last minute holiday deals from Ireland

The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 6th December 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, early booking offers, and staycations for couples and families.

In this week’s best travel deals I have a city break in Prague from €142, ski holidays from €199, a week in Lanzarote from €318, family holidays in the UK and the Algarve, a Caribbean cruise, and festive staycations for adults and families.

Best last minute deal: Ski holidays from €199

Spend Christmas on the slopes this year! Crystal Ski is offering seven-night ski holidays from just €199 on the 20th of December. Price is based on four sharing in the basic Manzano apartments in Andorra, or you can choose the popular Olympic Village in Sestriere, Italy from just €255 per person.

The highly rated Hotel Palarine in Andorra is ideal for two sharing, priced at €373 on a half-board basis. All prices include flights, checked baggage, return transfers and seven nights accommodation.

See more here

Best overnight escape: New Year’s Eve escape

Stuck for something to do on New Year’s Eve? Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort New Years Eve package includes bed and breakfast, a four-course evening meal, entertainment, and a glass of Prosecco to ring in the New Year, all for just €155 per person!

Located on Blessington Lakes, why not kick start the New Year with a brisk lakeside walk.

Read: 10 Irish Hotel deals for New Year’s Eve

Search here

Best city break: Prague, Flights & 4-Star Hotel €142!

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, and a city break is a great way to explore them.

I found great value city break staying in the highly rated 4-star Hotel Merkur Hotel on the 29th of January for just €142 including flights! Located close to the Old Town Square and Prague’s historic centre, wouldn’t this make a fabulous Christmas gift? 🎁

Read: 10 city break deals for less than €199

Search flights here 29 January – 1st Feb €62pp

View hotel here €80pp

Best winter sun: A week in Lanzarote from €318

Beat the January blues with return flights to Lanzarote for just €78 – yes you read that right! Stay at the highly rated Playa Pocillos apartments and you can have a week in the sun at the end of January for just €318.

Price is based on two sharing for seven nights on the 23rd of January, but there are many more dates and accommodation options to choose from. The 4-star H10 Lanzarote Princess is just €510 for seven nights including breakfast, or upgrade to all-inclusive for €757 per person.

Read: Why Lanzarote is my favourite Canary Island

Search flights here 23 – 30 January €78pp

View Apartment €240pp

View Hotel €510pp

Best family break: Luxury safari experience in the UK

Want to experience and African safari a little closer to home? Swap Kenya for Kent and stay in Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve – this is a place that is on my own wish list, and would make a fabulous Christmas gift idea for any animal lovers in your family.

Port Lympne is home to over 900 animals, including free-roaming giraffes, and for the ultimate experience you can stay in one of the luxury treehouses, wigwams, or glamping pods.

Port Lympne is located about 70 minutes from Gatwick airport and return flights are available with Ryanair from €40 per person. Stay in a stylish Shepherd Hut for £259 per night or a luxuryTreehouse with complimentary golf buggy for £509 per night. Glamping pods are also available from £159. All accommodation includes free access to Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve.

Read: 10 Unique family breaks in the UK – Ideal Christmas gifts

See more here

Best family staycation: Winterval Christmas Festival

Treat yourself and the kids to the Winterval Christmas festival in Waterford. I visited last weekend and loved it! It is Ireland’s largest Christmas festival and there is a huge variety of events and attractions for children of all ages.

The family owned and run Dooley’s Hotel, which is located in the heart of the city, is offering a two night family stay from €358 including breakfast on Saturday the 17th of December – but you better act fast, there is limited availability!

Read: Top 10 Christmas markets and experiences to visit in Ireland this year

Read: 15 Family hotel deals in Ireland over Christmas holidays – 2 night stays from €307

Search here

Best cruise: Caribbean cruise on MSC Seascape

Cruise the Caribbean on the brand new MSC Seascape (she is launching this week), for just €1346 in March. Set sail from Miami and visit the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and MSC’s private island Ocean Cay.

Price includes return flights, checked baggage, an overnight stay in Miami, and a seven-night cruise with meals, entertainment and gratuities included. Add on a Premium Extra Drinks Package for €250.

View offer here

Best early booking offer: The Algarve in July

Airfares during July and August only go one way – so if you book early you are likely to save yourself a lot of money. Aer Lingus has flights to the Algarve from €224 on the 12th of July and the highly rated Areias Village Beach Suite Hotel is only €1092 for a seven-night family stay, with free cancellation. The total cost for family of four is just €1988.

For adults looking for a luxury adult-only hotel, the impressive Aqua Pedra Dos Bicos Design Beach Hotel should tick all boxes. Priced at €504 per person including breakfast, this is a super choice for a stylish stay on the Algarve.

View flights here €224pp

Adult Only hotel €504pp

Family Hotel €1092 per family

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 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 from Ireland include affiliate links where I receive a small commission if a booking is made.

Best Travel Deals

The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 8th November 2022

7 months agoSarah Slattery

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, early booking offers, and staycations for couples and families.

This week’s Best Travel Deals from Ireland include city breaks to Rome from €188, a spa break in the Algarve, flights to Barbados for €390, a weekend in Disneyland Paris, an early booking offer to Lisbon for next year’s October bank holiday, as well as staycations in Cabra Castle and the Clonakilty Park Hotel.

Best last minute: 5-Star Spa break in the Algarve, €274

Enjoy a spa break in the Algarve where the temperatures are currently 21 degrees! Return flights are just €60 on the 25th of November and a five-night stay in the best rated hotel in Carvoeiro – the 5-star Vale d’Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa, is just €214 per person including breakfast.

Search Ryanair 25 – 30 November €60

View Hotel here

Best overnight escape: Cabra Castle, B&B, €69pp

This 17th Century castle hotel is part of the ‘Romantic Castles of Ireland’ Collection and receives excellent reviews from previous guests Priced at just €75 per person including breakfast, this is amazing value for a castle stay in Ireland.

Price is based on Sunday the 13th of November or 27th of November, as well as selected dates in January.

Read: 25 castle hotels in Ireland for romantic stays or group getaways

View offer here

Best city break: Rome – Flights & 4-star Hotel €188pp

If you were following my travels last week you will know we had a fabulous time in the Eternal City. Flight prices are so reasonable this winter you simply can’t afford not to go! I found great value return flights from €62 from Dublin airport or €158 from Cork airport.

Watch out for my post on the top things to do in Rome coming soon!

Read: Where to stay in Rome, my top picks of 3, 4 and 5-star hotels

Read: Top 10 things to do in Rome – Rome travel guide

Return fights ex Dublin:

Ryanair: 14th – 16th December €62, 29th – 31st January €73 / 20 – 23 January €68

Return flights ex Cork: Ryanair: 20-23 January €158

Search Ryanair

Search Aer Lingus

View Duca d'Alba 14-16 December €126pp

View Barberini 29 – 31 January €101pp

View Capo d'Africa 6 – 9 January €230pp

View Delle Nazioni 20 – 23 January €220pp

Best long haul offer: Barbados flights from €390!

Did you know Aer Lingus fly to Barbados via Manchester ? I found return flights for just €390 on the 1st of February! A deluxe suite in the popular Atlantis Historic Inn is €832 per person for a seven-night stay.

If you want meals, water sports and unlimited cocktails included in the cost then the beachfront Mango Bay Resort should do the trick – price for a seven-night all-inclusive stay is €1700 per person.

Read: Top 10 things to do in Barbados

Read: Where to stay in Barbados, my top picks for couples, families and groups

View flights here €390pp

Atlantis Historic 1st- 8th February €832pp

Mango Bay Hotel 1st- 8th February €1700pp

Best family holiday: Disneyland Paris Weekend

Treat the kids to a weekend in Disneyland Paris next year – wouldn’t this be the best Christmas gift? 🎁 I found return flights to Charles de Gaulle airport from just €107 in May including 12kg cabin baggage.

To minimise days off school I chose flights out on Friday morning the 12th of May, returning Sunday night the 14th of May for €160 per person. This will give you three days to enjoy the parks.

A two-night stay at the Hotel Cheyenne is €1153 including 3-day park tickets, €25 Disney spending money and 10 holiday prints. The guys at Disneyland Paris Tips for Irish have lots more great tips on the best places to stay in this post:

Read: The best Disneyland Paris hotels, top picks on site and nearby

View flights here from €107

View offer here

Best family staycation: Clonakilty Park Hotel

Take advantage of the late Christmas holidays this year and plan a short break in the Clonakilty Park Hotel before the kids go back to school.

It has an award-winning leisure centre, a three-screen cinema, high ropes and zip wire adventure centre, and family friendly dining options. There is also a separate area for teens. Price for a two-night family stay from the 2nd of January is €400.

Read: Where to holiday in Ireland with teenagers – my top 20 picks

View offer here

Best early booking offer: Lisbon October bank holiday 2023

Sssh… don’t tell anyone but flights to Lisbon are on sale for the October bank holiday weekend next year! I posted this last year and had a huge response. Flight cost on Saturday the 28th of October for three nights is just €98 return with Air Portugal, including 10kg cabin baggage.

There are many hotel and apartment options to choose from, including the top rated 5-star Iberostar Lisboa, which is €235 per person for a three night stay. See lots more hotel and apartment options in this post:

Read: Where to stay in Lisbon, my top picks of 3, 4 and 5-star hotels and apartments

Read: Top 10 things to do in Lisbon, with our without kids

View flights here €98pp

View Hotel here 28 – 31 October €235pp

Best Travel Deals

The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 25th October 2022

7 months agoSarah Slattery

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, early booking offers, and staycations for couples and families.

This week’s Best Travel Deals from Ireland include a last minute holiday to Fuerteventura, a city break in Malaga, a luxury break in Sani Resort, a family holiday to Orlando, a Royal Caribbean cruise around the Greek Isles, an early booking offer to the Croatia for next summer, and staycations in Dublin and Sligo.

