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The best holidays for solo travellers - and no single supplement

From hotels to guided expeditions and more gentle adventures, here are some options and offers to spread your solo wings.

Going solo on a trip can be its own reward. Photograph: PA

Solo travellers will shudder at the mention of single-room supplements and prices quoted as “per person sharing”, but tour operators and hotels are finally catching on to the growing trend of getting out there on your own. It is helpful to bear in mind that hotels charging per room aren’t doing it to gouge solo travellers: they have a rate they need to make for each space, so unless it happens to be a tiny room with a single bed — and who really wants that? — single rates, where they exist, are unlikely to be anything close to half price.

Life and circumstances change, and the prospect of solo travel can be more difficult if you have been previously used to travelling with a partner, especially if they made all the arrangements. If you prefer the idea of a little company, a holiday with an associated activity can fit the bill: art, writing, yoga, walking, horse riding or history all give you a shared experience to talk about, are more likely to include other guests on their own, and are a good way to spend time in company on your terms.

For longer trips and deeper experiences consider volunteering. Projects Abroad have options aimed at younger people, and also for those over 50. As volunteering is not like a regular trip, do make sure you understand where you’ll be staying and what is expected — on both sides. See projects-abroad.ie .

We’ve put together a list of places in Ireland, Europe and the wider world where you won’t be penalised for striking out on your own. It’s worth also checking out networks such as Friendship Travel, friendshiptravel.com , and Escaping Solo, escapingsolo.com for more ideas and offers.

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[  The joys of solo travelling: ‘You’re exploring a new place and exploring yourself as well’  ]

Ireland and the UK

Kelly's Hotel in Rosslare

Kelly’s of Rosslare has a limited number of single rooms, with prices from €155 per night B&B, and €195 including a four-course dinner. A daily schedule of activities including walks, talks, games and quizzes, aerobics and golf means you can get involved and meet people if that takes your fancy, or you can simply enjoy the sea views and spa in the company of a very good book. Look out for wine weekends, art weekends and more throughout the year. As a rule of thumb, a single occupancy room at Kelly’s costs €30 more than you would have paid per person sharing. kellys.ie

The Twelve Hotel, Barna, Co Galway. Photograph: Paul Sherwood

In Barna, Co Galway, The Twelve has single occupancy rates from €134 B&B. This is the ideal spot for long beach walks, followed by a cosy evening with a very nice glass of wine (or two) from the boutique hotel’s celebrated list. The Twelve is also dog friendly, but note: if you are planning to bring your non-human pal, you’re looking at a special suite which is more costly, but what price can you put on love, right? Phone to enquire about the Pet Suites at 091 597000, with €15 off the best available rate for singles — applies to the Pet Suites only. thetwelvehotel.ie

[  ‘It had always been my dream to travel but I never envisaged doing it completely alone’  ]

The Iveagh Garden Hotel on Dublin’s Harcourt Street offers discounted rates for B&B, and room only if you’re travelling solo. Expect to pay between €20 and €30 less for your room, subject to availability, if you’re on your own. It must be something about the transient nature of travel, but hotel bars are often more comfortable spaces to spend time alone, and the nice long one here is a great spot to sit, snack and ponder the deeper mysteries of life. iveaghgardenhotel.ie

Filly Island, the Cotswolds, from Unique Homestays

Unique Homestays have retreats from the palatial and magnificent, to the small and beautifully formed, across the UK and Ireland. Admittedly many of their drool-worthy properties in Their Solo Collection do sleep two, but you’re more than welcome by yourself, and so are dogs in spots from Cornwall to Kent, Snowdonia, and all the way to Co Kerry. Sample prices from £750 for a mini break, and £895 per week at Filly Island in the Cotswolds (pictured). uniquehomestays.com

Sleep Pod at Generator Amsterdam

Planning the kind of hectic solo trip where you just need somewhere to lay your head, but don’t fancy sharing a dorm? Generator have introduced sleeping pods at their locations in Amsterdam and Berlin . You can still hang out in the communal areas, but retreat to your own futuristic pod when you’re done. Downside? You’ll have to foray out to the shared bathrooms to go for a pee, but on the upside, they cost from just €35 per night, and you can always pretend you’re on an intergalactic mission in one of those sci-fi movies as the decor is just right. staygenerator.com

Sunway have some good options for solo winter sun trips in early 2024 with no single supplements. Depart January 8th for the Costa Del Sol , for seven nights including flights from €459 in a four-star, rising to €1,109 for a five-star. Try Tenerife , departing January 24th, from €409 in a two-star, to €1,389 for the luxe option. Head to Agadir, Morocco on January 31st from €269 in a two-star, all the way up to €1,099 in a five-star. Further January departures with no single supplements include Gran Canaria , Fuerteventura and Lanzarote . sunway.ie

Guided/group trips

Vilamora in Portugal with Travel Department

Escorted trips are a very good choice for people dipping their toes into more adventurous waters. All the organising is done for you, and with optional excursions, you can be in as much company as you like — or not. Travel Department are the Irish experts, and while you can slot into any of their trips, you’ll also find solo options in their 2024 itineraries, including Portugal’s Algarve for seven nights, with departures on March 5th, May 14th and November 12th, from €889 half board, including flights and transfers. Or try the Montenegro Riviera , also for seven nights, with departures on April 11th, 25th and October 10th, from €1,138 all-inclusive. Look out too for solo-focussed trips to India and South Africa at traveldepartment.com

