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The Travel Expert’s Best Travel Deals – 29th March 2022

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 deal and staycations for couples and families.

This week’s best travel deals include Easter breaks to Croatia, summer in Tuscany, Majorca and Madrid, a California road trip, an Alaska cruise, glamping in Donegal and an overnight escape to Wicklow.

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

Best last minute:

Spend Easter in Croatia! This five-star deal is amazing value, and you can choose a three or seven-night stay. Fly to Dubrovnik on Easter Sunday and enjoy a three-night stay in the fabulous 5-star Hotel Croatia for just €399 per person, or relax and enjoy a seven-night stay for just €569. And that’s not all – breakfast and dinner are included!

View offer here

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 with prices from €66 per person including breakfast, €104 per person including a three-course dinner in the Fia Rua Restaurant, or enjoy a round of golf with breakfast and dinner for just €129 per person. A glass of Prosecco is also included if you book directly on the hotel’s website.

I priced this deal on the 24th of April arrival, but many more dates are available.

See more here

Best summer sun:

There has never been a better time to visit Tuscany – the airfares to Pisa from Dublin and Cork airport are great value 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 seven-night stay in San Gimignano – one of my favourite Tuscan towns, an overnight in Pisa and car hire. Total cost for this eight-day trip is €725pp in June. Prices are similar from Dublin or Cork, and durations can be shorter or longer – simply edit the dates via the links below to suit your requirements.

Search flights here 15-23 June €90

View Pisa here €76pp

San Gimignano €384pp

Check car hire €175pp

Best city break:

With Aer Lingus, Ryanair and Iberia Express all flying to Madrid from Dublin, there has never been a better time to grab a city break deal to the Spanish capital.

I found great value flights departing on the 12th of June. The price for flights and a two-night stay in the centrally located 4-star Hotel Mayorazgo is only €191 per person. Highly rated on TripAdvisor, this is great value for a summer city break.

Read: 10 city break deals less than €199

Search flights here 12th – 14th June €71pp

View hotel here €120pp

Best family holiday:

With many schools offering an extended break over the June bank holiday weekend, that might be a good time to book your family holiday this year. I found a good deal to the Splashworld Resort, Globales Bouganvilla in Majorca. This All Inclusive resort has its own waterpark on site, and all meals and drinks are included in the cost.

Price for flights, checked baggage, transfers, and a seven-night stay from the 2nd of June is €2481 based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing. Use code SUN150 to save €150 off the listed price of this, or any holiday departing in May or June – minimum spend €1000.

Read: 12 Top waterpark holidays for families

View offer here

Best family staycation:

Treat the kids to a glamping stay before they go back to school. I’ve got the lakeside Lough Mardal Lodge in Donegal on my own wish list – just check out the yurts with king-sized beds, wood burning stoves and a veranada overlooking the lake!

Price for a two-night stay in a Skydome yurt is €360 based on a family of four sharing on the 19th of August.

Read: 20 Top picks for glamping in Ireland

View offer here

Best cruise:

Alaska, a place most of us only ever dreamed of visiting, has suddenly become more affordable, thanks to direct flights to Seattle from Aer Lingus, and some great cruise deals.

Sunway has a super September offer that includes direct flights with checked baggage, an overnight stay in Seattle, and a seven-night Alaska cruise on Crown Princess, all for just €1699. Add on a premium drinks package, WiFi and gratuities for just €245.

View offer here

Best long haul

Is a California road-trip on your bucket list? With Aer Lingus now flying direct to San Francisco and Los Angeles, you can fly into San Francisco, pick up a car, drive the Pacific Coast Highway and fly home from LA. I’ve put together a great itinerary, based on a similar trip we did a few years ago.

Price for direct flights, 14 days hotel accommodation and car hire is €2354 in September. You can see this and lots more USA holiday ideas in this post:

Read: Top 10 American holidays from Ireland

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 – 15th March 2022

5 months 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 city breaks in Rome and Porto, summer holidays in Greece, Spain, Morocco and Mexico, a Med cruise, a family break at Easter, and Day Spa ideas for Mother’s Day.

Best last minute:

Always wanted to fly off to Rome at a moments notice? Aer Lingus is offering €20 off return flights to Europe in April, so you can enjoy return flights to Rome from just €75. A three-night stay in the 4-star Best Western Hotel Artdeco hotel is just €176 per person, making the total cost just €258.

View flights here €75pp

View hotel here €183pp

I have lots more hotel options in this post:

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

Best Day Out:

With Mother’s Day just round the corner, now is the perfect time to consider treating yourself or your Mum to a Spa day. I’ve compiled 8 great Day Spa deals in one post, including a full day at Center Parcs’ Aqua Sana Spa from €110 per person, Chill at the Ice House Hotel for €115 per person, and a Mom and Me Spa package at Dublin’s Day Spa from €135 per person.

See more here

Best value summer sun:

Want to try somewhere new this year? Ryanair’s direct flights to Agadir, Morocco offer superb value, with return airfares from only €63 on the 20th of June! 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 seven-night stay including breakfast is just €183 per person, making the total cost for a week’s holiday €246!

Note: Currently only fully vaccinated visitors can enter Morocco, and a negative test taken 48 hours before departure is also required. This may change – see DFA.ie for up to date restrictions.

Search flights here 20th-27th June €63pp

View hotel here €183pp

Best luxury summer sun:

Its rare to find a luxury hotel that has over 4,000 reviews on TripAdvisor and still retains a 5-star / Excellent rating. The Atrium Palace Thalasso Spa Resort in Rhodes is one of them, and I challenge you to find a hotel of this standard for this price in August!

I found a great deal for seven-nights from the 20th of August. The price including flights, transfers, checked baggage, and hotel on a B&B basis is €917 per person.

When you click on the link below you will see a price of €983 per person. If you upgrade the room to a partial sea-view it will bring the total cost over €2000. You can then use the promo code HOLIDAY to save €200 off the total price, making the total just €917 per person.

View offer here

Best city break:

I loved our trip to Porto and would highly recommend it for a city break. As well as being home to a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is packed with colourful buildings, delightful streets, and has a great food and wine scene. I found a great deal on flights over the May bank holiday weekend.

Enjoy a three-night stay at the highly rated Reis de Gaia Aparthotel. Superbly located on the waterfront, next to Porto’s cable car and Porto’s famous Port wine cellars, it is also just minutes from the Dom Luis Bridge.

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

Search flights here 1st – 4th May €83pp

View hotel here €104pp

Read: 10 city breaks for less than €199 – Flights & highly rated hotels included

Best family holiday:

For families looking for great value this summer, its hard to beat Menorca. Airfares are particularly low, compared to other Spanish hotspots, and it is an ideal family friendly destination.

I found a great deal staying in the Blancala apartments on the 27th of July. Price for flights and a seven-night stay is just €1608, based on two adults and two children. I also found some great all inclusive and villa options in this post:

See more here

Best family staycation:

Still searching for an Easter break? The 4-Star Riverside Park Hotel in Wexford has a super family offer for a two-night break over Easter holidays.

Price for a family of four with breakfast each day, a 4-course evening meal on the evening of your choice, a family activity pass to one of Wexford’s top attractions, and full access to the Leisure Club, is just €420.

