NEWS
Sneak peek: It won't take to the tracks until May 2017, but the first look inside the Belmond Andean Explorer (above) has us excited already. Set to be one of the highest train journeys on earth, the journey from Cusco, through the Andes to Lake Titicaca in a luxury cabin is a bucket-list contender. belmond.com
Viewfinder: This month sees the world's longest and highest glass-bottom bridge open to brave travellers in China. The bridge, which spans 425m, teeters an eye-watering 300m above the Wulingyuan area in Zhangjiajie. The transparent walkway is the largest of its kind, offering tourists unparalleled views of the Tianmenshan National Forest Park. For real thrill-seekers there are plans to introduce an optional bungee jump. See chinahighlights.com, if you think you're brave enough.
Go social: Booking website Goibibo has launched its own social network. The air and hotel aggregator, based in India, has created an online platform for travellers to swap tips, advice and engage with one another via the mobile app. Users also receive travel bonuses for inviting new customers to the service. We predict this will be the first of many new online travel communities. goibibo.com
REVOLUTIONARY TOURS
Dublin: Take a seat in the military-style truck of the 1916 Freedom Tour (below). The guides in period costume give detailed stories about the Easter Rising as you whizz through the streets of Dublin. A winner for novices and buffs alike. Adult tickets from €20; 1916tour.ie
Berlin: The Battle of Berlin & World War II bus tour uncovers the events that took place in the city, from battle sites to the personal experiences of soldiers and Berlin civilians. Tickets from €16; humboldttoursberlin.de
Belfast: The Belfast City Memory tours explore the city's past, from the Peace Walls and Belfast City Hall to Crumlin Road Jail. memorytours.ie
DEALS
DUBAI: Book a four-night stay, half-board, at the five-star Sheraton Jumeirah Beach in September and save 15 per cent. Prices from €845pp. See blueseaholidays.ie or call 01-901 0175.
FUERTEVENTURA: Last-minute deals in the five-star Gran Atlantis Bahia Real Hotel start from €1,439pp when departing July 23rd. This deal includes a seven-night stay in a standard twin, half board. See sunway.ie or call 01-231 1800
GET 'APPY
JetLag Genie: Enter your starting point and end destination and the app will create a checklist to help avoid jetlag, from when to take a nap, hydrate, adjust your watch, etc. From iTunes.
A FASHIONABLE STAY Dublin's Fitzwilliam Hotel has launched a Fashion Walking Tour podcast exploring the capital's most fashion-forward nooks and crannies. The podcast guides listeners from South William Street to George's Arcade, Dame Street through Grafton Street, noting the best boutiques and fashion pitstops along the route. The audio tour isn't just for guests – anyone can download it from Stitcher, SoundCloud, and iTunes. The hotel has a fashion- themed package, its Fashion Focused Holiday Experience, that includes afternoon tea and shopping discounts, from €299; fitzwilliamhoteldublin.com
