Falling into what looks like the perfect how-to-spend-your-SSIA-money category is an escorted trip with Tour America that takes in the beauty of the Canadian Rockies, while incorporating a five-star Alaskan cruise and a visit to Vancouver.

The 15-day tour is scheduled for next year, departing from Dublin on the morning of Sunday 27 May on a flight to Calgary via London with Air Canada. The first part of the tour is on board a deluxe coach and takes in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper (including a trip on an Ice Explorer for a guided tour of the Athabasca glacier).

From Jasper it's on to Kamloops and an overnight at the Lac le Jeune Resort before heading the next day to Vancouver for a two-night stay that includes a fullday sightseeing tour.

Then, come 3 June, it's all aboard Celebrity's five-star cruise ship 'Infinity' as you set sail for Alaska, taking in, over the next six days, some of the most stunning scenery in the world. Then it's back to Vancouver for an overnight before heading back to Dublin.

Price, which includes all flights, accommodation at sea and on dry land, all sightseeing, transfers and practically every meal that you could eat, starts from 3,369 per person. With just 50 places available on this one-off trip, early booking is advisable.

For more details contact Tour America/Cruise Holidays on 01 8173558 or log on to www. cruiseholidays. ie

Wish each other season's greetings on the slopes

Some good offers in from Directski for those who would prefer the slopes to sharing a sherry with the in-laws over the festive season.

Prices have been cut on a number of the French packages, so that you can now enjoy a week's selfcatering in Courchevel, for example, in the three-star Chalet du Forum apartments, for 499 per person, based on either four or six people sharing.

Or, with similar accommodation, you could head to Chamonix for 349 (five sharing), or to a choice of accommodation in the Meribel Valley for 299, with four people sharing. All departures for these 'specials' are from Dublin on 23 December. Check out www. directski. ie or ring 1890 201205.

A real taste of luxury at Cork's Hayfield Manor

With all the atmosphere of an elegant country house, yet located within walking distance of Cork city centre, the five-star Hayfield Manor (www. hayfieldmanor. ie) has won a host of accolades since it first opened a decade ago. With all the feel of a luxurious country house, the hotel also comes fully equipped with all manner of modern comforts and has recently invested more than 750,000 on its award-winning Orchids restaurant, presided over by head chef Aidan Hickey.

Now Hayfield has made its way into The Blue Book, the Irish association of luxury country house hotels, gourmet restaurants, castles and manor houses, whose members are renowned for their fine accommodation and traditional hospitality. "We are delighted, " says Hayfield Manor's owner Joe Scally, "that we have been chosen as members of Ireland's Blue Book. Good hotels and restaurants are important for the economy. Ireland is a world-class hospitality destination and membership of this exclusive association shows that we are up there with the best of international hotels." The Blue Book (www. irelands-blue-book. ie) has been in existence since 1974 and membership now numbers some 42 establishments of which 39 are country house hotels and three are restaurants.

Award sees Topflight live up to its name once again

Topflight has been voted Northern Ireland's Best Ski Tour Operator for the fourth year running. The company was also nominated in two other categories, leaving Topflight MD Tony Collins "delighted that travel agents believe in us and our products and recommend them to their customers." Speaking at the recent award ceremony he said that Topflight is "looking forward to between 10-15% growth in the winter ski market this season, with new exciting resorts in Austria and Italy, direct from Belfast."

Topflight, Ireland's largest ski tour operator, recently released their biggest ever Winter Ski and Snowboarding programme, offering flights from Belfast, Dublin, Cork and Knock to resorts in Austria, Italy, France, Bulgaria, Norway, Andorra and the USA. Check out the resorts and prices for winter 2006/7 by going to www. topflight. ie or by ringing them on 01 2401700.

Tunisia and Madeira offer real Christmas surprises

If Christmas in the sun is your aspiration this year then take a look at what Panorama have to offer with prices starting from 490 per person for a week in Tunisia, a good choice for festive sunshine in a destination that also offers something a bit different from a cultural point of view. There's always the Canaries, of course, but there are so many other options now that you don't have to stick to such tried-and-tested territory.

Madeira, for example, has thrown off its 'blue rinse' image in recent years and has much to offer in terms of good quality accommodation and beautiful scenery. A week here, at the Hotel Dorisol Estrelicia, on a bed and breakfast basis is priced from 1,720 for a family, departing on Christmas Eve. Take a look at these packages and at other destinations and options at www. panoramaholidays. ie, 0818 202020.