Best last minute:

Escape the winter blues with a sunny week in Fuerteventura. I found return flights for seven nights for just €121 on the 4th of November!

The 3-star Broncemar Beach Suites are just €341 per person for a seven-night stay, or the All-Inclusive Riu Olivia Beach Resort, where all meals and drinks are included is €455 per person. Many more hotel and villa options are available.

Search flights here 4-11 November €121pp

Broncemar Beach €341pp

All Inclusive €455pp

Best overnight escape:

Plan your Christmas night out now. Get a few friends together and organise an overnight escape – its easier (and sometimes cheaper) to stay in a hotel than get a taxi home! The highly rated Harrington Hall in Dublin’s city centre caught my eye.

Located on Harcourt Street, and just a short stroll to the buzz of Grafton Street and Stephen’s Green, this Georgian Townhouse is just €55 per person for an overnight stay. Price is based on the 11th of December arrival, but many more dates are available.

View offer here

I’ve got 20 more Dublin hotel deals in December in this post:

Read: 20 Dublin hotel deals, overnight stays in December from €55pp

Best winter break:

Many of you will know I have just returned from a fabulous weekend in Malaga city. I think it is the perfect destination for a winter break, with flights from Dublin, Shannon, Cork and Knock available from as little as €20 each way.

Read: Top things to do in Malaga and where to stay – Malaga travel guide

The Christmas lights are particularly impressive – in fact many flock to the city just to see these each year.

I found return flights for just €54 on the 26th of November from Dublin, and a three night stay in the highly rated Apartments Pinar Malaga Centro is just €110 per person. This price is based on two sharing price but it even less if more share! I also have some options for four and five star hotel stays.

See offer here

Best cruise:

Cruise the Greek Islands next summer on Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas for just €1299 per person! Price includes return flights with checked baggage, a seven-night cruise with meals, entertainment and gratuities!

Visit Corfu, Kefalonia, Mykonos and Athens, as well as the stunning port town of Kotor in Montenegro. Price is based on two sharing departing the 28th of May, but many more dates are available.

View offer here

Best family deal: Summer Holiday to Orlando

Orlando is one of the best family holiday destinations in the world, and this offer places you right in the heart of it! Fly direct to Orlando with Aer Lingus and stay at Universals Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites for 12 nights next summer.

We stayed here at Easter time and loved the benefits of early park access to Universal Studios. Price of €1149 per person is based on two adults and two children sharing and includes Aer Lingus flights with checked baggage. Price is based on June departure, but dates and durations can be changed to suit your requirements.

View offer here

Read: 10 great American holiday deals in 2023

Best family staycation:

Dust off the cobwebs with a post Christmas stay in the Ocean Sands Hotel in the heart of Enniscrone in Sligo. Overlooking one of Ireland’s best beaches, the location couldn’t be better for brisk winter walks.

Children will love the nearby Waterpoint Aqua Park and make sure to take a trip to DownPatrick Head – its less than an hours drive away, and one my favourite locations in Ireland. Price for a two-night family stay from the 29th of December is €328.

View offer here

Best luxury offer:

Now that flights have finally gone on sale to Thessaloniki for next summer, are you tempted to book Sani Resort? I’m sure you all know how I feel about it at this stage, but incase you don’t, you can read my review here:

Read: The ultimate guide to Sani Resort

July and August prices are expensive, but I found good value travelling over the May bank holiday weekend – and average temperatures this year were a balmy 76 degrees!

Price for flights and a seven-night stay in Sani Beach Hotel, with breakfast and dinner included, is €893 per person based on 2 sharing.

There are direct flights from Dublin to Thessaloniki every Wednesday and Saturday from April to October, so if the dates don’t suit below simply edit the dates to suit your requirements.

Search flights here 26 April – 3rd May €138pp

View hotel €755pp

Best early booking offer:

The early bird catches cheap flights to Dubrovnik for €135 return in August! I found great value return flights for €154 in July too. With airfares being so low, why not stay in a luxury five star hotel?

Price for flights and a seven-night stay with breakfast in the 5-star Hotel Croatia is €835 in August, or €952 in July.

View offer here

Best Travel Deals

The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 11th October 2022

8 months agoSarah Slattery

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, early booking offers, and staycations for couples and families.

This week’s Best Travel Deals from Ireland include a last minute holiday to Lake Garda, a five-star city break to Porto, a pre-Christmas ski holiday, Malta for mid term break, a luxury cruise around the Emirates, an early booking offer to the Costa del Sol for next summer, and staycations in Galway and Wicklow.

Best last minute deal: Lake Garda, Flights & Hotel from €246pp

Escape to sunny Lake Garda where temperatures are still a balmy 23 degrees! I found return flights to Verona for just €50 on the 19th of October for seven nights, and if you fancy a shorter break – the price is the same on the 21st of October for five nights!

Sirmione is one of my favourite towns on the lake and the Hotel Porto Azzurro is a popular choice here. Price for a seven-night stay including flights is just €299 per person with breakfast included.

The transfer time from Verona airport by taxi is just 30 minutes, making this ideal for a short break too. Price for five nights on the 21st of October is just €246 including flights – La Dolce Vita!

Search Ryanair 19 or 21 – 26 October €50pp

View hotel 5 Nights €196pp

View hotel 7 Nights €249pp

Best overnight escape: Brooklodge Hotel, B&B €70pp

Treat yourself to an overnight escape in one of Ireland’s most loved hotels – Brook Lodge in Wicklow. Renowned for its Spa and Wellness facilities as well as its award-winning restaurant, this is a great value break at just €70 per person including breakfast.

View offer here

Read: 20 spa breaks in Ireland, 20 overnight escapes from €45pp

Best city break: 5-Star break in Porto, €267pp

Its been five years since I visited Porto and I still remember its beautiful historic centre and amazing food scene. Its such a great value city break too – you will be amazed at the low cost of transport, attractions and dining out.

I found a great five-star break over St Brigid’s weekend for three nights. Price for flights and a five-star hotel is just €263 on the 5th of February – what a fabulous Christmas gift idea!

Read: Why you need to choose Porto for your next city break

View offer here

Best winter holiday: Pre-Christmas ski holiday in Austria , €372pp

Kick off the festive season with a week on the slopes before Christmas. I found a super deal to the pretty resort of Saalbach in Austria.

Price for flights, a seven-night stay with breakfast at the popular Pension Fürstenhof, and return airport transfers, is just €372 per person on the 17th of December.

This price includes a discount of €150 per booking which is currently available for European ski bookings made online – use code SAVE150.

Read: Ski holidays for beginners – my top 10 ski tips

View offer here

Best cruise: MSC Europa with 2-night stay in Doha, €1469

Cruise the Emirates on the brand new MSC World Europa this winter. This ground-breaking ship (make sure to check out the video above) has amazing introductory offers, with prices from just €1469 including flights, a two-night hotel stay with breakfast in Doha, a seven-night cruise with meals, entertainment and gratuities included, and all transfers and checked baggage!

You will also have the opportunity to explore Dubai over two days, as the ship overnights in the city. This price is based on departing the 11th of January, but there are many more dates available – just check with the cruise staff in Sunway.

Read: 15 Top things to do in Doha – Doha travel guide

View offer here

Best family holiday: Malta for Mid Term

Malta for mid term has a nice ring to it! The latest Jurassic World movie was filmed in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Valetta, so why not combine some culture with family fun over a long weekend.

Price for return flights from Thursday the 16th of February are €175 per person, and a three-night stay at the 4-Star boutique Hotel Palais Le Brun – the number 1 place to stay in Valetta according to TripAdvisor, is just €502 per family including breakfast and free cancellation.

If you prefer an apartment, the 4-star Camelita Valletta is highly rated too and is ideally located to explore this beautiful city. Price is €384 for a three-night stay.

Read: Top 10 reasons to visit Malta

Search Ryanair 16-19 February €175pp

View hotel €502

View Apartment €384

Best family staycation: Galway Christmas Market Saturday stay, €259

Kick off the festive season with a trip to Galway for the Christmas markets. Price for an overnight stay at the centrally located Connacht Hotel is €259 for a family of four on Saturday the 17th of December. Prices for mid-week stays are less.

View hotel €259

Best early booking offer: July Holidays in Costa del Sol / Nerja

Return airfares to Malaga are just €125 per person in July! Let’s face it, these are only going to increase, so now is the time to bag yourself a bargain.

I have selected the 4-star Balcon de Europa Hotel in Nerja which is ideally located for a couple stay, and the Irish owned Sunset Beach apartments which are very popular with families. Of course many more hotel and apartment options are available, simply edit the search via the links below.

Search Ryanair 25th July – 1st August €125pp

View hotel €470pp

Sunset Beach €1372

Best Travel Deals

The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 27th September 2022

8 months agoSarah Slattery

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, early booking offers, and staycations for couples and families.

This week’s Best Travel Deals from Ireland include a weekend break in Sardinia for €191, a luxury wellness break in the Algarve, Norwegian cruise deals, New Year in Bruges, ski holidays at Easter, early booking offers for next summer, and staycations in Wexford and Kerry.

Best last minute deal: 5-Star Wellness Hotel in the Algarve €499

Flights to the Algarve offer the best value if you are looking for a last minute holiday. I found return flights to Faro from Dublin for just €110 on the 14th of October with Aer Lingus, or €83 on the 19th of October with Ryanair. Flights are also available from Cork, Knock and Shannon airports.

The relatively new (opened in 2019) 5-Star adult-only Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel has received excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and offers a wide selection of health and wellness holiday programmes on-site.

A state of the art fitness centre with yoga and pilates classes, as well as a spa and wellness centre are also available if you don’t wish to partake in any of the dedicated programmes available.

