I have teamed up with Click&Go, to bring you six, four star summer city breaks in July and August for less than €299! Which one will you choose?

Sometimes a few days leave is all we have, but sometimes a few days away is all we need, to forget about work and let the hair down. No need to worry about pool games and kids clubs, think nice food, wine and some sightseeing instead. I have six summer city breaks for you, all staying in recommended four star hotels in some of Europe’s top cities. The dates can be changed to suit you so if you want to stay longer or shorter, or travel at a different time to what I have listed, just check the Click&Go website, or call one of their dedicated sales staff on 01-5397777, and they will be able to help you.

Madrid, 10th July, Flights & 4 Star hotel, 3 Nights, €249!

Madrid is the perfect option for those who want a sun holiday with some culture thrown in. Take a guided tour of the Royal Palace, enjoy a coffee on the Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s main square; and sample some of the amazing tapas bars and restaurants that the city is renowned for. Football fans will enjoy a tour of Real Madrid’s Bernabeu while fashionistas will shop till they drop on the Gran Via. Fly from Dublin on the 11th of July and spend three nights at the popular Chamartin hotel for only €259 per person.

Click here for more details:

Amsterdam, 25th July, Flights & 4 Star Hotel, 2 Nights, €285!

With airlines adding more direct flights to Amsterdam, there has never been a better time to visit. This ‘arty’ city is on trend at the moment with many opting to take a cycling trip along it’s famous canals. Amsterdam is full of culture and life. It is easy to navigate and is a great short break destination. Take a quick trip on the 25th of July for two nights and enjoy a four star stay at the modern Arena Hotel for only €293. Fly out early in the morning and come back late at night so you have three full days to explore his great city!

Click here for more details:

Prague, 30th July, Flights & 4 Star Hotel, 3 Nights €275

Prague must rival Paris for the title of Europe’s most ‘beautiful’ city. Wenceslas Square, medieval Charles Bridge and Prague Castle are just some of the architectural masterpieces. This compact city is one where you can see the most of the highlights in your three night break. If nightlife is what you seek, you will be hard pushed to find anywhere better, with the world’s best beer to go with it! Fly from Dublin on the 30th of July and stay in the highly rated Ametyst boutique hotel. This hotel is centrally located, within walking distance to Wensceslas Square and includes breakfast each day!

Click here for more details:

Berlin, 30th July, Flights & 4 Star Hotel, 3 Nights, €283!

The trendy city of Berlin is a great city break destination, I visited last year and loved it. There is history on every corner with some great night life too! Visit the Brandenburg gate, the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie. If museums are your thing, there are 175 of them! For more info on what to do, read my Berlin blog.  You will be staying at the highly rated 4* Ivbergs Premium Hotel which is close to the famous KaDeWe shopping centre and the Kurfürstendamm, Berlin’s equivalent to the Champs-Élysées.

Click here for more details:

Paris, 18th August, Flights & 4 Star Hotel, 2 Nights, €272!

Forget Paris in the Spring, choose Paris in the Summer instead!  The bright sunny weather makes the iconic architecture and the the seasonal blooms a pleasure to witness. Stroll around the artistic village of Montmartre,  cruise on the river Seine at sunset, or take a day trip to the Gardens of Versailles. There are so many things to do in Paris, but some are best seen during the summer! Fly with Aer Lingus to Paris on Friday the 18th of August and stay at the highly rated Best Western Premier 61 Paris Nation for two nights, for only €242. The flight departs early in the morning and returns late in the evening so you  have three days to explore this beautiful city.

Click here for more details:

Lisbon, 28th August, 3 Nights, Flights & 4* Hotel, €292!

This combination of the stunning coastline and colourful buildings makes Lisbon the perfect summer city break. Hop on one of the old trams and visit the Castelo de Sao Jorge or take the 20 minute train ride to Cascais, one the the areas prettiest holidays resorts. For a full day trip, visit the magical town of Sintra. Fly with Aer Lingus on the 28th of August and enjoy three nights at the highly rated 4* Turim Europa Hotel for only €292 per person.

Click here for more details:

There are some amazing offers on 5 star luxury cruises in June, July or August. I had to read them a few times to see was I missing something – the prices are that good!

Three iconic cruise ships, the same impeccable service. Cruising with Cunard is classic, sophisticated and elegant. Expect daily white gloved afternoon tea, glamorous black tie events and unforgettable experiences. There are numerous dining options to choose from, world class entertainment as well as some traditional activities such as deck games, fencing and salsa dance classes. You will also find famous speakers giving informative presentations, another notable difference on Cunard cruises.

Click&Go have incredible offers on all three Cunard ships in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Choose a Greek Islands, Croatia and Italy cruise or a Western Mediterranean cruise taking in Barcelona, Monte Carlo and Rome. If you fancy Northern Europe, choose from a Norwegian fjords cruise or the Baltic Capitals. If you want a longer break there are also great deals on 9, 12 and 14 night cruises. What ever you choose you can enjoy 5 star luxury cruises in June, July or August from €1199, including flights from Dublin. I have listed two of my favourites below, but for details on all of their latest offers, click here.

Queen Victoria – Flights & 7 Night Greek Isles cruise, 14th July €1199!

Following upgrades to staterooms, the bar areas, sun deck and the new Britannia Club, you will cruise on a ship fit for a Queen. Enjoy a glass of bubbly at the Veuve Clicquot Champagne bar or enjoy the panoramic views in the Hemisphere lounge. Complete with a glass-domed roof this is also the venue for the resident DJ and contemporary nightclub. Practice your swing with the golf nets on deck, enjoy a game of tennis, fitness classes or relax in one of the swimming pools or the Royal Spa.

