The pousadas of Portugal represent some of the most unusual and typical establishments to stay in when visiting or touring the country. They were established in the 1940s to be lodgings where visitors could appreciate the traditional regional gastronomy, and they are real treasures of Portuguese culture and heritage. Many are buildings of historical interest and in local, traditional styles. You can get a brochure from Portuguese Tourist Board, 54 Dawson Street, Dublin 2; 01-6709133, website: www.pousadas.pt
Austrian Airlines has finally brought out a dedicated tour programme for Vienna and Salzburg, and if you are quick enough you could still get a place on the November 26th trip that will include flights, accommodation and tickets for La Boheme and Aida for £715. They will also be able to offer, for the more active, weekend skiing in Semmering, which is just an hour south of Vienna, not to mention the health resorts of Bad Blumau and Hotel Der Steirerhof, near Graz in Styria, where natural spring water bubbles to the surface at 100C and is cooled down to 38C, to swim in outdoors in the dead of winter. You can get further details from Austrian Airlines on 01-6080099 or from your local travel agent.
Just to get you into the Viennese mood, Austria Week will run from November 22nd to 29th in Dublin, with a selection of events taking place, such as music, poetry, films, lectures and exhibitions. The lounge in the Shelbourne Hotel will be transformed into a typical Viennese cafe and three Austrian chefs will be serving authentic food in the Dining Room. You can get a copy of the programme from the Austrian Tourist Office, Merrion Hall, Strand Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4, phone 01-2830488.
The Children to Lapland Appeal needs your help again this year, to take 400 sick youngsters on a magical journey to see Santa in his home territory. The children will come from hospitals all around the country and it will be a very exciting day. They will meet the real Santa Claus and have sleigh and husky rides in an Arctic village blanketed in snow. You can help by making a credit card pledge on Callsave 1850 520 530 or send donations to the Treasurer, c/o United Travel, Stillorgan Bowl, Stillorgan, Co Dublin.
Autumn and winter breaks in Ireland are great value - how do I know? It's all in the new Discover Ireland brochure from Bord Failte - a fabulous selection of accommodation, from castles to cottages and everything in between, both active and inactive. If you are over 55 you can get even better value in the Golden Holidays booklet, particularly for midweek breaks. If you hold a Bank of Ireland Golden Years customer card you can get a further 10 per cent discount. Pick up copies of both brochures at your local tourist office.