If this date or hotel doesn’t suit you simply edit the dates on the links below. There are many other cheaper hotel options available as well as beach front hotels in this post:

Read: The best beach hotels on the Algarve

Search Ryanair 19-26 October €83pp

View Aer Lingus 14-21 October €110pp

View hotel €416pp

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

Best overnight escape: Spa break in Wexford

Treat yourself to a spa break in Wexford for just €125 – yes you read that right! This exclusive offer includes a cocktail on arrival, an overnight stay with breakfast at the Clayton Whites Hotel, one-hour access to the thermal suite, a choice of 30-minute Spa treatments, complimentary access to the Club Vitae Leisure Centre and shopping discounts.

This offer is valid on selected dates from October to March, so enjoy a pre-Christmas shop and spa break, or perhaps give it as a Christmas present 🎁.

See more here

Best city break: 4-Star Weekend in Sardinia from €191!

I am to provide the Best Travel Deals to all my readers and this one must be up there with the best of them! Ryanair is offering return flights to Alghero in Sardinia for just €55 return on the 4th of November!

Enjoy a three-night weekend stay in the 4-star Alma di Alghero Hotel for just €191 including flights! Located beside the beach, and 15-minutes walk from the historic centre, it offers the best of both worlds. I visited Alghero this summer and loved it. It is just 10 minutes from the airport so it is ideal for a short break

Search Ryanair 4th-7th November €55pp

View hotel €136pp

Best winter break: New Year in Bruges

I visited Bruges for the first time last week, and was knew instantly I wanted to return. The historic city centre is UNESCO World Heritage Site and is packed with medieval buildings, colourful squares, as well as countless Belgian chocolate shops!

The city is often described as Little Venice due to its pretty canals, and I can only imagine how magical Bruges is at Christmas time. Its Christmas markets open until the 8th of January, making it ideal for a post-Christmas break.

I found flights to Brussels for €110 return on the 29th of December and the train to Bruges takes approximately 90 minutes. The Hotel Navarra Brugge is one of Bruges top rated hotels and is only a 3-minute walk from the central Market Square. It offers free access to a spa area, an indoor swimming pool, a sauna and a gym.

Price for flights and a three-night stay is €389 per person. Prices are even less if you travel on the 28th of December and return for New Year.

View flights here €110pp

View hotel here €279pp

Read: 13 Christmas market breaks, flights and hotels included from €224

Best Cruise: Norwegian Cruise Line offers

Following on from my recent adventure on Norwegian Prima, Sunway have lots of cruise offers across various Norwegian cruise ships to a wide choice of destinations. There are Canary Islands cruises during the winter from €999, Mediterranean cruises for next summer from €869 and even cruise and stay holidays in Bermuda, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Read: The Cruise Guide – How to choose the right cruise

View offers here

Best family holiday: Skiing at Easter

Looking for something different to do next Easter? Take the kids skiing! The upmarket resort of Tignes in France is open until the end of April and I found great value in the highly rated L’altaviva Apartments 1800, where you can ski and out of the apartments via a Blue run.

Price for a family of four for seven nights including flights and transfers is €2272 on the 1st of April for seven nights. This includes a Free Child Place and an extra saving of €150 when you use the promo code SAVE150.

Read: Top 10 tips for family ski holidays

Search here

Best family staycation: Ballyseede Castle for mid term break

All kids want to stay in a castle, right? Kerry’s only authentic castle hotel is surrounded by 30 acres of private gardens and woodland and is steeped in history. Ballyseede Castle is also known for its traditional Irish cuisine and fine dining, as well as its much loved resident, an Irish Wolfhound.

The Lodge family room has two double beds and offers great value for a family castle stay in Ireland over the Halloween break, You are also ideally placed to explore the Ring of Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way.

Read: 12 staycations over Halloween break, 2 night stays from €330

View offer here

Best early booking offer: Amalfi Coast in July

Some of the airfares for next summer are expensive, but if you look closely you can find some bargains – like return flights to Naples for €110 in July.

Combine them with the popular 4-star Prestige Hotel in Sorrento, and you can enjoy a week on the Amalfi Coast for just €659 next July! This super deal includes breakfast too. See lots more hotel options in this post:

Read: Travel guide to the Amalfi Coast, where to stay in Sorrento, Positano, Ravello & Capri.

Search Ryanair 19th-26th July €110pp

View hotel €549pp

And that’s not all… Watch out for more early booking offers in Tour America’s Red Cow Virtual Sale Day which takes place on 29th & 30th September!

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 if initial vaccination is over 270 days. Please check the latest travel restrictions on the DFA website before you travel.

Best Travel Deals

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

9 months agoSarah Slattery

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

Zagreb cathedral — Image by Marko Tomic from Pixabay

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

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.

See offer here

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.

Travel

October Holiday Deals from Ireland – 10 Sun Holiday, City Breaks & Cruise Deals

9 months agoSarah Slattery

Sarah Slattery, The Travel Expert on Alvor beach

Whether you fancy a last minute getaway, a charming city break, or a relaxing week in the sun, I’ve got plenty of October holidays to tempt you.

The hope of an Indian summer is looking more likely this year, with temperatures sill hitting 20 degrees we don’t want to think that the summer is over. It need not be, as I have plenty of October holidays to prolong that summer feeling.

I’ve got city breaks in Marseille, Vienna and Venice, a choice of holidays in the Greek Islands, a five-star wellness break in the Algarve as well as super deals to the Amalfi Coast and Croatia. I also have some fabulous cruise deals to tempt you.

TOP TIP: Prices are correct at the time of publication (27th September) but if lots of people are trying to access flights or accommodation at the same time, the prices may increase. If this happens, edit the search dates, or check back later – you may find the holiday is still available.

I have chosen random dates for these Autumn holidays during September and October, but you can edit the dates via the links below if you prefer to travel at an earlier or later time, or wish to extend or reduce your stay. Some of the links below contain my affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.

City breaks:

1. Vienna: Flights & 4-Star Hotel, 3 nights, €208pp

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

Search flights 9-12 October €41pp

View hotel €177pp

2. Venice: Flights & 4-Star Hotel, 3 Nights, €389pp

The unique floating city of Venice simply has to be visited at least once in a lifetime. It is romantic, captivating and will inspire you at every corner. There are so many iconic sights to see and this Autumn break to Venice will give you the perfect opportunity to see them.

I found flights from Dublin to Venice Treviso for just €48 per person on the 9th of October. The 4-Star Residence La Fenice is highly rated on TripAdvisor and priced at just €292 per person. There are apartments available at the same property, and the price is even less if you can get a few friends to go with you.

Price for flights to Venice and a three-night stay based on four sharing, is just €277 per person. I have lots more hotel options in this post:

Read: Top things to do in Venice and where to stay

Search flights 9 – 12 October €42pp

View hotel €347pp

3. Marseille: Flights & 4-Star Hotel, 4 nights, €396pp

Ryanair have flights from just €15 each way ex Shannon to Marseille in October! I loved exploring Marseille recently, did you know its France’s oldest city? Why not combine a city break with a day or two on one of Marseilles beaches, or take the opportunity to explore the region of Provence.

I chose return flights from the 1st of October for just €50 for four nights. Return fights from Dublin are €55 a day later. Many more dates are available at similar prices throughout October. The highly rated New Hotel Le Quai – Vieux Port is a super choice to explore Marseille’s old town and port.

Search flights 1st – 5th October €40pp

View hotel €356pp

October holidays from Ireland for 1 week:

4. Amalfi Coast: 1 week in Sorrento, Flights & 4-Star Hotel, €551

The views from the coastline combined with its colourful hilltop towns have made the Amalfi Coast on to every ‘top places to visit’ list. If you are looking to explore the Amalfi Coast, then this holiday deal to Sorrento is just the ticket.

I found prices from Dublin to Naples for just €86 per person on 15th of October. The 4-star Hotel La Vue D’or is just €465 per person for a seven night stay, making the total cost for one week just €551 per person.

I have lots more hotel options in this post, as well as the top things to do on the Amalfi Coast.

Read: The ultimate guide to the Amalfi Coast, where to stay and top things to do

Search flights 15-22 October €86pp

View hotel €465pp

5. Wellness week in the Algarve: Flights & 5-Star Hotel B&B, €499pp

Flights to the Algarve offer the best value if you are looking for a last minute sun holiday. I found return flights to Faro from Dublin for just €100 on the 14th of October with Aer Lingus, or €83 on the 19th of October with Ryanair. Flights are also available from Cork, Knock and Shannon airports.

A state of the art fitness centre with yoga and pilates classes, as well as a spa and wellness centre are also available if you don’t wish to partake in any of the dedicated programmes available.

If this date or hotel doesn’t suit you simply edit the dates on the links below. There are many other hotel options to choose from in this post:

Read: The best beach hotels on the Algarve

Search Ryanair 19-26 October €83pp

View Aer Lingus 14-21 October €100pp

View hotel €416pp

6. Croatia: Flights & 5-Star Hotel, 1 week, €636pp

The medieval city of Dubrovnik should be on everyone’s wish list. It is so well preserved, and looks like its straight out of a fairytale. There are many great hotel choices here, but I found a superb deal in the 5-star Hotel Croatia, which is located in the pretty resort of Cavtat.

I stayed in Cavtat myself many years ago and loved it. It is an hour’s water taxi ride away from Dubrovnik and also close to Montenegro, it is ideally located to explore this region.

Read my top tips on discovering Dubrovnik

As well as the benefit of staying in a luxury 5-star hotel, there is a Wellness Centre with heated indoor pool. This deal also includes breakfast but you can upgrade to half board for an additional €140 per person.

See more here

7. Santorini: Flights & 4-star Hotel, 1 week, €489pp

Santorini is still on my own bucket list – I can’t wait to visit, but I want to spend a week there, and not simply get a glimpse from a cruise ship visit.