Fly from Dublin to Athens on the 15th of July and board the Queen Victoria for your seven day luxury cruise around the Greek Islands. Visit the captivating islands of Mykonos, Rhodes and Crete as well as Saranda on the Albanian Riviera, before returning to Athens for your return flight home. Price of €1199 is based on an interior stateroom but you can upgrade to a balcony for an additional €200!

Click here for more details: or Call 01-5397713

Queen Mary 2 – Flights & 8 Night Norwegian Fjords cruise, 21st August €1299

Imagine cruising around the Norwegian Fjords on the iconic Queen Mary 2! Audrey Hepburn, Clarke Gable and even President George Bush have all cruised on this luxury liner. Now you can too…Cunard’s flagship cruiseliner the Queen Mary 2 has been remastered with a staggering £90 million makeover. She has all the glitz and glamour associated with luxury cruising but now with added contemporary styling. You will find the best wine cellar at sea and the largest library as well as a full scale planetarium. Of course if you just want to relax, there are five pools and a luxury spa.

Fly from Dublin to Hamburg on the 21st of August and cruise to the Norwegian Fjords on an eight night luxury cruise.  Visit Bergen, Aselund, Olden, Flaam and Stavanger before returning to Hamburg for your return flight home.

Click here for more details: or Call 01-5397713 – Open 7 days a week!

I have had many emails and messages from people asking me for a post on holidays for families with 2 adults and 3 children, so I teamed up with ClickandGo.com and searched their website to bring you my top 10!

All prices include flights, accommodation and transfers with a maximum deposit of €50 per person.  Holidays are priced from Dublin but in many cases they can be changed to fly from Cork or Shannon.

Algarve – 20th July, €2596

Albufeira is an ideal choice for a family holiday in the Algarve. The combination of the old and new town and its stunning beaches make it a firm favourite with Irish holidaymakers. Stay in the 4* Clube Albufeira Resort which is highly rated on tripadvisor and has plenty of large apartments set in spacious grounds. There are four swimming pools as well as tennis courts and mini golf on site. Fly from Dublin on the 20th of July and spend seven nights in a 3 bedroom apartment for only €2596. Price will show €2765 but when you input my promo code TRAVELEXP10 you will see the total changes to €2596!

Click here for more details

Majorca – 26th July, €2574

The Nova apartments in Palma Nova are ranked number one on tripadvisor and are one of the most sought after apartments in Majorca. Situated across the road from the beach and with excellent facilities, they are an ideal choice for families who like to be in the heart of the resort.  There is an entertainment program for adults and children as well as a kids club on site. Fly from Dublin on the 26th of July and enjoy a seven night stay in a one bedroom apartment for only €2575. Price will show €2750 but when you input my promo code TRAVELEXP10 you will see the total changes to €2574!

Click here for more details:

Marbella – 12th July, €3244

Marbella is another favourite with Irish holiday makers and the 4 star Sultan Club will not disappoint. Highly rated on tripadvisor and awarded a certificate of excellence, the Sultan Club is a excellent value for a family holiday in such an upmarket resort. They are ideally situated only a few minutes walk to the beach and a fifteen minute stroll to the old town of Marbella. Fly from Dublin on the 12th of July and enjoy a seven night stay in a two bedroom apartment for only €3244. Price will show €3477 but when you input my promo code TRAVELEXP10 you will see the total changes to €3244!

Click here for more details:

Salou – 19th July, €2181

The opening of Ferrari Land at Port Aventura World in April has made Salou one of the top family destinations for 2017.  Salou is close to theme parks, water parks and Barcelona, so its a great choice for families looking for an action packed holiday. You will be staying at the popular Cye Holiday Centre, which is situated in the heart of the resort. Highly rated on tripadvisor and with a host of facilities for kids on site, this is a great choice for a lively family holiday. Fly from Dublin on the 19th of July and enjoy a seven night stay in a one bedroom apartment for only €2181. Price will show €2314 but when you input my promo code TRAVELEXP10 you will see the total changes to €2181!

Click here for more details:

Lanzarote – 25th July, €2478

The 2 bedroom Casas del Sol bungalows in Lanzarote’s fashionable resort of Playa Blanca, are exceptional value.  Centrally located in the resort and close to the beach, they are ideally suited to families who are looking for a relaxing holiday. There is no entertainment or kids club on site but there is a swimming pool, tennis courts and spacious grounds. Fly from Dublin on the 25th of July and enjoy a seven night stay in a 2 bedroom apartment for only €2478. Price will show €2577 but when you input my promo code TRAVELEXP10 you will see the total changes to €2478!

Click here for more details:

Crete – 31st July, €3086

Fancy trying somewhere different, mixing a beach holiday with some culture? Crete might just be the place. The Georgioulpolis beach hotel is very highly rated on tripadvisor and was awarded a certificate of excellence. It is situated right beside the beach and very close to the pretty town centre. The resort lies midway between the cosmopolitan towns of Chania and Rethymnon which are steeped in culture and history. This is a great choice for families looking for a more authentic holiday experience, without high rise blocks and disco bars. Fly from Dublin on the 31st of July and enjoy a seven night stay in a 2 bedroom apartment for only €3086 including breakfast. Price will show €3265 but when you input my promo code TRAVELEXP10 you will see the total changes to €3086!