Cooking in Umbria with Responsible Travel

Cooking for one? Sure why not, when you’re doing it in Italy’s beautiful Umbria . Responsible Travel have a five-night trip to a delicious organic agriturismo, where you’ll go truffle hunting and tasting, have two days of cooking classes, plus wine tastings and excursions. No single supplement on selected dates, from €1,820, full board with wine, excluding flights. Find more Responsible Travel activities with no single supplements such as salsa dancing in Cuba from €2,168; painting in Morocco from €1,387; and walking in the Pyrenees from €1,695, all at responsibletravel.com

Pandaw river cruising

Going further afield, Pandaw, who specialise in Asian River Cruising will take you up the Mekong in January for seven nights from €3,415 excluding flights. There are no single supplements for this, and selected other cruises throughout 2024, including trips on the Ganges , and across Vietnam’s epic Halong Bay . Cocktail hour and the option of shared tables let you mingle and meet. pandaw.com

Kenya Safari with Newmarket Holidays

Flying out of Belfast, Newmarket Holidays has a No Single Supplement offer on a six-night Grand Safari trip to Kenya’s Maasai Mara , with flights, full board accommodation, safari tours and a boat ride on Lake Naivasha. Bond over shared activities and safaris, departing May 7th, £3,838. newmarketholidays.co.uk

Norweigan Cruise Lines Epic

With everything taken care of from the moment you get on board, and plenty of entertainment options, cruising is either your idea of heaven or hell. Going solo used to rack the costs up pretty quickly, but cruise companies are catching on to the trend of travelling alone. Norwegian’s Epic has a solo section on board, with solo cabins and lounges. A solo cabin on the Epic departing December 30th from Orlando for seven nights plus a pre-night in Orlando, including full board and gratuities comes in at €2,299. Or depart on February 22nd for three nights in Orlando and seven nights on board, taking in the Caribbean and Mexico in a solo cabin, with full board and gratuities for €2,345 with sunway.ie

Sunway has a dedicated area on their website detailing solo specials for cruises to Madeira, the Bahamas , the Caribbean and more, including Transatlantic cruises , guaranteed to have you arriving Stateside without the attendant jetlag. See sunway.ie/cruise-types/single , where you are directed to call to confirm prices, as options, amenities and offers vary, depending on the cruise line. An Avoiding Christmas option takes you to Miami with a fly-cruise on the MSC Fantasia, with three nights in a hotel in Miami, and four nights on board the MSC Fantasia in an inside cabin, from €1,148, sunway.ie . Whoever you book with, your total cruise price can end up in the “how long is a piece of string”? category, as you add drinks packages and shore excursions.

The Ombak Putih with SeaTrek

Explore the islands of Indonesia with SeaTrek on board a traditional pinisi sailing ship for a totally different type of cruise. With just six or 12 cabins on board (depending on the ship), you’re in a small group, sharing communal tables for meals. Solo travellers can opt to share with a roommate of the same gender in a twin bunk cabin, or if no roomie is on board, you get a cabin to yourself at no extra cost. SeaTrek will introduce you to your roommate ahead of time, so you can get the introductions out of the way before you’re out on the high seas. Alternatively, opt to pay a 75 per cent supplement on the full fare for a cabin to yourself. A nine-day Whale Sharks, Corals and Dragons cruise starts at €4,938 all-inclusive, excluding flights and tips. seatrekbali.com

Staying on the high seas, the Aranui 5 will bring you to the Austral Islands, 500km south of Tahiti on the unique cargo-cruise ship. The Aranui won’t actually be bringing cargo on these tours; instead, your highlights will include remote islands with white sandy beaches, local explorations, hikes and swimming in perfectly pristine waters. No single supplement on departures on March 30th and November 2nd, from €5,209 for 11 days excluding flights. aranui.com

Gemma Tipton

Gemma Tipton contributes to The Irish Times on art, architecture and other aspects of culture

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• November 23, 2023
• Last Updated 23 November, 2023

Travel Times’ Black Friday Offers Round Up.

Here at Travel Times, we’ve put together a snapshot of some great Black Friday Offers for Irish and UK Travel Agents and The Travel Trade.

Ryan Air Black Friday has arrived early, just for you!

As a thanks for being such a great customer, we want to give you early access to our Black Friday offer. Get the best deals before anyone else today. With our massive buy one get one half price offer , you will be jetting off at the speed of light with more saved and more to spend.

Click Here to Visit the NCL Website

Savings of up to €700 per stateroom  Get super savings of  up to €700 per stateroom  on your next Royal Caribbean cruise! Applies to  new bookings made between 10 th  November 2023 and 4 th  December 2023  on select sailings departing on or after 10 th  December 2023. Please see the breakdown per category below:

Click Here to view all of Royal Caribbeans’ Black Friday Deals

Reduced Deluxe Drinks from just €66pp per day

Get reductions on the all-time favourite  Deluxe Drinks packages – from just €66pp per day!  Offer applies to new purchases made between 10 th  November 2023 to 4 th  December 2023. Discount applies to select beverage purchases on  select Europe Sailings departing April to October 2024 . Applicable on sailings of 6 nights or more and can be added to existing bookings.   €66pp per day – Anthem, Explorer and Voyager and  €71pp per day – Oasis and Odyssey

And don’t worry – we haven’t forgotten to make sure our wonderful trade customers also benefit from Cyber Sales! To go alongside our consumer offerings above we will also be  upping our Club Rewards payouts to €20 per booking!  This will be applicable from 10 th  November through to 10 th  December 2023 and will apply to  all April, May and June 2024 sailings – on ALL products!  Just a little something extra to say thank you in the run up to the festive season ❤

ADD A SPLASH OF COLOUR TO YOUR NEXT CRUISE WITH MSC CRUISES!