I found good value flights for €211 on the 10th of October and a seven-night stay at the Hermes Hotel in Kamari is just €281pp, making the total cost just €492 including breakfast. If you prefer to stay in Oia, there is value there too. The highly rated Kiklamino Studios & Apartments are €333pp for a seven-night stay.

If this date or hotel doesn’t suit you simply edit the dates on the links below. There are many other flight and accommodation options to choose from including cave hotels, and Airbnbs in this post:

Read: 10 Amazing Airbnbs in Santorini, Cave Suites, and Windmills with private pools.

Search flights here 10-17 October €211pp

Hermes Hotel here €281pp

Kiklamino here €333pp

8. Chania, Crete: Flights & 5-Star Hotel Half Board, 1 week, €698pp

I holidayed in Chania in Crete a few years ago and loved it. It has a completely different feel to the other side of Crete, where all the lively resorts are located. Famous for its 14th century Venetian harbour and its waterfront restaurants, it has an Italian feel, but without the crowds.

There are numerous boat trips departing from the harbour too, including day trips to Santorini. I stayed in the fabulous Anemos Luxury Grand Resort and it offers great value for October stays, as breakfast and evening meal is included in the cost. Price for flights and a seven-night stay is €698 per person on the 19th of October.

Read: My review of Anemos Luxury Resort

Read: Top things to do near Chania

Search flights 19-26 October €168pp

View hotel €530pp

Cruise holiday deals from Ireland:

9. Mediterranean cruise on MSC Seaview, Flights & Cruise Full Board, €999

Price of €999 includes flights from Dublin on the 7th of October, checked baggage, meals, and entertainment. Contact Tour America for more details.

Read: My review of MSC Seaview

See more here

Read: 10 great cruise deals from Ireland with flights included

10. Alaska Cruise on Norwegian Bliss, Flights & Cruise, Full Board, €1598

Alaska, a place most of us only ever dreamed of visiting, has suddenly become more affordable. Witness some of the world’s most dramatic scenery as well as some stunning wildlife as you cruise to Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria before cruising back to Seattle for your direct flight home.

This eight-night holiday includes flights with Aer Lingus, checked baggage, a pre-cruise stay in Seattle, followed by a seven-night cruise on Norwegian Bliss, departing the 14th of October. Add on a premium drinks package, WiFi, shore excursion credit and gratuities for only €149 extra!

If you want to extend your stay, or change dates, talk to the cruise specialists in Sunway and they will tailor make a trip to suit you.

View offer here

Read: 10 American holidays from Ireland to inspire your next vacation

I hope one of these Autumn breaks will suit you, and you will be jetting off on that well deserved holiday soon. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, facilities and amenities can change.

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

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 many countries in Europe if initial vaccination is over 270 days. Please check the latest travel restrictions on the DFA website before you travel.

Best Travel Deals

The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 26th July 2022

10 months agoSarah Slattery

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

This week’s Best Travel Deals from Ireland include a summer holiday deal to Rhodes, October in Croatia, winter breaks in Rome, Iceland and New York, Halloween break in PortAventura, a Caribbean cruise and stay, and staycations for adults and families.

Best last minute deal: 1 week holiday to Rhodes, €468pp

Who said there are no cheap holiday deals in August? Not only is Rhodes one of the largest Greek islands, but it has a UNESCO world heritage site as its capital. As well as a stunning old town, there are so many great places to explore in Rhodes, including Lindos – pictured above.

This deal includes a seven-night stay in the adult-only Nimar Villagio apartments. These are the perfect choice if you are looking for a quiet relaxing resort with a beach nearby. They are located about 15 minutes walk from the village of Afandou and the apartments have a pool and snack bar on-site.

This is a package holiday deal with TUI, so you also have the added benefit of having checked baggage and transfers included in the cost. Price for a seven night stay with flights from Dublin is just €468 on the 27th of August.

Read: 12 holiday deals in August for adult-only escapes and family holidays

View offer here

Best overnight escape: Mount Juliet B&B, €92pp

Mount Juliet Estate consists of two residences, the original Georgian Manor House and the chic Hunter’s Yard. This super deal is based on staying in Hunter’s Yard on the 31st of August and includes breakfast.

Why not treat yourself to a meal in the Michelin-starred Lady Helen restaurant, and make it a stay to remember. I stayed in Mount Juliet recently and loved it, you can read all about my stay here:

Read: My review of Mount Juliet Estate

Read: 20 last minute hotel deals in August, overnight stays from €58pp

View offer here

Best October offer: 5-Star Holiday in Croatia

One of my most popular travel deals is back! Enjoy a week in the fabulous 5-star Hotel Croatia for just €549 including return flights and breakfast each day!

I stayed in the pretty town of Cavtat many years ago and loved it. You can take a water taxi into Dubrovnik, enjoy a day trip in nearby Montenegro, or just relax and enjoy the Hotel Croatia’s beautiful surroundings!

View offer here

Best family holiday: Halloweeen break to PortAventura & Ferrari Land

Treat the kids to a trip to PortAventura and Ferrari Land over the Halloween break. I have two great options – a five night stay in Cambrils with park passes included, or a three-night break staying on-site at PortAventura with daily access to the park. See more details in this post:

See offers here

Best family staycation: Johnstown Estate 2-Bedroom Lodges

Johnstown Estate is the ideal choice if you want a luxury family break in August. Set within 120 acres of stunning parkland, this 1750’s Georgian residence has extensive leisure and spa facilities, golf and horse riding, as well as a choice of dining options.

The two-bedroom self-catering lodges are perfect for families who want to enjoy all the hotel’s facilities but enjoy the benefits of spacious self catering homes. Each lodge has a separate dining and relaxing area and a terrace that opens onto a green with a small children’s play area.

Read: 20 family holiday deals in Ireland, 2 Night stays from €353

See more here

Best city break deal: Rome

Rome is always a great choice for a city break and with airfares from €69 return in November, maybe its time to think about a cheeky winter break. I found a great deal in the 4-star Condotti Palace Hotel, which is superbly located in the heart of the city, right beside the main shopping area and the Spanish Steps.

I have chosen a morning flight out from Dublin and an evening flight back to make the most of this short break, but dates and durations can be changed to suit your requirements – simply edit the search dates via the links below.

Return flights are available from Dublin airport and Cork airports this winter. There are many more hotel choices, as well as some top tips for visiting Rome in this post:

Read: Where to stay in Rome, my top picks of 3, 4 and 5-star hotels

Search flights here 13th-15th November €69pp

View hotel here €103pp

Best winter break: Christmas shopping in New York

Aer Lingus has launched a Flash Sale to the USA with flights from €199 each way from 1st September to 30th November. A host of new attractions have opened up over the past few years, so even if you have been here before, I guarantee you there is lots more to see!

Read: Top 30 things to do in New York

November is also the perfect time to start some early Christmas shopping, and I found a great deal to the 4-star World Center Hotel to let you do just that! Price for Aer Lingus flights on Friday the 18th of November and a three-night stay in this highly rated hotel is just €697 based on two sharing.

Get a few friends together and the price including flights is only €623 staying in a one-bedroom suite! See lots more hotel options in this post:

Read: Where to stay in New York, from great value apartments to luxury hotels

View flights here €395pp

View hotel here €302p

Read: Top 10 American holidays from Ireland

Best cruise: Universal Stay & Caribbean Cruise

Treat yourself to a three-night stay at the 5-star Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Studios, before cruising the Caribbean on Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas for seven nights! Visit the Bahamas, Royal Caribbean’s private island – Coco Cay, Jamaica and Labadee over seven days.

This luxury cruise deal includes flights, checked baggage and all meals and entertainment on board the cruise.

By staying in one of Universal Studios premium hotels you will also receive early park admission and an Express Pass to Universal Studios, so you can skip the queues at almost all of the top attractions (valid theme park admission required).

View offer here

Read: 10 cruise deals from Ireland with flights included

Best early booking offer: Weekend in Iceland with Northern Lights Tour

Beat the January blues with this super weekend in Iceland. I found great value flights to Iceland in January, which is the optimum time to see the Norther Lights. Price includes direct flights, four nights in a centrally located hotel, and a Northern Lights night tour is just €496! Would this not make the perfect Christmas present?

View offer here

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.

Travel

12 Holiday Deals in August for Adult Getaways and Family Holidays

10 months agoSarah Slattery

From beachfront apartments to luxury hotels, adult-only escapes to all-inclusive family resorts, these last minute holiday deals in August cater for all tastes and budgets.

Still hoping to get away on a summer holiday this year? While prices are higher than previous years, there are still some good holiday deals in August, particularly if you can travel towards the end of the month. In many cases I found it better to book a package holiday where transfers and baggage are included, and sometimes it is even cheaper to go away for two weeks instead of one!

TOP TIP: Prices are correct at the time of publication (25th July), but in some cases the availability is limited. If lots of people are trying to access flights or holiday deals at the same time, the prices will increase. If this happens, or the hotel shows unavailable, check back again later and you may find the holiday is available after all.

I have a selection of last minute holiday deals in August for adult-only getaways as well as family holidays below. I have hand-picked various dates, but if these dates or durations don’t suit, simply edit the dates via the links below to suit your requirements.

Last minute holiday deals in August for adults

1. Lanzarote: Flights & 4-Star Hotel Half Board, 25th August, 7 Nights, €877

Rated as one of top hotels in Playa Blanca, the Hipotels Natura Palace is the perfect choice if you want a relaxing holiday in top quality accommodation. It’s two lagoon pools are a firm favourite with guests, as are the stunning sea views from the hotel’s terraces.

This deal includes breakfast and evening meal each day and the buffet restaurant has show-cooking stations and themed evenings.