View offer here

Read: Family breaks at the Riverside Park Hotel over Easter holidays

Best cruise:

Cruise the Med on the fabulous MSC Seaside this summer with complimentary drinks included in the cost! I cruised on its sister ship MSC Seaview a few years ago and loved it. This cruise departs from Rome and calls to Sicily, Ibiza, Valencia, Marseille, and Genoa, before returning to Rome for your flight home.

Price for flights, transfers, checked baggage, all meals, snacks, gratuities and Premium drinks package is just €1369 on May 15th. Add on two speciality dining options including Asian Market Kitchen and Butchers Cut for €60 per person.

Read: My review of MSC Seaview

View offer here

Best long haul:

Go all-inclusive in Mexico this summer. Spend seven-nights at the 5-star Grand Sunset Princess Resort for just €1329 in June. Price includes flights, transfers, checked baggage and a seven-night stay with meals and drinks included.

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 – 1st March 2022

6 months 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, easter breaks, summer holidays in Greece and Spain, a luxury cruise, New Year in Iceland and staycations in Killarney and Clare.

Best last minute:

Treat yourself or your Mum to a week in Malta for Mother’s Day. With prices from €234 for a seven-night stay in a four-star hotel, you can’t deny it is superb value! This deal departs on March 23rd for seven nights but duration can be changed to suit your requirements.

Read: Top 10 reasons to visit Malta

See more here

Best overnight escape:

Enjoy an overnight escape at the popular Falls Hotel in Clare. We stayed here last summer and as you can see above – I enjoyed the spa! For only €90pp you can enjoy an overnight stay with breakfast, dinner, chocolates, and discounted spa treatments. Price is €120pp for a two-night stay and €125 for a three-night stay!

View offer here

Best Easter deals:

I have had lots of requests for Easter breaks this year, so I searched the web and found 10 great short breaks to tempt you. All deals include flights and four-star hotels for three or four nights, and prices start at only €254.

Ive got city breaks and seaside escapes in Spain, Italy, France, Sweden, Croatia, Germany and lots more. Deals include Biarritz from €291, Menorca from €360, and Sardinia from €379.

See more here

Best summer sun:

Struggling to find a summer holiday that won’t break the bank? Check out this amazing deal to Zakynthos in August. Price for flights, transfers, checked baggage and a seven-night stay in the popular Katerina Palace apartments is just €399!

Use code HOLIDAY to save €100 off the listed price. But you better be quick – this is one of my best travel deals this week!

View offer here

Best short break:

It’s never too early to plan a girls trip away! I found a stunning 3-bedroom penthouse in Puerto Banus on the Costa del Sol that would be perfect for a weekend away. Price for flights and a three-night stay in September is €436 based on four sharing, or €327 based on six sharing.

See more here

Best family holiday:

Did you know there is a 5-star All Inclusive resort in Greece with 24 hour service? TUI Magic Life holidays take All Inclusive resorts for families to another level. As well as drinks and snacks available 24/7, they have a wide range of entertainment and activities available, including fitness classes, sports programmes and nightly shows.

Enjoy a seven-night stay in the TUI Magic Life Plimmiri by Atlantica, Rhodes from €3807 on the 10th of August. Price includes flights, transfers, baggage and hotel on an all-inclusive basis, based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing. See this and 9 more all-inclusive holidays here:

See more here

Best family staycation:

Are your children off for an extra day or two over the June bank holiday? If so, why not plan a little staycation in Killarney. The hugely popular Park Palace Apartments are available from Sunday the 5th of June for two or three nights. Price for a two-night stay in a two-bedroom apartment is €394.

View offer here

Best cruise:

Spend three nights exploring the ancient city of Athens, before cruising the Greek Isles and the Med for seven nights on the brand new Regal Princess! This fabulous trip departs on the 26th of August and includes stops in Santorini, Naples and Montenegro, before sailing to Barcelona for your flight home.

Price of €1375 includes flights, checked baggage, a three-night stay at the Wyndham Grand Athens Hotel on a B&B basis, and seven-night cruise including meals, premium drinks , WiFi and gratuities!

View offer here

Best early booking offer:

If you want to getaway for New Year then now is the time to start looking. I found flights to Iceland for €239 and a four-night stay in the 4-star Icelandair Reykjavik Natura Hotel is just €280 per person, making the total cost €519 for four nights. So, why not scratch one off the bucket list and chase the Northern Lights in Iceland over New Year.

Read my top things to do in Iceland

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 – 15th February 2022

6 months 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 to the Algarve, spring breaks in Nice and Croatia, summer holidays in Sorrento and Menorca, Lanzarote for New Year, and staycations in Galway and Roscommon.

It is important to be aware of the latest travel restrictions, and that they are subject to change. Boosters are required for travel to most countries if initial vaccination is over 270 days. Please check the latest updates with your airline or travel agent before you travel.

Read: Latest travel restrictions

Best last minute holiday:

Would you believe the forecast in the Algarve is 20+ degrees and sunny next week? Take advantage of low airfares and discounted 5-star hotels and book a luxury spa break for just €230 per person. Price includes flights and a four-night stay with breakfast at the 5-star Vale d’Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa.

This is the best hotel in Carvoeiro according to TripAdvisor and the reviews from previous guests are excellent. If you prefer to stay longer, a seven-night stay is available from €392 per person including flights.

Check flights here €69pp 28th February

View hotel here €162pp

See lots more hotel options here:

Read: The best beach hotels in the Algarve

Best overnight escape:

Treat yourself to an overnight escape at the 5-star g Hotel in Galway for just €80pp including breakfast. This Five Star Steal is valid on selected dates in February and March, booked directly on the hotel website.

See more here

Best spring break:

I’m a big fan of Croatia, and the pretty town of Cavtat in particular. I love to see offers coming in for the 5-Star Hotel Croatia as its one of those hotels that everyone seems to love.

I found a great deal over Easter weekend, where breakfast and dinner is included in the cost of your stay. Price for flights and a three-night stay on a half-board basis is just €439!

See more here

Best summer sun:

I had to do a double take when I saw the prices of flights to the Amalfi Coast this summer. Ryanair is offering return flights to Naples for €130 on the 19th of July! There are so many great hotels to choose from but I found a good deal in the 4-star Hotel Prestige. Price for a seven-night stay including breakfast is €503 per person, making the total cost only €633 for a week’s holiday in July!

Check flights here €130 19th July

View hotel here €503pp

You can find lots more hotel options here:

Read: The ultimate guide to the Amalfi Coast and where to stay

Best family holiday:

Did you know that Ryanair are flying direct to Menorca this summer? It seems many did not, because unlike most destinations in Spain, flights to Menorca are still relatively low – return flights from Dublin are just €114 on the 3rd of August for seven nights.

The highly rated Prinsotel La Caleta is €1874 for a seven-night self-catering stay. I have some more accommodation options for July in this post:

Read: Family holiday to 4-star Zafiro Menorca, 6th July, €2500

Check flights here €114pp 3rd August

View hotel here €1874

Best family staycation:

Self-catering breaks in Ireland are always popular during July and August, so if you are looking for a holiday home over the summer months its best to book in advance. I found a good deal staying in a 3-bedroom house beside Lough Rynn Castle. Price for a 3-night stay in July or August is €450.

