Jetsettersblog

St. Patrick’s Day in an Irish castle might be just the short break some clients are looking for at the end of winter this year. Adare Manor, located near Ireland’s Limerick City, has announced its “St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Escape” package for 2012.

Adare Manor is one of western Ireland’s five-star Gothic castle hotels. At the front gates to Adare Manor is Adare Village, with thatched-roof houses and specialty shops, quaint streetscapes, 19th century churches and much more. The Castle at Adare Manor’s “St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Escape” package includes three nights accommodations; full Irish breakfast each morning; dinner for two one evening in the Oakroom Restaurant; live traditional Irish music in the Tackroom Bar, located in the castle’s lower level, Saturday and Sunday night; and private transportation to and from Limerick City for either the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17 or the International Band Parade on March 18.

The package is priced at 720 euros ($1,080) per couple. For guests travelling with children, accommodations are complimentary for two children under 12 years old when sharing a deluxe room with parents. Children’s meals are additional to total package price. For more information, call 011 353-61-605200.

As details of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant – one of the largest public events ever held in London – are announced, VisitEngland looks at other Jubilee celebrations scheduled across the country.

Marking 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, the Diamond Jubilee celebrations will celebrate around an extended weekend on 2 – 5 June 2012. Officially unveiled this morning, the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on Sunday 3 June will see a procession of 1,000 boats travel down the Thames, from Battersea to Tower Bridge, flanking the Royal Barge which will transport the Queen. The procession, which will include vessels of all shapes and sizes from around the world, including tall ships and square riggers, fishing and cargo boats, yachts, tugs, steamers and canoes, is expected to be the biggest televised event ever to take place.

VisitEngland Chairman, Lady Cobham said:
“The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant is a remarkable undertaking and a fantastic draw for London. However, the rest of England has also been gripped by the occasion and there are celebrations taking place throughout the country, from the royal family’s official residences, stately homes and national galleries, to parks and public spaces and in private gardens and family homes.”

Here are just a few of VisitEngland’s highlights of the Jubilee year calendar:

Sixty Photographs for Sixty Years – The Drawings Gallery, Windsor Castle
Opening on 4 February, an exhibition of 60 photographs of The Queen, including the work of leading press photographers of the past six decades, will go on display at Windsor. The exhibition presents a portrait of The Queen’s reign as captured in fleeting moments on both official occasions and at relaxed family gatherings. The exhibition includes pictures of Queen Elizabeth II on regional and international official visits, leading the nation on Remembrance Day, in the Garter Day procession at Windsor, hosting Heads of State and inspecting the graduating officer cadets at Sandhurst. It also records important personal and family milestones and her lifelong love of equestrianism and of her corgis. The exhibition will run until January 2013.
www.royalcollection.org.uk

The Wild, the Beautiful and the Damned at Hampton Court Palace
Running 5 April – 30 September 2012, this royal-themed exhibition tells a story about the fascination of love, glamour, celebrity, lust and power and involves some of the key characters that lived, loved and died at Hampton Court Palace – Charles II, James II, William III & Queen Mary II and Queen Anne. Beauty was a good thing: it was a reflection of divine perfection, an indication of virtue. This temporary exhibition will contain magnificent artworks to reveal the stories and scandals, and will include items from the Royal Collection and other public and private collections, many of which are not currently on display.
http://www.hrp.org.uk

The World Comes to Windsor Castle
Held in the private grounds of Windsor Castle on the evenings of 10, 11 and 13 May, the Diamond Jubilee Pageant will pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s 60-year reign in a performance that brings together over 500 horses and 800 international performers. Dance, music, military and equestrian displays from around the world will feature in this major show: Around the World in 60 Years and 90 minutes. Visitors will be taken on a journey around the world, reflective of the Queen’s State and Commonwealth visits during her rain: starting out from London and visiting the Americas, Australasia, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and finally Great Britain. The seven acts draw from their respective continent, ensuring a colourful cultural display. Tickets available at www.diamond-jubilee-pageant.com

