Christmas gift ideas

Travel News and Reviews

Gift Vouchers from Select Hotels of Ireland – The Ultimate Christmas Gift

Select Hotels Gift Box

Give the gift of travel this Christmas. With a choice of over 20 hotels to choose from, in superb locations throughout Ireland, gift vouchers from Select Hotels of Ireland are the ultimate gift this Christmas. 

Christmas gift vouchers from Select Hotels of Ireland are back! I am delighted once again to work with Select Hotels of Ireland to showcase their Christmas gift vouchers this year. They have been a huge success for the past number of years, particularly the Christmas gift boxes which include a voucher towards a hotel stay and four handmade Irish gifts.

Select Hotels of Ireland Christmas gift boxes

Select Hotels are all independently owned, and they are renowned for their great service and quality food. We stayed in two of Select Hotels of Ireland hotels last year, Breaffy House Resort in Mayo, and The Falls Hotel in Clare. You can expect a warm Irish welcome and a full Irish breakfast too – which we duly received during both visits!

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Sarah Slattery – Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert)

There are many household names in the group, like Actons of Kinsale and Celtic Ross Hotel in Cork, the Dingle Skellig and Kenmare Bay Hotel and Resort in Kerry, and the Clifden Station House and Ardilaun in Galway. There are many more hidden gems across various counties in the island of Ireland.

See all Select Hotels of Ireland here.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Sarah Slattery – Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert)


There is something special about giving the gift of travel at Christmas time – after all, you are giving the gift of an experience. I think we all enjoyed discovering of our home country over the last two years, but we know there is lots more to explore. I’m sure anyone would love to receive a hotel voucher under the tree this Christmas – myself included.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Sarah Slattery – Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert)


However, it is not always easy knowing which hotel to choose. That’s what I love about Select Hotels of Ireland – when you purchase one of their gift vouchers, you can choose to stay in ANY of their hotels in Ireland. You have the choice of giving a cash vouchers from as little as €50, or their popular Christmas gift boxes.

Actons Hotel, one of the hotels available with staycation vouchers from Select Hotels of Ireland

Select Hotels of Ireland Christmas gift boxes are a great way to support small Irish businesses. They include a Select Hotel gift voucher ( you can select the amount of your choice from €100 to €500), as well as four handmade Irish gifts.. This has proven to be a huge success over the last few years, with Christmas gift boxes selling out in record time. 

Christmas gift boxes from Select Hotels of Ireland

All Select Hotels of Ireland Gift Boxes include:

 

    • A beautiful scented candle from A&S Aromas in Sligo. These candles are hand poured using 100% soy wax and high quality fragrances. 

 

    • A Christmas tree bauble from The Irish Handmade Glass Company in Waterford. This bauble is mouth blown and hand cut, and the use of colour and cutting makes every piece unique.

 

    • Two delicious chocolate swirl sticks from Chez Emily, who combine the freshest local ingredients with the highest quality Belgian chocolate in their hand-made chocolates.

 

    • A red robin Christmas Mug from Shannonbridge Pottery. Their designs are in collaboration with both local and international artists who come up with original artworks.

 

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Gift boxes are delivered by courier to your chosen address within 3-5 working days, and postage and packaging on the Island of Ireland is included! 

 

Buy here

 

 

Cash gift vouchers

If you prefer to give a cash gift voucher instead, they are available from €50 to €1000, and may be used as payment, or part payment, or for a stay, or meal, in any of Select Hotels of Ireland.

staycation gift voucher

You can choose an eVoucher for instant delivery, or postal voucher delivered in a beautifully presented gift folder along with a copy of the Select Hotels of Ireland hotel directory. Cash gift vouchers are valid for 5 years from date of issue. 

Buy here
 

 

 
So, go on, give the gift of a staycation. Gift vouchers from Select Hotels of Ireland are a gift that anyone would be delighted to find under the tree this Christmas! This post was sponsored by Select Hotels of Ireland, but all views, as always, are my own.

 

Travel

10 Brilliant Getaways For Under €200 With Flights & 4 Star Hotels Included.

city break

Spoil your nearest and dearest with the prospect of adventure this Christmas. Here are ten Christmas holiday gifts for less than €200 per person. All prices include flights and 4-Star accommodation!