With Lough Key Forest Park, the Blueway Waterpark and the Wild Atlantic Way within easy reach, it is a great base for a staycation in Ireland this year.

View offer here

Read: 10 self-catering breaks in Ireland this summer

Best city break:

Nice isn’t always the first place you think of for city breaks, but I urge you not to overlook it. Flight times are only 2 hours 30 minutes and the town centre is only 4 miles from the airport, so you can be sipping cocktails on the Promenade des Anglais within a half hour of leaving the airport🍸.

Nice has some gorgeous boutiques, amazing restaurants, and of course a fabulous long sandy beach, but that’s not all. Its location in the South of France is ideal for visiting Cannes, St Tropez, Monaco, you can even pop into Italy on the train for your lunch!

I found great value flights for only €44 on the 2nd of April for three, five or seven nights. A three-night stay in the top rated Palm Hotel Nice is just €197 per person, making the a city break just €241 including flights.

Search flights here 2nd April €44

View hotel here €197pp

Best early booking offer:

Flights are on sale now for post Christmas breaks, and the earlier your book, the better price you will get. I found a good family deal to Lanzarote departing early morning on New Year’s Eve and returning the following Saturday, 7th of January. FYI Schools reopen after Christmas holidays on Thursday, 5th of January…

Price for return flights and a seven-night stay at the popular Hyde Park Lane apartments is €2087 for a family of four. Alternatively choose flights and a two-bedroom villa with private pool from €2748, or the five-star all-inclusive Dreams Tagoro Family & Fun Hotel, with all meals and drinks included for just €3691.

Search flights here 31st Dec €360pp

View Apartment €647

View Villa €1308

View All Inclusive €2251

I have lots more hotel and apartment choices in this post:

Family holidays to Lanzarote – My top 20 picks on where to stay

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 – 1st February 2022

6 months 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 to Lanzarote and Rome, summer holidays in Greece and Majorca, New York for New Year, and staycations in Sligo and Kilkenny.

It is important to be aware of the latest travel restrictions, and that they are subject to change. Boosters are required for travel to most countries if initial vaccination is over 270 days, and Italy and Portugal also require negative tests at present. Please check the latest updates with your airline or travel agent before you travel.

Best last minute holiday:

Jet off to sunny Lanzarote and enjoy a seven-night stay at the Villa Canaima apartments for just €387 per person. Price for return flights on the 7th of February are just €155, and a seven-night stay in a one-bedroom apartment with pool view is €232 per person.

Rated number 1 on TripAdvisor for speciality lodging in Puerto del Carmen, this is great value for a spring break in the Canary Islands.

Check flights here €155 7th February

View hotel here €232pp

Best city break:

Always wanted to fly off to Rome at a moments notice? Well now is your chance! Surprise your loved one this Valentines Day and enjoy a two-night break in Rome for just €177!

Return flights from Dublin to Rome are just €50 on the 13th of February, and a two-night stay at the 4-star Liberty Boutique Hotel is just €127pp.

Check flights here €50pp 13th February

View hotel here €127pp

See this hotel and lots more hotel options in this post:

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

Best overnight escape

Many of you already know I am a big fan of Mount Juliet, but its not just the setting and service that I love, it is also so handy for an overnight escape. Kilkenny is accessible from most counties, so if you fancy a luxury break away that won’t break the bank, I found it!

Price for summer stays in June are available from €90pp including breakfast – a nice Valentines Day gift perhaps? See this deal and more five-star hotel offers here:

See more here

Best family holiday:

The Protur Bonaire in Majorca is one of the most highly sought after family properties in Spain. Its kids clubs, splash park and overall family friendly facilities have seen it become a firm favourite with Irish families. However, it is rare to find Free Child Places still available in peak season, but I found some available in early August.

Price for flights, transfers, checked baggage, and a seven-night stay on a Half Board basis is €2,972, based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing. Note price will show at €3,222 when you click on the link below, but if you use the promo code SALE you will save a further €250 off the price.

See more here

Best family staycation:

Plan your Easter break now and enjoy a three-night stay with breakfast at the Clayton Hotel Sligo from just €437. This super hotel has great family friendly facilities including a fully supervised kids club, swimming pool, kids pool, mini-golf course, and fairy trail. Large family suites are also available that can accommodate families of five.

See more here

Best luxury holiday:

The Sentido Asterias Beach Resort is a brand new 5-star beachfront hotel in Rhodes that offers great value for a luxury holiday in Greece this summer. The reviews on TripAdvisor are excellent and prices are sure to increase.

I found return flights to Rhodes with Ryanair from €163 on the 27th of August, and a seven-night stay here on an All-Inclusive basis is €804 per person.

Check flights here €163pp 27th August

View hotel here €804pp

I have spent the week ogling over the best luxury five-star hotels in Greece for my latest post, you can find lots more options here:

Read: The best luxury hotels in Greece for adults – my top 20 picks

Best cruise:

The brand new Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas is cruising the Med this summer, and you can enjoy a seven-night cruise from Barcelona from just €1325 in September. Price includes return flights, cruise, meals and activities.

See more here

Early booking offer:

Ring in the New Year in New York! Direct flights are on sale to Newark with United Airlines and return airfares start at just €442 per person for the Basic Economy fare, but I recommend opting for the Economy fare of €532 which includes checked baggage, seat selection and free changes if required.

There are numerous hotels to choose to suit all tastes and budgets, but you can find my top picks here.

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

Check flights 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 – 18th January 2022

7 months 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 a last minute holiday to Gran Canaria, spring breaks in Venice and Iceland, summer holidays in Croatia and Amalfi Coast a Med cruise, and early bookings offers to Miami and Portugal. I also have staycations in Belfast and Kilkenny.

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 no pre-departure tests are required returning to Ireland, as long as you are fully vaccinated.

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.

Top 10 tips for travelling during Covid-19

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

Best last minute holiday:

Want to stay in the best rated hotel in Gran Canaria? This amazing deal to the Gold by Marina Hotel is just €471 for seven nights, including flights, transfers and checked baggage – this is almost 50% off the original price.

Ranked number 1 out of 134 hotels in Gran Canaria by TripAdvisor, this adult-only hotel is just what you need to beat the January blues. Price will show €521 below, but if you use code WINTER you will save a further €100 off the total price. Price is based on 24th January departure, but travel January 31st or February 7th for a supplement of €72 per person.

See more here

Best overnight escape:

To coincide with the 50th birthday of the historic Europa Hotel in Belfast, you can enjoy a Golden Moments package from €66 per person sharing, which includes an overnight stay, full Irish breakfast, signature cocktail in the Piano Lounge, signature truffles in your room, and an exclusive golden Hastings duck!

The Europa is a world famous hotel that welcomed the numerous celebrities as well as The Clintons and the Dalai Lama. There has never been a better time to visit!

View offer here

Best spring break:

Chase the Northern Lights, swim in the Blue Lagoon and marvel at the Iceland’s Golden Circle. This super weekend in Iceland includes flights and a four-star hotel from just €386, departing March 26th.

