Travel TREATS

MAD ABOUT MALTA:

Enthusiasm and passion are great attributes in people, whether at work or at play. I had the pleasure to meet one such person this week, Catherine Tabone, director of a foundation promoting Valletta as the 2018 European Capital of Culture. She just loved talking about the Maltese capital and when she sat down (after quite a little while it has to be said) you just wanted to hop on a plane and taste what she was so enthused about. Check out the deals at maltaireland.com.

GIVE THE GIFT OF GOLF:

Donegal is the coolest place on the planet according to National Geographic Traveller magazine this week. Some spake, in fairness. Golf fans will be able to check the veracity of that claim next year when the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open takes place in Ballyliffin. If you’re a fan of the small ball or know one (hint, hint) there’s a lovely festive fan gift on sale at the moment for €99 – a saving of €40 on the normal price. It contains two one-day tickets, a €50 voucher for the merchandise store, a €20 voucher for food/drink at the event a programme and three Titleist pro-v1 balls. Good value, it has to be said. The tournament takes place from July 48 next year. I can’t wait.

WINTER SKI BREAKS:

The ski companies are really pulling out all the stops at the moment with various incentives and offers to tempt all of you who love the slopes to part with your winter euro. Latest in the inbox this week was a January 13 departure to the five-star Astoria Relax and Spa Hotel in Seefeld, Austria, for seven nights on a half-board basis from €1,479pp. Check out this and many other offers on crystalski.ie

CHRISTMAS IN THE SUN:

It wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but waking up on a Christmas morning and strolling down a sun-kissed beach has a certain attraction. Sunway have been on with an offer for Fuerteventura. For €599pp you get seven nights at the self-catering Villa Florida apartments, just 200m from Caleta de Fuste beach. You still have to cook the dinner, but you can eat it outside! Happy days. See sunway.ie