Sail from Dubai onboard MSC Virtuosa and take in the warm, sparkling nights of the modern metropolises of the Arabian Gulf. Explore the bright, bustling cities of the Mediterranean with Dublin flights available.

Save up to €230pp with MSC Cruise’ Black Friday Flash Sale!

This Offer runs until the 5th of December!

Click Here to view all of MSC Cruises Black Friday Deals

Cyber Sale 2023 – EMEA Offer:  Up to 20% off Selected Trips Sale dates: 17th November – 4 th December 2023 Travel dates: 1 st December 2023 – 31st August 2024

Click Here to view all of Intrepids’ Black Friday Deals

Princess Cruises Unveils Black Friday Deals

Princess Cruises Unwraps Significant Savings with €50 Deposits, Reduced Fares Starting From €463pp, Flight Discount, Up to $400 Onboard Spend!

In addition, cruisers can save up to €350pp off flights when booking a 2024 cruise in fly-to destinations including the Mediterranean, Hawaii, and the Caribbean, and guests sailing from Southampton can enjoy up to $400 onboard spend per stateroom.

Click Here to view all of Princess Cruises’ Black Friday Deals

Other reduced cruise-only fares that can be secured with a €50pp deposit during the Black Friday sale are : From €463pp for a seven-night Caribbean cruise on Regal Princess,  departing Mar. 3, 10, and 17, 2024. Guests will receive €250pp off flights.  From €811pp for a 14-night Spain and Portugal itinerary on Sky Princess,  departing 2 Nov. 2024, with $150 onboard spend per stateroom.  From €927pp for a 12-night Canary Islands cruise on Sky Princes s, departing 16. Nov, with $150 onboard spend per stateroom.

Click Here to visit uwalk.ie

Camino 2024 Black Friday Deals  

Self-guided & Group Departure Options : €50* off per person  on 2024 Camino bookings of both Self Guided and Travel Solo Not Alone Group Departures on the French and Portuguese Way.  €60* off per person on groups of 6 people or more  on 2024 Camino bookings of both Self Guided and Travel Solo Not Alone Group Departures on the French and Portuguese Way.

Explore the wonders of the Camino De Santiago in 2024

“Travel Solo, Not Alone” Group Departures

Camino French & Portuguese Way

7 Nights  from –  €699pp*  –   Was €749pp

 French Way Group Departures:  April 14th, May 12th, July 7th, August 12th, September 23 rd  2024

Portuguese Way Group Departures:  June 9th, September 2 nd  2024

Package includes:  Airport Transfers,   Accommodation, Local Guide, Daily Baggage Transfers, Walking Notes & Passport, Daily Breakfast & Welcome Group Dinner, 24/7 Emergency Support

Not Included:  Flights, Travel Insurance

Single Supplement:  €240

FRENCH POLYNESIA – 7, 10 & 11 night cruises on M/S PANORAMA II

7, 10 & 11 night cruises on M/S PANORAMA II 2 for 1 on double occupancy OR no single supplement 01 , 16, 26 December 2023 23 January | 02 February | 29 March | 10, 24 May I 21 June 05, 26 July | 09 August

SEYCHELLES  –  7 nights on M/Y PEGASOS 2024

2 for 1 on double occupancy OR no single supplement 23, 30 December 2023 10, 24 February | 16 March | 06 July | 10, 31 August 35% off on double occupancy OR no single supplement 27 January | 17 February | 02 March | 4 May | 22 June 03, 17 August

CAPE VERDE on M/Y HARMONY G

2 for 1 on double occupancy or no single supplement 12 march 2024 30% off on double occupancy or no single supplement 05 march 2024, west africa on m/y harmony g, 60% off on double occupancy or no single supplement 10, 17 february (from/to dakar) | 12 february (from/to banjul) 2 for 1 on double occupancy or no single supplement sailings from/to dakar 30 december 2023 | 06, 20, 27 january 2024 sailings from/to banjul 01, 08, 22 january 2024.

GREECE 2024

Antiquity to byzantium on m/s galileo, 2 for 1 on double occupancy or no single supplement 22 march | 05 april, jewels of the cyclades on m/s galileo, 2 for 1 on double occupancy or no single supplement 03, 10 may | 05 july, 30% off on double occupancy or no single supplement 17 may, 25% off on double occupancy or no single supplement 26 april, hiking cruise on m/s galileo, 2 for 1 on double occupancy or no single supplement 05 april.

CLASSICAL GREECE  on M/Y HARMONY V & M/Y HARMONY G

2 for 1 on double occupancy OR no single supplement 19, 26 July

25% off on double occupancy OR no single supplement 05 July

UNEXPLORED GREECE on M/S PANORAMA

2 for 1 on double occupancy OR no single supplement 31 May

30% off on double occupancy OR no single supplement 28 June | 05, 12, 26 July | 02 August

Click Here to view all of Variety Cruises Black Friday Deals

Click Here to view all of Caribtours Black Friday Deals

Barbados  – Fairmont Royal Pavilion 7 nights from €4,819 sharing a Luxury Oceanfront Room OFFER:  Save up to 70% & Complimentary Breakfast & Complimentary Platinum Fast Track Arrival Service STAY:  08 Jan 2024 – 07 Jan 2025 BOOK BY:  15 Dec 2023 Based on departing 15th March from Dublin via London Heathrow with Aer Lingus / Virgin Atlantic

Dubai  – One&Only Royal Mirage Arabian Court 5 nights from €3,389 per person sharing an Arabian Court Deluxe Room including breakfast OFFER:  Save up to 20% STAY:  Now – 15 May 2024 BOOK BY:  15 Dec 2023 Based on departing 9th May 2024 from Dublin with Emirates

To mark the biggest shopping event of the year, easyJet holidays has launched a Black Friday promotion, with agents able to save their customers up to £200 on all beach and city breaks.