See more here

Best summer sun:

A summer break on the Amalfi Coast doesn’t have to cost the earth. Check out this deal to Sorrento, departing June 8th. Price for flights and a seven-night stay in the 4-Star Hotel Prestige is just €585 including breakfast.

See more here

See more accommodation options here:

Read: My ultimate guide to the Amalfi Coast, where to stay in Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi & Capri

Best city break:

Aer Lingus’ sale has been extended to January 24th so why not take advantage and plan a cheeky city break. With up to 20% off European destinations up to 31st May, cities such as Venice, Bilbao, Vienna and Madrid, are available from less than €100 for return flights – see more here.

I found a great deal to Venice departing March 28th. Price for flights and a three-night stay at the superbly located Mercurio Hotel is just €235 per person.

View flights here €82pp

View hotel here €153pp

See lots more accommodation options in Venice here:

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

Best family holiday:

Looking for something different for your family holiday this year? Try Croatia! The highly rated Zaton Holiday Resort is a huge resort with a wide selection of mobile homes and self-catering apartments to suit families of all shapes and sizes. Located by the sea, with a waterpark, slides and kids clubs on site, it has everything you need for a fun-filled family holiday.

I found a great family deal from €1411 including flights from Dublin for seven nights on the 8th of June, based on a family of four. Price for return flights are €142 per person from Dublin to Zadar, and self-catering apartments are available from €843. The Zaton Holiday Resort is located just 20km from Zadar airport.

Superior apartments and larger two-bedroom homes are also available. If this date doesn’t suit, simply edit the dates below to suit you.

Check flights here €142pp

View Apts here from €843

Read: The Best Family Campsites in Europe – Top 20 Picks

Best family staycation:

The Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny is often regarded as one of the best family hotels in Ireland – I have no doubt your kids will agree. It was voted Family Friendly Hotel of the year in 2020, and the fact that there is a wildlife park and a go-karting track (8+) on site might have something to do with that.

It tends to get booked out quickly during school holidays, so if you are planning a family break during Easter holidays, now might be a good time to book. Price for a two-night stay is €500 for a family of four, or €540 for a family of five, including breakfast.

Read: Top 10 things to do in Kilkenny with kids

Read: 20 family hotel deals in Ireland during Easter holidays

See more here

Best long haul offer:

Can you think of a better combo than Miami and Mexico? Enjoy a three-night stay in the 4-Star Gates Hotel on the world famous South Beach, before flying to Cancun for a seven-night stay at the 5-star Grand Sunset Princess Hotel on an all-inclusive basis – and all for just €1429 in September! Price includes all fights and checked baggage.

See more here

Best early booking offer:

You may recall I flew to Lisbon and the Algarve over the October mid term break, and managed to bag cheap flights with TAP Air Portugal by booking in advance. Well these flights are on sale now for next October…

You can choose a city break in Lisbon during school holidays, with return flights from €80 per person, (3rd – 6th November), or fly to the Algarve (via Lisbon) for seven-nights from €147 per person (29th October – 5th November).

I have linked flights to Skyscanner below, and based flight prices on convenient flight times (not the cheaper 0450 departure!), but regardless of which flight you choose, I recommend clicking through to the TAP Air Portugal website to make a booking.

View Lisbon here €80pp

View Faro here €147pp

You can see a wide selection of hotel and apartment choices in these posts:

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

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

Best cruise:

Cruise the Med with Princess Cruises this summer, with all-inclusive cruise deals from just €1249 including flights, meals and drinks on board. There is a wide selection to choose from, including a seven-night cruise on Regal Princess from Athens, visiting Santorini, Montenegro, Sicily and Naples, before returning to Barcelona for your flight home.

Price for this itinerary is from €1299, departing June 4th, and includes return flights, airport transfers and cruise on an all-inclusive basis.

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 – 14th December 2021

8 months agoSarah Slattery

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

This week’s best travel deals includes a city break in Lisbon for €181, winter sun in Gran Canaria, Easter in Madeira, a family holiday to Boston and Cape Cod, an all-inclusive deal to Mexico, a cruise around the Emirates, as well as staycations in Mayo and Laois.

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 some exceptions. In some cases testing will also be required, and currently a negative Covid test is 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:

Want to beat the January blues? Jet off to Gran Canaria and enjoy a seven-night stay at the Bahia Feliz apartments for just €300 including flights, transfers and checked baggage! Highly rated on TripAdvisor and a Travellers Choice award winner this year, this is incredible value for a week in the sun.

View offer here

Best overnight escape:

We have just returned from an overnight stay in the Midlands Park Hotel and were really impressed with its contemporary style and choice of dining options. Located just an hour from from Dublin, it is the perfect place for a quick getaway.

I found this great Winter Indulgence deal available on selected dates from this Sunday right up to March. For only €99 per room you can enjoy an overnight stay with breakfast, Irish Coffee or Baileys Hot Chocolate, €10 off Jule Day Spa when you spend €50, and a 10% discount card for Kildare Village Outlet!

Top Tip: Make sure to pre-book Kellys Steakhouse, the food is superb!

View offers here

Best family holiday:

I love a good road trip, and Boston to Cape Cod is firmly on my family holiday bucket list. I spotted this luxury deal with Platinum Travel and it looks very tempting!

Price for flights, a three night stay in Boston, followed by a seven night stay in Cape Cod, with car hire and a Boston Trolley Tour included, is only €4,399 per family. This price is based on travel in May, but other dates can be arranged.

View offer here

Read: Boston and Cape Cod travel guide, top things to do and where to stay

Best family staycation:

Treat the family to a Twixmas break in Breaffy House Hotel in Mayo. We stayed here twice now and love its family friendly facilities and proximity to Mayo’s gorgeous coastline.

Price for a two-night stay on the 29th of December is just €408 based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing, or €486 for a family of six sharing a family bunkbed room.

Read: 15 family Twixmas breaks, 2 night stays from €338

View offer here

Best early booking offer:

Ryanair have just announced a year round service from Dublin to Madeira, and now is the time to book to get the best value. A holiday over Easter holidays including flights and a seven-night stay in the 4-star Savoy Signature Hotel, is just €394 per person, based on two sharing. Prices are even less if you travel outside of peak times.

Search flights here 13th April €152pp

View hotel here €242pp

Best city break

Lisbon is super city break destination. There is so much to see and do, its on the coast, and it has a great food scene! I found weekend flights departing on the 2nd of April for just €56 return, and a three-night stay in the popular Ibis Styles Marquês de Pombal with breakfast included is only €125 per person. A weekend in Lisbon for just €181 is a super Christmas gift idea 🎁

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

Search flights here 2nd April €56pp

View hotel here €125pp

See more Lisbon hotel options in this post:

Read: Where to stay in Lisbon, my top picks of Lisbon hotels

Best long haul holiday:

Want to dance like nobody’s watching? Enjoy a week in the lively RIU Cancun Hotel, where the all-inclusive arrangement is available 24 hours a day, for only €1095 including flights! Yes you read that right!

This amazing deal includes flights to Cancun Mexico and a seven night stay on in the beachfront RIU Cancun an all inclusive basis, departing May 2022.

