Take a break in the North

THE Northern Ireland Tourism Board has published a new brochure offering hundreds of options for the traveller short of time.

Close to 400 breaks, from city or country stays to golf packages and short-stay breaks focused on the family, are featured in the brochure.

Prices vary but it’s possible to pay as little as €50 per person for two nights in guesthouse accommodation or €95 in a hotel.

Full details from the NITB on 1850 230230 or by visiting www.discovernorthernireland.com. The NITB is based in 16 Nassau Street, Dublin 2.

* CANVAS Holidays has expanded its programme for next year with the introduction of three new campsites, two in Lake Garda and Tuscany in Italy, and another in Apeldoorn, Holland.

The company has also introduced luxury lodges at the well-known French campsite of Berny Riviere (perfectly positioned for Eurodisney visitors) and is in the process of offering air-conditioned accommodation and decking on more campsites this coming year.

Reservations and details from 1890 923 045 or www.canvasholidays.ie

* POLISH low-cost airline Centralwings hopes to take advantage of increased interest in travel between Ireland and eastern Europe. The airline is offering twice-weekly flights from Shannon to Gdansk and a similar schedule from its new base in Cork to Krakow and Wroclaw.

Prices start from €4.99 each way, excluding one single fixed passenger charge of €24.89 — which includes tax. Children aged between two and 16 can travel at a 20% discount and infants under the age of two travel free.

Reservations can be made via www.centralwings.com or via the Centralwings call centre on 0048 22 558 00 45

* BUDGET Travel has reported a 12% increase in bookings on this time last year as people book their 2007 holidays early. The increased demand so far has been for family-orientated destinations such as Majorca, Portugal, Malaga and Salou.

The company says low booking deposits of €49 (singles) and €99 (family groups) and the lack of fuel surcharges has helped boost business.

Bookings can be made through Budget Travelshops, online at www.budgettravel.ie or through Budget Direct 01-6311111 (seven days a week).

* ADDING Florida to the staple sun destinations of Majorca and Lanzarote, the new Slattery’s brochure offers flights from Dublin, Cork, Derry, Kerry, Knock and Shannon. Slattery’s will produce a second edition brochure early next month, showcasing the best they have to offer in holidays to Portugal, Spain’s Costa Del Sol, Cyprus and Crete.

Details on www.slatterys.com; email, [e-mail], telephone lo-call 1890 200425.