 

1. Rome

Dates: 06.02.2019 – 09.02.2019

Price: €188pp

As Robert de Niro famously once said; “Italy has changed, but Rome is Rome!” This city has a timeless beauty that will never fade. Experience it for the bargain price of €188pp in a four star centrally located hotel.

Book your Holiday

Christmas Holiday Gifts - Rome

 

2. Porto

Dates: 25.01.2019 – 28.01.2018

Price: €181pp

Porto would always be high on the list of recommendations for a fabulous city break. Read The Travel Expert’s blog about her previous trip to Porto here. Enjoy a three night stay in January in the highly rated House Ribeira Porto Hotel for only €181 per person.

Book your Holiday

Christmas Holiday Gifts - Porto

3. Algarve

Dates: 03.04.2019 – 10.04.2019

Price: €182pp

Give yourself an early sense of summer with a springtime trip to the Algarve. Fly from Dublin on the 03rd of April and enjoy a one week stay in the highly rated Agua Hotels Riverside, Lagoa for only  €182 per person.

Book your Holiday

Christmas Holiday Gifts - Algarve

 

4. Madrid

Dates: 02.03.2019 – 05.03.2019

Price: €159pp

A city break to Madrid is a fantastic Christmas gift! Girls will love the shopping on the Gran Via while the lads can take the tour of Real Madrid’s stadium!  Fly from Dublin on the 2nd of March and enjoy a three night stay in the well located 4*  Sercotel Álcala 611 for only €153pp.

Book your Holiday

Christmas Holiday Gifts - Madrid

5. Marrakech

Dates: 10.03.2019 – 14.03.2019

Price: €195pp

Marrakech is a feast for the senses and should be on everyone’s bucket list.  Fly from Dublin on the 10th of March and spend four nights in a highly rated 4* Ayoub Hotel & Spa for only €195 per person.

Book your Holiday

Christmas Holiday Gifts - Marrakech

 

6. Prague

Dates: 03.02.2019 – 06.02.2019

Price: €149pp

Treat your loved one to a romantic getaway in Prague. Stay at the 4* Salvator Boutique Hotel, for three nights, for only €149 per person, departing the 3rd of February.

Book your Holiday

Christmas Holiday Gifts - Prague

 

7. Athens

Dates: 30.01.2019 – 03.02.2019

Price: €143pp

Culture vultures will love Athens. The combination of the ancient Acropolis and the modern new town makes Athens is a great city break destination. This deal is superb! Stay four nights in the four star Athens Lotus Hotel for only €143 departing Wednesday the 30th of January.

Book your Holiday

Christmas Holiday Gifts - Athens

 

8. Lisbon

Dates: 09.03.2019 – 12.03.2019

Price: 159pp

Spend a weekend in one of Europe’s favourite city break destinations, Lisbon. Enjoy a three night stay in a four star hotel for only €159, departing the 9th of March. #LoveLisbon

Book your Holiday


Christmas Holiday Gifts - Lisbon

9. Paris

Dates: 01.03.2019 – 04.03.2019

Price: 179pp

Treat your loved one to a romantic three night break in Paris next Spring.  The price of €179 includes flights and a three night stay at a highly rated four star hotel.

Book your Holiday

Christmas Holiday Gifts - Paris

10. Zadar

Dates: 18.10.2019 – 21.10.2019

Price: €181pp

Go somewhere new in 2019 and travel to Zadar in Croatia. Enjoy a three night stay in the 4* Apartments Villa Karla  from €181, departing the 18th of October.

Book your Holiday

Christmas Holiday Gifts - Zadar

 

 

All prices are correct at time of issue but are subject to change.

Please note that these links are affiliate links where we receive a small commission if a booking is made.

 

Martin McKenna – The Travel Expert Team

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Travel

Amazing Christmas Shopping Offers via the Avios eStore!

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Shopping online this Christmas?  Make sure you shop via the AerClub eStore and collect Avios while you shop!

 

Christmas shopping from the comfort of your own home, there is nothing like it! No trouble getting parking, no battling through crowds and no queuing to pay! I am already a big fan of shopping via the AerClub eStore so when I see bonus Avios promotions, I’m in heaven! My kids are lego fanatics so I was thrilled to hear that the online Lego Store are giving 10 Avios for every €1 spent! Not only were the prices cheaper than what I was paying in Smyths, but I got over 1000 Avios when I spent €100 online! I also picked up some books from Eason, they are giving 7 Avios for every €1 spent and to get 4 Avios for every euro spent at Apple – well it doesn’t get much better than that!  The AerClub eStore offers are not limited to Irish online stores, you can also collect bonus Avios with popular fashion stores like Pretty Little Thing and Topshop and beauty store Lookfantastic.

