Departure Lounge: Sunshine on Valentines in Gran Canaria

Plus a women-only autumnal getaway to New England

Explore some of this week's best getaway opportunities

Sat, 29 Aug, 2026 - 01:00

Fall for Women

Peak autumn foliage near rural Waits River in Vermont

With vibrantly coloured leaves at every turn, New England in the autumn is a sight to behold. On this eight-day guided women-only tour, join a small group of like-minded travellers to journey through Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine at the peak of fall foliage season.

Highlights include visiting the women-owned Bread and Butter Farm for a farm-to-table lunch, and a scenic gondola ride at Loon Mountain Resort offering unforgettable views across New England’s colourful landscapes. Travelling along the famed Kancamagus Scenic Byway and through New Hampshire’s White Mountains, you will be immersed in some of North America’s most iconic seasonal scenery. From €4,250, excluding flights. Selected departures from September 15, 2027.

insightvacations.com

Patagonian and Falkland adventure

Swan Hellenic’s new cruise to Patagonia and the Wild Atlantic Cruise to the Falkland Islands sounds sensational. Venturing into the wilds of South America’s southern extremity, you’ll pass the glacier-carved fjords of Chilean Patagonia and Cape Horn en route to the remote Falkland Islands. Home to King penguins, you’ll visit remote settlements, hike and take in the wildlife. Expect stop-offs at the remote Bleaker Island, Carcass Island, Saunders Island, Pebble Island and West Point Island before continuing to the northern Patagonia region of Argentina, home to southern right whales and orcas.

The adventure concludes with a voyage to Montevideo, Uruguay’s cool capital. 14-night cruise, departs March 25 2027, onboard SH Vega, from €6,671pp based on two-sharing on a Cruise Plus Basis in a balcony cabin, with lots of complimentary inclusions.

swanhellenic.com

Festive Prague

Christmas Market in Old Town Square VI 2019, Prague, Czech Republic

When it comes to Christmas markets, Prague makes a pretty compelling case with its romantic architecture, compact layout and lively culture. Every winter, the city’s famous Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are transformed with traditional wooden chalets, festive decorations, music and local treats.

Impossibly picturesque, Prague is an enchanting backdrop for a festive escape. Fly from Cork to Prague on December 17 for 3 nights room only at the 4-star U Divadla, from €406pps.

tuiholidays.ie

Deal of the Week

With September just days away, now’s a good time to line up an autumn break. Kilkenny City is a good choice and the 4-star Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel is well located for a relaxing stay with lots to do and see in the charming city.

A short stroll from Kilkenny Castle and its beautiful parklands, the Medieval Mile, shops, boutiques, galleries, cafés, restaurants and traditional pubs are all close by too. Back at the hotel, guests have full access to the Ormonde Leisure Club, home to Kilkenny’s only city centre hotel swimming pool. B&B from €99pp, based on two sharing.

kilkennyormonde.com

Loving Gran Canaria

Sunshine on Valentine’s Day sounds like a nice prospect in chilly February. Just ahead of the mid-term break, fly from Shannon to Gran Canaria on February 10 for 7 nights B&B in the 4-star Servatur Waikiki.

Based in Playa del Inglés, close to some of Gran Canaria’s most spectacular beaches, you’ll also be near the main leisure, shopping and restaurant areas. Large swimming pools,, restaurants and bars are complemeted by Hula-Hula water park, activities for all ages and an adults-only area with pool, solarium, hammocks and massages. From €849pp, including flights from Shannon.