Click here for more details:

Gran Canaria – 12th July, €2648

Playa del Ingles is Gran Canaria’s largest resort. With miles of sandy beaches and a host of bars and restaurants, this is also one of Gran Canaria’s liveliest resorts. The four star Barbacan Sol however is somewhat of an oasis within the resort. Although centrally located, these large bunglows manage to attract mostly families. Highly rated on tripadvisor with excellent onsite facilities, including three swimming pools, extensive entertainment program, free WiFi, mini golf, tennis and a children’s club, they are a great choice for families looking for high quality accommodation in a lively resort. Fly from Dublin on the 12th of July and enjoy a seven night stay in a 2 bedroom bungalow for only €2648. Price will show €2770 but when you input my promo code TRAVELEXP10 you will see the total changes to €2648!

Click here for more details:

Malta – 18th July, €2875

Situated in Qawra and close to the lively resort of Bugibba, the Sunny Coast Resort is ideal for families who are looking for a change from Spain and Portugal but still want access to a typical holiday resort with plenty of bars and restaurants. Situated beside the beach these spacious apartments are one of the most popular in the area for larger families. Fly from Dublin on the 18th of July and enjoy a seven night stay in a 2 bedroom apartment for only €2875. Price will show €3066 but when you input my promo code TRAVELEXP10 you will see the total changes to €2875!

Click here for more details:

Fuerteventura – 11th July, €2810

For a relaxing family holiday with some of Europe’s best beaches, look no further than Fuerteventura. The Maxorata beach apartments are ideally located in a quiet area yet only 10 minutes walk to the centre of Correlejo, where you will find a large selection of shops, bars and restaurants. They are situated only five minutes walk to the beach and within walking distance of the National Park where the islands’ famous sand dunes are located. Fly from Dublin on the 11th of July and enjoy a seven night stay in a family suite for only €2810. Price will show €2892 but when you input my promo code TRAVELEXP10 you will see the total changes to €2810!

Click here for more details:

Tenerife – 17th July, €2850

Tenerife has had a resurgence of late. There are luxury hotels opening constantly, including the new Hard Rock Hotel, only the second one of its kind in Europe. It is also home to one of the world’s best waterparks – Siam Park. Stay at the popular Aguamar apartments in Los Cristianos. Highly rated on tripadvisor, it is ideally located in the heart of  Los Cristianos and also close to the neighbouring resorts of Playa de las Americas and Costa Adeje. Fly from Dublin on the 17th of July and enjoy a seven night stay in a 2 bedroom apartment for only €2850. Price will show €3009 but when you input my promo code TRAVELEXP10 you will see the total changes to €2850!

Click here for more details:

All prices include flights, accommodation and transfers with a maximum deposit of €50 per person.  Holidays are priced from Dublin but in many cases they can be changed to fly from Cork or Shannon. Search the website or call the dedicated sales team on 01-539 7716.  All prices are correct at time of issue but are subject to change. This post was sponsored by ClickandGo.com but all views, as always, are my own 🙂

01 5397716

Sarah

Trying to book a holiday and wondering what websites to use? Think you don’t need travel insurance ? Wonder how to get the best value when checking in luggage? Check out my top tips for booking holidays as seen on TV3’s Sunday AM.

1. Compare like with like

Regardless of whether we book holidays online or go to a travel agent, most of us will at least do our research and search prices online. It is important when we do this that we compare like with like. Package holidays with tour operators like TUI or Sunway include transfers and checked baggage and rarely have any hidden extras. If you book flights and hotels separately you will always have to add on transfers, baggage and sometimes hotel taxes too.  Make sure the deal you think you are getting really is as good as it looks.

2. Ensure the company you are booking with is licensed and bonded.

If you do decide to book online, make sure the company is bonded and licensed with the Commission for Aviation Regulation. ALL travel agents require a license and bond to trade, a website selling accommodation only, doesn’t. I know this might seem crazy but its true! We only have to recall the nightmare last summer when 15,000 Irish people were stranded when low cost holidays went bust.

3. Read the small print.

If something looks to good to be true, then it usually is. If you see flights to the States for €199 its probably via two or even three different airports and may take you a day to get there. Always check the duration of the flight so you will instantly know if there are stops involved. The stopovers are often hidden in the small print at the end of the booking.  Similarly with hotel rooms, if it states non refundable, they mean that. You will often see a hotel room cheaper on one website than an other but usually it is because the rate is non refundable. You will have to pay in full at the time of booking and under no circumstance will you be allowed change or cancel the room.

4. Get Travel Insurance

No one imagines that the horror story they have read about in the papers, could happen to them – it can! The E111 form only covers you in a public hospital, it will not cover an air ambulance ( average cost €50K) or if you have to curtail your holiday and fly home to a sick family member. You will need insurance. Likewise holiday disruption due to flight cancellations or ash cloud are only covered with travel insurance. Multitrip.com have annual policies from €15.95 so you really have no excuse…

5. Invest in lightweight luggage.

Invest in the lightest checked and hand luggage you can find. And buy hand luggage for all the family. Kids love to wheel their own case and if you buy good lightweight cases it will save you a fortune in the long run on baggage charges. Check the hand luggage allowance as some charter airlines only allow 7kg. Remember if travelling with children, Aer Lingus and Ryanair give half price checked baggage for kids but this is only available at the time of booking. If you wait to add on baggage later you will pay the full price.