Once you are logged into the AerClub eStore you can click through to your favourite retailers and shop online in the usual way at no extra cost, but your purchases will be tracked, and your Avios account will be topped up with points! It really is that simple – you shop in exactly the same way as you would normally shop online but the online shops will see that you came to their website via the AerClub estore. You can also see the stores you have clicked on in  your history so you know your transaction is being tracked. Click here for the full list of all participating stores.

avios estore

For those of you who have been following me on my journey, I am delighted to say that I have already accumulated over 60,000 Avios, and most of these were collected by shopping. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not spending a fortune shopping, I’m just clever with my purchases. To give you an example I have highlighted some special offers below, to show you just how easy it is to accumulate points by shopping at the AerClub eStore. For anyone who is not familiar with Avios, read my first post about how to get flights and upgrades with Avios points.

avios estore

 

Marks & Spencer: 4 Avios for every €1 spent.

With 3 for 2 on Christmas gifts and decorations as well great value in clothing, there is always something to be bought in M&S. If you spend €100 that gives you 600 Avios points. Shop here.

avios estore

 

 

 

 

 

Eason: 7 Avios for every €1 spent.

The latest blockbusters, toys, games, or stationary, everyone makes a trip to Eason before Christmas. Do it online instead and collect 7 Avios for every €1 spent until the 19th of December.  Shop here:

 

 

 

Lookfantastic: 14 Avios for every €1 spent.

Lookfantastic are offeri . Shop here.

Avios estore

Expedia: 7 Avios for every €1 spent.

Planning a post Christmas break or a Summer holiday? You can massively increase your Avios balance with accommodation or holiday purchases. A hotel break for €500 will give you 3,500 Avios or a €2000 family holiday will give you 14,000 Avios. Shop here.

double avios points

 

Adidas: 10 Avios for every €1 spent, Nike 7 Avios for every €1 spent.

Kids football boots, Superstar runners or the latest gym gear, there is something in the Adidas and Nike stores to suit everyone. With 10 Avios for every €1 you spend, a new pair of Superstar runners will give you 1000 Avios points. Shop here.

double avios points

 

Groupon: 7 Avios for every €1 spent

Groupon has every time of Christmas gift imaginable. From restaurant vouchers to teeth whitening deals, short breaks to mobile phones, Groupon is your one stop daily deals website. Collect 700 Avios for every €100 spent on top of their already discounted prices.  Shop here

avios estore

 

Lego: 10 Avios for every £1 spent.

I know too well how expensive Lego can be as I have a 10 year old who is obsessed with it! Thankfully I can accumulate Avios points while making my purchases, and the offical Lego store has the widest range of lego available. Collect 1000 Avios for every €100 spent until the 23rd of December. Shop here.

avios estore

 

  Pretty Little Thing: 5 Avios, for every €1 spent.

Looking to get something new for Christmas? Get the latest winter looks from the UK’s biggest online fashion stores and collect Avios points at the same time. Shop here.

double avios points

 

Apple: 4 Avios for every €1 spent.

Fancy a new phone, iMac or apple watch for Christmas? Perhaps you are thinking of treating the kids to new iPads? Apple are giving a staggering 4 Avios for every €1 spent, so if you splash out on a new iPad Pro before the 16th of December and you will accumulate over  2500 Avios! Shop here.

double avios points

 

Looking to sign up?

If you are already an AerClub  member, your existing log in and password will suffice. Collect Avios points by logging on to the AerClub estore and shop in the usual way. For those who have not yet joined, you can join here. Why not download the free Avios app too, it will allow you book flights on the go, check your Avios balance and find out where to collect.

Note: certain exclusions apply to each stores, see individual retail pages within the Avios eStore for details. This post was sponsored by Avios, but all views, as always, are my own.

 

Click here to shop the eStore

 

Sarah

The Travel Expert

 

 

 

Travel

My Top Short Breaks With Flights & 4 Star Hotels, €199 or Less!

city break

I give 10 top short breaks for less than €200!  All prices include flights and highly rated, 4 star accommodation!