Bright, Shiny Diamond Jubilee Beacons – Various locations
England has a centuries-long history of beacon lighting to mark national events and the beacon is widely recognised as a symbol of united celebration. On 4 June, 2,012 beacons will be lit across the whole of the United Kingdom, as they were for the Queen’s Silver and Golden Jubilees. Locations already confirmed include the highest school in England, Flash Church of England school in Staffordshire (which has just 10 pupils); three of His Grace the Duke of Westminster’s estates in Sutherland, Cheshire and Lancashire; and 60 beacons along the length of Hadrian’s Wall – one for every year of the Queen’s reign.
www.diamondjubileebeacons.co.uk

Go Down to the (Diamond) Woods – Various locations
To celebrate the Diamond Jubilee, the Woodland Trust is helping millions of people to come together with their communities to plant 6 million trees. The Jubilee Woods Project, fronted by Patron HRH The Princess Royal, aims to create hundreds of Jubilee Woods across the country, and 60 special Diamond Woods, of at least 60 acres – to transform our landscape in a generation and provide a lasting legacy for many years to come. This includes the Trust’s new Flagship Diamond Wood in the heart of The National Forest in Leicestershire, a haven for wildlife and a monument to Her Majesty. To find out more or get involved, visit
www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

Partake in a Big Jubilee Lunch – Countrywide
Building on the established Big Lunch initiative, the Big Jubilee Lunch will encourage friends and neighbours to share lunch in their local neighbourhoods on Sunday 3 June. Based on the premise that a connected community is a safe and happy community, the Big Lunch Initiative was founded by the Eden Project in 2009 and provides the tools and support needed for members of the public to organise and encourage shared neighbour lunches once a year, and as a result to build lasting and valuable connections. The initiative hopes to double participation numbers in 2012, and to create an annual Thanksgiving Day of sorts, all of our own. To find out more about hosting or joining a Big Lunch, visit www.thebiglunch.com

A Capital Celebration – London’s Exhibitions
In addition to the river pageant, London will be host to several exhibitions on the Royal Family and the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Showing at the V&A from 8 February – 22 April, Cecil Beacon’s Royal Portraits will include 60 photographs depicting the Royal Family at home and on official occasions. A new permanent exhibition opening at Kensington Palace on 26 March, Victoria Revealed, will look at the life and reign of Queen Victoria – England’s longest-reigning monarch – while Tower Bridge will be re-presenting the Crown Jewels exhibition for the Jubilee year, with new displays showing the jewels like never before.

For more information on Jubilee events around the country, visit www.enjoyengland.com/jubilee

For those looking to take a short break with their Valentine this February, Barceló UK’s Premium portfolio offers a selection of unique properties in outstanding locations, ideal for a relaxing and romantic break.

Barceló Combe Grove Manor Hotel
The beautiful 18th century Georgian Barceló Combe Grove Manor Hotel & Country Club is an idyllic countryside retreat surrounded by 69 acres of private gardens and woodlands, ideal for a romantic stroll in the beautiful Limpley Stoke Valley. The intimate 42 bedroom property boasts stunning panoramic views and is located on the edge of the ‘World Heritage Site’ city of Bath & the renowned Bath Spa. Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s relaxing health and leisure facilities including a soothing steam room and sauna or enjoy fine dining in the award-winning ‘Georgian Rooms’.

Throughout February, the Barceló Combe Grove Manor Hotel is offering double rooms from £95 per night based on two people sharing on a B&B basis.

Barceló The Lygon Arms
Barceló The Lygon Arms is one of the most celebrated hotels in England. Situated in ‘the prettiest village in England’, the luxury Cotswolds retreat dates back to the 16th Century and is a perfect destination for a romantic getaway. Guests can dine at the award winning restaurant ‘The Great Hall’ and enjoy a drink next to a warming fire at the hotel’s bar. For couples looking to relax and unwind, the hotel also offers a number of spa facilities and beauty treatments.

Throughout February, the Barceló Lygon Hotel is offering double rooms from £105 per night based on two people sharing on a B&B basis.

Barceló Troon Marine Hotel
Barceló Troon Marine Hotel is located on the stunning Ayrshire coastline, overlooking the 18th century green of Royal Troon. Couples can dine in the hotel’s award winning Fairways Restaurant or relax with a drink in the Arran Bar which offers views of the Isle of Arran. On a clear night the sunset over the isle is a sight to behold. For those wishing to unwind, the Beauty Rooms offer a wide range of treatments in tranquil surroundings. The Heath and Leisure Club has an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, fully equipped gym and a fitness studio. Those wishing to explore the Scottish west coast will not be disappointed with dramatic coastlines, breathtaking scenery, miles of countryside and historic attractions such as Dundonald Castle.
Throughout February, the Barceló Troon Marine Hotel is offering double rooms from £69 per night based on two people sharing on a B&B basis.

