Departure Lounge: A once-in-a-lifetime all-women Antarctic getaway 

Plus the return of Disney's Halloween Celebration

Explore some of this week's best getaway opportunities

All-women Antarctic

Road Scholar are offering a women-only expedition to Antarctica

Road Scholar, a not-for-profit leader in educational travel for older adults, is running its first women-only expedition to Antarctica in February 2028.

In partnership with Aurora Expeditions, Spirit of Antarctica: Expedition for Women is a 15-day learning adventure.

The all-female expedition team will drive the Zodiacs, lead landings and hikes, and oversee the trip’s activities. The adventure begins with two nights in Buenos Aires and one in Ushuaia before participants board the Sylvia Earle, named for the pioneering female scientist.

After crossing the Drake Passage, the small group will explore the Antarctic Peninsula by Zodiac, with opportunities to see incredible wild life and marine life, including seals, whales and seabirds amid the vast icy landscapes.

The group of up to 24 participants will enjoy talks by guest speakers, an extensive library and the company of like-minded women.

This special trip departs February 29, 2028, and is now open for registration. Roommate options and single rooms are available. From $15,999, excluding air travel (approx €13,883).

• roadscholar.org

Disney magic at mid-term

Disneyland Paris at Halloween

Disney’s Halloween Festival runs from September 26 to November 1 and offers a mix of new attractions and old favourites to add to the seasonal fun at Disneyland Paris. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy will debut Victorian-inspired Halloween outfits (pictured) while Main Street, USA. welcomes new decorations, an original musical score and nighttime projections. Mickey’s Halloween Celebration cavalcade returns too and visitors can enjoy character encounters with top-tier Disney villains including Maleficent, Cruella and Jafar, alongside.

Best of all, on Halloween night, a special programme runs until 11pm, featuring exclusive character encounters, fireworks and free M&Ms.

It is the only opportunity of the year for guests of all ages to visit in costume, too!

• disneylandparis.com

Bewitching Edinburgh

The Witchery, Edinburgh

For an atmospheric Halloween escape, The Witchery in Edinburgh is irresistible. Located deep in the Old Town, this iconic hotel mixes gothic grandeur with opulent interiors in a city that’s made for magic and mystery. Check in to one of nine individually designed suites, where fantastical flourishes meet historic luxury. Outside you’ll find Edinburgh’s winding streets, medieval architecture, and centuries of stories surrounding witchcraft, ghosts and the supernatural, including the nearby Witches’ Well, a memorial to those executed during Edinburgh’s witch trials. B&B from £575 per room, approx €671.

• thewitchery.com

Delights of Corfu

Kerkyra, capital of Corfu island, Greece

Corfu is seductive in October, when warm sunshine and quieter beaches open up the Mediterranean island for relaxed exploration. MarBella Corfu is a five-star resort set among lush gardens and olive groves overlooking the Ionian Sea. Ideal for families and couples, its private beach, wellness and spa facilities, watersports, pools, a kids’ club and a choice of six restaurants and four bars make it a perennial favourite.

Seven nights arriving October 5, 2026, from €1,429 pp based on two sharing, including flights.

• tropicalsky.ie

Deal of the week

South Africa's Cobus Reinach at Aviva Stadium, Dublin

With are three Nations Championship rugby fixtures to look forward, make a weekend of it at in Dublin. The family-owned four-star Sandymount Hotel is the closest hotel to the Aviva Stadium and is a hub for rugby fans.

Just a two-minute walk from the stadium, it offers all-day dining with pre- and post-match drinks, and their popular Match Day barbecues return for the November fixtures too.

Match Day Stays room-only (from €247) or B&B, with guests saving 15% when booking directly with The Sandymount Hotel. Ireland face Argentina on November 6; Fiji on November 14; and World Champions, South Africa, on November 21.

• sandymounthotel.ie