Why?

The air being circulated through the cabin is recycled and low in humidity and oxygen, preventing your nose from working properly and cleansing the system of germs. Relief can be found with Frequent Flyer, a saline nasal spray that contains tea tree oil (this has antiseptic and antibacterial properties) and keeps a dry noise moisturised. It can also help clear blocked ears and gives temporary relief from sinusitis, making it a 'must-pack' more so than either your iPod or your cashmere flight socks.

Available from pharmacies and www. beelinehealthcare. com, 14.49 Pisa the action It's got romance, culture and charm in spades; spectacular scenery and architecture, as well as exceptional cuisine.

Where else but Tuscany?

Slattery Travel is offering an eight-day escorted tour to this magical region of Italy from 999. It's an opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of Florence, take a tour of the Chianti wine region, pay homage to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and there's also an optional train journey to Venice. The tour also takes in Siena, San Gimignano and Montecatini.

Log onto www. slatterys. com, or lo call 1890 200 625 for more information.

Great walls of fire Carved into the stone of the Great Wall is Chairman Mao's saying, "You're not a real man until you've climbed the Great Wall." The 6,400km construction is truly breathtaking, not least because the earliest sections date back to 220BC and it was recently voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in an online poll of one million people.

Tour China has just launched its new brochure which includes a 10-day highlights of China trip, from 1675 (including taxes and charges) per person, with visits to Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai and numerous tours and meals. Day four will see you visiting the Great Wall.

For more information, visit www. tourchina. ie or call 01 8173575.

A Beacon break Not very many hotels have a four-poster bed in the lobby.

Or Philippe Starck baths in its en-suites. But the Beacon Hotel (www. thebeacon. com; tel 01 2915000) in Dublin's south city likes to do things a little bit differently. All white interiors and clean design, it's targeting the 25-plus age group with its take on the luxury, boutique concept.

The Beacon Hotel is currently offering a number of summer offers such as the 'Dine Out Stay Out' package (overnight stay, dinner for two in the My Thai restaurant and breakfast for 109pps) and the 'Shopping Delight' (overnight stay for two in a king room, bottle of champagne, 50 voucher for Dundrum Town Centre, dinner for two in My Thai, breakfast and late check out until 4pm). We have a 'Shopping Delight' package for one lucky reader. To enter, send your name address and contact details to jetsetera@tribune. ie and answer the following question: The Beacon is situated close to what famous racecourse?