This is a package holiday deal with TUI, so you also have the added benefit of having checked baggage and transfers included in the cost. Price for a seven night stay with flights from Shannon is just €927 per person. This includes a saving of €100 when you use the unique promo code that you see on screen at the time of booking.

Read: Why Lanzarote is my favourite Canary Island

View offer here

2. Tuscany: Flights & 4-Star Hotel, 12th August, 7 Nights, €995

The luxurious Grand Hotel Francia e Quirinale Hotel is situated in the Tuscan town of Montecatini Terme, and is ideally located to explore Tuscany’s rolling hills and walled towns.

There is an outdoor swimming pool and restaurant on-site, and you are just a few minutes walk from the Thermal Park, should you decide to just stay put and enjoy your surroundings.

This package holiday deal is available with Topflight, so you have the added benefit of transfers and checked baggage being included in the cost. Price of €995 includes flights from Dublin on the 12th of August for seven nights and hotel on a bed & breakfast basis.

View offer here

3. Sorrento: Flights & 5-Star Hotel B&B, 18th August, 7 Nights, €1079

Sorrento is always a popular choice so I was surprised to find return flights to Naples from just €354 in August. I was even more surprised to find the 5-star Grand Hotel La Pace just €725 per person for a seven night stay!

The Grand Hotel La Pace is a suitable name for this grand hotel with sweeping staircases and marble floors. It is located on the outskirts of Sorrento in the quiet village of Sant’Agnello, but you can catch the complimentary shuttle bus to the centre of Sorrento when you fancy a livelier scene.

Price for flights from Dublin and a seven-night stay on a bed & breakfast basis is €1079 on the 18th of August. Airport transfers and checked baggage are extra.

Read: My Ultimate guide to the Amalfi Coast, where to stay and the top things to do

Check flights here 18th-25th August €354

View Hotel here €725pp

4. Rhodes: Flight & Apartment, 27th August, 7 Nights, €468

Who said there are no cheap holiday deals in August? Not only is Rhodes one of the largest Greek islands, but it has a UNESCO world heritage site as its capital. A day exploring the old town of Rhodes is a feast for the senses. The hill top town of Lindos (pictured above), is another ‘must see’ – suffice to say you will be spoilt for choice if you holiday in Rhodes.

View offer here

5. Morocco: Flights & Hotel, 12th August, 7 Nights, €735

Morocco is a popular destination for culture vultures, but Agadir also has a great beach holiday vibe – its beach is 12km long! It also boasts a marina area with duty free shops, a host of dining options, and the cost of living is much lower than what you will find at home.

The Argana Hotel in Agadir has been a popular choice with Irish holiday makers for many years. Price for flights and a seven-night stay on a bed & breakfast basis is just €735 on the 12th of August from Dublin. Transfers and checked baggage are extra. Sunway are the holiday specialists to Morocco and have many more accommodation options to choose from.

View offer here

6. Majorca, Flights & 4-Star Hotel Half Board, 24th August, 7 Nights €755

This super getaway will see you on Majorca’s beautiful north coast. You will be staying in the adult-only Globales Don Pedro Hotel which boasts stunning sea views and two small pretty coves on its doorstep.

It’s quiet location ensures you won’t have the honky tonk bars that you will find in Majorca’s southern resorts, but there a few shops, bars and restaurants with walking distance. One of my favourite resorts in Majorca, Puerto Pollensa, is just a 10 minute taxi ride away if you fancy a change of scene.

This is a package holiday deal with TUI, so as well as having breakfast and evening meal included in the cost, you also have the added benefit of having checked baggage and transfers included.

Price for a seven night stay with flights from Cork is just €755 per person. This includes a saving of €100 when you use the unique promo code that you see on screen at the time of booking.

View offer here

7. Lake Garda, Milan or Bergamo from Ireland West Airport

Lake Garda is one of those fabulous destinations that appeals to all. With stunning scenery and lake views, as well as endless activities available, you will be spoilt for choice. You can also enjoy day trips to nearby Verona, Venice or Milan.

I found great prices on flights to Bergamo from Ireland West / Knock Airport. Return flights are just €212 with Ryanair on the 15th of August for seven nights. Bergamo is located 50 minutes from Milan and 1 hour 20 minutes from Lake Garda, making a city break or lakeside retreat both possible.

Check flights here 15-22nd August €212

Read: Top 10 holidays from Ireland West Airport for 2022

8. Lisbon Coast: Flights & Hotel, 24th August, 7 Nights, €825

The Lisbon Coast a favourite destination of mine. As well as having one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, the resorts of Estoril and Cascais are perfect for a summer break. The train service is excellent so you can easily combine a city and beach break here, and don’t forget to visit Sintra – one of Portugal’s top attractions.

I found flights with Aer Lingus from Dublin to Lisbon and a seven-night stay in the adult-friendly Vila Gale in Estoril for €825 with Sunway Holidays. There are daily flights to Lisbon from Dublin so flights and durations can be changed to suit your requirements. Transfers and checked baggage are extra.

View offer here

9. Portugal: Flights & 4-Star Aparthotel, 21st August, 7 Nights, €867

Airfares to the Algarve are still quite reasonably priced in August. I found return flights from Dublin airport for €177 on the 21st of August, and €239 from Cork on the 17th of August. While there are some good value family properties available, ( see holiday deals in August for families below), good value hotels for adults are hard to find.

However, I did manage to find a room in the Alvor Jardim in Alvor – a resort I visit regularly. Price for a seven-night stay on the 21st of August is €690 per person. I also found a package deal to Albufeira on the 21st of August for €571 – but be careful there was only one room left at the time of publication!

Check flights here 21st-28th August €177

View Hotel here €690pp

10. Norwegian Epic Cruise, Flights & 7-night cruise, 21st August, €1381

Cruise the Med on the award-winning Norwegian Epic. Voted Europe’s leading cruise line for 13 years in a row, Norwegian’s Freestyle all-inclusive cruises offer great value and a relaxed informal atmosphere. I had the pleasure of cruising on Norwegian Encore – you can read my review here:

Read: My review of Norwegian Encore

This Mediterranean cruise sails from Barcelona and visits Corsica, Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Florence, Cannes and Majorca, before returning to Barcelona for your return flight home.

This cruise deal includes flights, checked baggage, all meals, and entertainment. Add on two of the following: premium drinks package, WiFi, shore excursion credit or speciality dining package for an extra €149! Gratuities and transfers are extra.

View offer here

11. Gran Canaria: Flights & Apartment, 22nd August, 14 nights, €875pp

Why go for one week when you can have two at the same price! This super deal to Gran Canaria is staying in the popular Gran Amadores apartments. Located beside the beach, with two pools and a solarium with whirlpool bath, there are plenty of places to relax and soak up the sun.

This is a package holiday deal with TUI, so you also have the added benefit of having checked baggage and transfers included in the cost. Price for a two week stay with flights from Dublin is just €593 per person. This includes a saving of €100 when you use the unique promo code that you see on screen at the time of booking.

There are many other hotel and apartments to choose from on the same date, some at lower prices than this one. Make sure to change the search from box from Low to High ( when you click on the link below), for the best prices.

View offer here

See All Hotels

Last minute holiday deals in August for families

12. Menorca: Flights & Apartment, 24th August, 7 Nights, €2039

Still relatively unspoilt, Menorca retains all the charm and character you would expect from a Spanish island, without the high rise blocks. The laid back atmosphere makes Menorca the perfect choice for a relaxing family holiday.

I found great value flights to Menorca from Dublin on the 24th of August, priced at just €135 for seven nights. There are various hotel and apartment options to choose from, the Carema Club Resort being one of the most reasonable, priced at just €1399 for seven nights for a family of four. There is a waterpark on-site which will surely keep the kids happy!

Check flights here 24-31st August €135

View Apt here €1499

13. Portugal: Flights & Apartment, 21st August, 7 nights, €2197

The Algarve is one the most sought after family holiday destinations. With return flights just €177 on the 21st of August from Dublin or €239 on the 17th of August from Cork, it is still possible to find holiday deals in August to the Algarve without breaking the bank.

The 3-Star Balaia Sol Holiday Club near Albufeira are good value at €1449 per family, while the 4-Star Luna Solaqua is priced at €2065 for seven nights.

If you prefer something a little more spacious and in a quieter area, the 4-Star Vale d’El Rei Hotel & Villas in Carvoeiro might suit you. They have two-bedroom villas that sleep up to five available from €2602 for seven nights.

Check flights here 21st-28th August €177

View Balaia Sol€1449pp

View Solaqua€2065pp

View Villa€2602pp

I hope one of these holiday deals in August will suit you, and you will be jetting off on that well deserved holiday soon. Remember dates and durations can be changed to suit your requirements in most cases. 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.

Best Travel Deals

The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 12th July 2022

11 months agoSarah Slattery

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

This week’s Best Travel Deals include summer holiday deals in Lake Garda and Majorca, a luxury break in Sani Resort, winter breaks in Lanzarote and Prague, a shop and cruise trip to New York, an early booking offer for Easter, and staycations for adults and families.

Best last minute holiday:

Take the hassle out of organising a last minute holiday and book a package tour to Lake Garda with hotel, transfers and excursions included. This super deal is staying in the 4-star Grand Hotel Liberty in Riva on a bed and breakfast basis, with a choice of excursions on the lake and Verona, as well as a guided day trip to Venice with lunch included in the cost.

Price of €999 includes flights, hotel on a B&B basis, excursions and transfers departing 26th July. Price for 2nd and 9th of August is August is €1099. Price includes an extra saving of €50 by booking on line using code Garda50.

View offer here

Best overnight escape:

When you drive through the medieval gates of the 18th century Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa, you are bound to be impressed by its beauty. The 50 acres of gardens, woodlands, and lake also add to its fairytale like appearance.

