The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 30th August 2022

I’ve searched the web so you don’t have to! My best travel deals from Ireland include last minute holidays, city breaks, winter breaks, cruises, and staycations for couples and families.

This week’s Best Travel Deals from Ireland include a last minute holiday to Spain, a weekend in Vienna, a Christmas market break to Zagreb, family holiday deals for Easter and next summer, an MSC cruise, and staycations in West Cork and Dingle.

Best last minute deal: Costa Dorada, Flights & 4-Star Hotel Half Board, €458pp

Explore the city of Barcelona while staying in the pretty seaside resort of La Pineda. This super deal includes flights to Barcelona on the 14th of September and a seven night stay in the beachfront Best Terramarina Hotel, with breakfast and dinner included.
 

 
Return flights are €129 to Barcelona, or €165 to Barcelona Reus which is closer to La Pineda. Why not choose to combine a city and beach stay –  two nights in Barcelona and five nights on the beach perhaps?

Simply edit the dates via the links below to suit your requirements, and I have lots of suggestions in this post:

Read: Where to stay in Barcelona and the top things to do

Search flights 14-21st September €129pp

View hotel €329pp
 

Best overnight escape: Liss Ard Estate

The newly refurbished Liss Ard Estate is a place that is firmly on my own wish list, and I was surprised to learn that the 5-star Georgian Country Manor has overnight stays available from just €90 per person including breakfast. Located in the heart of West Cork, this an escape that will appeal to many I am sure.

I found prices from €179 per room on the 25th of September, but many more dates are available.

See more here
 

Best city break:  Vienna: Flights & 4-Star Hotel, 3 nights, €244pp

Elegant, historical, noble – when you consider booking a weekend break to Vienna, you may think it will be expensive. Not anymore. With low priced airfares from Aer Lingus and Ryanair, a city break to one of Europe’s fashionable cities is much more affordable.
 

 
I found weekend flights with Ryanair from just €67 return, departing on the 24th of September, but there are many more dates available.

The 4-star Schani Wien Hotel is great value too. It is highly rated on TripAdvisor and was awarded a certificate of excellence this year.  It centrally located just 300 metres from the main train station. 

If you prefer something more luxurious, the 5-star Hilton Vienna Park is also great value at just €267 for a three-night stay.

Search flights 24 – 27th September €67pp

View hotel €177pp

View hotel €260pp
 

Read: 10 Autumn holiday deals – city breaks, sun holidays and cruise deals
 

Best family holiday: Easter in Gran Canaria, Flights & Apartment, 1 week, €1925

I found great value fights from Dublin to Gran Canaria for just €327 per person on the 5th of April!  These won’t be around for long, so now is the time to book if you want a family break at Easter time. 
 

 
There are many accommodation options to choose from, including the popular Terazza da Amadores which is just €617 for a seven-night stay based on four sharing.

Search flights 5th-12th April €327pp

View hotel €617
 

Best family staycation: Dingle Holiday Homes

Good value holiday homes in Dingle are like hens teeth during the summer holidays, but it may surprise you to learn that they are good value for the October mid term break. A 3-bedroom holiday home, located just minutes from the village centre, is just €695 for a week from Saturday the 29th of October. 

These are also available during Easter holidays, priced at €910 for Easter week.

View October €695

View Easter €910
 

Best winter break: 5-Star Christmas market break to Zagreb, €205

Did you know that Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, is renowned for having one of Europe’s best Christmas markets? I must confess I wasn’t aware until recently! There are 25 different markets in the city and it was named “Best Christmas Market” by European Best Destinations three years in a row – the maximum number of times for any city.
 

 
With return weekend flights from just €78 and low cost hotel prices, it also makes Zagreb a great value destination for a Christmas market break. 

The 5-star Westin in Zagreb is just €126 per person for a three-night weekend stay, and Ryanair have flights from Dublin airport from December 1st to 4th for €78 return.

Search flights 1st-4th December €78pp

View hotel here €126pp
 

Best cruise: Med cruise on MSC Seaview including flights, €999pp

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I cruised on MSC Seaview a few years ago and loved its bright modern design and variety of outdoor spaces. This offers superb value for anyone looking to cruise the Med this year. MSC Seaview sets sail from Barcelona and visits Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina and Valletta, before returning to Barcelona for your return flight home.
 

 
Price of €999 includes flights from Dublin on the 7th of October, checked baggage, meals, and entertainment. 

Read: My review of MSC Seaview 

Read: 10 great cruise deals from Ireland with flights included
 

Best early booking offer: Return flights to the Algarve in July from €144pp

We all know how expensive airfares are during July and August, but if you plan ahead you can secure great deals now. Return flights to Faro are available on the 24th of July from €144, if you want to come back on an afternoon flight the flights are just €162 return.
 

 
Did you know you can pay a 50% deposit now with Ryanair, and pay the balance 60 days before departure? Note you need to select the Family Plus fare in order to avail of the 50% deposit option. 

Read: Book Ryanair flights for 2023 with 50% deposit

There are many accommodation options to choose from. The 4-star Areias Village Beach Suite Hotel is great value at just €1175 for a family of four for seven nights, while the Aquashow Park Hotel with on-site waterpark is just €2005. 

Search flights 24th – 31st July 2023 €144pp

Areias Village €1175

Aquashow Hotel €2005

Read: Family holidays to the Algarve, my top picks on where to stay
 

 
Couples can take advantage too – the highly sought after Pestana Alvor Park apartments are available from €558 with free cancellation. 

Alvor Park €558pp
 

 
It is important to be aware of the latest travel restrictions of the country you are travelling to. Boosters or pre-departure tests are required for travel to some countries in Europe if initial vaccination is over 270 days. Please check the latest travel restrictions on the DFA website before you travel.

Prices are correct at the time of issue but are subject to change. Please note some of my best travel deals include affiliate links where I receive a small commission if a booking is made.