6. Check passport and visa requirements.

It may seem obvious to check your passport, but some countries require that it is valid for 6 months after your stay, so make sure you double check this. There is a handy passport reminder service on the website where you put in the date your passport is due to expire and you receive a reminder 6 months before the expiry date, by email. Apply for your passport early. The so called ‘2 week passport express’ is only a guideline and in many cases it can take up to 6 weeks in peak season. If travelling to the USA you need to ensure you have filled out an ESTA online and if travelling to Canada an ETA is required. If unsure about visa requirements always check with visafirst, they have an office in Stephens Green and are contactable via phone or email.

7. Check out these travel websites.

To search for airfares & hotel separately:

Skyscanner combine all airlines in their searches. Although Aer Lingus and Ryanair are the main carriers to Europe there are many airlines flying to European and worldwide routes that you may not be aware of.  SAS and Norwegian fly to Copenhagen as well as other Northern European countries. Vueling fly to Barcelona and Iberia Express fly to Madrid, these carriers are often much cheaper than Ryanair or Aer Lingus. Check flying outbound with one airline and flying home with another, this might save you money and sometimes flight times might be more suitable too. If looking for the best value on hotels, Trivago and tripadvisor are aggregators and will search numerous hotel sites to bring you back the lowest prices.

To search for package deals:

Sunway and TUI offer great package deals which include flights, accommodation, transfers and checked baggage.  Loveholidays.ie are relatively new in Ireland but their searches are excellent. You can search by temperature, by slides in the pool, even disabled facilities.

To search for weather:

Wunderground, this has a historical weather tab so you can see what the weather was like at the same time last year, or for a few years. Loveholidays.ie have a temperature bar so you can drag the temperature up to 25 degrees and avoid pages of holidays to the Algarve in December.

8. Call a travel agent.

In many cases they will find lower prices for you. Even if they can only match the price you already have, at least you will have an expert at the other end of the phone in case of an emergency. Remember, many websites don’t offer the same service.

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

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Take the kids on a family holiday to the Algarve. Check out this super deal to the popular Eirasol apartments for only €1547 in July.

Spend time on some of Europe’s best beaches, explore the old towns or enjoy the cosmopolitan marinas – the Algarve ticks all boxes. Take the kids to one of the many waterparks or explore the fantastic Zoomarine, complete with animal shows and a splash park. I have chosen the resort of Albufeira, which is one of the most popular resorts on the Algarve.  The old town is full of character with pedestrianised streets packed with al fresco bars and local restaurants. The new town has many modern bars, shops and restaurants, Albufeira offers something for everyone. There are long sandy beaches between both towns and plenty of options to chill out and relax or enjoy the Atlantic surf.

You will be staying at the popular Eirasol apartments which are within easy reach of all that Albufeira has to offer. Highly rated on tripadvisor and awarded a certificate of excellence, this is amazing value for a last minute break away. Fly from Dublin on the 20th of July and enjoy a seven night stay for €1547 based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing.

Click here for more details:

Sarah

A massive thanks to everyone who liked, commented or shared my page, I am genuinely overwhelmed to have reached 20,000 likes on Facebook in such a short space of time! I thought it was time I gave back some of the love ❤

To celebrate reaching 20,000 likes my good friends in ClickandGo.com very kindly gave me a three night city break for two people to one of these cities – Prague, Berlin, Budapest or Krakow! Prize includes flights and accommodation in a city centre hotel for three nights – and you can choose the city!

Fancy seeing St Petersburg, Berlin, Helsinki, Tallin or Copenhagen? Always wanted to cruise the Norwegian Fjords? Well now you can!

These amazing cruises are exceptional value. Not only are flights included in the price, but for a limited time you can secure a booking with a €100 deposit.

You will be cruising on MSC Magnifica or Fantasia, the newest of their Musica Class ships. With 5 restaurants and 12 bars you will be spoilt for choice with dining options. If you are feeling energetic there is a fitness centre, jogging track, 10-pin bowling, tennis and mini-golf on board. Personal trainers, dance lessons, yoga and aerobics are also available. Outdoor and indoor pools mean you can enjoy a swim whatever the weather. For anyone looking to be pampered, the award winning Aurea Spa, with Turkish bath and thalassotherapy room, will do just that! You can even have a smoothie at their juice bar afterwards!  Entertainment options include a 1200 seater theatre, 4D cinema, casino, disco as well as live music in the bar lounges. Kids, young and old can enjoy their own clubs and themed venues. Dress code is generally casual with only one formal night which is not mandatory. Still not convinced? Why not take a virtual tour of the ship by clicking here.

There are two itineraries available, one visiting the Baltic Capitals, Copenhagen, Berlin, Helsinki, Tallin and St Petersburg while the other is a cruise through the Norwegian Fjords. Imagine seeing the Norwegian Fjords from your own balcony stateroom, or strolling through Nyhavn in Copenhagen, during the summer months? Culture vultures will love the opportunity to visit St Petersburg – especially at these incredible prices.

Prices from €979 in June, €1149 in July, €1049 in August and €999 in September include flights from Dublin, a seven night full board cruise and port taxes. There is a low deposit option of €100 per person, so your only dilemma now is which cruise to choose?

Click here for more details: or call the ClickandGo.com cruise specialists, seven days a week on 01-5397713.

Christmas shopping is always a good excuse for a getaway. You can even justify the cost of the trip by the savings you make! From London to New York, check out these 5 cities for great Christmas shopping!

London

With sterling so low against the euro there has never been a better time to hit Oxford Street! John Lewis (famous for it’s amazing Christmas adds) and Selfridges are worth going for their window displays alone! Also its nice to shop in places that you don’t have here in Ireland. Almost 2km in length, Oxford Street has all the top high street stores too. Covent Garden is a must for some quirky souvenirs and trendy boutiques and of course no visit to London would be complete without a trip to Harrods and Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge!

