The Republic of Ireland made it two wins from two games in the Euro 2012 qualifiers but had to struggle for periods in the victory over Andorra.

Kevin Kilbane headed the Republic ahead on 14 minutes and Kevin Doyle lashed in a glorious second on 41.

But Christian Martinez replied for the minnows before the break and the Irish appeared rattled after half-time.

Robbie Keane’s deft finish on 54 minutes eased Republic nerves before the contest petered out.

The Republic took only 14 minutes to open the scoring at the Aviva Stadium against the world’s 201st ranked side after the lively Aiden McGeady’s trickery had forced a corner.

From the set-piece, Liam Lawrence delivered a superb ball which was glanced in at the near post by Kilbane for his eighth international goal.

The goal was the fitting reward for a purposeful opening by the Irish.

McGeady was tormenting the Andorran defence while the Republic were varying their attacking tactics to good effect with a mixture of precise passing and long balls which were troubling goalkeeper Josep Anton Gomez.

However, the Republic lost their way in the aftermath of Kilbane’s goal.

Sergi Moreno tested Shay Given in the 17th-minute with a long-range shot which the safety-first Irish keeper pushed away for a corner.

If you’re considering a holiday on one of the Greek islands for this year or next, Paxos might be worth considering for a family holiday, or for a romantic getaway for couples.

According to Greek legendy, the island was created by Poseidon when he struck Corfu with his trident in effort to gain peace and quiet. The pebble beaches of Paxos are surrounded by sheer, precipitous cliffs that create scenery that is both breathtaking and expressive.

The sea around Paxos has vivid colours; it is pleasantly clean, clear, and cool. Dramatic fauna and flora are abundant, especially in spring. Ancient olive trees line the hillsides allowing the mind and senses escape to the treasure of comfort and beauty that awaits holidaymakers.

Seeing The Island

Paxos is charming and quaint and can be seen easily in a couple of days by motorbike or car. The three main towns on the island are Logos, Laka, and Gaios. All of which exhibit the classiul ac Hellenic Ionian style with bright and colourful homes lining the promenades.

The rural area environment has a landscape that features low stone homes surrounded by bountifnd lush gardens. There is always something beautiful to see and many photo opportunities while you’re sightseeing or walking. For those who like Crete holidays it’s familiar but at the same time unique enough to enjoy.

The three main resorts all have natural harbours - Gaios being the biggest and busiest.

Travelling further inland there are old churches and buildings and many hiking or biking trails if you seek to further explore the island’s rich history.

Hotels In Paxos And Things To Do

Travel around the entire island on a day or half day cruise. Picturesque wind-carved limestone cliffs, sculptural rock formations, and caverns line the way. Crystal clear, calm waters surrounding the island only add to the exquisite beauty. The weather and climate on Paxos is similar to the weather in Crete.

A bit of history from World War II is just off the island. Inside the cave called Papanikolis, a Greek submarine found refuge and hid during the war.

There is plenty of opportunity to swim, snorkel and relax. This island is wonderful for holidaymakers seeking relaxation and to get away from the rest of the world. The locals are all very friendly and happily greet visitors. A spectacular sunset can be seen by traveling to Erimitis, a bar which sits above the cliffs of the west coast.

Paxos is a worthwhile day trip if you don’t have a lot of time, but want to escape for a bit. There are many hiking and biking paths that go around the island via trails, coves, and beaches. There’s a few travel sites that have a map, often the same ones that have a Crete map.

You can easily take in the unhurried, traditional, and tranquil Greek lifestyle. Many people visit this wonderful island because of the miles of pathways that lead to unspoiled, secluded beaches and coves.

Hotels in Paxos fill quickly during peak travel season. Villa holidays are popular. Many villas have private pools and various villa companies include Paxos in their brochures, James Villas for example.

The island also has two hotels that often receive rave reviews from happy guests. The island of Paxos might be small compared to some islands like Kefalonia, but it offers an intimate charm and beauty for those who crave quiet, peaceful relaxation. Retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday modern living and escape from it all.

More information about the Greek islands are available on social media like reddit

The News Of the World had a good article recently which might be of help:

Skiing? Pah! Why would anyone want to go to a place colder than the UK? And surely strapping plastic to your feet and throwing yourself down a mountain is bonkers? This had been my point of view until, during a Pinot Grigio-fuelled night with a ski-instructor friend, I agreed to hit the slopes in Verbier, Switzerland, and report back to the Fabulous office. I spent the next six months fretting about what I’d wear, how I’d cope and whether I’d come back alive. And if I’d known the answers to these questions beforehand, I’d have piste off years ago! It was brilliant. Here’s why you should embrace skiing too…

WHY GO?