Barceló Billesley Manor Hotel
Surrounded by 11 acres of beautiful Warwickshire Countryside and a 100 year listed Topiary Garden, the 16th Century, Elizabethan Barceló Billesley Manor Hotel is the perfect romantic location for a Valentines getaway. The hotel has a mix of traditional country and spacious contemporary styled rooms and in the grounds you will find All Saint’s Church which dates back in parts to the 11th Century where tradition has it that William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway. The hotel has a number of spa facilities where couples can relax including an indoor heated pool together with a soothing sauna and steam room. Guests can dine at the award winning Stuart Restaurant which offers sumptuous cuisine using fresh seasonal ingredients and a warm service of the highest standards.

Throughout February, the Barceló Billesley Manor Hotel is offering double rooms from £75 per night based on two people sharing on a B&B basis.
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With over 2800 bedrooms and 217 conference and meeting rooms, plus Health & Leisure Clubs and Spa’s, Barceló UK hotels are perfect for Christmas parties, dinners or any other event.
Barceló UK has 21 hotels throughout the country, from traditional coastal and country retreats to vibrant town and city getaways, all the way from Scotland to Torquay.
For more information visit; www.barcelo-hotels.co.uk

Portfolio Includes
Barceló Troon Marine Hotel* Barceló Stirling Highland Hotel* Barceló Edinburgh Carlton Hotel * Barceló Blackpool Imperial Hotel * Barceló Shrigley Hall Hotel, Golf & Country Club * Barceló Redworth Hall Hotel * Barceló Harrogate Majestic Hotel * Barceló Buxton Palace Hotel * Barceló Daventry Hotel * Barceló Hinckley Island Hotel * Barceló Walton Hall * Barceló Walton Hotel * Barceló Oxford Hotel * Barceló Cheltenham Park Hotel * Barceló Billesley Manor Hotel * Barceló The Lygon Arms * Barceló Basingstoke Country Hotel * Barceló Brighton Old Ship Hotel * Barceló Torquay Imperial Hotel * Barceló Combe Grove Manor Hotel * Barceló Cardiff Angel Hotel

Try Copenhagen for a Valentine short break and combine romance with one of the city’s biggest annual events, the WonderCool Festival.

The symbol of Copenhagen itself, the Little Mermaid from Dane Hans Christian Andersen’ romantic fairytale, is known and loved by all. This alone is indeed proof that Danes are real romantics at heart and that ‘Romantic Denmark’ is something you and your loved one can experience for yourselves in its capital.

What can be more romantic than strolling through a city hand in hand, discovering a new place together? This is easy in Copenhagen as the city is just around 90 minutes away by air from the UK, giving you lots of time to explore this fantastic capital. The city is compact with just around 1 Million inhabitants and most sights can be reached on foot from your city centre hotel.

With Valentine’s Day falling on a Tuesday this year, it makes it just the perfect time for that romantic long weekend away. February is also a particularly good time to be in Copenhagen as you will join in with the locals in their annual WonderCool Festival, a time when the capital is buzzing with both romance and more than 100 cultural events. See the full programme on www.wondercoolcopenhagen.com 

Let candles set the mood
The tiny streets and alleyways around main street Strøget, offers the best when it comes to shopping for local designs, fashions and crafts. You will soon notice that everybody uses candles everywhere; in windows, on tables and even outside on the pavements just to create that perfect romantic atmosphere. Danes know about candles and the positive effects of candle light, so why not buy some Danish designed candle holders to bring home as the perfect Valentine souvenir?

Cupid’s arrow
A hot chocolate with a heart shaped cake in one of the many cosy cafes will set you up for a visit to one of the most fascinating museums in the city; Thorvaldsen’s. This museum opened in 1848 and is a dedication to the works and collections of Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. The highlight for your visit will be to stand before the work named ‘Cupid and Psyche’ and as you might know, Cupid is the God of Love and this mischievous little archer has the power to send his arrow through the intended’s heart, making him or her fall in love with you…

Hand in hand
A stroll in the park is another favourite for lovers. Head for the waterfront by Amalienborg Royal Palace as at this tiny Amalienborg park, you find a magnificent large fountain and sculptures but most of all, from here you will have an amazing view across the water to the new Opera House. If the mood takes you, you may wish to stroll along further to see the Little Mermaid herself sitting on her rock.