Getting there: Flights & 2 Nights in a 4* hotel from €186 – Click here.

Rome

One of the great things about shopping in Rome is the boutiques. Unlike some of Europe’s big shopping cities, Rome isn’t full of department stores. Prada, Fendi, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace – some of the best designer shops are Italian and they are all here, on the stunning Via Condotti.  Thankfully, for most of us, Rome has lots of inexpensive shops too. The Via del Corso has most of the familiar high street stores, but don’t neglect the side streets! You will find lots of Italian shoe shops, jewellery and clothing at very reasonable prices and with different stock to what you will find at home. Many shops still close at lunchtime from 1-3 so it’s the perfect city to enjoy some nice Italian food over a leisurely lunch. Save the sight seeing for night time when Rome’s remarkable buildings are illuminated at Christmas time.

Getting there: Flights & 3 Nights in a 3* Hotel €155 – Click here 

New York

Shopping in New York is great at any time of year but Christmas time is really special. The tree at Rockefeller centre with the ice skating rink , wandering through central park in winter time and ogling at the window displays in Macys and Bloomingdales – New York is Christmas personified! Plan to spend at least a half day in Macys, check out the bargains in Chinatown and visit the designer shops on Fifth Avenue. Early risers will enjoy Century 21 early ( opens from 7.30) and the 24 hour Apple store. If you have time, take the trip to the outlets at Woodbury Common or Jersey Gardens. For more details on the best places to shop in New York, check out my blog post.

Getting there: Flights & 3 Nights 3* Hotel €758 – Click here.

Barcelona

Barcelona may not be renowned as a major shopping city but actually there are over 35,000 shops in Barcelona city! The pedestrianised Las Ramblas is one of Europe’s most iconic streets. Witnessing the street artists perform, stopping for some tapas along the way, its all part of the Barcelona shopping experience. Spanish brands like Zara, Desigual, Custo have flagship stores around Passeig de Gracia and Diagonal Mar and prices are about 20% lower than in Ireland. If you are looking for some trendy boutiques, head for the Gothic quarter, and you will find some cool tapas bars here to stop for lunch too.

Getting there: Flights & 3 Nights in a 3* Hotel €151 – Click here

Berlin

A Christmas market break seems like the perfect way to see some of Europe’s top cities while enjoying the festivities. You could choose Budapest, Prague, Krakow or Vienna, but Berlin has a staggering 50 different markets to choose from. Enjoy some mulled wine and carol singers as you shop the market stalls for hand made trinkets. Of course Berlin now rivals Paris and Rome in the shopping stakes so make sure you check out Kurfurstendamm, one of Berlin’s longest boulevards which is lined with high street stores and designer shops.

Getting there: For the latest Christmas market deals including Berlin – Click here.

Some cities are best seen in winter. Christmas decorations are everywhere, market stalls sell the perfect stocking fillers and aromas of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine waft through the crisp cold air. Of course winter time offers the best value too! Take your pick from my Christmas market breaks – all €189 or less!

Budapest

Budapest has several Christmas markets with Vörösmarty Square, being the most popular. Gerbeaud House is transformed into an enormous Advent Calendar and a new window opens daily at 5pm. Street artists perform, Santa makes an appearance and there are plenty of places to relax and take it all in. St Stephen’s Basilica, is lit up at night time and resembles a Disney like castle – it’s quite spectacular!  Most markets are open from the 27th of November to the 2nd of January but Vörösmarty Square opens from the 11th of November. Take time to visit the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue which are all UNESCO world heritage sites!

Fly from Dublin to Budapest on the 11th of December and enjoy a three night stay in the centrally located Agape apartments for only €198 per person.

Click here for more details.

Berlin

Berlin has a staggering 50 Christmas markets to choose from with some starting in early November so it’s a great choice for anyone who can’t travel in December. Winter World at Potsdamer Platz offers ice skating and tobogganing and is perfect for families.  Alexanderplatz and Charlottenburg have traditional wooden stalls and beer houses and open late November. Don’t miss the Spandau market where rock concerts every Friday and there are over 500 stalls! Try to make time to see some of Berlin’s top sights too, the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate – the list is endless. For more info on Berlin, read my blog here.

Fly from Dublin to Berlin on the 14th of December and enjoy a three night stay in the Ivbergs Hotel Charlottenburg for only €189 per person.

Click here for more details.

Krakow

The old town of Krakow has Europe’s largest market square, and is the picture postcard of Christmas markets. This enormous square is full with market stalls selling local hand crafts and hearty food, and is full of Christmas cheer. The city comes alive at night time with live bands playing in trendy basement clubs. Take time to visit the stunning Wawel castle, walk through the Jewish quarter to see Oscar Schindler’s factory and if you can bear it, visit nearby Auschwitz . Krakow’s Christmas Market is open from the 27th of November to the 23rd of December.

Fly from Dublin to Krakow on the 6th of December and enjoy a three night stay in the centrally located Leone apartments for only €199 per person.

Click here for more details:

Thinking of city break but not sure where? I’ve got you covered! Take your pick from Prague, Rome, Berlin, Budapest or Barcelona. Thats 5 cities, 4 stars, 3 nights, ALL €199 or less!

Prague – €199

One of Ireland’s most popular city break destinations and once you visit, you will understand why. Not only is it visually beautiful but it combines medieval with contemporary in the best possible way. Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, every where you turn there is an architectural masterpiece. One of its gems is that it is so compact, so you should get to see most of the city in your three day break. Once you have seen the sights make sure you check out Prague’s fantastic night life and of course their world famous beers!

