Travel TREATS
KEYS TO RELAXATION: Florida ticks most of the boxes that need ticking when you think of holidays. With new flights into southern Florida, a laid-back getaway in the colourful Florida Keys has never been more accessible for travellers. Less than a two-hour drive from international airports in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, the Florida Keys offer almost year-round sunshine, one of the world’s most iconic road trips, and a huge range of waterbased fun. With WOW now flying to Miami from Cork and Dublin the range of options is increasing. See fla-keys.ie COASTING HOME:
When you think about cruises – and yes, I have pondered but never got around to going – you think flying off and then sailing off. John Galligan Travel tells us that there’s a no-fly option. Sail from Cobh, Friday June 2, to reach Bangor, Co. Down the following Tuesday, visiting Foynes, Killybegs and Derry on the way. The coastline as you’ve never seen it. You pay from €1,369 to €1,699 to be pampered along the way. Visit jgt.ie
BALTICS ALL
THE BOXES: I have to admit that finding Lithuania on the map would test me. But I’m hearing more and more about it from colleagues recommending its charms. The Travel Department is offering a three-night break, flights included in Vilnius, the capital, during September and October starting at €349. traveldepartment.ie EASTER FIESTA:
They celebrate Easter with a bit of gusto in Valencia, Spain. A peculiar tradition is the Trenca de Perols at midnight on Saturday (April 15 this year), when the locals throw old pots and crockery, as well as water, from their windows, as a symbol of cleansing. On Easter Sunday, they will throw flower petals instead over a colourful parade to celebrate Christ’s Resurrection. visitvalencia.com/en/ Travel@mailonsunday.ie