View offer here

Best cruise:

Cruise Dubai and the Emirates on the brand new MSC Virtousa for just €1229 per person. This super deal includes flights to Doha with Qatar Airways, an overnight stay in Doha, return airport transfers, and a seven night cruise with meals and gratuities included.

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 – 9th November 2021

9 months agoSarah Slattery

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

This week’s best travel deals include a last minute holiday to Lanzarote, Christmas market breaks to Munich, a city break to Boston, family holidays in Portugal and Clare, a summer offer to Sorrento, a Royal Caribbean cruise and an overnight escape to Cabra Castle.

It is important to be aware that each country has their own entry requirements. If you are vaccinated, you will beed to bring your Digital Covid Certificate with you, and non-vaccinated people will need to produce a negative Covid tests on arrival.

Most countries require passenger locator forms to be filled out in advance of travel – in some cases these have to be done 24 hours in advance. 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.

Top 10 tips for booking holidays during Covid-19

Top 10 tips for travelling during Covid-19

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

Best last minute holiday:

With temperatures a balmy 21 degrees in Lanzarote, why not enjoy a winter sun break before Christmas? Price for flights and a seven-night stay in the highly rated La Penita apartments in Puerto el Carmen, is just €379, departing the 28th of November.

Read: Why Lanzarote is my favourite Canary Island

Search flights here €171pp

View hotel here €208pp

Best overnight escape:

Enjoy an overnight escape in the luxurious 18th Century Cabra Castle for just €65 per person including a Full Irish breakfast – this is a saving of 47% off the standard room rate. Price is available on selected dates until 31st March 2022.

View offer here

Best winter break:

Kick start the festive season with a Christmas market break in Munich. Bavaria’s capital has over 20 markets to choose from and is covered in twinkling lights and market stalls.

Price for a two night break, flying out early morning on the 8th of December and returning late on the 10th of December including Aer Lingus flights and the highly rated Bold Hotel Munich Centre, is just €226 per person. See more hotel choices in this post:

Read: The best Christmas markets in Munich and where to stay

View flights here €92pp

See hotel here €134pp

Best family holiday:

I had many enquiries about staying at Martinhal Sagres since my recent visit and I found a good deal on the hotel’s website for the end of June.

Flights from Dublin to Faro with TAP Air Portugal are just €140 per person including hand luggage – you can choose to stop in Lisbon if you wish, or continue on to Faro. A seven-night stay at a 2-bedroom Mimosa Townhouse is €2222, making the total cost including flights €2,782, arriving the 24th or 25th of June.

Search flights here €140pp

Search hotel here €2222

Best family staycation:

Dust off the cob webs with a post-Christmas stroll along the Cliffs of Moher. This super deal staying in Clare’s Woodstock Hotel is just €325 per family, based on a two-night stay, arriving December 28th.

The onsite Leisure Club with pool, kids pool, sauna and jacuzzi will be a warmly welcomed after spending a day along the Wild Atlantic Way.

View offer here

See more festive family breaks here:

Read: 15 Family breaks between Christmas & New Year, 2 Night Stays from €310

Best city break:

With the USA back open to international visitors, I simply had to include a city break Stateside this week. Aer Lingus if currently offering €100 off return flights to the USA for travel up to 31st December, however I chose a spring weekend in Boston instead – for just €482 including a 4-star hotel!

Return direct flights to Boston are available in February (including Valentine’s weekend) for just €298 per person, and a three-night stay in the 4-star Staypineapple, South End is available from just €201 per person.

See more here

Best early booking offer:

I found some great deals from Dublin to Naples in August from just €123 return. Enjoy a week in sunny Sorrento, staying in the 4-star Hotel Prestige for just €547 per person, making the total cost for a seven-night stay on the 12th of August, with flights included, just €670 per person. This hotel rate includes breakfast and free cancellation too!

View flights here €123pp

View hotel here €547pp

I have lots more hotel choices along the Amalfi Coast in this post:

Read: The ultimate guide to the Amalfi Coast and where to stay

Best cruise:

The brand new Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas will be launching in March 2022. What will be the world’s largest ship will have even more award-winning facilities and dining options available.

It will be cruising the Med next summer, and you can enjoy a seven-night cruise from Barcelona from just €1489 in June. Price includes return flights, cruise, meals and activities.

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 – 12th October 2021

10 months agoSarah Slattery

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

This week I have a last minute five-star holiday for less than €400, Christmas lights in Malaga City, Christmas on the ski slopes, a luxury river cruise, and early booking offers to Greece for next summer. I also have a post-Christmas family break in Wexford, some Dublin hotel deals for your Christmas party this year, and an Aer Lingus seat sale.

Top 10 tips for booking holidays during Covid-19

Top 10 tips for travelling during Covid-19

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

Latest travel updates on international travel – your questions answered

Best last minute holiday:

Fly off to Corfu this weekend and enjoy a seven-night stay in the 5-star, adult-only, Kairaba Mythos Palace Hotel, for just €385. Price includes return flights and hotel on a bed and breakfast basis, departing 19th October. I stayed very close to this hotel some years ago and there are some super restaurants and beach bars in the nearby resort of Messonghi.

If you prefer to travel at the weekend, the price is just €400 on Saturday 16th October. Short stays of 3 and 4 nights are also available with Ryanair, just edit the search dates to suit your requirements on the hotel link below.

Search flights here 16th /19th Oct €63pp

View hotel here €322pp

Best overnight escape:

Now is the time to start planning your Christmas party nights out, but why book a cheeky overnight stay too? When you think of the cost of taxi fares, and that you can enjoy a nice cooked breakfast the following morning, its a win-win…

Prices are available from €50pp in Dublin’s city centre, and I have a choice of 20 Dublin hotel deals in this post:

Read: 20 Dublin hotel deals – Overnight Stays in December from €45pp

Best winter holiday:

Spend Christmas on the ski slopes! Fly off to Sestriere in Italy on the 19th of December and enjoy a seven-night stay in the Residence Tabor in Bardonecchia from €508, based on two sharing.

Families can enjoy a skiing holiday at the Olympic Village Apartments in Sestriere from just €1532, based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing – this includes a discount of €75 by using code TDRQ9LVDP. Prices include return flights to Turin, checked baggage and airport transfers.

See more here

Best family holiday:

Greece is proving very popular with families, and with airfares set to rise next year, now is the time to secure your family holiday for next summer. I have just published a post with 20 family friendly properties, but this one in Zakynthos caught my eye today, and there is a free child place available.

The All Inclusive Aqua Bay Suites Hotel is located near a waterpark, and if you book a package holiday you are granted free entry to the waterpark throughout your stay. You also have access to Kids Clubs, restaurants and pools at its two sister hotels, and airport transfers and checked baggage are included in the price.

Family Rooms are modern with sliding doors, and you can choose to upgrade to swim-up rooms, or rooms with private pools. Price for a family of 2 adults and 2 children for seven nights on an all-inclusive basis with flights, transfers, baggage, and water park access, is €3,870. If you upgrade to a room with a private pool, the cost is €4,728, departing 26th June.