Read: 25 Castle hotels in Ireland for romantic stays or group getaways

Originally a royal family home, it has been transformed into a luxurious Irish castle hotel. Expect four poster beds and antique furniture, as well as fine dining and a luxury spa with thermal suite.

Price for an overnight escape on the 27th of July is just €99 per person including breakfast. See this and lots more last minute hotel deals in Ireland here:

Read: 20 last minute hotel deals in Ireland

View offer here

Best family holiday:

I’m a big fan of Puerto Pollensa in Majorca, so I was delighted to find availability in the top-rated Club del Sol apartments. Price for flights and a seven-night stay with transfers and checked baggage included is €2716 on the 17th of August – based on a family of four. Use code 3L4HRBZRN to save a further €100 off this price when booked online.

View offer here

Best family staycation:

I’m not sure if its our glorious weather or the name – Glamping Under the Stars, but I’m thinking I want to try glamping here! Located just an hour from Dublin, this award-winning glamping site in Laois has bell tents, wood lodges, hobbit-style houses and a shepherd’s hut, all equipped with proper beds, a private decking area and sockets for charging phones.

The hobbit-style houses sleep up to six and have private bathrooms. Prices for a two-night family stay are €399 on various dates in July. Three-night stays are also available in August.

Read: 20 Top picks for glamping in Ireland

Check prices here

Best luxury break:

I have just returned from Sani Resort in Greece and to say I loved it is a massive understatement! The service and setting is superb, and choice of dining options is hard to beat. I found a great deal to this world-class resort for just €869 in October. Price includes flights and a seven-night stay on a half board basis.

View offer here

Best city break:

Treat yourself to a Christmas market break in Prague – at this price it would be rude not to! Fly from Dublin with Aer Lingus on the 12th of December and enjoy a two-night stay at five-star Michelangelo Grand Hotel Prague for just €167 per person!

View flights here €97pp

View hotel here €70pp

Best winter break:

Secure your winter sun break now while airfares are great value – as price increases are expected! Fly to Lanzarote on the 16th of November and enjoy a seven-night stay in the popular Rosamar apartments in Puerto del Carmen for just €363 per person.

Alternatively choose the 4-star Adult-Only Natura Palace for just €699 per person with breakfast and dinner included. This hotel is one of the top rated in Lanzarote and was a Travellers Choice Award winner this year.

Both options include flights, and accommodation on a free cancellation basis – prices are even lower if you opt for non-refundable rates.

Search flights here 16th – 23rd November €113pp

View Rosamar here €250pp

View Natura Palace €586pp Half Board

Best cruise:

Norwegian Cruise line is launching a brand new ship in August – Norwegian Prima, and I’ve got the perfect deal to showcase it! This shop and cruise deal includes direct flights to New York on the 9th of October, a two-night stay New York and a five-night cruise to Virginia Beach and, wait for it, Bermuda!

Price for flights, 23kg checked baggage, hotel stay pre and post cruise, and a five-night cruise with all meals, drinks, WiFi, shore excursion credit and one speciality dining option is just €1969 per person! Add €67.50 for gratuities.

Best early booking offer:

The early bird catches the… cheap flights to the Amalfi Coast for Easter holidays! I found great value flights for just €161 departing on Easter Saturday for seven nights. Combine that with a week in the 4-star Jaccarino Hotel near Sorrento for just €337, for a total cost of just €488 per person.

This hotel receives great reviews on TripAdvisor and was a Travellers Choice Award Winner this year. Price includes flights, and hotel on bed & breakfast basis with free cancellation. However, I have lots more hotel options in the centre of Sorrento as well as Positano, Amalfi etc in this post:

Read: Ultimate guide to the Amalfi Coast, where to stay and top things to do

Search flights here 8th – 15th April €161pp

View hotel here €337pp

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.

Best Travel Deals

The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 13th June 2022

12 months agoSarah Slattery

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

My Best Travel Deals post looks a little different this week. I’ve had lots of requests for summer holiday deals in July or August so I have included a selection of offers that should suit couples or friends trips, as well as some great deals for families at home and abroad. I also have a super Med cruise deal and a city break to New York.

Best summer holidays:

Spanish Delight: Nerja, Flights & Hotel, €699pp

Nerja is one of the Costa Del Sol’s prettiest resorts, and usually demands higher prices than its neighbours. However, I found some great value flights with Aer Lingus to Malaga on the 27th of July and combined it with a seven-night stay at the popular Perla Marina Hotel for just €699 per person.

View flights here €249pp

View hotel here €440pp

Tuscany Explorer: Flights, Hotel & Car hire €737pp

There has never been a better time to visit Tuscany – with flights to Pisa from Dublin and Cork airport this summer. Some of the flights arrive in late at night, so I suggest spending a night in Pisa, exploring the Leaning Tower and its surrounding Cathedral Square, and then hiring a car and leaving the city for some of Tuscany’s more interesting towns and villages.

Read: Top towns and cities to visit in Tuscany

I have priced this trip based on a one-night stay in Pisa, followed by six night stay in the 4-Star Da Vinci Hotel Montecatini. I have also priced car hire, while it is expensive, I think it is necessary.

Total cost for this seven-day fly-drive is €737pp in July but durations can be shorter or longer – simply edit the dates via the links below to suit your requirements.

Search flights here 25th July €155pp

View Pisa hotel €76pp

Montecatini Hotel €226pp

Check car hire €280pp

Croatian Charm: Flights & 4-Star Cavtat Boutique Hotel, €706pp

Cavtat is one of those picture perfect Croatian towns that is close to Dubrovnik city as well as Montenegro, and I found a boutique hotel located right at the seafront – the 4-Star Boutique Hotel Villa Pattiera. This 12 roomed family run hotel appears to be a hidden gem, offers complimentary breakfast, and is the top rated hotel in the area on Tripadvisor.

Price for flights to Dubrovnik and a seven-night stay on the 24th of August is €699 per person from Cork or €719 from Dublin.

Read: The best places to stay in Croatia, Dubrovnik, Istria and the islands

View Cork flights €183pp

View Dublin flights €196pp

View hotel here €530pp

Best overnight escape:

Walk or cycle the Blessington Greenway followed by an overnight escape in Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort. We stayed here recently and loved its location overlooking Blessington Lakes.

There are many offers to choose from, but I love their Sunday Sleepover which includes a full Irish breakfast, a 4-course meal with a bottle of wine, a glass of Prosecco on arrival, and a late check-out until 1pm, all for just €114.50 per person! I priced this deal on the 19th of June and 10th July arrival, but many more dates are available.

See more here

Best family holidays:

A week on the Algarve, Flights & 4-Star Apartment: €2675

It’s hard to beat the Algarve for a family sun holiday and I found some great value return flights with Aer Lingus on the 27th of July for €202 per person from Dublin or €211pp from Cork. Combine these with a seven-night stay at the 4-star Luna Sol Aqua in Albufeira for €1867. Total price for flights and accommodation is €2675 based on a family of four.

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

Dublin flights here €202pp

Cork flights here €211pp

View Apt here €1867

Theme Park Holiday in Salou: Flights, Apartment & Theme Park passes, €2483

Salou is one of this year’s most popular family destinations and prices are still quite reasonable in August. There are many airports that service Salou but Barcelona Reus is the closest. Ryanair have return flights on the 12th of August from €175 from Cork, €223 from Dublin or €265 from Shannon.

I combined these with the 4-Star Dorada Palace apartments in Salou for €1530. You can add on 2-day park tickets to PortAventura, one of Europe’s best theme parks, for €66 per adult and €58 per child – see here.

Alternatively stay at the 4-star Gold River Hotel which is located on site at PortAventura theme park. Price for a seven-night stay including unlimited entrance to PortAventura, and admission to Ferrari Land once during your stay is €2472.

Read: Top 10 reasons to visit PortAventura

If there are more than four in your party, the 4-Star Golden Avenida Suites is a great choice. Large family suites sleep up to five and breakfast and evening meal is included in the cost of your stay. This is based on a package deal with TUI, so the link below includes flights, transfers, baggage and accommodation for seven nights.

Search flights here 12th August from €175pp

View Apt here €1530

View hotel here €2472

Golden Avenida Package holiday (2ad & 3ch) €4112

Best family staycation:

I have just returned from a family trip to Sligo and the Clayton Hotel have very kindly offered me a 5% discount off all stays. Prices for a three-night family stay is €499 for a family room or €699 for a large 2-bedroom family suite on 26th June, or €556 for a family room and €756 for a family suite on the 7th of August. Many more dates are available.

Family stays include breakfast, access to the Leisure Centre with swimming pool, discounted family passes for local attraction, and welcome treats for kids on arrival.

Search offer here

Best city breaks:

Bordeaux weekend ex Cork, 25th August, 3 Nights €295pp

Explore the wine lands and historic city of Bordeaux this summer for just €295 per person. Ryanair is offering flights from just €85 return from Cork to Bordeaux at the end of August. I found a great deal in the 4-Star StayCity apart-hotel which is located right in the heart of the city and is highly rated on TripAdvisor.

Search flights here 9th October €85pp

View hotel here €210pp

Read: 20 city break destinations from Ireland for 2022

Venice weekend ex Cork – 27th August, 3 nights, €325pp

The unique floating city of Venice simply has to be visited at least once in a lifetime, and with return flights from just €80pp in August, now is your chance! I teamed this up with the superbly located Hotel Mercurio, which is located just 5-minutes from St Mark’s Square. Price for flights and a three-night stay is just €325 per person.

Read: Top things to do in Venice and where to stay

Search flights 27th-30th August €80pp

View Hotel here €245pp

New York in September, 4-nights, €924pp

To celebrate that you no longer need pre-departure tests to enter America, Aer Lingus are offering €100 off return flights to the USA. I found return flights to New York from Dublin and Shannon for €336 on the 10th of September, and a four-night stay in the 4-Star Club Quarters Hotel Times Square is €588 per person based on two sharing.

