Most people who travel frequently, or go to new places, like to read guide books to get an idea of what to expect on arrival. Fielding's guides can make amusing reading, but their website on dangerous places is downright black humour. They give advice for both leisure and business travellers and some of the sections are indeed very funny, but do contain good advice. You can also purchase any of the guides over the Internet. Find them on http://www.fieldingtravel.com/dp.
Another new guide from the Lonely Planet series is which provides lots of truthful observations on this world city, and is packed with recommendations for hotels, restaurants, entertainment, trips and walks. It also has lots of full colour maps of London. Available from good bookshops.
Eco-tourism has increased in tandem with the increase in interest in matters ecological. It can include sightseeing whales, dolphins, ancient monuments or mystic tribes. In Costa Rica the eco side of tourism is the volcano and rainforest. The Costa Rican Odyssey Tour has been designed by Groupworld Travel (01 667 3113) to include the most breath-taking scenery in this beautiful country, without have to go on long tiring drives or doing anything too strenuous. A trip of a lifetime. It will take place in May, June and July, and costs from £1,149 for a nine-day trip.
Newly-arrived MAP Travel has some relaxing trips to Italy for May and July. Next month there is a visit to Stresa on Lake Maggiore in Italy - a week in a four star hotel overlooking the lake and the Borromean Islands. In July the two centre holiday will be a week in Rome and a week in Viareggio.
Staying at the famous Irish College in Rome, there will be plenty of time to see all the main places of religious and historical interest, including the Vatican, basilicas, the Colosseum and Trevi fountain.
Viareggio is a popular seaside resort, and the hotel is in a good position on the main promenade with views over the beach. More details from Marian and Patricia at MAP (01) 878 3111.
The newest vessel on the Irish Sea took to the waves on March 12th - the Super-SeaCat Ferry on the Dublin Liverpool route has re-linked the two capitals from city centre to city centre. There will be two sailings a day from Dublin: at 1 p.m. and 11 p.m., and the journey time on this fast ferry is just under four hours. Fares for foot passengers start at £29 return, and a car with four passengers can travel from as little as £129, duty-free day trips cost £10 (adults only). Book with your local travel agent, or on freephone 1 800 551743
Discovery Holidays has recently launched its self-catering homes on the east coast, at Brittas Bay in Co Wicklow, and Courtown, Co Wexford. Each development consists of three-bedroom detached cottages, which are Bord Failte approved. Both developments are within walking distance of the beach. Discovery Holidays has a special introductory offer of discounted family membership to local leisure clubs with swimming pools in Brittas Bay and Courtown of £20 per week. More details from (0402) 32825.
If you are in the Roundstone area for Easter you may like to look in on the exhibition of Connemara landscapes by Nora Keane, in Roundstone library on Sunday.