Using code BLACKFRIDAY, the offer is valid on all holidays departing up to 31 October 2025, saving £200 on a minimum spend of £2000 and saving £100 on a minimum spend of £800.

Up for grabs is a selection of last minute city breaks deals to enjoy the lead up to the festivities with top destinations including Budapest, Krakow or Salzburg offering wonderful Christmas markets.

Click Here to Visit the easyjet Website

·   Vietnam: Roadtrip Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City   For 18-to- thirtysomethings, this action-packed tour of Vietnam hits all the highlights including Hanoi’s lively Old Quarter, paddle boating through spectacular caves, a motorbike tour of all the must-see spots and time to relax on Nha Trang’s beautiful beaches. Was priced from £999pp*, now priced from £699pp, saving up to £300pp. 

·   Morocco Kasbahs and Desert  Perfect for travellers looking for a fast-paced trip, this short but sweet eight-day adventure offers up a great combination of Morocco’s must-see highlights. Tour the dunes from atop a camel for an authentic way to experience the Sahara, explore high-walled kasbahs and wander the labyrinthine alleys of Fès and Marrakech, all allowing you to discover the history and rugged natural beauty of mysterious Morocco. Was priced from £599pp*, now priced from £419pp, saving up to £180pp. 

Click Here to view all of G Adventures Black Friday Deals

·   Inca Discovery Plus   For the active lover, this nine-day trip sees travellers taking in the vibrant streets of Lima, where they can check out delicious street food, before heading to the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, where they’ll spend time meeting with local communities around the Sacred Valley before taking on the iconic Inca Trail. trekking through the high Andes on their way to Machu Picchu. Was priced from £1,529pp*, now priced from £1,070pp, saving up to £459pp.  

·   Rajasthan Adventure  Uncover the secrets of romantic Rajasthan on this 15-day tour of the colourful Indian state. Marvel at the rampart views from Jodphur’s Meherangarh Fort, enjoy a safari in Ranthambore National Park, and then soak in the relaxed atmosphere of Udaipur. Everywhere you look, colours dance before your eyes — from saris drying on riverbeds to the sunsets of Udaipur, from the spice market in Jodhpur to the white marble of the Taj Mahal. Was priced from £1,049pp*, now priced from £734pp, saving up to £315pp. 

The 30 per cent discount applies to select trips departing before 30 April, 2024. For those looking to travel later in the year, there will be a 10 per cent discount on select trips departing between 01 May and 30 June 30 2024.

PLAYA HOTELS & RESORTS BRINGS BLACK FRIDAY DEALS TO AGENTS

-Double Rewards and discounted rates available over the Black Friday weekend-

Playa Hotels & Resorts is celebrating Black Friday with double agent rewards and hotel savings of up to 50% to help UK agents boost their earning power and property knowledge. Bookable from 21-27 November 2023, these Black Friday offers will see savings available for agents to pass onto clients of up to 50% when travel takes place between 21 November 2023 – 17 December 2024.

And if that wasn’t enough, agents can take advantage of Double Rewards for any bookings made and logged during the Black Friday period from 23 November – 27 November 2023. Agents earn up to 100 points per room, per night when they log valid stays at properties across the Playa portfolio online at   www.playarewards.com .  All points collected can be converted into cash or redeemed against free nights stays across the Playa Hotels & Resorts’ all-inclusive Caribbean collection.

The higher the room category booked, the greater the rewards up for grabs with a minimum reward amount of 60 points per room, per night available on a room category classified as low, and up to 100 points per room, per night available on a room category classified as high. Cash can be collected and credited to an agents’ personal account whilst points can be collected and converted into free night stays at select Playa properties. A total of 700 points is needed for a stay at select Wyndham, Seadust and Jewel properties, whilst 1400 points can be used to secure a one-night stay at our Hyatt and Hilton All Inclusive properties

Click Here to Visit the Playa Rewards Website

Black Friday Bliss: Unbeatable Deals on Luxury Escapes in Crete and Halkidiki   

Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay and Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort Unveil Spring Stay discounts! 

Black Friday is just around the corner, and two of the most exquisite hotels in Crete and Halkidiki,   Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay  and  Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort , are excited to announce their exclusive deals and discounts, promising guests the getaway of a lifetime at affordable prices.  

It’s never too early to start planning your next warm weather getaway. To help you get started, both properties are offering a 30% exclusive Black Friday discount valid from 15-30 November. 

The pair of hotels are hidden hideaways boasting world-class facilities and an all-inclusive offering amidst breath-taking views on two of Greece’s stunning lesser-known islands.

Click Here to Visit the Zeus International Hotel & Resorts Website

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Times Travel Offers

We’ve paired the best travel journalism from The Times & The Sunday Times with once-in-a-lifetime trips from our trusted partners. Take a look at our incredible offers. Plus, all of our trips are ABTA, ATOL and/or ABTOT protected – so you know your booking is in safe hands.