Read: 20 Top Family Holidays in Greece for 2022

View offer here

Best family staycation:

Enjoy a post-Christmas break at the 4-Star Riverside Park Hotel in Wexford. I stayed here during the summer, and they have great value family breaks from just €188. With most schools not returning until the 6th of January, this is the perfect way to finish the Christmas holidays in style.

Price of €188 includes a two-night stay with breakfast, dinner on one evening, and a family activity pass to one of 8 family attractions, based on two adults and two children sharing, arriving the 3rd of January. Superior family rooms are available for families of five from €234. You may recall we visited Wells House and Gardens and loved it, this is one of the attractions that is included.

Read: Top 10 things to do in Wexford with kids

View offer here

Best city break:

Despite visiting the Costa del Sol many times, I have yet to spend some time in Malaga City. I have heard great things about this city and its Christmas lights are famous around the world. From Friday 26th November the city will be illuminated with 1000’s of lights and it is a great way to kick off the festive season.

I found return flights to Malaga from €79 on Saturday the 27th of November, and a three-night stay at the 4-star Petit Palace Plaza Hotel is just €169 per person. Rated as Excellent on TripAdvisor, this is one of the most popular hotels in Malaga City.

Search flights here €79pp

View hotel here €169pp

Best early booking offer:

Flights to Thessaloniki in Greece are on sale for next summer. I just bagged myself cheap flights for my own family holiday, but this is an area that is suitable for couples and families alike. Flights are available from €55 each way in June, and there are numerous hotel or apartments to choose from.

The adult-only 5-Star Alia Palace Hotel is just €371 for a seven-night stay, and there are numerous self-catering options available for families. If you want to splash out, choose the 5-star Sani Resort.

Read: My ultimate guide to Sani Resort

Search flights here €110pp

View Alia Palace €371pp B&B

Best cruise:

Luxury river cruise specialists Uniworld are offering savings of €1,000 per person on selected European cruises in 2022. Enjoy an eight-day, five-star river cruise through Venice the Gems of Italy from €1,899, or trips through Bordeaux, Paris and Normandy, or along the Danube or Rhine from €1999.

Price includes all meals, unlimited premium drinks, shore excursions, gratuities and airport transfers. Excludes flights. Book by 31st October.

View offer here

Best seat sale:

Aer Lingus is having a 72 hour flash sale to Europe, with flights to Paris and Barcelona available from €19.99 each way. Book by midnight 14th October for travel between 1st November and 16th December 2021.

The North American sale has also been extended for sale until midnight 25th October, with flights from €149 each way, for travel between 1st November and 17th February 2022.

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 – 29th September 2021

11 months agoSarah Slattery

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

Holidays to Alvor in the Algarve for this year and next, city breaks to Barcelona, Iceland and New York, and an amazing Caribbean cruise all feature in my best travel deals this week. I also have a super deal to Belfast, and Halloween and Santa experiences in Laois.

Top 10 tips for booking holidays during Covid-19

Top 10 tips for travelling during Covid-19

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

Latest travel updates on international travel – your questions answered

Best last minute holiday:

I’m just back from the sunny Algarve and can highly recommend the resort of Alvor for a relaxing break. Airfares have increased over the last few weeks, but I did manage to find return flights to Faro from €157 on the 16th of October for seven nights – although you can pay up to €254 depending on the flight times you choose.

A stay at the 4-star Prainha Clube apartments, (next to where I stayed), is just €193pp based on a studio apartment, or €245pp based on a one-bedroom apartment with sea view.

This gives the total price from only €350 for a seven-night stay. If you choose to opt for a shorter or longer duration, simply edit the links below to suit your requirements.

Search flights here 16th October from €157pp

View apartments from €193pp

Best overnight escape:

Enjoy an overnight stay with breakfast in the 4-Star Radisson Blu Hotel Belfast for just €40pp! This super deal is valid on selected stays until 31st December and includes a glass of Prosecco on arrival, and free parking. Stay for two nights for €75pp and enjoy a bottle of Prosecco to share 🥂.

View offer here

Best family holiday:

I’ve had lots of requests for family accommodation in Alvor and I found a great deal to the 4-star Pestana Alvor Park Hotel (rated no 1 on TripAdvisor) in July. Price for return flights and a seven-night self-catering stay based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing, is €2,098.

If you prefer to go All Inclusive, the 5-star Pestana Blue Alvor Beach & Golf Resort offers good value for a luxury hotel. It was purposely built for families and has a wide selection of activities on site, as well as three restaurants to choose from. Price for return flights in July and a seven-night stay with all meals and drinks included is €3,338, based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing.

Search flights here 10th July from €173pp

View Alvor Park Hotel Self catering €1406

View Alvor Beach Hotel All Inclusive €2646

Best family staycation:

The 4-star Midlands Park Hotel has some great value family stays with Halloween and Santa Experiences included. Prices are available from €170 for a family of four, or €205 for a family of five, based on an overnight stay including breakfast, full access to the leisure centre, as well as a family pass to Castleview Open Farm with Santa Experience included.

See more here

Best City Break:

While flight prices may be high to sun holiday destinations, there is terrific value in city breaks at the moment. Enjoy a weekend in beautiful Barcelona for only €197 in November.

Return flights are available from Dublin for just €30 per person – yes you did read that right! You can stay in one of the most popular four-star hotels in Barcelona – Hotel Barcelona 1882, for just €167pp for a three-night stay.

This hotel offers views of La Sagrada Familia from its rooftop terrace, but if you prefer to stay close to the beach or on Las Ramblas, check out my Barcelona Travel Guide for lots more hotel recommendations.

Search flights here 6th November €30pp

View hotel here €167pp

Read: Barcelona Travel Guide – Where to stay in Barcelona, and top things to do

Best winter break:

Looking for a snowy adventure this winter? Try a weekend in Iceland! Direct flights are available from Dublin airport to Reykjavik from just €176 return, and there is a wide selection of hotels and apartments available.

I found a good deal departing on the 6th of January – a nice way to beat the January blues, and might even be great Christmas gift idea 🤔. Price for flights and a three-night stay in a four-star hotel is just €439 per person.

See more here

Best cruise:

Cruise the Caribbean on the Caribbean Princess! This amazing cruise departs from Florida and visits Grand Cayman, Mexico, Jamaica, as well as Princess Cruises’ own island in the Bahamas – Princess Cays.

Price for flights, airport transfers, checked baggage, an overnight hotel stay and a seven-night cruise with all meals, snacks, premier drinks, unlimited WiFi and gratuities included, as well as $50 on board credit, is only €1399 per person!

See more here

Best seat sale:

Aer Lingus has some super offers to the USA right now, and with the travel ban set to be lifted in November, now might be a good time to book a trip Stateside! I found return flights to New York from just €297 in February, and price for a three-night stay in the popular Moxy New York Times Square from just €225 per person.

If you want to stay longer or need to choose alternative dates, simply edit the links below to suit your requirements.

View flights here

View hotel here

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

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 – 14th September 2021

11 months agoSarah Slattery

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

A last minute deal to Greece, a Royal Caribbean cruise, and a family trip to Dubai feature in my best travel deals this week. I also have winter sun in Lanzarote, a city break to Venice, an early booking offer to the Algarve in July, a girls night away, and a family break between Christmas and New Year.