If music is the food of your love, play on
Book seats for a night at Copenhagen’s outstanding Opera house or at one of the many great music venues. As part of the WonderCool Festival, the tragic love story, ‘La Traviata’, will be showing in the Opera House (www.visitcopenhagen.com/Events/La-Traviata/382 ), while the rest of the city is ‘jamming’ with both jazz (http://jazz.dk/en/vinter-jazz) and rock (http://frostfestival.dk/2012/).
　
Steamy atmosphere
For warming up, there can be no better place than the glorious winter garden inside the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (www.glyptoteket.com/). In this steamy atmosphere you can admire huge palm trees reaching for the light descending from a glass domed ceiling and spreading across sculptures and water features in this splendid museum, housing Danish and international works. This is a truly romantic setting in an arty atmosphere.

‘Love Seats’
A date often involves a trip to the cinema. In two cinemas in Copenhagen; the Empire (www.empirebio.dk/ ) and Falkoner (www.kino.dk/biografer/falkoner-biografen ) you can enjoy the benefits from purpose built love seats right at the back. These are seats specially made for two who like to sit very close together.

Gaze at the stars
There are no love seats at the Planetarium sadly but nevertheless, this is the place to sit and stare at the stars. Even on a cloudy day you can look at the awesome 1000 square meter domed screen, showing the never-ending movements of planets and the universe (www.tycho.dk/in_english/ ). Nearby, Europe’s oldest functioning observatory, The Round Tower, lights the candles and sets the mood for a truly romantic Valentine’s Evening. Treat your loved one to and evening of stargazing in the observatory and live music (www.rundetaarn.dk/engelsk/index.html ).

A romantic meal for two
Take the lift up to the 20th floor of the SAS Royal Hotel (www.radissonblu.com/royalhotel-copenhagen ), from where you have the absolute best view of the capital. The hotel is designed by Arne Jacobsen and is northern Europe’s first true designer hotel or stroll along the picturesque Nyhavn with its charming old buildings and stop by the popular waterfront restaurant, Cap Horn. The restaurant offers a sensuous four-course Valentine’s Day menu accompanied by the romantic tale of Isabella which once upon a time took place on this historic quayside (www.visitcopenhagen.com/Events/Valentins-evening-at-Cap-Horn/382).

Alternatively, invite your loved one to “My Funny Valentine – tour de l’amour” at restaurant Custom House. Together you can enjoy a special Valentine dinner overlooking the water. (www.visitcopenhagen.com/Events/My-funny-valentine-Tour-de-lamour/382) . A perfect end to a perfect day.

Getting there…
Flight time to Copenhagen is less than two hours. SAS Scandinavian Airlines (www.flysas.co.uk ) offers direct flights from Aberdeen, Manchester, Birmingham, London Heathrow and Dublin (www.flysas.ie ).
Easyjet (www.easyjet.com ) offers daily flights from both Stansted and Gatwick.

Where to stay…
For a wide choice of accommodation, please visit Brøchner Hotels (www.brochner-hotels.dk/ ) and Arp Hansen Hotel Group (www.valentine-i-koebenhavn.dk ).

More travel information…
For all information on travelling to Denmark, please go to: www.visitdenmark.com

For all aspects of a great weekend in Copenhagen: www.visitcopenhagen.com

Celtic Tours is offering Pilgrimage Packages to Ireland for the 50th International Eucharistic Congress, which will be held in Dublin, June 10 to 17. The event is held every four years in various locations by the Catholic Church, and draws more than 500,000 people from five continents. The eight-day event includes Mass, prayer and liturgical celebrations; film, music and theater; and keynote addresses, workshops and discussion groups.

The Catholic Church in Ireland dates to the 4th century when St. Patrick traveled throughout Ireland converting people to the Christian faith. Religious pilgrims who travel to Ireland will find centuries-old monastic sites, high crosses, elevating cathedrals and highly illuminated monastic manuscripts giving a glimpse into how early Christians worshipped and announced their religious fervor.