Multiple Dates Jun - Nov 2024

Japan Uncovered Tour

Immerse yourself in Japan’s historical treasures and cultural wonders on this extensive tour that explores the country’s most spectacular landscapes, including the iconic Mount Fuji and the Japanese Alps.

• Book an Outside cabin and receive a upgrade*

Multiple Dates Dec 2024 - Mar 2025

Barbados Escape & Intimate Royal Clipper Voyage

Experience the ultimate Caribbean getaway with a cruise on the world’s largest fully rigged sailing ship, Royal Clipper, and seven all-inclusive* nights in Barbados.

• Complimentary Flights

Multiple Dates Mar - Apr 2025

Luxury All-Inclusive Silversea Voyage, Japan in Blossom & Mount Fuji Explorer

Embrace the enchanting beauty of Japan awash with the pastel hues of Spring on a luxury all-inclusive Silversea cruise, paired with an unforgettable Mount Fuji tour.

• Includes Machu Picchu Train Journey

Multiple Dates Nov 2024 - Feb 2025

Ultimate South America with Iguazu Falls & Machu Picchu

Experience an unforgettable adventure in South America, and embark Holland America Line’s Oosterdam for an all-inclusive voyage from Peru to Argentina.

• Selling fast! 

Multiple Dates May - Sep 2025

Luxury Cunard Mediterranean Voyage & Trio of Italian Lakes

Embark on a luxury eastern Mediterranean cruise on board Queen Victoria, then lose yourself in the beauty of Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore and Lake Como.

• Save up to £4,462 per couple

Multiple Dates Jun - Oct 2024

Danube Delights

Discover the cultural, historical, and natural delights of the Danube during an enchanting river cruise on board a stunning Emerald Star-Ship.

• Complimentary five-star Golden Triangle Tour

Departs On 26 Feb 2025

Riches of India, Japan’s Cherry Blossom & Luxury All-Inclusive Silversea Voyage

From the architectural wonders of India’s Golden Triangle to the natural allure of Japan’s cherry blossom, discover the wonders of Asia on this unforgettable cruise adventure.

• Complimentary Ocean View to Veranda upgrade

Departs On 29 Dec 2024

All-Inclusive Asia Voyage with New Year in Hong Kong & Magical Maldives

Embark on the ultimate New Year extravaganza with a three-night five-star hotel stay in Hong Kong, a luxury all-inclusive Celebrity cruise, and five blissful nights in the Maldives.

• Complimentary hotel stays

Departs On 15 Dec 2024

All-Inclusive Silversea Asia Christmas & New Year Voyage with Maldives & Bali Escape

Enjoy five nights at an all-inclusive Maldives resort and embark on a luxury festive voyage with Silversea, celebrating Christmas on Ko Samui and ending at a five-star all-inclusive Bali resort.

• Complimentary Oceanview to Balcony upgrade

Departs On 05 May 2025

Luxury Cunard Voyage, Italian Lakes Duo & All-Inclusive Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Ride the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Verona, spend four nights in the Italian lakes, and cruise the Mediterranean on Cunard’s Queen Victoria.

• Complimentary flights

Multiple Dates Oct 2024

Luxury All-Inclusive Eastern Mediterranean Silversea Voyage & Rhodes Retreat

Spend five nights at a five-star resort in Rhodes, then embark on a voyage through the Eastern Mediterranean on board the newest vessel from Silversea, Silver Ray .

• Sale Extended: save up to £1,000 per couple

2024 Croatia Island-Hopping Private Yacht & Magical Montenegro Experience

Experience the wonders of Croatia and Montenegro as you sail the glistening Adriatic coastline on board MS Roko.

• Complimentary all-inclusive hotel stay

Multiple Dates Nov 2024 - Apr 2025

PRIVACY POLICY ON THE PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA

This Policy of personal data processing (hereinafter - the Policy) applies to all data that "OLTA Travel" Co. Ltd (hereinafter – Olta Travel) receives from the visitors of website http://www.oltatravel.com (hereinafter "the Website") and explains how it is processing, stored and how the confidentiality is ensured.

1. Processing and use of personal data.

1.1. In this Policy, personal information means any information left by users on the Website of Olta Travel, including Name, Surname, company, email address and other contact information, left in the message.

1.2. The person who left personal data on the Website of Olta Travel, consents to their use, namely:

1.2.1. The inclusion of the email address, name, surname, company name or any other contact information left in the message in the contact database of Olta Travel. The database is hosted in a secure cloud-based customer relationship management service Bitrix 24, as well as on a secure service for newsletters – Unisender.

1.2.2. Receiving email newsletters with news, promotions, special offers and other useful materials, but no more than twice a week. The visitor of the Website at any time has the right to unsubscribe from the mailing list of Olta Travel, by clicking on the unsubscribe link located at the bottom of each letter.

1.2.3. Direct communication with the manager of Olta travel on the treatment of the user.

1.2.4. The use of contact information to show relevant advertisements to users in social networks and the Internet.

1.2.5. For other purposes performed with the individual consent of the user.

2. The collection, storage and protection of personal data.

2.1. All personal data collected on the Website is processed, stored and secured in strict accordance with the provisions of the legislation of the Russian Federation (Federal law of the Russian Federation of 27 July 2006 № 152-FL "On personal data") and the European Union (The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU) 2016/679).

2.2. Olta Travel is taking the necessary legal, organizational and technical measures to protect personal information from unlawful or accidental access, copying, distribution of personal information, as well as other unlawful actions in relation to personal data of users, which include:

•     secure transfer and storage of personal data on secure servers;

•     automated processing of personal data;

•     identification of possible threats to the security of personal data;

•     limiting the number of persons having access to personal data;

•     application of measures of internal regulation of the procedure of working with personal data (internal regulations for employees of Olta Travel);

•     improving methods of collection, storage and processing of data.

