Ferry visitors to Britain up

STENA LINE reports a rise in the numbers of people booking short breaks to Britain by sea.

In spite of the poor weather during last summer, there was an increase of over 3% on the previous year.

Stena Line’s new Short Breaks to Britain brochure features a wide range of hotels throughout Scotland, England and Wales, with a huge range of accommodation options available.

There’s a lead in fare of two nights for two people for €360 and some special offers — amongst them three nights for the price of two. As always, children under 14 travelling with parents stay free when sharing a room with the adults.

For full details on the holidays available, call Stena on 01-204 77 33, click on www.stenaline.ie/hotels or visit any local travel agent.

Meanwhile, Irish Ferries offer 2,400 destinations throughout Britain in their specialist SailRail brochure which details services by rail and sea from all Irish mainline rail stations.

Fares begin from €39 per person each way (half price for kids) inclusive of all taxes and charges, with no baggage restrictions and no minimum stay requirements. Bookings can be made through the company on 0818 300 400.

SURFHOLIDAYS.COM, launched a little over six weeks ago, is Ireland’s first bespoke online surf-holiday company. The Dublin-based company offers accommodation and surf lessons for families, groups and couples in Europe’s top surf locations in Portugal, France, Spain and here at home as well.

The company was set up by Nicky Kelly, a keen surfer himself, who believes the sport has a bright future and says it will continue to attract new people.

For further information, contact [e-mail], telephone [phone] or, of course, get online to www.SurfHolidays.com

IRISH owned 1800hotels.ie is celebrating expansion with two new business deals and the opening of overseas offices. Deals with Travco and Manor House Hotels brings the number of hotels offered worldwide to 70,000.

The company also celebrated the opening of offices in the UK and France recently.

Check out what’s available on www.1800hotels.ie.

SAS have introduced a new fare concept on long haul routes, pitching prices (certain fare types) to Australia, New Zealand and over 49 destinations in the Far East at the same level as flights to Bangkok, Tokyo and Beijing ex-Dublin.

Basically, the airline is offering customers onward flights of choice for the same fare that one would pay to fly to these three destinations.

Examples are that SAS charge €844 (plus taxes) on economy to Bangkok and the company will fly travellers to Sydney or Auckland for the same price.

For more information visit www.flysas.ie.