metro extralife OutofOfficeToadvertise call(01)6375979 Going concerns for 2010 The destinations Istanbul: As 2010s European Capital of Culture its no wonder Istanbul is high on the cool list. Jessica Hudson, co-founder of Chic Collection (www.chiccollection. travel), says Istanbul is ideal for travellers who want meaningful travel. You really get to feel this destination, rather than just skimming the surface, she says. Traditional culture is very much on the streets in the maze-like bazaars and among the carpets and antique textiles. Hudson suggests tying in a city break with the little-known Sunsplash Antalya boutique music festival in May: It draws a stylish set and a heap of DJs. If the festival isnt your thing, Hudson suggests heading to the city during April or May when its warm but not too hot. Where to stay: For ultra de luxe chic, go for Hotel Les Ottomans (www.lesottomans.com; from 715). Described as a sparkling jewel of a hotel, at that price, we hope it is made from them. For cheaper chic try one of Istanbuls most sought- after hideaways, Ajia Hotel (www. ajiahotel.com; from 180). Kenya: Life after the post-election riots hasnt been easy for hoteliers but they are working hard to bring tourism back to the country. Eco travel will also remain a hot topic for 2010 and the eco side of luxury travel is well catered for in Kenya, says Hudson: The award-winning Ol Seki, one of our favourite properties, plants an indigenous tree for every guest that visits and they have a wealth of initiatives for the local community. The best time to head to Kenya is between January and March when it is hot and dry. The animals hover around watercourses, making them easy to spot, says Hudson. And those keen on witnessing the spectacle of the wildebeest migration should aim for August but seek advice as the migration varies slightly from year to year. Where to stay: Ol Seki Suites (www.olseki.com; from 375 per person, all-inclusive) is the most luxurious safari experience in the Masai Mara. For smaller budgets, Hudson suggests Che Chal (www. cheshale.com; from 55 per person per night bed & breakfast) in Malindi, Kenya, where you get white beaches and the best kitesurfing in East Africa. The experience Mountains but not as you know them: Irenie Ekkeshis, marketing manager at The Traveller, says Kilimanjaro and Snowdon are old news: In 2010 its got to be random. Explore, an adventure travel company, have a new mountaineering tour which involves a series of summits in Kyrgyzstans Tien Shan Mountains and a peer into Irans Damavand volcano. Alternatively, take the relatively chilled pursuit of snowshoeing (walking on snow) but dump it on the flanks of smouldering Mount Etna (pictured) in Siciliy, Europes most active volcano. www.the-traveller.co.uk Weird and wonderful Unusual tours: Tribal Papua New Guinea was put on the map by autumns Lost Land Of The Volcano series on BBC and now the average Joe can follow in the footsteps of the programmes team. You really leave the 21st century behind, says Ekkeshis. Trek through the dense jungle of the Baining Mountains and meet the indigenous people of wild East New Britain. Departing April, July, September and October, ten-day expeditions with Baobab Expeditions cost from approx 3,000. Tel: 00 44 844 826 8550, www.baobabexpeditions.com. Unusual railway journeys: Ride the Trans-Siberian railway. The journey involves just three nights on board (the whole trip is nine days) so you get a taste without getting cabin fever. The scenery is spectacular and you get to share vodka with all sorts of characters on the train, says Ekkeshis. On the way you will visit Mafia warlord cemeteries, stay in tribal villages and stop at port Vladivostock. www.the-traveller.co.uk, from approx 4,000. Ski deal: France Details: Weekend late deal departing January 17. Destination: Fly from Dublin to France and stay in the resort of Serre Chevalier, in self-catering accommodation. Price: From just 250 per person including flights, transfers and accommodation based on four persons sharing. Contact: Crystal Ski. Tel: (01) 433 1080 or www.crystalski.ie Longhaul Destination: Hong Kong, five night stay Price: Three-star stay at Metropark Kowloon Hotel based on room only from 783 per person including taxes. Details: Prices are per person based on two persons sharing and include return filghts with British Airways via London and return airport transfers. Contact: Tropical Places. Tel: (01) 433 1029. www.tropicalplaces.ie. Sun week Destination: Seven nights in Lanzarote. Price: from 343 per person. Details: Staying at the three-star Aparthotel Costa Mar in Playa de los Pocillos on self-catering basis, departing January 23 ex-Dublin. This modern property is overlooking the wide sandy Playa de los Pocillos beach and is just 2.5km from the resort of Puerto del Carmen. Boasting two swimming pools, two restaurants, bar and pool bar this relaxing property is an ideal choice for couples and famalies alike. Contact: Direct Holidays. Tel: 0818 200 110. www.directholidays.ie. Ski deal: Italy Details: Seven nights at the Livigno Ski Apartments departing January 23. Price: From 349 per person, including flights, tax, transfers, accommodation & rep service Contact: Topflight. Tel: (01) 240 1769. www.topflight.ie. Egyptian dream Destination: Seven nights in Egypt from 639 per person. Details: Staying at the three-star St George Three Corners Resort in Hadaba, on an all-inclusive board basis, departing from Dublin on January 28. Excellent hotel with high standards, this chic, sleek hotel offers great family entertainment facilities with all meals and drinks included. Contact: Panorama. Tel: 0818 20 20 20. www.panoramaholidays.ie. Great Flight + Hotel Deals to New York, Las Vegas and European Cities visit us at www.travelpaths.ie or call us on 01 514 3070 W e a r e f u l l y b o n d e d a n d l i c e n c e d Check us out now for the cheapest flights to the USA, Thailand, South Africa and more Travel forecast: Struggling to decide where to go this year? Let us help by LISA SCOTT Eastern promise: Istanbul is ideal for travellers looking for meaningful holidays, according to Chic travel TRAVEL DEALS OF THE WEEK index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html