British Airways may have announced a drop in profits last week, but this week it's wooing back your business with a free ticket for anyone accompanying you on a Club World, First or Concorde flight before the end of July. You need to be a member of Executive Club and flights can be to anywhere on the BA network. Your companion will pay only taxes and similar charges. Details, including how to join Executive Club, from your local travel agent.
A unique open-air double bill awaits visitors to Chester over the weekend of June 18th-19th when the city's Roman amphitheatre is used for a public event for the first time in almost 2,000 years. The two-night entertainment will include a performance of Bizet's Carmen by the First Act Opera Company and, the next night, a performance by Cleo Laine and John Dankworth. Box Office (0044) 1244 403733. Ferries and coach services to Chester are operated by Stena Line and Irish Ferries. Accommodation can be booked on (0044) 1244 402385.
How about this for something different - travelling the waterways of Ireland by war canoe and sleeping in teepee tents? Irish Voyageurs is a new company taking groups on the water to see parts of the country they might never get to see. The River Bann Viking Voyage starts at Portglenone and paddles down to Kilrea, stopping at Portneal Lodge for the night. Next day the journey continues through mesolithic landscapes and, finally, on to the salt water.
The Eel Expedition explores north Ulster from its largest river. The 50km journey is made over three days. Costs are £130 and £195 and include all accommodation and food. Details from (080) 1574 885995. Or email allways.ireland@virgin.net
If you are holidaying anywhere in the Costa Dorada area, Barcelona or even South of France around the Pyrennees I have found the best family day out for you. Universal's Port Aventura is Spain's answer to Disneyland, without the tackiness. Built on lovely landscaped grounds, the theme park contains the biggest roller-coaster in Europe. The park is divided into five areas, Mediterrania, Polynesia, Mexico, China and Far West, with theatre, shows, shopping and rides taking their themes from these places. It's a great park for a day out. Entrance prices are about £25 per day and include all entertainment and rides.
News for parents of OTT fans: if you've booked into Falcon Holidays Cye Holiday Apartments in Salou, expect to see your darling daughters mooning around after Keith Cox, who has relocated there following the band's break-up. Keith is the entertainment host at the new family centre.
If you deserve a little break between now and the end of the month, you couldn't go wrong by looking at the Northern Ireland Short Breaks brochure. Two-night midweek breaks in a variety of hotels are available from Sunday to Thursday for £69 and £79 per person, but that doesn't include Belfast city hotels, which get more than enough business during the week. The price includes two dinners. Phone callsave 1850 230 230 for details.