Quite simply, it’s so much fun that the muscles in your face will hurt from your perma-grin. But don’t be fooled - learning to ski is challenging, too. It’s tough on a beginner’s legs: calves ache from tight ski boots and thighs get sore from the stance needed to fly down the slopes. It’s mentally tough as well. It takes a lot of guts, but nothing beats the feeling of conquering those slopes!

DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

The better shape you’re in, the easier you’ll find it. Running and cycling before you go will increase your stamina, while doing squats and leg lifts will build up your muscles.

WHAT DO I NEED?

For your first time, borrow clothes from friends, hire from stores in your resort, or rent kit from Skitogshire.co.uk before you travel. You’ll deffo need a waterproof jacket and a pair of ski holiday trousers, known as salopettes. You can wear the same outer layer every day, but you’ll need a selection of T-shirts, long-sleeved tops and thermals for underneath. Pack a fleece, and don’t even think about leaving the country for Swiss ski holidays without gloves, thermal socks, hat, goggles and sunglasses. When you’re not skiing you’ll need waterproof footwear with a good grip - trust me, forget heels. They may look smokin’ but you won’t look hot when you slip and get run over by a snow plough. I’ll admit, I packed a few 6-inchers - but soon realised the error of my ways!

SKIS OR BOARD?

In most cases complete novices will enjoy learning to ski rather than snowboarding. Frequent falls during boarding can be tough on your bum and most people tend to quickly improve when on skis. When it comes to equipment, don’t splash out before you get there - hire it at your resort. Prices vary, so do your research, and be prepared to pay deposits or leave your credit card details in case you cause any damage.

WILL I NEED LESSONS?

As a total novice, I needed help! My package included two days’ instruction so I spent my first morning with Julie Fletcher, chief instructor with tour operator Bramble Ski. This gave me the basics, but keen to learn more, later in the week I booked some one-on-one sessions with Nicol Kindness from Performance Verbier Ski School. At £170 for a two-hour lesson, it was pricey, but his expert tuition saw me skiing down the hardest runs by the end of the week! Those on a budget can opt for group lessons, which cost from £30 per person for up to six people for three hours.

WILL I FALL IN LOVE WITH MY HUNKY INSTRUCTOR?

You’re likely to develop a big crush on your teacher. Be warned!

WILL I MAKE A FOOL OF MYSELF?

Definitely, but any embarrassing moments will be quickly forgotten once you perfect a turn or learn a new move. Style-wise, beware hat hair. And it may be freezing, but you still need a good SPF. Sunglasses marks in February = silly.

WHAT ABOUT THE APRES SKI?

Many head for the bars as early as 4pm, and it’s common to see people in full skiwear drinking until gone midnight. Remember that boozing at high altitude means you get tipsy faster than usual - so watch out!

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

Prices vary depending on where and when you go. I stayed at the Victoria I chalet in Verbier, Switzerland, courtesy of Bramble Ski (Brambleski.com). Prices start from £1,200 per person for one week, including meals and two days of ski instruction, based on 10 people sharing. Inghams (Inghams.co.uk) offers a less-pricey option - seven nights in a catered chalet, including flights and transfers, from £481 per person. Try also Crystal Ski.

THE BEST RESORTS FOR VIRGIN SKIIERS
Switzerland - Wengen
French ski holidays - Les Arcs
Austria - Mayrhofen
Andorra - Soldeu

October through to might mean looking forward to Christmas for the vast majority of the population, but it’s an important time for skiers, as the 2011 season draws nearer.

And for those considering ski holidays Andorra is a great destination, with first class slopes and an infrastructure to match.

There are different areas to ski in Andorra, and they are:

Arinsal and Pal - now a single resort linked by cable car. One ski pass allows skiers to venture onto either set of slopes. In effect, wherever you are staying at the resort, you can ski from your backyard right onto the slopes. Snowboarders will also feel quite comfortable whether they are beginners or experienced.

Pas de la Casa is also close by but tends to be more crowded. However, it does offer very good value if that is the major criteria in selecting a resort.

With its numerous cafes, restaurants, happy hours and discos, Pas de la Casa tends to attract the livelier young adult crowd. Travel offers often feature the resort for a cheap ski holiday, and there are regular buses to and from the capital la Vella for those who want to do some duty free shopping during their trip.

Perhaps the best known resort is Soldeu. It has a mix of accommodation but has the best hotel for skiers, the Sports Hermitage, and first class ski slopes. An excellent mix.

