Travel TREATS
CHRISTMAS SKIING:
It wouldn’t be my idea of a white Christmas, but for some, hitting the ski slopes is festive heaven. Ski resorts don’t close for Christmas, so you’d be guaranteed your whiteness! Crystal Ski Holidays resorts are full of local festivities, perfect pistes and superb savings. They are offering France on December 23, for 7 nights, on a self-catering basis, from €639pp (based on 4 sharing); Austria for 7 nights, on a b&b basis, from €735pp; Italy for 7 nights, on a self-catering basis, from €669pp; and Andorra for 7 nights, on a b&b basis, from €699pp. crystalski.ie
REAL MALTEASER:
An amazing night life, a fantastic climate and a wide variety of attractions are just some of the reasons to visit Malta. This June is set to be extra-special as the island is hosting a range of events that you definitely won’t want to miss; details on maltauk.com. With Budget Travel, you can depart on June 1 and stay seven nights at the Topaz Hotel, Bugibba (room only) for €586pp. With Concorde Travel, you can depart Ireland on June 4 and stay at the 5* Le Meridien, St Julians (B&B basis) for €915 or stay at the 5* Kempinski Resort, Gozo (B&B basis) for €939.
VALENCIAN TAPAS:
Evenings are made for tapas in Valencia, particularly during the Ruta del Tardeo, from June 1-18. More than 40 bars and restaurants will be offering original tapas at preposterously low prices (a tapa and a beer for €2.50) for a bit of evening snacking (‘tardeo’), and clubs will offer special cocktails for just €5. This gastronomic festival will coincide with World Tapas Day on June 15, with special menus across Valencia. visitvalencia.com
ROCK WITH RORY:
Another exciting addition to this year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open line-up has just been announced. Local indie rock stars Two Door Cinema Club will be joining forces with Rory McIlroy for their only Northern Ireland appearance this year with a special homecoming performance to open the 2017 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, hosted by the Rory Foundation. The County Down trio will take the stage at Portstewart Golf Club for the opening ceremony of the Pro-Am tournament on Wednesday July 5.