Top 10 tips for booking holidays during Covid-19

Top 10 tips for travelling during Covid-19

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

Latest travel updates on international travel – your questions answered

Best last minute holiday:

Jet off to the beautiful island of Zakynthos this weekend, and stay at the popular Alykes Garden Village for just €308 per person – yes you read that right! Highly recommended on Tripadvisor, you can’t beat this price for a week in the sun. Price includes flights, apartment, return airport transfers and checked baggage for seven nights.

View offer here

Best overnight escape:

Due to popular demand, this exclusive offer from the Clayton Hotel Limerick is back for a second time. From a mere €80 per person you can enjoy a night away with breakfast, a 4-course à la carte dinner, a complimentary cocktail, and Prosecco in your room on arrival – can you believe the price? You also have full access to the Club Vitae swimming pool, health and fitness centre.

This exclusive deal is valid right up to the end of the year, even on Friday nights. Price of €80pp is based on three sharing, and is aimed a ‘girls night away’, but you can of course bring your partner, mother etc. Price for two sharing is €95 per person. Supplements apply for Saturday night stays.

See more here

Best winter break:

Beat the January blues with a week in Lanzarote for just €293. Aer Lingus’ Seat Sale is now on with return flights from just €120 per person on the 27th of January. I found a great deal to the Bitacora apartments in Puerto del Carmen for just €173 per person.

Alternatively choose the 5-star All Inclusive Gran Castillo Tagoro for just €577 (refundable rate), making a total stay here just €697 per person.

View flights here €120pp

View Bitacora €173pp

View Gran Castillo €577pp

Best family holiday:

Emirates holidays has a superb family offer in the 4-star Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts from 4th January – 30th September 2022. Enjoy a free upgrade from bed & breakfast to half board, as well as complimentary park tickets to Dubai Parks and Resorts – home to Legoland, Legoland Waterpark, Motiongate and Bollywood Parks.

I looked at the June bank holiday weekend and price for direct flights with Emirates to Dubai with 25kg checked baggage per person, and a seven night stay with breakfast, evening meal and park tickets included, is €3,645 based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing. Offer is available throughout the year – price seven nights over Easter holidays is €4,529.

Read: Top tips for a family holiday to Dubai

View offer here

Best family staycation:

Rated number 1 on TripAdvisor the luxurious Talbot Suites at Stonebridge, Wexford is a super choice for families looking for a break between Christmas and New Year. There are two and three-bedroom apartments available, and all have access to the swimming pool and Talbot Quay Leisure Centre and the facilities of the Talbot Hotel Wexford.

Price is €360 for a two-bedroom apartment and €500 for a three-bedroom apartment, arriving on the 28th of December for two nights.

Read: Top 10 things to do in Wexford with kids

See more here

Best city break:

Now is the time to explore Venice – get there before the crowds arrive! Aer Lingus is offering great value airfares from just €39.99 each way in October, and there are super hotel deals available too.

Price for flights on the 19th of October and a four-night stay in the Hotel Dell’Opera is €362 per person. Highly recommended on TripAdvisor, this hotel is located just five minutes walk from St. Mark’s Square.

Read: Venice travel guide – top things to do and where to stay

View flights here €80pp

View hotel here €282pp

Best cruise:

The value on cruise holidays at the moment is second to none! Did you know you can cruise the Med for seven days on Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas for just €899 in October? This amazing offer includes flights, 20kg checked baggage, all meals and entertainment on board, gratuities, and an upgrade to a neighbourhood balcony cabin!

Visit Barcelona, Palma, Florence/Pisa, Rome and Naples before returning to Barcelona for your return flight home. I had the pleasure of cruising on this ship many years ago – you can read my review here. See this and lots more cruise offers here:

See more here

Best early booking offer:

If you believe Michael O Leary’s comments this week, airfares for next summer are set to increase! If you you are in a position to book now, you can secure return flights to the Algarve from €152 in July.

The beachfront Santa Eulalia Hotel & Spa near Albufeira is also offering early booking discounts, so you can secure a week in this popular holiday resort for just €510 per person on the 7th of July.

Search flights here €152pp

View hotel here €358pp

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 – 31st August 2021

12 months agoSarah Slattery

This weeks best travel deals include a last minute sun holiday, city break and cruise deal, winter breaks, early booking offers for next summer, and staycations for couples and families.

Last minute deals to Gran Canaria and Bordeaux, as well as a super Greek Isles cruise in September feature in my best travel deals this week. I also have staycations in Sligo and Wexford, a short post-Christmas ski trip, and early booking offers to Sorrento and Lanzarote for next summer.

It is also vital that if you are vaccinated or have recovered from Covid that you have proof of this. If you have not yet received your Digital Covid Certificate, or need more information on testing or entry requirements, you can find out more in this post:

Latest travel updates on international travel – your questions answered

Most countries require passenger locator forms to be filled out in advance of travel – in some cases these have to be done 24 hours in advance. 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.

Top 10 tips for booking holidays during Covid-19

Top 10 tips for travelling during Covid-19

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

Best last minute holiday:

Treat yourself to some five-star luxury and enjoy a week in Gran Canaria, staying at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Mogan for just €579. This hotel is located close to the seafront in the pretty fishing village of Mogan.

There are two swimming pools, as well as a Spa and fitness centre with running track and climbing tower. This hotel has been on my wish list for some time, I have personally had great feedback from previous guests.

This price is based on flying from Dublin on the 14th of September, and includes a seven-night stay with breakfast, in a superior room with balcony. This price is similar throughout September, so if this date does not suit, simply edit the search dates on the links below.

Search flights here €140pp

View hotel here €439pp

Best overnight escape:

Looking for a quick getaway that won’t break the bank? This super deal of just €50 per person from the 4-star Riverside Park Hotel in Wexford includes breakfast, as well as a bottle of Prosecco and chocolates in your room on arrival! I stayed here in July – this is fantastic value for an autumn break.

See more here

Best winter break:

Always wanted to try skiing, but not sure if it is for you? This short post-Christmas break to France is the perfect way to try it, and beat the January blues at the same time!

Price of €366 per person includes flights, a four-night stay in the 4-star Le Belmount Arc 1800 apartments, 20kg checked in baggage and return airport transfers, departing January 4th.

View offer here

Best family holiday:

I had many requests from people asking about luxurious family hotels for next summer – it seems you want to make up for lost time! I found a great deal in the 5-star Gran Castillo Tagoro in Lanzarote in July. This all-inclusive resort is hugely popular with Irish visitors and currently has a discount of €568 on the 17th of July.

Price of €3640 includes flights, transfers, checked baggage, and all meals and drinks throughout your stay, based on a family of four. The best part – you don’t need to pay in advance for the flights. As this is a package holiday so you only need a deposit of €75 per person to secure a booking.

Read: Why Lanzarote is my favourite Canary Island

View offer here

Best family staycation:

Located close to one of the best beaches in Ireland, the Diamond Coast Hotel in Sligo is one of the most popular places to stay on the Wild Atlantic Way. Families love its large family rooms, and it is a great choice for a staycation over the October mid term break. Price of €480 is based on a family of four for three nights, and includes breakfast too!