It’s also perfectly possible to have a twin centre trip, with both Andorra and French ski holidays. Some areas good in France include:

Nestled atop a magnificent glacier on Mt. Bellecote is the world-class ski area of La Plagne. Surrounded by the majestic Vanoise Massif Mountains in the Graian Alps, La Plagne resort beckons the avid skier. It is spread over an altitude of 1250 to 3250 meters. The result is a variety of terrains and altitudes appealing to beginners and French ski holiday experts alike.

The resort was built in 1961 with the hope of attracting tourism dollars. It was largely conceived in the interest of four small mountain villages. The fledgling towns were dying and hoped to capitalize on the gorgeous natural beauty of the area and appeal to people who like a French ski holiday.

Today’s La Plagne is comprised of many different and distinctive villages. All are linked to one another by ski lifts and trails for those who prefer cross-country skiing. The villages continue to expand, giving it a competitive edge when it comes to tourism revenue.

Even the non-skier will find something to love about La Plagne. Non-skiers may choose from over 50 pubs and restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining. After dark visitors can hit one of the resort’s many night clubs for an evening of dancing and partying. Numerous daytime activities entertain and engage those who choose not to ski as well. Winter sport activities include ice skating, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

La Grave is a commune in southeastern France and the location of La Meije. Three summits comprise La Meije with the highest summit being 3,984 m. Mountain climbers and rock climbers challenge themselves to reach the highest summit of La Meije. The very first successful climb was by Emmanuel Boileau de Castelneu and Pierre Gaspard and his son on August 16, 1877. Glacier climbing or ice climbing is a very popular sport in La Grave as well. One hundred to 300 metre climbing routes offer a variety of difficulty.

Much of the La Grave la Meije ski area is glacier and considered dangerous. Guided skiing is recommended. Extreme skiers find a great deal of fascination and appeal in La Grave la Meije due to the enormous vertical drops and extreme ski conditions. The largest vertical descent can be extended to 2,300 m when skiers go past the resort to the road.

Located in the Belleville Valley, Les Menuires resort hosted the 1992 Winter Olympics. It is part of the largest ski area in the world, Les Trois Valleys.

The Three Valleys are comprised of several resorts that host millions of skiers per year - Thomson Ski for example include it in their brochures. Les Menuires has 62 ski trails, advanced and beginner slopes and 39 lifts. The resort’s 48 restaurants offer foods ranging from fast food to fine cuisine.

To see independent comments from those who have visited these areas follow them on myspace

The Pyrenees is probably not the first place you would look for good internet connections, but add to that requirement being able to live in a tax friendly environment and you might think you are asking a little too much.

Happily there is such a place - Andorra.

Situated between France and Spain in the Pyrenees, it’s an independent country with a population of 80,000, plus those who have taken residency to live in the Principality.

Best known to the general public for her skiing, the country became well known for it in the 1980’s and in recent years has improved her infrastructure to the extent that it now competes with French ski holidays on an even footing.

For those considering a tax haven such as traders who need high speed internet acess and for those where time is critical, it’s a good working environment with or without tax, and Andorra steps up to the mark for them.

For such a small country in the middle of a mountain range Andorra impresses by being the 11th in the world for broadband speed - beating the United Kingdom for example, and according to Ookla who carried out the research Andorra has 14.79Mbps.

Good news indeed for those who need high speed communications in a tax friendly country whether for business or for social media like facebook - but what else can it offer apart from the financial advantages and good communications?

It has an infrastructure that matches any Western European country, with a good road network that has easy access to both France and Spain. Some residents drive to the Spanish coast for the weekend while some own property elsewhere and for example frequently enjoy Majorca villa holidays with a journey time of around five hours door to door.

For people considering taking Andorra residency, medical facilities are important, and more good news is that the hospital is modern and well equipped, with surgeons contracted from Barcelona to deal with non-emergency teatment as well as local doctors.

For tourists, there’s a good choice of hotels, both in the capital la Vella and in the villages and towns. Some of the hotels are as good as you’ll find on Swiss ski holidays, and there’s a wide range of culinary experiences available, including Michelin Star restaurants. Soldeu is one of the best known areas for ski holidays and first class quality hotels equivalent to anywhere else include the Sport Hermitage.

And it’s not just those who take Andorra residency who benefit from low or no taxes. For tourists Andorra is great for shopping with some of the lowest prices in Europe. To the extent that people make the trip from Barcelona to pick up the bargains. They visit the hypermarkets in Sant Julia just across from the Spanish border or make their way to the capital where there are department stores.