Author: Brian Ogle

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THE US Administration is bringing its ‘America First’ policy to National Parks tourism and hitting travellers from abroad, such as the UK, in the pocket.

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ABTA’s new Travel Trends for 2026 report, launched yesterday, finds 25-34 year olds are the Travel Trendsetters – shaping travel for years to come, and September an increasingly popular month for overseas travel.

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THE Canary Islands have been named on Fodor’s ‘No List’, a travel guide which encourages travellers to think more about the destination before they book.

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PEOPLE in Northern Ireland are bracing themselves for Winter, with heavy rain and plummeting temperatures set to continue into next week. 

1. Wee Taste of East Belfast, Belfast, 22 November. Come join Indie Fude in East Belfast for a flavourful adventure through the tastes of the neighbourhood. Indulge in a variety of delicious dishes and treats from local vendors, showcasing the best produce of the area. From traditional favourites to modern twists, there’s something for every palate – and, of course, there’s Irish cheese too.
2. W5 Late – Game On, Belfast, 21 November. W5 Late – Game On! brings an immersive evening packed with high-energy challenges, giant games, and science with a competitive twist. Step into a playground of grown-up fun where reflexes, strategy, memory, and teamwork are all put to the test. Grab your mates, grab a drink, and get ready for an unforgettable night of competitive socialising and seriously fun science, where bragging rights are the ultimate prize.
3. C.S. Lewis Festival 2025, Belfast, 21 and 22 November. Celebrate Lewis’s East Belfast roots, fostering creativity through literature, the arts, history, and family engagement. All ages welcome with many events catering to families and children. Enjoy a range of guided tours, history exhibits, literature sessions, outdoor cinema screenings and music.
4. The Chocolate Box at The Chocolate Manor, Castlerock, County Londonderry, 22 November. Want to acquire some basic chocolate tempering skills in a fun and hands-on workshop? This experience is for you. The Chocolate Manor will help you create a selection of moulded chocolate treats.
5. Fire, Feast & Folklore at Willow and Lore Heritage Farm, Newtowncrommelin, County Antrim, 22 November. Capture the spirit of the past though Fire, Feast and Folklore, authentic rural experiences and fireside feasts on our heritage farm. Willow and Lore is a place to spend time, a working heritage farm where you can become immersed in heritage farming experiences, traditional skills & craft workshops and traditional entertainment. Enjoy rest, relaxation and renewal activities in idyllic nature spaces, cultivated around the farm.
6. Strangford Lough: Decades of Biodiversity – Pause the Decline, Killyleagh, County Down, 20 November. Hosted by the Sir Hans Sloane Centre, this is a talk by Bob Brown OBE, a renowned biologist and broadcaster. The session will explore the rich biodiversity of Strangford Lough, with a special focus on the ongoing decline in species and habitats. Bob Brown’s previous talk at the centre was fully booked, and this event offers a second chance to hear his insights, including new material.
7. Visit Navan Centre and Fort, Armagh, County Armagh, visit website for open dates and times. Navan Centre & Fort, located just two miles from Armagh City, is a place where myth and reality meet. As the ancient seat of kings and the earliest capital of Ulster, there is plenty to explore.
8. Magical Fairytales Frozen Snow Sisters Live at Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh, 23 November. Join a magical afternoon with the ever-popular Snow Sisters. Expect live sing-alongs to your favourite songs, fun dancing, exciting games and plenty of surprises to keep everyone entertained.
9. OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Omagh, County Tyrone, visit website for open dates and time. Take a journey through time and space with a visitor experience that’s out of this world. Book your visit to Northern Ireland’s only International Dark Sky Park. Fully guided by an experienced tour guide, the centre will give visitors a unique opportunity to experience the night sky as it is rarely viewed.
10. Made in AND – Christmas Pop Up Shop at North Down Museum, Bangor, County Down, 20 November – 4 January. Discover a beautiful selection of handcrafted gifts and artwork made by over 20 talented local artists and crafters. Whether you’re shopping for a unique present or simply soaking up the seasonal spirit, this is the perfect place to find something special for your loved ones.

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Subject to availabilities with select dates. 

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NEW findings exclusive for ABTA members, from the association’s Holiday Habits 2025-26 survey, reveal which consumer priorities are driving the booking decision.

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LOW cost flight leaders Ryanair has reminded passengers that from this coming Wednesday (Nov 12) the airline will move to 100 per cent digital boarding passes.

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NEW ABTA research reveals that half (51 per cent) of UK adults don’t know they’re eligible to claim back VAT on purchases made while holidaying in the EU – meaning many could be missing out on valuable savings when heading home.

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THIS National Engineering Day (yesterday November 5), leading leisure airline Jet2.com called on the Government to give more young people an opportunity to become engineers in the aviation industry, by introducing higher funding rates for engineers within the reformed growth and skills levy.

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A GLOBAL travel insurance provider, battleface, today announced the launch of its new Educational Travel Insurance Policy, developed in partnership with ABTA – The Travel Association.