Where would you go? I always love visiting Lake Garda in Italy, especially the town Riva del Garda, on the northern shores. It is there that the lake comes to an end, making room for the imposing Dolomite mountains. Youll find it hard to experience better scenery anywhere in the world. What do you like about the place? In Riva you can enjoy the pleasure of a holiday made from a thousand ingredients history, art, sports, food, nature, and a welcome n n n Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania Nearest airport: Erie International. www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/ parks/cherrysprings.aspx n Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah Nearest airport: Salt Lake City International. Camping is about 6.50 a night. www.nps.gov/nabr/index.htm n Atacama Desert, Chile Nearest airport: Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International. For further information, see www. mamalluca.org. For accommodation, see www.elquidomos.cl n Ayers Rock, Northern Territory, Australia Nearest airport: Adelaide, then take the Stuart Highway. For the Sounds Of Silence tour with canaps, dinner under the stars and a guide, see www.ayersrockresort. com.au/sounds-of-silence 1k get away for Kevin Nolan, financial controller of Topflight and President of the Irish Tour Operators Federation, tells us where he would go if he had a grand to spare This week: Lake Garda Where the stars always come out Stellar escapes: Looking at the cosmos is no longer just for UFO and sci-fi fans, even the average traveller goes stargazing these days by STeve cLarkSon T he stars have always fascinated mankind. I think everyone is a stargazer at some time or another, says Robin Scagell, astronomy author and broadcaster. You dont have to be nerdy or a boffin to appreciate the amazing spectacle. Stargazing is becoming a popular activity of globetrotters seeking romance and beauty in remote destinations. In South America, backpackers and holidaymakers gaze at the Southern Cross, a distinctive constellation visible from the southern hemisphere. The worlds highest desert, the Atacama in Chile, attracts thousands of visitors a year. Its high altitude and dry air makes for stunning night skies. Plus, the Cerro Mamalluca Observatory organises tours. There are parties dedicated to cosmic kicks in Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania where more than 10,000 stars are visible. Its twice-a-year star parties attract hundreds of astronomers. In Australia, the New South Wales Astronomical Society holds a South Pacific Star Party (May 14 to 16 this year) for amateurs armed with telescopes at a 100-acre site three hours from Sydney. Ayers Rock, in Northern Territory, is a striking setting on account of its clear nights. In Britain, the International Dark Sky Association last year found less than ten per cent of the population can see the Milky Way from where they live. However, there are some excellent locations. Check out the Western Isles in Scotland, or Hartland Point in north Devon. Here, stargazers can gather at one of the many astronomy events held in the Phoenix Park or at Dunsink Observatory, where the city lights dont hinder the views as much as you might imagine. For beginners, a decent pair of binoculars are a good idea and they can cost less than 50. The Helios Fieldmaster 10x50 and the Celestron SkyMaster, both available at Harrison Telescopes, www. harrisontelescopes.co.uk) are recommended. In terms of easy constellations to spot with the naked eye, Orion is the clearest. Its three stars in a distinctive line point upward-right to bright star Aldebaran in the Taurus constellation, and downward-left to Sirius, the brightest star in the nights sky. Looking north, the Plough hangs high in the east, opposite Orion, while Gemini and Auriga glimmer above it. All you need is a reasonable star map and a bit of patience, says Scagell. Read Stargazing 2010 by Robon Scagell, a guide to the years cosmic events (Philips, 7.95). Visit www.dias. ie or www.astronomy.ie celestial hotspots metro extralife OutofOfficeToadvertise call(01)6375979 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 from the locals that is second to none. Is it a tourist trap? Whilst it attracts large numbers of tourists, it is by no means claustrophobic. There is always space to get away from the crowds, be it by taking a walk along the lake towards Torbole or visiting one of the nearby towns. Alternatively, you can jump on a ferry and visit the beautiful towns of Malcesine and Limone. Who would the holiday suit? Riva caters for all ages, but more particularly couples looking for a romantic break or families looking for plenty of activity. How do you get there? The most convenient way to get there is to travel with Topflight [of course] (www.topflight.ie), who operate charter flights to Verona, together n n n with a superb range of hotels and self-catering properties. How long could you stay there for a grand? You could have a fantastic week with a grand. What would make your visit memorable? If you travel as a family, then a must is Gardaland, a theme park in the south of the lake. Both kids and parents will have a ball there. For couples, Venice and Verona are within easy reach. I would recommend the former for an overnight trip, as when the day tourists are gone you can really soak up the uniqueness of this wonderful city. When should I go? The best time to visit is between May and September, when the temperatures can be extremely pleasant. This is also the time when there is plenty of atmosphere. n n n Americas Canyon Country Details: Drive and fly the US West Coast from Apr 1 to May 31, staying in three-star accommodation. Visit the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park as well as Las Vegas and the celebrated Californian coast. Flights not included and will be quoted at time of booking Price: Seven nights from 817 per person sharing Contact: www.gohop.ie Funchal Details: Seven nights in Funchal, staying at the five- star Melia Maderia Mare Hotel, departing Feb 7 Price: Seven nights from 649 per person Contact: 0818 200 400 www.sunworld.ie Egypt Details: Seven nights in Egypt at the three-star Sharm Inn Amarein, departing Mar 4 or Mar 11 Price: 554 per person Contact: 0818 202020 www.panoramaholidays.ie Las Vegas Details: One free night four nights at three-star hotel with return flights. Ref: 588228 Price: From 654 per person Contact: (01) 673 3894 www.americanholidays.com Andes And The Amazon Details: Twelve days exploring Lima and Cuzco and trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Price: Save up to 210 by booking before Feb 28 Contact: (01) 524 0071 www.intrepidtravel.com Lanzarote Details: Seven nights at the three-star Cay Sun Beach apartments in Playa Blanca, departing Jan 31 Price: From 369 per person sharing, based on two sharing, including flights, tax, transfers, accommodation on self-catering basis and rep service Contact: (01) 240 1769 www.topflight.ie bare essentials index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html24.html25.html26.html27.html