January is the time for pouring over the holiday brochures and dreaming of sunny days and what better place to collect brochures and ideas than the Holiday World exhibition. Today and tomorrow it is on in the Kings Hall, Belfast and from January 22-25th in the RDS, Dublin, and on January 31st and February 1st, in the Silver Springs Conference Centre in Cork. This year there will be more than 70 tourist boards represented, along with many tour operators, hotel groups and car rental firms.
Good news for this year is that the snow has been falling and Andorra, Italy have experienced massive snowfalls, right down to village level and the pistes will be in excellent condition for the season. The bad news is that if you have not booked your skiing holiday by now, it is unlikely you will be skiing this year. The last three years have seen a phenomenal growth in skiing holidays. Topflight (01 670 9177) reports its best season ever as more people take second holidays. You might be lucky to pick up an odd week before the end of the season in March.
The latest research has shown that carrot juice might be the answer to jet lag. By reducing the loss of oxygen in your blood, carrot juice can counter the effects of flying at high altitude. If you want to try it, drink two glasses of carrot juice a day for three days before flying. And, if it doesn't work, at least you will be better able to see where you are going.
DHL, the international document handling company, has produced a handy booklet on 60 top destinations.
It includes on health insurance, visas, currency, time zones, trade indicators and dialling codes. It is free from Jill Connolly on 01 667 3222 or fax 01 667 3077 or email jill.connolly@dimension.ie.
Some of the very best value in accommodation in Ireland has been bed and breakfast. Standards have continually improved, and the cost has remained relatively low. Town and Country Homes annual guide to bed and breakfast has recently been launched, and lists an incredible 1,900 homes with photographs and details. The cost is £2.50 from your local tourist office, or they can be contacted at Belleek Road, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, tel: 072 22222, fax: 072 22224.