Fly from Dublin to Prague on the 19th of December and enjoy a three night stay at the Atos Hotel for only €199!

Click here for more details.

Berlin – €199

One of Europe’s culture capitals, Berlin’s modern history is evident on every corner.  Take a stroll along the Berlin Wall and marvel at the murals, see the soldiers at Checkpoint Charlie and catch the sunset at the Brandenburg gate. There are a staggering 175 museums to choose from and Berlin is home to some of the best nightlife in Europe! For more tips and advice on discovering this fantastic city, check out my blog here.

Fly from Dublin to Berlin on the 13th of December and spend three nights in the 4* California am Kurfuerstendamm for only €199.

Click here for more details:

Budapest – €199

The romantic Danube splits Budapest into two cities, Buda on one side and Pest on the other – so technically you get two cities for the price of one!  The Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue are all UNESCO world heritage sites so you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to sightseeing. The famous Christmas market at Vorosmarty Square is open from the 11th of November so you can enjoy the Christmas atmosphere with mulled wine and local crafts. Prices are very reasonable in Budapest too. Not only is this deal amazing value, but you should find that you won’t need too much spending money while you are there!

Fly from Dublin to Budpest on the 13th of December and enjoy three nights in the 4* Kings Hotel from only €199!

Click here for more details

Rome – €199

The Vatican, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, need I go on?  You don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate the stunning architecture that is all over. Rome is visually stunning and will blow you away no matter how many times you visit.  In between ancient buildings and UNESCO world heritage sites you will find designer shops and trendy restaurants. Rome is magical – go see it!

Fly from Dublin to Rome on the 30th of November and spend three nights in the 4* Delle Province hotel form only  €199 per person.

Click here for more details

Barcelona – €164

Full of famous landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, but Barcelona is as much about the simple things as the world famous sights. Strolling along the Ramblas, watching the street artists and stopping off for some tapas and a glass of Rioja is pretty special too. Barcelona is buzzing. There is great shopping, great nightlife and of course great food! You can also spend a day at the beach, take a trip to Port Aventura, Europe’s largest theme park, or visit one of the world’s biggest football clubs. It’s safe to say, there is something for everyone in Barcelona.

Fly from Dublin to Barcelona on the 13th of December and enjoy a three night stay in the 4* Zenit Borrell hotel for only €188.

Click here for more details

So there you have it, 5 cities, 4 stars, 3 nights, all €169 or less! The only decision to make is which one to choose?  Please note that if the above dates don’t suit, check DEALFINDER to find the best possible prices for the dates you want to go.

Prices are correct at the time of issue but are subject to change. This post was sponsored by ClickandGo.com but all views, as always, are my own 🙂

Sarah

Leaving Cert holidays are all the rage at the moment, and now is the time to book to secure the best deal! What I LOVE about this one is that you only have to pay a €50 deposit to secure your booking!

Majorca is still the most popular destination and Santa Ponsa is a great choice of resort. There is tons of nightlife, from disco bars to high end night clubs, Santa Ponsa is buzzing in July. Drinks, clubs and eats tend to be lower priced than Magaluf. However if you want to pop in and experience a famous foam party at BCM nightclub, it’s only ten minutes by taxi.

I chose the Deya apartments which are the most sought after apartments in Santa Ponsa for 18-25 year olds. Situated in the heart of the resort, they always attract a young and lively crowd. They are only 100 metres from the beach so when you crawl out of bed in the afternoon you wont have to venture far for a sun lounger! They were recently refurbished too and facilities include a large pool, snack bar, jacuzzi and 24 hour reception. Wifi is free in all public areas too – so you will have no excuse for not calling home 😉

Fly from Dublin to Majorca on the 2nd of August and enjoy a seven night stay for only €482, based on four sharing. Price shown is €482 but when you use my exclusive discount code TRAVELEXP10  you receive 10% off, making the total cost only €449! Secure your booking now with only €50 deposit. A further €150 is due in four weeks time and the balance is due ten weeks before departure. This amazing offer also includes transfers too – so what are you waiting for?

Click here for more details:

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

Sarah

Christmas shopping in New York is on every girls bucket list and once you try it, I’m sure it will be a regular occurrence!

There are so many great stores, full of Christmas spirit and of course, great prices too 🎁. It can be a little overwhelming on your first visit and can be hard to choose the right places to go.  I wrote this post for ClickandGo.com travel blog and just had to share it! These are my favourite places for Christmas shopping in New York – I hope you will find it useful 🙂

Source: 7 Best Places for New York Christmas Shopping – ClickandGo’s Travel Blog

Sarah

Enjoy a cruise of a lifetime for a once in a lifetime price! Cruise Hong Kong and Japan with Royal Caribbean for only €1199!

It doesn’t get much better than this – this is a one time limited offer, so if you can fly off to the Far East at a moment’s notice – then do it! You won’t set sail till 5pm on the second day so you should have plenty of time to enjoy the the amazing city of Hong Kong, where culture and modern society combine. Take the cable car ride for the best view, a dragon boat ride ( just to say you did ), or shop till you drop in the markets or designer shops, FYI – there is no sales tax in Hong Kong! At night time enjoy the iconic skyline as you taste the orient’s best choice of cuisine.

Once you board Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas you will be delighted that you have some days at sea. This modern cruise ship has so much to offer including an ice skating rink, a luxury spa and a royal promenade with excellent shopping. There are also outstanding restaurants on board as well as top class west end style shows.