The cost is $1,599 per person for nine nights, $1,399 for eight nights and $1,069 for five nights. Tours include most dinners, daily breakfast, full sightseeing, transfers and admissions. Special itineraries can be created. Self-drive and city stay rates are available. Celtic Tours has been in business 40 years and offers to Ireland, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany and other European destinations, as well as Australia, New Zealand and Tahiti. For more information, call 800-833-4373.

Sceptre Tours is offering a vacation package for a family of four to Ireland for about $167 per person, per day. The starting price of $899 from New York includes a private three-bedroom villa, roundtrip economy airfare and rental car. Sceptre Tours President Chris Accomando said it’s a less expensive family vacation than going to Disneyland.

The Adare Villa Estate in Summer package, according to Accomando, “makes a trip that would normally be quite expensive if you were to purchase the individual components quite attractive to a family who might be more budget-conscious and seeking a better value.”

Clients get to occupy a luxurious three-bedroom, three-bathroom villa with kitchen, living room, dining area, sitting room and on-site laundry facilities. The Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort is a five-star property. The package is priced from $919 from Boston, $989 from Chicago, and $969 from Orlando for travel May 1 to 31, or from $999 from New York, $1,019 from Boston, $1,089 from Chicago and $1,069 from Orlando for travel from June 1 to 30 and Aug. 23 to Sept. 30. Prices are slightly higher for travel in July and August. Rates are per person based on four people traveling on departures on select days of the week.

Clients can upgrade to an automatic transmission for $75 per person. A breakfast and tours upgrade package for $99 per person includes four traditional Irish breakfasts at Dovecote Restaurant at the Adare Heritage Centre in the town of Adare, admission to the Cliffs of Moher, House of Waterford Crystal and an “Ireland at a Glimpse” booklet offering $600 in savings. Other upgrades and optional extras are available. For more information, call 800-221-0924.

Canoeing, fishing, cycling, cooking and camel rides are just some of the extra activities that feature in Ramblers Family Adventures new range of guided walking holidays.

Each of the operator’s tours has added ‘dimensions’, designed to appeal to the whole family. Perfect for families with children aged 6-16 with the average age being 12. Each holiday has its own Ramblers Family Adventures tour leader.

MOROCCAN ESCAPADES
A five night holiday discovering fascinating Marrakech and the famous Djemaa el fna square, camel rides and the Fantasia horsemanship show and dinner with dancing, acrobats, stunt riders and fireworks.
From £659 per adult and £549 per child.

FRENCH FAMILY ADVENTURE
A one week holiday in Burgundy which includes, cycling, canoeing, zip wires, fishing, swimming, exploring prehistoric cave paintings and walking
From £769 per adult and £549 per child.

ITALIAN ADVENTURE
A one week holiday based at Vico Equense on the glorious Amalfi coast. Highlights include, a visit to Pompeii, a hydrofoil trip to Capri, and a chance to make one’s own pizzas.
From £869 per adult and £599 per child.

GREAT ALPINE ADVENTURE
A one week holiday on the French Swiss border which includes a day at the Morzine Adventure Park, walking and cycling in the mountains and chilling out in a welcoming hot tub at the end of the day !
From £899 pr adult and £825 per child.

FUN IN THE TUSCAN SUN
A one week holiday based at San Marcello – situated between the Apennine Mountains and the cultural delights of Florence. Apart from spectacular walks this includes, cookery lessons, a day sightseeing in Florence and star-gazing from the local observatory.
From £779 per adult and £615 per child.

TIROLEAN ADVENTURE
A one week holiday based at a four star hotel in the heart of Stubai with a range of outdoor activities nearby. Highlights include superb walks in mountains and valleys, making a snowman at 3000m and biking along easy roads and tracks.
From £969 per adult and £699 per child.

GREEK MYTHS AND LEGENDS
A one week holiday based in The Peloponnese – a region rich in ancient myth and legend, Gods, heroes and heroines. Includes, a boat trip to the Corinth Canal, a visit to Agamemnon’s Mycenae and Nauplia, plus the Acropolis in Athens on a day trip by train.
From £925 per adult and £699 per child.

