Departure Lounge: Set your sights on Australia for Christmas
Stops along Australia’s east coast include Cairns, Airlie Beach and two full days in Sydney, with December 25 being spent in Brisbane.
If you’re the kind of person who uses Christmas as a time to travel then this deluxe all-inclusive 16-night cruise, from Bali to Australia, should excite.
Departing Indonesia on December 12 aboard the Seven Seas Explorer, you’ll visit Lombok and Komodo, before cruising the Timor Sea to reach Australia with an overnight stay at Darwin.
Stops along Australia’s east coast include Cairns, Airlie Beach and two full days in Sydney, with December 25 being spent in Brisbane.
With a choice of 32 included shore excursions, from Bali’s rice terraces to a high-speed catamaran cruise in the Whitsundays, this is one way to end 2025 in style, €11,749.
We’re a sucker for the wilds and with Scotland on our doorstep it’s a trip we recommend everyone makes.
Bust out of the cities and make for the rugged Hebridean islands of Islay and Jura.
Naturetrek’s combined trip includes wildlife watching, dramatic coastal scenery and fine malt whiskies.
From wild geese and wildfowl on Islay, including up to 40,000 migrant Barnacle Geese and the largest wintering population of Greenland White-fronted Goose and Golden Eagles to the island of Jura’s dramatic cliffs, caves, beaches and whirlpools, the wildlife holiday experts promise a nature lovers’ delight.
Explore by day and enjoy cosy lodgings at night with the chance to sample some of the local malts. October 22-28, from £1,895, (approx €2.195) including ferries. Flights extra.
If you think Switzerland is only a winter destination you’ll be surprised to know that it offers some of Europe’s most spectacular scenery year-round.
The snow-free Alps are a glorious playground and a stay at the chic Capra in the car-free village of Saas-Fee makes an idyllic choice for a late-summer retreat.
The boutique five-star sits close to some of Switzerland’s most scenic hiking trails, glacier excursions, and nature walks.
The alpine hideaway offers a gorgeous Peak Health Spa, seasonal mountain fare, wellbeing, nature, and high-altitude relaxation.
We like to celebrate hotels that innovate with new offerings for guests.
Conrad Dublin, the five-star city centre hotel, has created three new local itineraries as part of its signature 5 Senses Package, offering guests the very best of Ireland through curated experiences that last one, three or five hours.
One hour offers A Taste of Ireland, with Irish tasting plates at The Coburg and a whiskey tasting.
Three hours covers The Soundtrack of the city, with a private tour of the National Concert Hall and an intimate performance with Irish violinist Zoey Conway.
Five hours allows for Ireland Through the Senses, with private Land Rover drive through Wicklow to visit the Luxury Celtic Tweed Company and discover the heritage and craftsmanship of Irish tailoring. Clever and considered.
Winter in New York is vastly different to summer, and offers up a whole new take on the city that never sleeps.
Choose cosy digs like Fitzpatricks Grand Central Hotel and enjoy Manhattan’s magic from the minute you set foot outdoors.
Travel on January 22 for three nights from €699, including direct flights from Dublin, breakfast a 10kg checked bag.
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