 

1. Rome – 3rd March, 3 Nights, €199

One of my best sellers this year, this weekend deal to Rome is sure to impress! Fly from Dublin on the 3rd of March and spend three nights in a superb 4 star hotel for only €199 per person.

Click here for more details:

christmas gift ideas

 

2. Porto – 11th May, 3 Nights, €195

I’m just back from a fantastic weekend in Porto, a city I would highly recommend for a weekend break. Read my blog here. Enjoy a three night, four star stay on Friday the 11th of May, for only €195 per person.

Click here t0 book flights: €75 pp

Click here to book accommodation: €120 pp

christmas gift ideas

 

Travalue

 

 

3. Algarve – 16th May, 4 Nights, €199

Kickstart your Summer with a four night break to the Algarve. Fly from Dublin on the 16th of May and enjoy a four night stay in the highly rated Solaqua apartments, Albufeira, for only €199 per person.

Click here to book flights to Faro: €101 pp

Click here to book apartment: €98 pp

christmas gift ideas

 

 

4. Madrid – 9th June, 2 Nights, €183

A city break to Madrid is always a good idea! Fly from Dublin on the 9th of June and enjoy a two night stay in the highly rated 4*  Claridge Hotel for only €183pp. I have chosen the early flight out on Friday morning and the late flight back on Sunday evening so you really get 3 full days to explore this wonderful city.

Click here to book flights €85 pp

Click here to book hotel: €98 pp

christmas gift ideas

 

Multitrip.com

 

5. Marrakech – 21st June, 3 Nights, €185

Marrakech is a feast for the senses and should be on everyone’s bucket list. Fly from Dublin on the 21st of June and spend three nights in a highly rated 4* Riad, in the heart of Marrakech, for only €185 per person.

Click here to book flights: €90 pp

Click here to book hotel: €95 pp


christmas gift ideas

 

6. Prague –  20th January, 3 Nights, €188!

Beat the January blues by treating yourself to this bargain weekend in Prague. Stay at the highly rated 4* Theatrino Hotel, for three nights with breakfast, for only €188 per person, departing the 20th of January.

Click here to book flights: €111 pp

Click here to book hotel: €77 pp

christmas gift ideas

 

 

7. Athens – 4th May, 2 Nights, €199

Culture vultures will love Athens. The combination of the ancient Acropolis and the modern new town makes Athens is a great city break destination.  Stay two nights in the four star Art hotel for only €199 departing Friday the 4th of May.

Click here for more details:

christmas gift ideas

 

8. Lisbon – 27th January, 3 Nights, 5* Hotel, €191

Spend a weekend in one of Europe’s favourite city break destinations, Lisbon. Enjoy a three night stay in a five star hotel for only €191 including breakfast, departing the 27th of January. #LoveLisbon

Click here for more details:


CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FROM THE TRAVEL EXPERT

 

 

9. Valentines Day in Paris – 2 Nights, €176

Treat your loved one to a two night break in Paris for Valentine’s Day. Price of €176 includes flights and a two night stay at a highly rated four star hotel.

Click here for more details:

christmas gift ideas

 

10. Zadar – 11th May, 3 Nights, €194

Go somewhere new in 2018 and travel to Zadar in Croatia. Enjoy a three night stay in the highly rated 4* Villa Vanilla  from €194, departing the 11th May.

Click here to book flights: €111 pp

Click here to book apartment: €83 pp

Christmas gift ideas

 

Now that you have read my top 10 short breaks, the only problem is which one will you choose?

All prices are correct at time of issue but are subject to change. Note that some of the links above contain affiliate links where I receive a small commission if a booking is made.

 

Sarah

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Christmas Gift ideas: 10 Four Star Christmas Breaks for less than €200!

christmas

Give the gift of travel this Christmas. I give you 10 holidays for less than €200!  All prices include flights and accommodation  🙂

 

1. Rome

One of my best sellers this year, this weekend deal to Rome is sure to impress this Christmas! Fly from Dublin on the 3rd of March and spend three nights in a superb 4 star hotel for only €199 per person.