Your stops in Japan include the stunning island of Okinawa. The scene of one of the fiercest battles of World War II, Okinawa now offers a laid back vibe with stunning beaches. Often described as the Hawaii of the East, this is not typically Japanese. With crystal clear waters, sub-tropical jungles and a bustling city, this is bound to be one of your highlights.

You will also get the opportunity to stop at the spa town of Beppu. Home to over 2,000 hot springs, you can enjoy a bathe in one of their therapeutic mud baths.  Another highlight will be the attractive city of Hiroshima. Renowned also for the second world war atrocities, it is a vibrant city that has recovered and is now thriving.

Fly from Dublin to Hong Kong on the 17th of September and cruise Hong Kong and Japan with Royal Caribbean  for only €1,199 per person. Price includes flights, over night in Hong Kong, eight night cruise, checked baggage and taxes! Price is based on an inside stateroom, upgrade to an ocean-view from €80 or balcony from €240.

As the summer draws to a close why not grab a last minute getaway. I have city breaks in Madrid, Lisbon and Rome, and Irish breaks in Kilkee, Belfast, Enniscorthy, Enniskerry and Westport. Here are my recommendations for staycations and short breaks as discussed on RTE’s Marian Finucane Show this morning.

August break to Madrid

Late August is always a good time to get a deal and this year is no exception. Kids are ready to go back to school and those looking for a September break tend to overlook late August, when in fact, prices are much lower. ClickandGo.com have matched the low airfares with some good city breaks.

I like this deal to Madrid, it combines sightseeing, sun and shopping all in one! You can take a tour of the Royal Palace and shop till you drop on the Gran Via – one of Europe’s finest shopping streets.

Madrid is also home to Europe’s largest Penneys so there is shopping here for everyone! There is over 3,000 restaurants, so its safe to say it’s a foodie destination and there is enough bars and clubs to satisfy any night-owls. Fly with Aer Lingus and enjoy a three night stay in the four star Via Castellana hotel for only €240 on the 28th of August.  

Lisbon break with river cruise in September

Although the Algarve is one of our most popular holiday choices, the capital, Lisbon is often overlooked. You can choose to go for a holiday (which I did) and stay in one of the beach resorts, or take a city break and stay in Lisbon itself. Temperatures rarely get higher than 25 degrees in Summer and lower than 14 degrees in Winter so it is a great choice for city break.

The old style trams are the best way to get around the city and there are numerous sights to see, including The Belem Tower (defence tower), the Castelo de Sáo Jorge  and the Cristo Rei, which is a large statue of Christ that you can climb and see great views of the city.

There are some great restaurants, cafes and music clubs, all very reasonably priced. I went with my kids and there was lots for them to do too. The Aquarium is Europe’s largest and well worth a visit.

If you have time take the train to the ancient city of Sintra and some of the nice beach resorts along the coast. Theholidayshop.ie are offering a three night break in a central four star hotel from €339 on the 25th of September. They are also including a free river cruise too. 

Cheese & Wine Tasting Weekend in Rome in November

Rome is a great city break destination at any time of year, but personally I think it’s better to go in the winter time, as it’s less crowded. There is so much to see in Rome it doesn’t matter how many times you go, you will always find something new to discover.

I found a great deal on travalue.ie where they offer a FREE cheese and wine tasting evening, when you book a two night stay. The price for flights and a two night stay in the popular three star Galileo hotel in November is only €199 per person. They also have offers in September and October from €326 per person.  

Christmas Market Breaks in December

Christmas markets are very much back in vogue. Ryanair and Aer Lingus have added extra capacity to many cities throughout the winter with lots of low priced airfares available. I like Berlin as it has over 50 markets to choose from and something to appeal to everyone.

Sip some mulled wine while enjoying Christmas carols at the traditional markets of Charlottenburg Castle or enjoy one of the Christmas Rock concerts at the Spandau Old Town market. Europe’s largest mobile toboggan run and ice rink are at the lively Potsdamer Platz market, so there is plenty of choice for everyone.

The price for flights with Aer Lingus and a three night stay in the 4* Park Inn by Radisson Alexanderplatz is only €249 on the 7^th of December.  

For those who wish to stay closer to home, there are plenty of options here in Ireland.

August family break: Feather Down, Loop Head, Co Clare.

Recently I had the pleasure of glamping in Ireland’s first Feather Down tents. They have sites all over Europe and have only come to Ireland this year. They are in the grounds of a popular glamping site, Purecamping in Loophead. It is the perfect escape from a big city, you really switch off and it’s a great family experience. The ‘tents’ if you can call them that have 3 bedrooms, a private toilet, shower, stove and also a BBQ if you are lucky to get the weather.

They still have availability in August, the price for a three night stay is €599 on the 12th or 19th of August. If you want a cheaper option the Purecamping furnished bell tents are pretty cool too and are priced at €75 per night.

You can also choose an unfurnished tent from €35. No matter which option you choose you can avail of the excellent facilities on site, including yoga classes, sauna and a wood fired pizza oven.  

Spa breaks

The difference between Monart and other luxury hotels is that Monart is Ireland’s only destination Spa property. It offers a unique adults-only environment and is situated on 100 acres – you will feel utterly relaxed here. Monart was recently awarded ‘runner up best spa retreat worldwide’, by Conde Nast Traveller.

It was also named as Ireland’s best destination spa for four years in a row. If you are looking for a spa break, there is no doubt – Monart is the best!  They have a three night midweek break from €329 per person, on the 29^th of August, other dates are also available at a slightly higher price.

