Departure Lounge: Five travel deals to book, including guaranteed holiday prices for 2027

And the return of two transatlantic routes from Shannon

Buckle up for flights to US

United Airlines’ non-stop service to Chicago O’Hare has resumed

Transatlantic travel from Shannon Airport brings more choice and value for tourists this week, with the return of two key seasonal routes.

From this weekend, two daily routes return: United Airlines’ non-stop service to Chicago O’Hare and Delta’s service to New York–JFK.

These services bring total trans-atlantic seat capacity via Shannon Airport to 340,000 for the summer, complementing the Aer Lingus and United Airlines year-round routes to Boston and New York. Aer Lingus has also increased Boston capacity, expanding from seven to 10 flights per week until July 13.

And with US pre-clearance, it’s a stress-free way to access the US this summer.

shannonairport.ie

Arctic adventures for solo travellers

Fancy a micro cruise for solo travellers to the Arctic this summer?

Expedition micro cruise specialist Secret Atlas has just revealed a redesign of its flagship vessel, MV Freya, which now features six dedicated single cabins, reflecting the growing trend for solo Arctic experiences.

By reconfiguring MV Freya, the vessel offers half of its guest capacity to solo travellers without any additional costs or single supplements.

Travelling with a small group of just 12 like-minded explorers fosters a natural community, creating the ideal setting for a solo traveller.

Expedition micro cruises for solo travellers to the Arctic this summer, including a 10-day Svalbard summer micro cruise departing in June, July, and August, cost from €12,050pp.

secretatlas.com

Lock in your holiday price

Book your 2026 and 2027 breaks soon to guarantee your first-choice dates, destinations, and holiday price

Irish-owned tour operator Travel Department has announced that it will guarantee all holiday prices for its 2026 and 2027 holidays, giving customers extra peace of mind when planning ahead.

Book your preferred dates and destinations now, knowing your holiday price is protected from the start.

Book your 2026 and 2027 breaks before June 29 to guarantee your first- choice dates, destinations, and holiday price, with an additional saving of up to €200 per person on holidays of eight nights or more using code SAVE200; €100 off per person on holidays of seven nights or more using CODE100; and €50 off per person of holidays of six nights or less using code SAVE50.

traveldepartment.com

Capital break has silver lining

A creative package from The Grafton

Here’s something extra special for a Dublin escape.

The Grafton’s Create & Celebrate City Break includes a hands-on session at Silver Works workshop, where you will learn to forge your own ring, transforming a strip of sterling silver into a finished ring to take home. Guests can make a signature ring or Claddagh ring.

This creative package includes B&B for two, a bottle of prosecco and light bites in Bartley’s Bar, early check-in and late check-out, discounted parking nearby, and 10% off a Silver Works workshop and engraving when booked directly.

From €540 for six adults sharing, with the Silver Works experience available as an additional extra, from €85.50 per person.

thegrafton.ie

Go wild and jet to Vancouver

Flights between Dublin and Vancouver have resumed

Have family in Vancouver? Or always dreamed of exploring the vast natural beauty of British Columbia?

Then you’ll be pleased to know that Air Canada flights between Dublin and Vancouver have resumed and are operating up to five times per week from May until October.

The only airline to fly between Dublin and British Columbia, the route is serviced by a state-of-the-art 787 Dreamliner fleet, featuring lie-flat seats in signature class, and spacious premium economy and economy cabins, with economy fares from €593.

aircanada.com