In its 25th year, Ireland's Blue Book has formally become a member of the European Federation of Historic Houses. This will mean that Blue Book properties will be promoted in many European countries. And the relationship is two-way - now Irish visitors will have access to similar properties in Europe. You can get copies of the guides from Ardbraccan Glebe, Navan, Co Meath, 046 23416.
If you're looking for somewhere exotic for a holiday, give Ballsbridge Travel a call at 01 668 5733 and talk to Avril Nevin about the Classic Connection range of holidays. Classic specialises in the Caribbean, Dubai, cruises, safaris and the Indian Ocean. In the Indian Ocean a number of the properties are private islands, and the romantic can even get married here, with all the arrangements handled by Classic Collection.
Topflight tells me there is loads of snow in Andorra, and there are some seats available for departure on December 19th, for those who want to escape the madness of Christmas.
The price is from £299, half board. Details from your ITAA local travel agent. There are some trips for the New Year too. SkiMcNeill have availability also for Bulgaria and France from Belfast. For details, tel: 1800 409 495.
When it comes to the millennium in the sun, there is also availability in many of the winter sun destinations. So if you decide to get away from all the hype, give your travel agent a call.
Dig out your velvet suits, psychedelic shirts, and get down to some fab sounds. Yeah, baby, Yeah! Belleek is the place, from January 14th to 16th for the Austin Powers Weekend, details from Northern Ireland Tourist Board 1850 230 2330 or 080 13656 58282.
Cerebral Palsy Ireland-Limerick is organising a fund-raising Around- the-World-in-25-Days trip. It will be departing at the end of March from Dublin, Cork and Shannon, and the cost is £2,485. The trip takes in Los Angeles, Fiji, New Zealand, Sydney, Perth, Hong Kong and London. The cost includes all flights, accommodation and some tours and trips. Paul O'Connor will be holding an information evening on Thursday 16th at CPI, Mungret, tel: 061 301 830 or 061 301 686.
Business travellers going to the US may be pleased with the new offer from Continental Airlines. Each time you fly you will be sent a voucher a few weeks after your return which invites you to a meal in Locks's, a round of golf at Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links, a night in Hayfield Manor Cork or in the Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin or shopping vouchers for Brown Thomas. Details from your local travel agent or direct from Continental at 1 800 321 324.
Joan Scales can be contacted at jscales@irish-times.ie