2.3. All data received on the Website of Olta Travel are transmitted via a secure https Protocol and stored on servers in secure, cloud-based customer relationship management service Bitrix 24, as well as in safe service for creating email newsletters Unisender.

3. User rights and obligations of Olta Travel.

3.1. Upon the request from the user Olta Travel should:

•        confirm the fact and methods of storage and processing of personal data of users;

•        inform about the method of obtaining personal data of the user;

•        explain the legal bases, objectives and timing of the processing of personal data;

•        in case of personal data leakage, inform the user about it;

•        make changes or delete users ' personal data from the database to stop storing and processing it;

•        warn about the expected cross-border transfer of personal data.

3.2. The user has the right to request the deletion of his personal data by sending an e-mail to [email protected] as well as the exclusion from the email-mailing by clicking on the "Unsubscribe" button located in the body of each letter.

4. Conditions of termination of processing and storage of personal data:

•       company liquidation;

•       a written request for withdrawal of consent or exclusion from the database;

•       at the request of the user, if the data were obtained illegally.

5. Olta Travel is not responsible for information posted by a visitor on the third party websites, links to which can be posted on the Website of Olta Travel.

6. More information about the collection, storage and processing of personal data by Olta Travel, the user may get by sending an email to [email protected] .

Who is eligible for this ticket?

• Customers in possession of a valid open class ticket

What are the conditions of travel?

Customers who are already in possession of or purchasing on the day of travel a valid standard class ticket(s) such as Family Ticket, Day Return, Open Return, Weekly, Monthly, Annual or InterRail ticket can book on their chosen service by selecting the 'Reservation Only' option in the Passenger selection box. Customers are advised there is limited availability for seat only bookings online.

How do I buy this ticket? 

• Read our FAQ on how to book a seat only reservation .

Where can I buy this ticket? 

• You can purchase the ticket  above using our journey planner . Tickets can only be purchased up to 90 days in advance.

Where do I collect the ticket? 

See our  Ticket Collection  section.

• Free Travel/DSFA Pass Holders

Customers who hold a  Free Travel / DSFA Pass  can book on their chosen service by selecting the  'Free Travel Pass'  option in the Passenger selection box. Customers are advised there is limited availability for Free Travel bookings online.

• Please see our handy guide on how to book a 'Free Travel Pass' option .
• You can purchase the ticket  above using our Journey Planner . Tickets can only be purchased up to 90 days in advance.
• An allocation of bookings on all InterCity services can be reserved online without a fee for 'Free Travel Pass or valid ticket holders'. When this allocation is fully booked, all remaining seats can be reserved by 'Free Travel Pass or valid ticket holders' for €2.50 per journey. 

For more information on Online Tickets please see Ticket Information

There are a limited number of wheelchair accessible spaces on each train, book in advance to avoid disappointment.

passenger-seat icon Travel Pass or Travel Ticket holder

Is an option for customers who are in possession of Free Travel Pass, a valid standard class ticket(s), seasonal ticket(s), Taxsaver ticket(s) or InterRail to book onto a train in standard class. Customers who have a valid standard class ticket but wish to upgrade to First Class should also use this selection. For more information go to Tickets Explained section.

Please select the passenger(s) who require this ticket type

Draughtsperson

Chief mechanical engineers department (2 positions).

It is an exciting time to be a part of Irish Rail’s busy Railway Undertaking (RU) Chief Mechanical Engineers Department!  Applications for the position Draughtsperson are now invited.  The role holder will contribute to the Technical and Projects Teams within the Chief Mechanical Engineers department and will be based in Inchicore, Dublin 8.

The main focus of this role is to provide engineering solutions [mechanical & structures field] to technical issues on IÉ Rolling Stock Fleet & to ensure that the solutions arrived at maintain safety and reliability on the railway.

The successful candidate(s) will be required to have the following essential criteria:

• Have an Engineering Qualification(s). Trade Level Minimum.
• Working knowledge of the strength characteristics of materials.
• Technical Ability / Fault Finding experience
• Understand engineering drawings and conventions.
• Have strong IT Skills to a proficient standard (MS Word, Excel, Access, Outlook)
• Experience using CAD (Computer Aided Design), including 3D modelling.
• Have the ability to Lead a Team.
• Be Able to mentor and guide junior members of the team.
• Have experience in SAP MM and excellent IT Skills
• Higher qualification in engineering, e.g. diploma or degree.
• Experience of operating the Safety Management System including the lead.
• Knowledge of International Standards for Railway Engineering.
• Extensive knowledge of mechanical & structural systems of rail vehicles.
• An understanding of how Rolling Stock Systems operate.
• Working knowledge of the Safety Management System.
• Proficiency in the use of CAD [Microstation], both 2D and 3D.
• Proficiency in the use of Adobe Illustrator.
• Experience in producing 3D printed prototypes.

Competencies

• Technical ability and specialist knowledge
• Teamwork & flexibility.
• Strong internal customer orientation.
• Planning & organising skills.
• Safety Awareness.
• Strong IT skills.
• Salary scale circa €47,122 (Y1) - €66,839 (Y9) per annum
• Opportunity to work for Ireland’s national railway provider – ranked within top 5 of Ireland’s Best Employers 2023
• A recently implemented pay and productivity agreement which provides for pay certainty – including year on year increases and productivity arrangements - until 2026.
• Company Pension Scheme
• Remote Working Policy
• Welfare Scheme
• Access to Health and Wellness Programmes
• Reduced fares on the network
• Access to Talent Development Programmes
• Work Life Balance Initiatives
• Further Education Assistance

A competency-based interview & presentation will form part of this selection process.  Candidates may be shortlisted based on experience and/or application/ CV. 