Read: 20 family staycations over the October mid term break

View offer here

Best city break:

Saint-Emilion close to Bordeaux in France — Saint-Emilion

Explore the wine lands and historic city of Bordeaux for just €203 per person. Ryanair is offering flights from just €26 return from Dublin to Bordeaux in September and October. I found a great deal in the highly rate StayCity apart-hotel which is located right in the heart of the city for just €354, making a three night stay just €207 per person including flights.

I have linked the 9th of October below but simply edit the search dates if this date doesn’t suit.

Search flights here 9th October €30pp

View hotel here €177pp

Best cruise:

Cruise the Greek Islands on Norwegian Jade this September from just €788! Set sail from Athens on September 26th and visit Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, Corfu, Olympia and Santorini, before returning to Athens for your flight home.

This amazing cruise deal includes flights and a seven-night cruise with meals and entertainment included. For an extra €99 you can avail of an unlimited drinks package as well as WiFi or two speciality dining meals.

View offer here

Best early booking offer:

Secure a week on the Amalfi Coast next summer with this super deal to the 4-star Hotel Prestige. Flights to Naples are available from €69 return in June, and a seven-night stay with breakfast is just €425 per person, making the total cost just €494 per person for a one-week holiday in Sorrento on the 8th of June.

The Prestige Hotel is rated as Excellent on TripAdvisor and was a Travellers Choice Award Winner this year. Read my ultimate guide to the Amalfi Coast for more ideas on where to stay and which resorts to visit.

Search flights here 8th June €69pp

View hotel here €425pp

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 Tavel Deals 6th July 2021

1 year agoSarah Slattery

This weeks best travel deals include summer holidays, winter breaks, cruise holidays, summer holidays in Ireland, and early booking deals for 2022.

I have some amazing offers in my best travel deals this week! I have summer holidays in Santorini and Spain, the October bank holiday weekend in Lisbon, adult-only winter breaks in Gran Canaria, New Year in Lanzarote for families, overnight escapes in Dublin and family staycations in Clare – for this summer, and early booking deals for 2022 – including an amazing cruise offer and a weekend Vegas!

It is important to be aware that each country has their own entry requirements, and these can change at any time. Most countries require non-vaccinated people to produce proof of negative Covid tests on arrival. Some require PCR tests, others will accept Antigen tests, and child ages vary from country to country.

It is also vital that if you are vaccinated or have recovered from Covid that you have proof of this. We have been told that the Digital Covid Certificate should be available to us by the 19th of July, but have to wait a little longer to be able to access this information.

Most countries require passenger locator forms to be filled out in advance of travel – in some cases these have to be done 24 hours in advance. I have some advice and tips in these posts that you may find useful, but please be aware that travel restrictions can change at any time. Always check the latest updates with your airline or travel agent before you travel.

Latest travel updates on international travel – your questions answered

Top 10 tips for booking holidays during Covid-19

Top 10 tips for travelling during Covid-19

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

Best last minute holiday:

TUI is offering last minute package holidays from €313 after the 19th of July, and a further €100 off if you spend over €800 in total – use promo code SUMMER at the check out. They also include free Covid-Cover in all of their holidays departing before 31st October. There is a wide selection of offers to choose from but I found a great deal staying in the highly rated Potamitis apartments in Zakynthos.

Price including flights, transfers, checked baggage and a seven night stay is just €349 per person, departing July 25th. The Potamitis is rated no 1 onTripAdvisor and the reviews are excellent.

View offer here

Best last minute overnight escape:

While restrictions remain on indoor dining, perhaps now is a good time to book an overnight escape in a hotel. I had the pleasure of staying at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire recently, and I loved its seaside location and its superb facilities – there is a spa and swimming pool on site.

Enjoy a boat or kayaking trip with Dublin Under Sail and if you can manage to get a table, Hartleys outdoor dining is superb! I have lots more Dublin hotels in this post, including city centre locations in July and August from €50 per person.

Read: 20 Dublin hotel deals, overnight stays from €49 in July and August

See more here

Best September deal:

Enjoy a week on the beautiful island of Menorca for just €313 on the 14th of September. Ryanair have return flights from just €15 each way, so even if thought of travel restrictions or changing flights is putting you off booking – its worth the risk for €30!

There is a host of accommodation options to choose from, but I found a good deal in the highly rated Grupotel Club Menorca which is located just 200 metres from the beach.

View flights here €29pp

View hotel here €284pp

Best luxury sun holiday:

Santorini is still on my bucket list, and I’m finding this deal to the 5-star Cavo Bianco Boutique Hotel and Spa very tempting! Enjoy a seven-night stay in this stunning hotel from just €819 on the 27th of September. Price includes Aer Lingus flights from Dublin, and breakfast each day.

Note Aer Lingus allow free changes up to two hours before departure, and I have priced the hotel on a free cancellation basis.

View flights here €194pp

View hotel here €625pp

Best family deal:

Fancy spending the New Year in Lanzarote? TUI is offering €100 off when you spend over €800 by using code HOLIDAY100 and they offer good value to the Canary Islands on their own charter flights, compared to other airlines.

Price for flights, checked baggage, airport transfers and seven-nights in the popular San Marcial apartments in Lanzarote is only €2830 based on two adults and two children sharing. Price includes saving of €100 when you use promo code on this or any TUI winter holiday over €800 in value.

View offer here

Best family staycation:

Clare’s Hotel Woodstock is a family run country house on the grounds of Woodstock Golf and Country Club. Located just 4km from Ennis and a short drive to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, the possibilities for day trips are endless.

The onsite Leisure Club with pool, sauna and jacuzzi will be a warmly welcomed after spending a day along the Wild Atlantic Way. Price for a two night stay in a superior family room is just €288 on the 8th of August.

Read: 15 Family breaks in August – 2 Night stays from €288

View offer here

Best cruise:

Cruise Italy and the Greek Isles on Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas next summer. Fly from Dublin to Rome on the 17th of July and spend six nights on this extraordinary cruise ship, visiting Santorini, Mykonos and the Amalfi Coast – all while staying in a balcony cabin!

Price of €1469 includes flights, return airport transfers, cruise on a full-board basis with upgrade to balcony cabin.

View offer here

Best city break:

Spend the October bank holiday weekend in Lisbon. I found a great deal staying in the popular Sao Bento Hotel, departing Saturday the 23rd of October for three nights. Price is just €283 per person, including flights and hotel with breakfast.

There are lots more accommodation options in this post:

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

See more here

Best winter break:

The Adults-Only Sol Mogan Suites is one of the most sought after properties in Gran Canaria. The modern suites have a kitchenette and a barbecue, and its location is ideal for couples looking for winter sun holidays in a relaxed surrounding. Enjoy a seven-night stay here with flights from just €366 on the 25th of November.

View flights here €121pp

View hotel here €245pp

Best early booking offer:

Live it up in Las Vegas, with this super deal departing in April. Price of €489 includes flights and a four-night stay in the highly rated Luxor Hotel, based on 2 sharing.

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.

Sarah