World Cup fever has really taken a hold now and where can you go to get away from it? Manx Air is suggesting you join them on the Isle of Man and have introduced some very low fares of £55 for adults and £34 for children (216) up to July 6th. The Isle of Man is a great place of visit, with lots of things to see and do. Details from your local travel agent or (01) 260 1588.
Aer Lingus is constantly improving its services to passengers. New improvements this month include a special designated pedestrian walkway for those travelling through Pier A on commuter flights and a dedicated fast track security channel for Premier passengers at Manchester. During June fares to the New York on certain flights have been reduced by £100. The UK Fly drive promotion will continue during the summer. Two passengers paying £115 each for flights to the (except Heathrow) will have a free car with unlimited mileage for three days. Not forgetting the £79 for two travelling to Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.
New arrival on the transatlantic scene is Continental Airlines, which will operate, from this week, a daily service to from and . Newark Airport is a major hub for continental, and onward flights to many destinations in the are possible. It is also easier and cheaper to get into New York from Newark and, if you are going to New Jersey, why would you fly into any other airport?
The doom and gloom merchants have been going round saying that all sunshine holidays have been booked up since December '97. But don't mind them, you can still get a holiday in the sun right through the summer. Sunway Travel (01) 288 6828 has various holidays to from self-catering to four star hotels, from £269 for one week and £309 for two weeks. Topflight (01) 679 9177 has self catering at Lido de Jesolo on the Venetian Riviera, with availability on various dates through the summer from £345 for one week and £415 for two weeks. Also if look in your local travel agent's window you will find last minute offers to many popular resorts.
Ryanair has added to its European routes this summer with flights from Stansted to St Etienne and Carcassonne in , Venice, Pisa and Rimini in and Kristanstad in southern . Prices are from £109 to £129 sterling. Unfortunately, it also means paying £15 sterling tax when Irish departure tax is only £5.
Sometimes it's nice to treat yourself and if you intend visiting
this year, Air Canada's half price business class promotion could be just the thing to suit. Business class includes all the extras such as sleeper seats with 55-inch seat pitch, priority check-in and baggage handling, fasttrack security at Heathrow, departure and arrivals lounges and of course, great food and pampering. Call them on (01) 679 3958 for more details.
Next weekend is the 10th annual Seacat Storytelling Festival. The event takes places at the Ulster Folk Museum and brings together storytellers from Ireland, England, Scotland and the US. Each evening there will be concerts, which will combine storytelling, music and song. More details from Maureen Paige at 080 1232 428428 or NI Tourist Board, 1850 230 230.