Full job description requests by e-mail to: [email protected].

To submit your application, please fill out the application webform .

We Value Our People – We Celebrate their Individuality

At Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail we are committed to ensuring diversity and inclusion in all that we do.  This starts with how we recruit people into our organisation.  We ensure our attraction and selection processes are designed with equal opportunity at the forefront of our minds.  It is important to us that all individuals feel welcome to join our organisation and we take great care to create an environment that ensures an even playing field for all. 

Izumrud Health Resort

About Izumrud Health Resort

• Resort Room Enjoy the many amenities of the resort

Latest deals for Izumrud Health Resort

* Total includes estimated local taxes & fees payable on check out.

Prices are based on 1 night, not including taxes and fees

Reviews of Izumrud Health Resort

All reviews are collected from real users with a verified booking made with KAYAK or one of our trusted external partners.

Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

What's nearby

• Amfibius Waterpark 0.4 mi
• Sochi Dolphinarium 0.8 mi
• Sochi Discovery World Aquarium 0.9 mi
• Noviy Vek 2.6 mi
• History of The Adler District Museum 2.8 mi
• Mandarin Mall 3 mi
• Iceberg Skating Palace 4.5 mi
• Fisht Olympic Stadium 4.7 mi
• Sochi Olympic Park Circuit 4.8 mi
• Amshensky Dvor 4.9 mi
• Agura Waterfalls 7.7 mi
• Stalin's Dacha 7.9 mi

When is check-in time and check-out time at Izumrud Health Resort?

Check-in time is 12:00 PM and check-out time is 10:00 AM at Izumrud Health Resort.

How far is Izumrud Health Resort from the airport?

Izumrud Health Resort is 1.8 miles from Adler/Sochi.

How does KAYAK find such great Izumrud Health Resort hotel deals?

KAYAK scours the web for all room deals available at Izumrud Health Resort in Sochi and lets you compare them to find the best rate for your stay. Many different travel sites will offer discounts or deals at different times for rooms at Izumrud Health Resort and KAYAK will provide you with prices from a huge range of travel sites. That means that you can always find a great deal for Izumrud Health Resort.

Nearby hotels and places to stay

Most recommended, good to know.

Irish Pub Dublin

IRISH PUB DUBLIN, Sochi - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

Politics latest: UK economy in safe hands 'whoever wins' election, boss of JP Morgan says

Jamie Dimon, the chief executive of JP Morgan, tells Sky News he is confident the UK economy will be well managed regardless of whether the Conservatives or Labour win the next election.

Wednesday 15 May 2024 11:02, UK

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• Top bank boss confident UK economy will be well managed 'whoever wins' election
• Sunak to face Starmer at PMQs - watch and follow live from noon
• Policing minister wants 'substantial increase in stop and search'
• Age restrictions to be imposed on school sex education for first time - reports
• Ministers defend vast increase in food bank use
• Live reporting by  Ben Bloch

In January 2023, Rishi Sunak made five promises.

Since then, he and his ministers have rarely missed an opportunity to list them. In case you haven't heard, he promised to:

• Halve inflation
• Grow the economy
• Reduce debt
• Cut NHS waiting lists and times
• Stop the boats

See below how he is doing on these goals:

Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer will be coming together at 12pm for the weekly back and forth in the House of Commons.

The PM has been trying to draw clear dividing lines with Labour this week on national security and defence, making the case that Sir Keir cannot be trusted to keep the country safe.

But the Labour leader is riding high after two recent defections from the Tories to his own benches, and will also no doubt raise the High Court in Belfast's ruling that disapplies provisions of the PM's flagship Illegal Migration Act .

After the Labour leader's six questions, the SNP's Westminster leader will put two questions to the PM, after which a number of MPs will be able to raise issues of their own.

Here is the list of backbench MPs who will be asking the PM a question this week:

Watch PMQs live on Sky News from 12pm, and follow live updates here in the Politics Hub.

Speaking exclusively to Sky's Wilfred Frost, Jamie Dimon, chairman and chief executive of JP Morgan Chase, gave his view on Brexit and the European economy.

He said one of the key advantages of the US is that it is a "huge country" and a "big market", which "makes it easier for companies".

"You're trying to do that here with the European Union, and I think it is important to finish that.

"The European Union is one of the great accomplishments of mankind, in my opinion. But if you don't have a big market, it makes it harder for companies to compete."

Mr Dimon went on to say a lot of private capital is coming to the UK and there is "huge innovation" taking place.

"There just has to be more there, and so hopefully policies will start growing here a little bit faster."

Asked if it was a mistake for the UK to leave the EU, Mr Dimon did not want to answer, saying the British people had their say and "that's over".

"That doesn't mean they can't have a great relationship with the EU, and I think that that's what they're trying to do."

However, he added that "having big markets is a huge competitive advantage".

A short while ago, Sky's Wilfred Frost spoke exclusively to Jamie Dimon, chairman and chief executive of JP Morgan Chase.

He was asked for his view of the economy since Brexit and the COVID pandemic, and he replied that the world "has been through a difficult and weird time".

On the UK specifically, he said: "It's been a great country and partner and friend of America."

