the chance to shop, not only in Stanley Market, Hong Kong but in one of the world's cheapest duty free airports.
Compiled by Joan Scales
