From sure things in Las Vegas to Irish spa breaks, Joan Scaleshas the best of the week's offers
DEAL OF THE WEEK
Free car hire and travel insurance with villa rentals
It's tough for holiday firms to attract bookings at this time of year, with us all thinking about Christmas this month and then trying to pay off our December debt in January. That's why James Villa Holidays is dangling free car hire, free travel insurance and a free welcome pack for anyone who books a villa with flights (departing between April 1st and October 31st next year) by February 2nd. The offer applies to more than 2,000 villas in over 40 destinations, from the Algarve, in Portugal, to Provence (above), in France, and the Greek islands. www.jamesvillas.ie, 1890-943907.
HOME BREAKS
A taste of Mayo: from €179pps
The Taste of Knockranny package, from January 23rd to 25th, will showcase delicacies from Co Mayo. The weekend will feature wine tastings, cocktail demonstrations and a tasting menu, plus a Taste of Knockranny display. Prices from €179 per person sharing for two nights. www.khh.ie, 098-28600.
Spa treat in Limerick: €239
The Strand Hotel in Limerick has an overnight spa treat for before or after Christmas. On arrival a bottle of champagne is delivered to your room before a three-course dinner in River Restaurant. Next day, after a late breakfast, you can have a treatment to the value of €80 in Zigomi Spa and use the health club. From €239 for two. www.strandhotellimerick.ie, 061-421800.
Christmas in the city: €715
Last-minute Christmas packages are available at the Radisson Royal Hotel in Dublin. Stay Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with breakfast each day, dinner for two in Verres en Vers restaurant on Christmas Eve, and Christmas lunch in Goldsmith Hall from €715 for two sharing. 01-8982955.
Seasonal stay in Galway: €660
The Radisson Galway is promising a magical Christmas, particularly for families, with lazy buffet breakfasts, traditional Christmas lunch and a visit from the man himself. You can always work off the overindulgence in the spa and leisure centre. Prices from €660 for two sharing for three nights' bed and breakfast and evening meals. www.radissonhotelgalway.com, 091-538300.
Park and fly bargain: €125
Deal of the month is at Dublin Airport, especially if you are leaving the country. Stay for a night at Carlton Dublin Airport and you can park the car for the duration of your holidays. Your stay costs€125 per room per night. www.carlton.ie, 1890-288288.
'Tis the Seasons to be jolly: €635
Ring in the New Year in style at a gala dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel in Dublin. Begin the evening with champagne and end it in Ice bar with dancing and fun. From €635 for two. 01-665400, www.fourseasons.com/dublin.
OVERSEAS BREAKS
A week in Vegas: €1,208ppsA week in Las Vegas? What would you do? There's plenty to occupy you, especially staying at New York-New York Hotel Casino, on the strip. Shandon Travel has a week in the city that really never sleeps, from February 27th, from €1,208 per person sharing. www.shandontravel.ie, 021-4277094.
Istanbul art deco: from €313
Park Hyatt Istanbul - Maçka Palas, which has just opened, is one of the finest buildings in the Turkish city. Built in 1922, at the height of the art-deco period, it now combines its heritage with modern interior design. Unusually for a city hotel, it has an outdoor pool and terrace. Rooms from €380 on http://istanbul.park.hyatt. com or from €313 on www.hotels.com. Turkish Airlines flies from Dublin to Istanbul from €310 return. www.thy.com.
Asia adventure: from €1,488
Take an Indo-China adventure with Club Travel and you can be cycling through the hustle of Hanoi, chill out riverside in Vang Vieng, meet Thai hill tribes and soak up the history of Luang Prabang. A 19-day trip from Dublin costs from €1,488. www.clubtravel.ie, 01-5005588.
Midterm in Majorca: €1,373
Mallorca Farmhouses has some lovely properties at great rates for February, which could be ideal for midterm breaks. All rates include a week's car hire, maid service and starter pack. Ponset is a three-bedroom farmhouse on a Majorcan hillside with great views. Sleeping seven, it has a gated pool, table tennis and a PlayStation 2; it costs from €1,373 per week. Almendros is a stone-clad five-bedroomed property in an almond grove amid lovely countryside. It sleeps up to 11 from €1,436 per week. www.mallorca.co.uk, 00-44-118-9473001.
Caribbean cruise: from €514
How do you find the best cruise deal? The answer is on www.cruisecompete.com. You can browse for availability, ask for a travel agency to give you a quote for a specific cruise or check out last-minute deals. And deals there are: seven-night Caribbean cruises from $668 (€514) on Royal Caribbean, or 15 nights in the Med from $1,699 (€1,306) on Brilliance of the Sea.
Ski chalets: from €685 a week
Family-friendly ski chalets in Morzine, France, are rolling back the costs. Located right at the bottom of the Avoriaz run, they almost let you ski into the hot tub. Prices from €685 for a week full board and €2,050 for two adults and two children. Creche facilities are available. www.chillypowder.com, 00-33-450-747521.
Please bear in mind that offers are subject to availability