Land of the spreeGO SHOPPING: Thousands of Irish will be defying the credit crunch and crossing the Atlantic this winter to snap up bargains in US shops and outlet centres, writes Fiona McCann

One-stop shops for bargains galoreAN HOUR NORTH of New York city is a village of tiny white wooden buildings lining pretty paved streets overseen by a weather-vane-topped tower.

• New York not for you? Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw in ChicagoTHERE HAS BEEN a mistake. I shouldn't be here at all. I'm looking down the length of North Michigan Avenue, known as the Magnificent Mile, a compact concentration of department stores and designer houses, and I'm thinking this is all wasted on me.

Other Stories

• Taking the plungeGO IRELAND:The best way to leave the madding crowd far behind is to go diving off our islands, writes Éibhir Mulqueen
• Flights of fancyGO SOUTH AFRICA:Birdwatching in South Africa, where biodiversity is not so much a scientific concept as a daily reality, is a joy, not least because you also see birds that turn up on Irish shores, writes Paddy Woodworth
• A fairy tale setting for a getaway?GO CITYBREAK:The German city of Bremen, setting for one of the Grimm brothers' stories, combines ancient and modern to lively effect, writes Conor Gallagher
• Not just EmmerdaleGO ENGLAND:There's more to rural Yorkshire than you might think, as Catherine Mackdiscovers

Go News

• Water safety alert as toddler lies in a coma after falling into poolSUN RESORT DANGER: AN IRISHWOMAN whose two-year-old son drowned in Spain four years ago has appealed to parents to be vigilant when on holidays with their children in sun resorts.
• Caution urged after closureBOOKINGS: CONSUMERS have been warned to ensure their holiday bookings are made with bonded tour operators following the collapse this week of the Mayo-based operator Ronane Travel/Great Escapes.
• Charity calls on holidaymakers to report cruelty to animalsWILDLIFE WARNING: IRISH TOURISTS travelling abroad have been warned about being tricked into posing for photographs with captive animals that have been drugged, mutilated or restrained.
• SHORTSA roundup of the week's other travel stories in brief

Regulars

• GO LAST MINUTEFrom a two-week cruise in the Caribbean to a trip to a Dublin fashion extravaganza, Joan Scaleshas the week's best offers
• What is the best way to book a Broadway show?GO READER GO: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
• MY HOLIDAY'SKathryn McKiernanrecalls a visit to Alaska on a cruise with her mother
• MY DAYJacqueline Reid, Duty Manager at Heuston Station in Dublin.
• GO OVERNIGHTBernice Harrisonvisits St Helen's Hotel, Rosslare Harbour.
• GO HOLIDAY DIYHow much for a week in the Spanish sun?
• Neglected Italian city that has it allHIDDEN GEMS:NORTHERN Italy has many former city states that are rewarding to anyone interested in art, history and culture, as well as wonderful cuisine and wine.
• Grounds to take up campingGO GADGETS:Cheap tents are available for under €50, but you'll be fortunate if they last longer than a weekend in our not-so-gentle climate.
• GO CATCH A SHOWPARIS: ExhibitionThe Soldiers of Eternity: the Warriors of Xi'anfeatures more than 120 pieces of Asian art on display in the city for the first time. Pinacothèque de Paris, 28 Place de la Madeleine. Until September 14th. www.pinacotheque.com.
• AIRPORT WATCHIrish Timesjournalist Davin O'Dwyerwas amazed by the number of security checks that had been squeezed into Berlin's Schönefeld Airport
• ON THE MOVEBrian O'Connell'sround-up of travel blogs
• GO READA selection of titles to consider on holiday.
• The Tao of travelMAGAN'S WORLD:Manchán Magan's tales of a travel addict

Go Culture

• Where Joyce's spirit lives onGO CULTURE:The Italian city of Trieste, where Joyce lived, retains a magic Dublin has lost, writes Terence Killeen
• A taste of the exoticGO FEEDBACK:For Melanie Asta, an Italian living in Belfast, and her family, Kuala Lumpur proved an exotic city with a cosmopolitan edge

Go Sport

• WORLD CUP TRAVELSOCCER FANS WILL have to pay big money or show some creativity to get to Germany for Ireland's rearranged World Cup qualifier against Georgia next Saturday.
• GO BAG A DEALBoxing:If you are suffering from withdrawal symptoms after the performances of Ireland's boxers at the Olympics, one big fight to look forward to is the meeting of undefeated Welshman Joe Calzaghe and American great Roy Jones Jr in New York.

Go Walk

• Come full circleGO WALK:Walking the Tipperary hills is easy, and knowing that the landowners don't object to your presence adds to the feel-good factor, writes John G O'Dwyer