Click here for more details:

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FROM THE TRAVEL EXPERT

 

2. Porto

I’m just back from a fantastic weekend in Porto, a city I would highly recommend for a weekend break. Read my blog here. Enjoy a three night, four star stay on the 11th of May for only €195 per person.

Click here t0 book flights: €75 pp

Click here to book accommodation: €120pp

 

3. Algarve

Kickstart your Summer with a four night break to the Algarve. Fly from Dublin on the 16th of May and enjoy a four night stay in the highly rated Oceanus apartments, Albufeira for only  €191 per person.

Click here to book flights: €102pp

Click here to book apartment: €89pp

christmas gift ideas


4. Madrid

A city break to Madrid is a fantastic Christmas gift! Girls will love the shopping on the Gran Via while the lads can take the tour of Real Madrid’s stadium!  Fly from Dublin on the 9th of June and enjoy a two night stay in the centrally located 4*  Claridge Hotel for only €183pp. I have chosen the early flight out on Friday morning and the late flight back on Sunday evening so you really get 3 full days to explore this wonderful city.

Click here to book flights €85pp

Click here to book hotel: €98pp

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FROM THE TRAVEL EXPERT

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5. Marrakech

Marrakech is a feast for the senses and should be on everyone’s bucket list.  Fly from Dublin on the 21st of June and spend three nights in a highly rated 4* Riad, in the heart of Marrakech, for only €185 per person.

Click here to book flights: €90

Click here to book hotel: €95

weekend in marrakech

6. Prague:

Treat your loved one to a romantic weekend in Prague. Stay at the 4* Theatrino Hotel, for three nights with breakfast, for only €164 per person, departing the 20th of January.

Click here for more details:

Sarah Slattery, The Travel Expert talks about Prague

 

7. Athens

Culture vultures will love Athens. The combination of the ancient Acropolis and the modern new town makes Athens is a great city break destination. This deal is superb! Stay two nights in the four star Art hotel for only €199 departing Friday the 4th of May.

Click here for more details:

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FROM THE TRAVEL EXPERT

 

8. Lisbon

Spend a weekend in one of Europe’s favourite city break destinations, Lisbon. Enjoy a three night stay in a five star hotel for only €191 including breakfast, departing the 27th of January. #LoveLisbon

Click here for more details:


CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FROM THE TRAVEL EXPERT

 

9. Valentines Day in Paris

Treat your loved one to a two night break in Paris for Valentine’s Day.  Price of €176 includes flights and a two night stay at a highly rated four star hotel.

Click here for more details:

 

10. Zadar

Go somewhere new in 2018 and travel to Zadar in Croatia. Enjoy a three night stay in the 4* Villa Vanilla  from €188, departing the 11th May.

Click here for more details:

Christmas gift ideas

 

All prices are correct at time of issue but are subject to change.

 

Sarah

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Travel

Prague Weekend Break, Flights & 3 Nights, 4* Hotel, 13th May €297!

prague-162550_1280 (1)

It is hard not to fall in love with Prague. Not only is it visually stunning but with extraordinary cultural sights and great night life, it is not surprising that it is one of Ireland’s top city break destinations.

Often compared to Paris in terms of beauty, Prague has architectural masterpieces untouched by war or natural disasters.  This is a rarity these days and walking around the city you cant help but admire your surroundings. Wenceslas Square is the main gathering point, full of designer shops, cafes and bars, it’s always buzzing with a great atmosphere. The medieval Charles Bridge connects the old town to the impressive Castle and is filled with artists selling paintings and caricatures. I love the fact that Prague is so compact and easy to navigate. Unlike many large European cities you will get to tick the main tourist attractions off your list and by the end of your stay you will feel like you really know the city. There is plenty of bold to go with the beautiful – it has some of the best nightlife you are likely to find in any European city. And lets not forget the beer – some would say Prague has the best beer in the world, well it’s worth investigating anyway!

Sarah Slattery, The Travel Expert talks about Prague

I found a great deal staying in the superb The Lindner Hotel Prague Castle. This Hotel receives excellent reviews on tripadvisor and was awarded a certificate of excellence. It is situated close to Prague Castle and with easy access to all of Prague’s other main attractions. Fly from Dublin to Prague on the 13th of May and spend three nights in this great city for only €297 per person.

Click here to book flights: €124pp

Click here to book hotel: €173pp

 

 

Prices are correct at time of issue but are subject to availability.

 

Sarah

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