Read: The ultimate guide on where to stay in New York

See flights here €336pp

View hotel here €588pp

Best cruise:

While airfares and hotel prices might be higher than usual this summer, there are still some great value cruise holidays available. This 10-night luxury cruise on Norwegian Escape sails from Rome and visits the Greek islands of Corfu, Mykonos and Santorini, as well as Malta, Sicily and various Italian ports – there is only one full day at sea!

I cruised on its sister ship, Norwegian Encore, you can read my review here.

Price of €1432 includes flights, checked baggage all food and entertainment, departing Dublin on the 23rd of August. You can add on premium drinks, shore excursion credit, speciality dining and Wifi for just €199 per person. This cruise is also sailing on the 24th of July at €1610 per person.

View offer here

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.

Best Travel Deals

The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 24th May 2022

1 year agoSarah Slattery

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

This week’s best travel deals include holidays to Spain, Greece and Morocco, an all-inclusive cruise, early booking winter offers to Genoa, Lanzarote and South Africa, and staycations in Derry and Wexford.

Best last minute:

Jet off to sunny Agadir over the June bank holiday weekend. Choose a three-night weekend break or stay longer, the prices are less for seven nights! I found a great deal staying in the 4-Star Tildi Hotel & Spa, which is located close to the beach and marina in Agadir.

Price for a three-night stay including flights and breakfast is €335, but there is even better value for a seven-night stay as the flight cost is only €81 for seven nights – the total cost including flights and the Zephyr Agadir apartments is just €238 per person.

Search flights here 3rd – 10th June €81

View Hotels here

Best summer sun:

Save a whopping 35% on this summer holiday to the Greek island of Rhodes. You will be staying at the highly rated (no 1 on TripAdvisor) Lindos Horizon apartments which are peacefully situated and offer stunning views of Lindos village and the sea.

Price for flights, transfers, checked baggage and a seven-night stay on the 27th of August is €514 per person.

View offer here

Best overnight escape:

Derry is one of the world’s best preserved walled-cities, and is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland. The landmark 5-star Bishop’s Gate Hotel is located within the historic city walls and offers amazing value for an overnight escape. Priced at Just €82pp on the 31st of July, isn’t it time you discovered Derry?

Read: 10 five-star hotels Ireland, overnight stays from €80pp

View offer here

Best family holiday:

This is one of the best all-inclusive family deals I have seen for this summer. Enjoy a week at the highly rated Cortijo Blanco Hotel in the Costa del Sol for just €2673 on the 13th of August, based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing.

This super deal includes flights from Cork airport, transfers, checked baggage and all meals and drinks. Check out the reviews on TripAdvisor if you still need convincing.

View offer here

Best family staycation:

The Riverside Park Hotel in Wexford always offers great value family summer breaks, and this year is no exception. Enjoy a two-night family stay with breakfast each day, dinner on the evening of your choice and a family pass to one of Wexford’s top attractions for only €445 in July or August.

Read: Top 10 things to do in Wexford with kids

See more here

Best cruise:

Cruise the Med on the award-winning Norwegian Epic. Voted Europe’s leading cruise line for 13 years in a row, Norwegian’s Freestyle all-inclusive cruises offer amazing value, and I found a super deal on the 4th of September.

As well as a Mediterranean cruise for seven-nights, this package includes flights, checked baggage, all meals, a premium drinks package, WiFi, shore excursion credit and a speciality dining package – all for just €1364!

Set sail from Barcelona and visit Corsica, Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Florence, Cannes and Majorca, before returning to Barcelona for your return flight home.

Read: My review of Norwegian Encore

See more here

Best city break

Discover somewhere new in 2022! Ryanair have announced direct flights to Genoa this winter. Why not treat yourself to a five-star city break in the Grand Hotel Savoia. Visit nearby Portofino and the Cinque Terre or explore Genoa in this luxury hotel.

Price for flights and a two-night stay from Friday 11th November is €221 per person. It is worth mentioning that flights start on October 30th – which is the October mid term break. Price for return flights for 7 nights over the mid term break are only €160 per person….

Read: Top 10 city breaks for less than €199 this Autumn

Search flights here 11th-13th November €77

View Hotel here €144pp

Best seat sale:

Scratch one off the bucket list and visit South Africa this winter. With return flights from just €500 in November, there has never been a better time to travel. I’ve been twice and loved it, and have lots of posts on my website about it, including this one:

Read: How to plan a South African road trip

View offer here

Best early booking offer:

Secure a winter-sun break now, with return flights to Lanzarote just €120 in January! The popular Tisalaya apartments are only €163 per person for a seven-night stay, making the total just €283 for a week.

Fancy a little luxury? The 5-star Dreams Lanzarote Playa Dorada Resort & Spa is only €545 including breakfast and evening meal for seven nights.

Read: Why Lanzarote is my favourite Canary Island

Search flights here 10th-17th January €120

Apartment here €163pp

View hotel here €545pp

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.

Best Travel Deals

The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 10th May 2022

1 year agoSarah Slattery

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

This week’s best travel deals include a bank holiday break in Prague for €198, Greek getaways from €319, summer sun in the Algarve, New Year in Orlando, a Celebrity Beyond cruise, Mexico for 2023, and staycations in Donegal and Sligo.

Best last minute:

Jet off to to the sun next week with this super deal to the Greek island of Kos. Price for flights, transfers, checked baggage, and a seven-night stay in the Hotel Bahamas is just €319 per person on the 18th of May. This adult-only hotel has just 30 rooms and is highly rated on TripAdvisor.

See more here

Best overnight escape:

With temperatures set to soar this weekend, why not treat yourself to an overnight stay at the 4-star Redcastle Hotel in Donegal. If you have been following me for a while you will know I fell in love with Inishowen last year. Price for an overnight stay is just €49pp on selected dates throughout May. Of course you can always choose to stay longer…

View hotel here

Read: 20 last minute deals in Ireland – Overnight stays from €45pp

Best summer sun:

It’s hard to beat the Algarve for a summer sun holiday, but adult-only hotels are not always easy to come by. I found a great deal in the 4-star adults-only Falésia Hotel on the 25th of August. This popular 4-star hotel offers direct access to the beautiful 8km beach of Praia da Falesia. Located in the pretty town Olhos de Agua, yet close enough to the lively resort Albufeira, it offers the bets of both worlds.

Price for flights and a seven-night stay including breakfast is just €687 per person. Dates can be changed to suit your requirements, simply edit the dates via the link below.

Check flights here 25th Aug – 1st Sept €105pp

View hotel here

Best city break:

Plan ahead and secure a city break in Prague over the October bank holiday weekend for just €198. Price includes flights and a three-night stay in the highly rated 4-star Hotel Merkur. Located close to the Old Town Square and Prague’s historic centre, it offers great value for a city break over the October bank holiday weekend.

Search flights here 30th Oct – 2nd Nov €92pp

View hotel here €99pp

See this and 10 more city break deals for €199 or less here:

Read: 10 city break deals for €199 or less

Best family holiday:

Treat yourself and the kids to a trip to Orlando for New Year. Traditionally it is an expensive time to visit, but I found good value flights on the 29th of December via Boston for €505 per person. Price for flights, together with a 10-night stay in Universal Studios Endless Summer Resort is €4026, based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing.

See more here

Best family staycation:

I’m off to Sligo next month and will be checking out the Clayton Hotel and Leisure Club. This 4-star hotel looks ideal for a family summer staycation. Price for a three-night stay in August is €697 in a two-bedroom family room, or €737 in a two-bedroom suite which boasts a kitchenette. These are based on a family of four, but selected rooms can accommodate up to five.

View offer here

Best cruise:

I had a great response to my Celebrity Beyond offer last week, and many of you asked if it could be extended. I have managed to secure another great deal for you on the same five-star luxury ship, cruising the Mediterranean from the 27th of August.

Price for a nine-night all-inclusive cruise holiday visiting Spain, France and Italy is just €1873. This includes flights, transfers, checked baggage, classic drinks package, WiFi and gratuities.

View offer here

Best early booking offer:

There was breaking news today with the announcement of direct flights from Dublin to Mexico next summer! TUI will be offering dircect flights in June and July to Cancun for two weeks, and you can secure your 2023 holiday now with a €150 deposit.

Prices for flights, transfers, checked baggage and a 14-night all-inclusive stay are available from €1710 per person. Upgrade to a 5-star holiday on an all-inclusive basis from €1995 per person.

See more here

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.

Best Travel Deals

The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 4th January 2022

1 year agoSarah Slattery

I’ve searched the web so you don’t have to! My best travel deals include last minute holidays, summer holidays, city breaks, early booking offers, and staycations for couples and families.

This week’s best travel deals include last minute holidays in the Canary Islands, summer holidays in Greece and the Maldives, a weekend in New York for €508, a family waterpark holiday in Tenerife, an early booking offer to Matera, a Celebrity Cruise, as well as staycations in Dublin and Cork.

It is important to be aware of the latest travel restrictions. In Europe most countries only require you to show your Digital Covid Certificate if vaccinated, however there are exceptions, including Italy and Portugal where a negative test is also required. Currently a negative Covid test is also required when you return to Ireland.

I have some advice and tips in these posts that you may find useful, but please check the latest updates with your airline or travel agent before you travel.

Latest travel restrictions for entry into Ireland

Top 10 tips for travelling during Covid-19

Travelling overseas? Make sure you fill out passenger locator forms in advance

Best last minute holiday – I week in Canary Islands from €257

Flight prices to the Canary Islands have never been so low, with return fares from €60 in January. I found a great deal to Fuerteventura, where it is a balmy 21 degrees at the moment. It is also one of the quieter islands with plenty of stunning beaches for you to relax in.

