Departure lounge: All aboard! Arctic archipelago adventures await
Explore some of this week's best getaway opportunities
An Arctic adventure with AE Expeditions takes you deep into the icy Arctic wilderness to explore pristine landscapes few will ever experience.
Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear voyage will travel through Spitsbergen in the Svalbard Archipelago with its imposing glaciers, dramatic fjords, and crisp air. Expect incredible wildlife walrus, seabirds, and the chance to spot a polar bear in its natural habitat. From €10,236 for an eight-day itinerary, including all meals, snacks, soft drinks, and beer and wine with dinner, Flights extra.
The inaugural Shannon Airport to Frankfurt flight takes off today, marking the launch of a new direct service. Operated by Discover Airlines, a Lufthansa Group subsidiary, it will run weekly until October 24, offering passengers a convenient two-hour flight to one of Europe’s most connected hubs.
From there, you can avail of extensive onward connections to destinations all across the world. The service features coordinated onward flight and rail connections through Frankfurt, with a 12-noon departure from Shannon allowing for easy afternoon and evening transfers.
A global gateway and important financial hub, Frankfurt is also a vibrant city for a weekend break of culture, history, dining and fun.
Contiki, specialists in trips for travellers aged 18–35, has launched a selection of new small-group tours in Nepal. Designed for curious travellers, the itineraries blend culture, adventure, wildlife, and landmarks with Contiki’s signature social style and expert support.
From Kathmandu to the Himalayas, these new 16-person small-group trips showcase Nepal’s most iconic landscapes with community-based encounters and trekking experiences. The 10-day Kathmandu, Chitwan, and hiking trip includes exploring Nepal’s capital with a local guide, safari at Chitwan National Park, mountain villages, hilltop viewpoints, sunrise in Nagarkot, local tea shops and sacred sites like Namobuddha, all against the backdrop of the Himalayas. From €1,150 based on two sharing, with departures starting October 16, 2026.
The Blackwater Valley Opera Festival 2026 returns to Co Waterford and East Cork this summer, bringing an irresistible week of opera and culture to Lismore from May 26 to June 1. Get organised now and book a room in the area’s chicest new hotel, The Hat Maker in Dungarvan, just a 20-minute drive from Lismore. The Hat Maker’s Opera stay includes an overnight stay, transport to and from Lismore for the performance, and breakfast the following morning — a mix of great pastries from local bakery Dún, smoked salmon, cheese, charcuterie, granola and overnight oats — all beautifully presented. From €340 for two sharing during festival dates.
Las Vegas is offering a tempting selection of all-inclusive-style resort packages designed to suit every budget.
From Strip icons to downtown hotspots, eight properties are offering streamlined packages that combine accommodation, dining, drinks, and exclusive perks. Participating resorts include The LINQ Hotel + Experience, Flamingo Las Vegas, Harrah’s Las Vegas, Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World, Circa Resort & Casino, Luxor Hotel & Casino, Excalibur Hotel & Casino, and Plaza Hotel & Casino.
Packages vary, with fun inclusions like poolside experiences, nightlife access, dining credits and attraction tickets. The bundled $149 Caesars show package offers the chance to mix and match three different extravaganzas for just $149.
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