This special offer includes breakfast each day plus dinner in their renowned restaurant on one evening. You will have unrestricted access to the thermal suite and they are also including a 30 minute spa treatment. Monart is situated on 100 acres – you will feel utterly relaxed here. 

If three nights seems too long, the Rainforest Spa in Enniskerry ( Wicklow) have an excellent offer for a one night stay at the Summerhill House Hotel You will receive a glass of bubbly and petit fours on arrival, an hours use of the spa facilities, a treatment of your choice ( see website for exact choices), breakfast and evening meal – and all for €129 mid week or €149 at the weekend, available in August.  

Operation Transformation at Hotel Westport

If you have over indulged during the summer months and want to get in shape for Christmas, then the Hotel Westport’s Operation Transformation package might be just what you need! You can choose a three day break from €199 or a five day break from €309 from the 9^th of October.

This four star family run hotel have been running this program, twice a year for four years and they have proved very popular. You will receive breakfast and dinner each day ( where light options are available) and you can join in the many aerobics and wellness classes that are provided free of charge.

There is entertainment nightly and no single supplement – so it’s a great way to meet new people. There is no pressure to participate in all the activities, it is very much a laid back approach, in fact if you do not wish to be assessed, that’s fine too. If you fancy a night out in Westport, he hotel is located only five minutes from the centre.

Belfast overnight with Game of Thrones Tour

For any Game of Thrones fans, this is a must! The 4* boutique hotel, Tara Lodge is offering an over night stay with breakfast, and an action packed day visiting filming locations across Northern Ireland. Start your journey along the Causeway Coastal route visiting famous sites from the show. Stop for lunch before visiting the Giants Causeway.

The price is only £72 per person and it is still available in August. Weekends are busy but check out their website for more details. The Tara Lodge is rated number 1 of 45 Belfast hotels on tripadvisor and receives excellent reviews. It is a family run guesthouse / hotel and offers friendly service and excellent value. 

Prices are correct at the time of issue but are subject to change. For my reviews and city break deals click here. To listen back to my chat with Marian, click HERE.

Sarah

Looking for a break in July or August? Check out my top picks for last minute holidays as seen on TV3’s Sunday AM.

Availability to the popular destinations (Spain & Portugal mainly) in July and August is always scarce, and this year is no exception. However, there is increased capacity with Aer Lingus and Ryanair so airfares are quite low. In fact Aer Lingus have a seat sale with up to 25% off European flights during August & September, if booked by midnight on Monday, 25th July. If you are prepared to go off the beaten track and stay somewhere further from the resort centre, you can pick up good deals on last minute holidays. I found that Italy is better value than Spain and Portugal at the moment, here are my top picks.

Italy Deals:

Crystal Holidays are offering a  2* Hotel in Lake Garda, the Miravalli, from €340 per person on the 6^th of August. This is a basic hotel but located in the heart of Garda, so it’s perfect for anyone who just wants to use the hotel as a base. If you want to upgrade your hotel, Topflight have a Summer sale until the 29^th of July with savings of €420 per person. They have Sicily, Lido di Jesolo and Sorrento on sale in August as well as Lanzarote, the Algarve and Madeira.

I like the 3* Astoria Hotel, Sorrento, it’s €789 on the 7^th and 14th of August. It is situated right in the heart of Sorrento, it is great value for such a fantastic location. All of Topflight’s prices include flights, transfers and checked baggage. Click here for more details.

Family Holiday:

Menorca is surprisingly good value for the next few weeks. With short day time flights and very family friendly, it is an ideal choice for a family holiday. Sunway are offering package deals where transfers and checked baggage are included, staying in the popular Binimar apartments. They are a nice low rise complex, close to the town centre and the beach and have a small splash park on site. The price for 2 adults & 2 children on the 31^st of July and 7^th of August is €1876. Click here for more details. 

Mid to late August:

With some kids back in school as early as the 24^th of August, the last week of August is best time to pick up a bargain holiday. The Aer Lingus sale has some great airfares so you should be able to pick up a package deal to Spain or Portugal for less than €400. If you fancy Greece, Falcon Holidays are offering a week package deal to Zakynthos from €399 on the 30^th of August, staying in the popular Katerina Palace Hotel. Click here for more details.

ClickandGo.com have matched the low airfares with some good city breaks too. I like this one in Madrid, it combines sightseeing, sun and shopping all in one! Fly with Aer Lingus and enjoy a three night stay in a four star hotel for only €247 on the 15th of August. Click here for more details.

5 Tips to find a last minute deal:

1. ClickandGo.com have a ‘dealfinder’ on their website where you can select sun holidays or city breaks within 30 days, 60 days etc and it will list all holidays that they have available.

2. Use Ryanair’s ‘fare finder’ and Skyscanner’s ‘everywhere’ searches for any destination under a specific price range. Use hotel aggregators such as Trivago & Tripadvisor to search many accommodation websites for the same hotel.

3. The Irish Travel Agents association’s website combines top travel agents offers so you don’t need to search lots of different websites. And I offer my best last minute deals in my best travel deals post which is published every Tuesday on thetravelexpert.ie 🙂

4. Compare like with like. Remember a package holiday with a Tour Operator such as Falcon Holidays or Sunway includes airport transfers and checked baggage. A 20kg checked bag to the Canary Islands with Ryanair is €100 during July and August, so that ‘cheap deal’ you thought you found, might not be so cheap after all.

5. And finally always check with your local travel agent – they are searching late offers day in, day out and will probably know immediately what is the best value at any given time.

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

Sarah