Price for return flights and a seven night stay in the highly rated Las Marismas apartments is just €257 per person on various dates in January.

Search flights here €60pp

View hotel here €197pp

Best overnight escape – Last minute hotel deals from €40pp

Want to make up for a quiet Christmas? Enjoy an overnight escape in January or February, with prices in many hotels across Ireland from €50 per person per night. The 8pm hospitality restrictions don’t apply to hotel residents, once you are vaccinated.

I stayed in the Trinity City Hotel in Dublin recently and loved its modern decor and relaxed dining options. The heated interior terrace is the perfect choice if you want to enjoy some al fresco cocktails, and the open plan restaurant boasts floor to ceiling windows. See this and lots more last minute hotel deals in Ireland here:

View offer here

Best spring / summer – 1 week in Rhodes from €297

If you haven’t visited the Greek island of Rhodes yet, you need to put it on your list! Rhodes has it all, secluded beaches, pretty whitewashed villages and a stunning old town.

I found return flights on the 26th of April for just €128 – which happens to take in the May bank holiday weekend. A seven-night stay in the centrally located Elite Hotel in Rhodes Town is just €169 per person, making a one week holiday less than €300.

Search flights here €128pp

View hotel here €169pp

You can also see lots more accommodation options in Rhodes in this post:

Read: Rhodes holidays, the best places to stay for couples, groups and families

Best longhaul holiday – Discounts & Upgrades at Kuramathi Maldives

Simply Maldives is offering 25% off room rates, plus an upgrade from Full board to All Inclusive in Kuramathi Maldives this summer. Price for a seven-night stay in a deluxe water villa is €2,998 – this is the same overwater villa that I stayed in recently.

Price includes flights, speed boat transfers and accommodation on an all-inclusive basis. Upgrade to the Dine Around “Select All Inclusive” package for an additional €455 per person.

Read: My review of Kuramathi Island Resort

View offer here

Best family holiday – Free Child Place & €250 off Waterpark holiday in Tenerife

TUI is not only offering free child places, but also up to €250 off summer holidays in their January sale. You only need a small deposit of €75 per person to secure a booking, and covid flexibility is available on all holidays.

I found a great deal staying in the hugely popular Villa Mandi apartments in Tenerife, which allow complimentary access to one of Europe’s best waterparks – Siam Park.

Price for flights and a seven-night stay with transfers and checked baggage included, as well as unlimited access to the waterpark, is just €2254, based on a family of four, on various dates in July and August. Use code SALE to save €250 off the listed price when you click on the link below.

View offer here

Read: Top waterpark holidays in Europe

Best family staycation – Clonakility Park Hotel during Easter holidays

This Clonakilty Park Hotel is a popular choice with families due to its superb facilities. The two-bedroom apartments tend to get booked out well in advance, but they currently have availability during Easter holidays.

There is an award-winning leisure centre, high ropes and zip wire adventure centre, and a three-screen cinema on site. The hotel offers family rooms as well as two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom holiday homes. Price for a two-night break in one of the self-catering apartments during Easter holidays is €430, family rooms are just €390.

View offer here

You can see lots more family Easter breaks here:

Read: 20 Family hotel deals in Ireland for an Easter break.

Best city break – Weekend in New York with Direct Flights from €508

Aer Lingus’ January sale offers up to 20% off flights to Europe and flights to the USA from €169 one way, for departures up to 31st May.

I found flights to New York on Saturday the 26th of March for €338 return and accommodation in the Holiday Inn Financial District for just €170 per person, making a three-night weekend stay just €508 per person. You can see many more hotel options in this post:

R ead: My ultimate guide on where to stay in New York

View flights here

View hotel here

Best early booking offer – Weekend in Matera from €310

Matera in Italy is one of the most fascinating cities that I have ever visited. Located in Basilicata, it is easily reached from Bari airport and is also an ideal location if you want to explore neighbouring Puglia. It is not always easy to find accommodation in the heart of the old town of Matera, or Sassi as it is more commonly known, so you need to make sure to book well in advance.

I found cheap return flights to Bari with Ryanair on the 14th of October, and accommodation in the highly rated Il Belvedere Hotel for just €310 in total, including breakfast! Rated as Excellent on TripAdvisor and the 2nd best place hotel to stay in Matera, this is amazing value for such a stunning location.

Read: A magical weekend in Matera

Search flights here Bari €95pp

View hotel here €215pp

Best cruise deal – 5-Star Celebrity Edge

Cassidy Travel have a wide selection of cruise deals on their website, including a Mediterranean cruise on the 5-star Celebrity Edge.

Enjoy an eight-night cruise visiting Rome, Portofino, Cannes, Corsica, Barcelona and Majorca, with flights, transfers, baggage, a classic drinks package, tips and WiFi included, from just €1779 per person, departing September 24th. Upgrade to a balcony stateroom from just €250 per person.

View offer here

Prices of my best travel deals are correct at the time of issue but are subject to change. Travel restrictions may be in place at the time of travel, it is important you are aware of individual countries entry requirements.

Please note if you make a booking you do so via a third party. Some of my best travel deals include affiliate links where I receive a small commission if a booking is made. See more in my privacy policy.

last minute holiday deals from Ireland

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, early booking offers, and staycations for couples and families.

Best last minute deal: Ski holidays from €199

Best overnight escape: New Year’s Eve escape

Best city break: Prague, Flights & 4-Star Hotel €142!

Best winter sun: A week in Lanzarote from €318

Best family break: Luxury safari experience in the UK

Best family staycation: Winterval Christmas Festival

Best cruise: Caribbean cruise on MSC Seascape

Best early booking offer: The Algarve in July

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, early booking offers, and staycations for couples and families.

Best last minute: 5-Star Spa break in the Algarve, €274

Best overnight escape: Cabra Castle, B&B, €69pp

Best city break: Rome – Flights & 4-star Hotel €188pp

Best long haul offer: Barbados flights from €390!

Best family holiday: Disneyland Paris Weekend

Best family staycation: Clonakilty Park Hotel

Best early booking offer: Lisbon October bank holiday 2023

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, early booking offers, and staycations for couples and families.

Best last minute:

Best overnight escape:

Best winter break:

Best cruise:

Best family deal: Summer Holiday to Orlando

Best family staycation:

Best luxury offer:

Best early booking offer:

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, early booking offers, and staycations for couples and families.

Best last minute deal: Lake Garda, Flights & Hotel from €246pp

Best overnight escape: Brooklodge Hotel, B&B €70pp

Best city break: 5-Star break in Porto, €267pp

Best winter holiday: Pre-Christmas ski holiday in Austria , €372pp

Best cruise: MSC Europa with 2-night stay in Doha, €1469

Best family holiday: Malta for Mid Term

Best family staycation: Galway Christmas Market Saturday stay, €259

Best early booking offer: July Holidays in Costa del Sol / Nerja

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, early booking offers, and staycations for couples and families.

<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-16835 lazyload" src="https://thetravelexpert.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Follow-IG-TTE-2.gif" alt="Instagram" width="900" height="113"> Best last minute deal: 5-Star Wellness Hotel in the Algarve €499

Best overnight escape: Spa break in Wexford

Best city break: 4-Star Weekend in Sardinia from €191!

Best winter break: New Year in Bruges

Best Cruise: Norwegian Cruise Line offers

Best family holiday: Skiing at Easter

Best family staycation: Ballyseede Castle for mid term break

Best early booking offer: Amalfi Coast in July

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.

<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-16835 lazyload" src="https://thetravelexpert.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Follow-IG-TTE-2.gif" alt="Instagram" width="900" height="113"> Best last minute deal: Costa Dorada, Flights & 4-Star Hotel Half Board, €458pp

Best overnight escape: Liss Ard Estate

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

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

Best family staycation: Dingle Holiday Homes

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

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

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

Whether you fancy a last minute getaway, a charming city break, or a relaxing week in the sun, I’ve got plenty of October holidays to tempt you.

City breaks:

1. Vienna: Flights & 4-Star Hotel, 3 nights, €208pp

2. Venice: Flights & 4-Star Hotel, 3 Nights, €389pp

3. Marseille: Flights & 4-Star Hotel, 4 nights, €396pp

October holidays from Ireland for 1 week:

4. Amalfi Coast: 1 week in Sorrento, Flights & 4-Star Hotel, €551

5. Wellness week in the Algarve: Flights & 5-Star Hotel B&B, €499pp

6. Croatia: Flights & 5-Star Hotel, 1 week, €636pp

7. Santorini: Flights & 4-star Hotel, 1 week, €489pp

8. Chania, Crete: Flights & 5-Star Hotel Half Board, 1 week, €698pp

Cruise holiday deals from Ireland:

9. Mediterranean cruise on MSC Seaview, Flights & Cruise Full Board, €999

10. Alaska Cruise on Norwegian Bliss, Flights & Cruise, Full Board, €1598

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

Best last minute deal: 1 week holiday to Rhodes, €468pp

Best overnight escape: Mount Juliet B&B, €92pp

Best October offer: 5-Star Holiday in Croatia

Best family holiday: Halloweeen break to PortAventura & Ferrari Land

Best family staycation: Johnstown Estate 2-Bedroom Lodges

Best city break deal: Rome

Best winter break: Christmas shopping in New York

Best cruise: Universal Stay & Caribbean Cruise

Best early booking offer: Weekend in Iceland with Northern Lights Tour

From beachfront apartments to luxury hotels, adult-only escapes to all-inclusive family resorts, these last minute holiday deals in August cater for all tastes and budgets.

Last minute holiday deals in August for adults

Best last minute deal: 5-Star Wellness Hotel in the Algarve €499

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