He said he is "optimistic" about the UK, and said the government should keep investing in "education, work skills, and technology".

Mr Dimon went on to say that he met with both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer yesterday, and said they are both "pro-business".

"Growing the economy is a good thing, and that should benefit everybody," he said, and made the case that addressing income inequality cannot happen without economic growth.

He went to say that both the Tory and Labour leaders were talking about "growing the economy, technology, research and development, simplifying regulations, making it easier for people to start business and grow businesses", and also ensuring young people have the skills needed to get high-paying jobs.

Asked if he is confident the UK economy will be in safe hands no matter who wins the election, he replied: "Yeah, I certainly hope so, and we would help whoever wins."

By Sam Coates , deputy political editor

The frustration and despair of Tory MPs felt towards Rishi Sunak's top team is revealed in leaked WhatsApp messages obtained by Sky News.

One MP called the parliamentary operation a "shitshow" and "crazy", while another said they were "at a loss" at the handling of a crunch Monday night vote on excluding MPs arrested on suspicion of serious sexual or violent offences.

They echo comments Tory MPs have made privately to Sky News.

There is fury today among Tory MPs after most found themselves on the losing side of a vote on a Lib Dem and Labour motion to exclude any MP arrested for a serious offence from the parliamentary estate, which would bring Westminster into line with many other workplaces.

The bulk of Tory MPs backed a different plan - to exclude MPs at the point of charge, arguing that MPs could easily become the target of vexatious complaints.

It was a free vote, which meant MPs did not have to vote on party lines.

You can read more from Sam below:

In the last couple of weeks, two Tory MPs have crossed the floor to join the Labour Party.

Humiliatingly, Dover MP Natalie Elphicke made the move just a couple of minutes before Prime Minister's Questions last week, taking Rishi Sunak and the government completely by surprise.

So could another Tory make the long walk across the floor?

Katy Balls, political editor at The Spectator, told Sky News there are "definitely" rumours of another move.

"Labour are playing it down, but the Tories... have obviously been stung a few weeks in a row now on this," she said, "to the point that you now have quite senior figures in the Tory party actually asking journalists [who else could defect] because they were so surprised by who it was last time."

She added that it is "the big question mark" ahead of PMQs today.

Ian Dunt, columnist at the i paper, said Westminster is "a whirling cauldron of gossip and innuendo", and that is "all that is happening here".

"No one has any idea whether anything is happening - it is just an absolute load of whispering hysteria," he declared.

Finally with Nick Thomas-Symonds, we asked about an interview on Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge  last night in which the general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, Matt Wrack, said Natalie Elphicke, who defected from the Tories, should not be in the Labour Party.

His objection was mainly around her support for legislation cracking down on strikes that the government has passed in the last couple of years.

We asked the shadow minister if her defection has been more trouble than it's worth, he replied: "I don't think so.

"Anyone who changes party - and that does happen in our politics - is going to have expressed a set of views that are consistent with the party that they've left. That's just the reality of what happens when someone does change their mind."

But he said it is "significant" that the Dover MP has identified both housing and the small boats crisis as areas where the Tory party has been "a failure".

Mr Thomas-Symonds reiterated that Ms Elphicke has not been offered a peerage in exchange for defecting.

More broadly on House of Lords reform, he wants to strengthen the appointments process to make sure that those given peerages "are going to be conducting that very, very important role of scrutinising our legislation".

But he rejected the suggestion that the prime minister should no longer be able to award peerages.

"Yes, I do believe the prime minister should be able to do that, but it must be a transparent, accountable process that the public is able to see and then see those people making a significant contribution," he concluded.

As we've been reporting, a record 3.1 million emergency food parcels have been handed out in just a year, according to the charity, The Trussell Trust, which is a rise of 40% compared with five years ago ( more here ).

We asked shadow minister Nick Thomas-Symonds what a Labour government would do, and he replied: "I would like to see a Britain that doesn't need food banks any more."

He said that when Labour left government in 2010, food banks "were not a feature of the UK", and have "become so over the past 14 years".

He had huge praise for staff who operate food banks, but said: "We shouldn't have reached a position in our country where the economic management has been so bad that we have ended up with people having to rely on food banks in that way."

We've just been speaking with Labour shadow minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, and we started by asking how quickly Labour aims to tackle knife crime if it enters government.

He explained that today, the opposition is tabling a motion on banning ninja swords, and more broadly, wants to review how knives are obtained and how the rules are enforced.

Asked for Labour's view on stop and search, Mr Thomas-Symonds described it as a "crucial tool", but added that it must be used in an "evidence, intelligence-based way".

He acknowledged it can cause issues with "community trust", but added: "Used in a targeted, appropriate way, it's a really important tool."

He went on to say that Labour wants to recruit more police officers and invest more in neighbourhood policing.

A short while ago, we spoke to the chief executive of charity The Trussell Trust amid the news that a record 3.1 million emergency food parcels have been handed out in just a year.

Emma Revie told Sky News it is "the highest number of parcels we've ever provided on record", and added that over 1.1m of the parcels were provided for children, which is "shocking".

She said the charity is "relieved" that inflation is slowing, but added: "The reality is for essential items like food and household bills, the cost is still higher than they were a couple of years ago.

"And the fundamental problem is that people are just not receiving enough income to cover the cost of those essentials."

She added that the situation is "shocking and can't continue".

Asked about relations with government, Ms Revie said they share data and have conversations with ministers, but said there needs to be "understanding that urgent action is needed this year" now that cost of living payments have ended.

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