3 days ago
Departure Lounge: See why Canada has become the alternative in North American travel
Cool Canada
Domestic and international tourism is soaring in Canada as travellers to North America seek an alternative to US travel.
And perhaps nowhere is the unlikely beneficiary more than Saskatchewan, the remote prairie province which is also reporting a huge surge of tourists on the back of a reference in Chappell Roan's latest single, The Subway.
To get there, operator Canadian Sky is offering an 11-night self-drive tour to Saskatchewan and neighbouring Alberta for €2,559pp (including flights). You can also book the likes of full-board ranch stays from just €319pp for two nights.
Lighthouse family
St John's Lighthouse on the Lecale peninsula offers two keepers' cottages overlooking the Irish Sea, with the Scottish uplands to the horizon.
I've just returned from a dreamy trip to Co Down this week, staying at two incredible properties, which I'm excited to share.
St John's Lighthouse on the Lecale peninsula offers two keepers' cottages overlooking the Irish Sea, with the Scottish uplands to the horizon.
Each cottage sleeps four and offers a great all-weather escape for just €220 per night (
Meanwhile, for a super romantic escape, Enniskeen Estate is a five-star glamping dream, with luxury cabin accommodation swathed by a magical Mourne setting. Even Hugh Jackman is a recent fan.
On course for Spanish
Hosted in the medieval town of Cáceres, in the Extremadura region, participants will mix daily Spanish classes with tours, day trips, and activities.
If you've ever dreamed of learning or brushing up your Spanish, why not immerse yourself in a language course in the country?
Lolo Lázaro, from the Wexford-based Habla Spanish Institute, offers his next guided course from September 28 to October 5.
Hosted in the medieval town of Cáceres, in the Extremadura region, participants will mix daily Spanish classes with tours, day trips, and activities, including cooking workshops or wine tasting ('vino tinto por favor').
The €1270 package also includes accommodation at the popular Hotel Don Carlos in the city and private bus transfers from Madrid.
Deals of the week
Split, Croatia
For those in the market for spontaneous September or October getaways, walking and adventure specialist TD Active are running an autumn sale, with discounts from €40 to €200 off their trips.
Destinations include walking holidays to the Sierra Nevadas in Spain, Madeira, or Morocco, or their Explore trips to South Africa, Cuba, and Peru.
Customers can save up to €200pp off holidays of 14 nights or more, €90pp off holidays of seven to 13 nights with code, and €40pp off holidays of six nights or less.
A seven-night walking holiday in Croatia is available for €1,299pp, including flights, transfers, and half-board accommodation. Book before August 25.
Bere Island buzz
Bere Island Arts Festival 2024.
If you're thinking of a getaway to West Cork next month, why not try to sync it up with the Bere Island Arts Festival, which takes place on the island from September 18 to 21.
Now in its third year following its successful debut in 2023, the event will feature a diverse programme of events across multiple art forms, with highlights including a performance by Stockton's Wing and Torcán, a pop-up Gaeltacht, and a screening of the Housewife of the Year film along with a Q&A session.