CRETAN ADVENTURE
A one week holiday on the vibrant island of Crete with its excellent weather, beaches and walking. Highlights include, swimming from sheltered beaches, visiting the Venetian harbour town of Chania, vineyards and olive groves and coastal, hill and woodland walks.
From £935 per adult and £749 per child.

All of the above holidays include return flights (or Eurostar where appropriate), transfers, half-board accommodation and the services of a dedicated tour leader.

FUN AND GAMES IN THE LAKE DISTRICT
A choice of 3, 4 and 7 night holidays in one of Britain’s most beautiful scenic gems. Includes, orienteering forays into the spectacular hills, a tour of Honister Slate Mine and Whinlatter Forest Park.
From £193 per adult and £171 per child.

PEAK DISTRICT ADVENTURE
A one week holiday staying at a stately home next to the most beautiful valley in the Peak District with great walks, cycling, paddling and caves. Highlights include, a walk up Dove Dale, local hills riddled with fascinating caves and two old railway lines to cycle along.
From E479 per adult and £319 per child.

The above UK holidays include half-board accommodation and the services of a dedicated tour leader.

www.ramblersfamilies.co.uk
01707 386766

For a Valentine’s weekend to treasure, treat your beloved to a break at boutique hotel Wineport Lodge in the Irish Lakelands. Set on the shores of Lough Ree, this idyllic hideaway is just an hour from Dublin, with flights from more than 20 UK airports and prices on Valentine’s weekend from as little as £36.58 return, including taxes and charges*.

With such a spectacular setting, plus a reputation as a food and wine lovers’ delight, it’s no surprise that this is one of Ireland’s most romantic retreats, and in fact the independently-owned hotel hosted four winter weddings between Christmas and New Year!

Owner Ray Byrne commented, “We’ve always been popular with couples but the demand for winter weddings in particular has been astounding. It’s a combination of factors but certainly being family-run makes Wineport Lodge more appealing than some of the larger chain hotels, yet we can offer the quality and service that cosmopolitan, discerning guests expect.”

On Valentine’s weekend, guests will be greeted with a glass of bubbly and chocolate-dipped strawberries on arrival, and shown to a spacious lakeview room, with contemporary design and a balcony looking out to the lake.

The Romantic Valentine’s Weekend package costs £395** for two adults for two nights, and includes a full Irish breakfast each morning and one dinner in the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant – home to the country’s leading celebrity chef TV show. Couples can also cosy up in the Taittinger Lounge or enjoy a spot of pampering in the Treatment Suite, followed by a dip in the rooftop hot tub.

For a romantic outing, valentines can take a boat trip up the Shannon into the charming town of Athlone; travelling directly from Wineport’s private jetty to Athlone Castle in the town centre, for a spot of shopping and a visit to Europe’s oldest pub, Sean’s Bar, for a celebratory drink.

To book call 00 353 90 643 9010 or visit www.wineport.ie

With the season of overindulgence over, fitness is now top of mind – both at Hollywood and at home. Celebrities have long been sources of inspiration for both fitness and travel, and this year is no different with Towie star Mark Wright helping people lose weight in new TV show Downsize in Dubai and Jennifer Ellison showing people how to lose two stone with her new fitness DVD. Cheapflights.co.uk, the online leader in deals publishing, has identified five top destinations for A-List fitness trends.

“If ‘yogalosophy’ can keep Jennifer Aniston looking like, well, Jennifer Aniston, and you get to do it on a sunny LA beach, it’s no surprise that LA is a hot spot for holiday makers. Our list gives you the new hot spots for an active A-List break,” says Nadine Hallak, Travel Expert for Cheapflights.co.uk

Top five celebrity get fit destinations:

ZUMBA – COLOMBIA OR MEXICO: The Latin dance-inspired aerobic fitness craze began by a fitness trainer in Cali, Colombia, and has spread like wildfire across the globe. Celeb dancing queen Madonna is one of Zumba’s biggest fans, so much so that she has made it one of the main highlights in her newly launched chain of gyms, Hard Candy. Put on your dancing shoes and follow her fancy footsteps to Zumba at her Hard Candy studio in Mexico City, or enjoy a holiday learning Zumba on the beaches of Colombia, in the place where it all began. Flights to Cali, Colombia start from £541 return and flights to Mexico City start from £479 return.

