Travel digest

THE PERFECT PLACE TO CHILL OUT

IF you are looking for a place to chill out this spring, the Hunderfossen Snow Hotel in Norway’s Lillehammer could be top of the list. The 16-bed hotel features illuminated ice and snow sculptures, unique rooms and a separate ice bar. To get there, fly from Dublin to Oslo with SAS. Hotel details on www.vinterparken.no

RELAX — IT’S ALL MAPPED OUT

MAP Travel are now official joint Parador representatives in Ireland with Lorna Roberts, who is pulling back from daily involvement. She will still be involved and this week announced details of three escorted tours for 2012, one in April and two in October. Details on www.maptravel.ie or www.lornarobertsholidays.com

SOJOURN WITH A TOUCH OF COUNTRY CHIC

THOMAS COOK is promising Irish families a sunny 2012 with over 300 properties in almost 100 resorts and for the first time France. A hidden gem is the sustainable cottages at Le Grand Bois in Burgundy. Suitable for kids, they are available from €350 in June for seven nights, based on three sharing. www.thomascook.ie

TAKE A FLIGHT OF FANCY WITH A ROMAN HOLIDAY

TOPFLIGHT’S new brochure proves there are lots of new and exciting options for customers interested in an Italian jaunt in 2012. Aside from the beauty of Venice, there are other treats which will allow clients to explore the essence of Italy, such as Rome, Florence, Milan, or Verona. Details on www.topflight.ie

IN PURSUIT OF THE BOYS IN GREEN

The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) hopes Irish packages for the UEFA Euro 2012 will be backed by Irish fans. ITAA chief Pat Dawson mentions Abbey Travel, 747 Travel, Cassidy Travel, Dawson Travel, Icon Sports, Joe Walsh Tours, Stein Travel, Sports Tours and Travelagent.ie. Details on www.itaa.ie/offers.