SOUL CYCLING – NEW YORK CITY: Make like Katie Holmes and hit the Big Apple on two wheels with the latest bike trend, SoulCycle. The difference between this and normal cycling is the spiritual element. The SoulCycle instructor aims to educate, entertain and inspire – all within a 45 minute session. This is an indoor workout with classes taking place throughout New York City. Flights to New York start from £299 return.

“ESSEXERCISE” – IBIZA: The Only Way is Essex’s Lucy Mecklenburgh shows off her routine in a new fitness DVD which is easy for anyone to follow. If jogging on the beach in Ibiza followed by a dip in the sea to cool off before stretching in the sun sounds like your perfect break – why not take a short flight over to Ibiza for some winter sun and calorie burning? Flights to Ibiza start from £96 return.

YOGALOSOPHY – LOS ANGELES: Follow the latest Hollywood trend for Yogalosophy, the exercise regime that combines yoga and toning exercise with astrology. The craze started in LA by fitness guru Mandy Ingber and made famous by Jennifer Aniston. It’s also popular with celebrities including Victoria Beckham and, while it’s out on DVD, instead of practicing in your living room, get a head start by hitting the live classes on the LA beach. Flights to LA start from £349 return.

SCUBA – MAUI: The model and heiress, Paris Hilton, takes up scuba as a means of maintaining fitness and chose Maui as the location for her first scuba lesson while holidaying with boyfriend Doug Reinhardt. As one of the world’s Top 10 dive sites, Maui offers locations for all levels of skill from beginner to advanced. Some of its finest spots include Black Rock, Honolua Bay, Big Beach, Makena Beach, Maliko Bay, Seven Pools and Nahiku, among a vast number of others. Flights to Maui start from £682 return.

To search and compare flight deals to these or any other destination, visit http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/

For more information on the destinations, visit http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/flight-guide/

Fans urged to book fast to guarantee tickets and travel to the football tournament of the year

Travel to UEFA EURO 2012™ is now on sale via Thomson Sport offering Republic of Ireland fan packages including guaranteed match tickets.

With short breaks to all three Republic of Ireland group matches departing from Dublin, supporters will have plenty of time to soak up the tournament atmosphere. Thomson Sport is also offering a full duration tour taking in all three fixtures. Both travel only and ticket inclusive options are available.

Tom Forshaw, Managing Director of Thomson Sport, said: “As one of the only ways for Republic of Ireland fans to guarantee match tickets, and with thousands of fans pre-registered already, we are expecting our limited number of packages to sell out very quickly. We have many years of experience working at major and varied sporting events so fans will be able to see and live the tournament experience while safe in the knowledge that they are in very capable hands.

“Our three and four night trips with hotels in fantastic locations will get fans to the heart of the action with the right to buy guaranteed match tickets at face value. Plus as a fully bonded tour operator we offer security, local representation and knowledge.”

Republic of Ireland kicks off the tournament campaign against Croatia on 10 June in Poznan, Poland, before taking on Spain on 14 June in Gdansk. The final group match will see Republic of Ireland take on Italy on 18 June in Poznan.

Packages to see Republic of Ireland against Croatia or Italy (9th to 12th/ 16th to 19th) start from €1,549pp including flights, all transfers, access to a category three match ticket direct from UEFA at face value, three nights 3* B&B accommodation, a Thomson Sport representative and a local guide.

Four-night packages to see Republic of Ireland against Spain (12th to 16th) and full duration tours (9th to 19th) are also available with flights, 3* or 4* B&B accommodation, all transfers, access to a category three match ticket direct from UEFA at face value, a Thomson Sport representative and a local guide.

More than 1.4 million supporters are expected to travel to Poland and Ukraine for the 14th UEFA European Football Championship between 8 June and 1 July 2012. There will be a total of 31 matches held in eight stadiums – Gdansk, Poznan, Warsaw and Wroclaw in Poland and Donetsk, Lviv, Kharkiv and Kyiv in Ukraine. This will be the last time just 16 teams compete in the final tournament as the number is set to increase to 24 in 2016.

Republic of Ireland fans wishing to travel to UEFA EURO 2012™ can book via www.thomsonsport.ie  or by contacting Thomson Sport on (01) 433 1013