From a weekend in New York to all-inclusive in Mexico, a train ride on the Rocky Mountaineer or cruising the Caribbean. There are so many holidays from Shannon airport to choose from, here are some of my favourites.

Shannon Airport has been grabbing all sorts of headlines lately, including winning five years in a row at the World Routes Marketing Awards, the only Irish airport to do so. They are attracting lots of new routes too, including direct flights to Toronto for next Summer as well increasing capacity on many American destinations. Did you know you can fly direct to Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Providence Rhode Island from Shannon? And all with the added advantage of being able to clear immigration before you leave –  so no need for lengthy queues when you arrive! I have teamed up with Sunway Holidays who offer holidays to worldwide holiday destinations, across the globe, from Shannon airport.  I have handpicked some of my favourites but note dates and durations can be changed to suit your requirements, just contact Sunway for more details.

USA:

Boston: Flights & 3 Nights Hotel, February €665!

Plan a short Boston break after Christmas and beat the winter blues. Stay at the centrally located Boston Park Plaza Hotel and enjoy all that Boston has to offer. Take in the view from the Skywalk Observatory, walk the Freedom Trail, go on a whale watch cruise or take in a Red Sox game. Price for flights and a three night stay, based on 2 sharing is only €665 per person.

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New York: Flights & 3 Nights Hotel,  February, €649!

A weekend in New York is always a good idea. Shop till you drop, wander through Central Park,  get lost in Time Square or relax on the High Line. Make sure to visit to the One World Observatory! For tips on more highlights, check out my blog on the top 25 things to do in New York. You will be staying at the highly rated Stewart Hotel (formerly Affinia) which is located right in the heart of Midtown. Price for flights and a three night stay, based on 2 sharing, is only €649 per person.

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CANADA:

Toronto: Flights & 4 Nights Hotel, June €699!

Take advantage of the new direct service from Shannon to Toronto and spend four nights in this vibrant city for only €699! Check out the view of the city from the CN Tower, take in a hockey game or take a day trip to visit Niagara Falls, only 90 minutes away. You will be staying at the boutique style Bond Palace hotel, which is centrally located to enjoy all that Toronto has to offer. Price for flights and a four night stay, based on 2 sharing is only €699 per person.

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Rocky Mountaineer Train: Flights & 6 Nights Stay, April, from €2099!

Tick one off the bucketlist and experience a trip of a lifetime on the Rocky Mountaineer Train. Travel from Banff to Vancouver and enjoy breath-taking scenery on this world class train. Price of €2099 includes flights from Shannon, an overnight stay in Calgary, one night in Banff and three nights in Vancouver.

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WORLDWIDE

Mexico: Cancun, Flights & All-Inclusive Hotel, 7 Nights, June, €1355!

Thinking about Summer holidays already?  Enjoy unlimited meals, drinks and activities, 24 hours a day, in the 4* Riu Cancun. This is one of Cancun’s most popular hotels and is located in the heart of the tourist centre. Highly rated on tripadvisor, this is a steal at only €1355 per person, including flights, all meals and drinks, throughout your stay.

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Dubai: Flights & 3 Night Stay, May, €689!

Looking for a short break with a difference? Try Dubai. This amazing price of only €689 includes flights and a three night stay at the centrally located Arabian Park Hotel. Shop at the world’s largest mall, climb the world’s tallest building or simply chill out on some of the world’s best beaches. What ever you want to do, you can do it in Dubai. For more tips and highlights, check out my blog on the top ten things to do in Dubai.

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Kenya: Flights & 7 Nights Hotel & Safari, May, €2199!

There is nothing like seeing wild animals in their natural habitat. My African safari holiday is still one of the best travel experiences I have had, and one I always recommend. Over night in Nairobi before setting off on safari to see the big 5, visiting three of Kenya’s top National Parks, Amboseli, Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru. This six night safari from Sunway is excellent value as all meals and game drives are included in the price. Price of €2199 includes flights and a seven night full safari tour.

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Thailand, Phuket: Flights & 7 Nights Beach Hotel, May, €1329!

Laze on the beaches of Kata or Karon, take a boat trip to Phi Phi Islands or explore the rainforests. You will be staying at the luxurious Novotel Phuket Arista Kata Resort and Spa which is highly rated on tripadvisor and was awarded a certificate of excellence. Price for flights and a seven night stay on a bed and breakfast basis, is €1329.

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CRUISE

Miami & Caribbean Cruise: Flights & 8 Nights, May, €1469!

Cruise the Caribbean on one of the newest and most innovative cruise ships, MSC Seaside. Enjoy an overnight stay in Miami before spending seven nights on this luxurious Eastern Caribbean cruise. Price of €1469 includes all meals and entertainment on board, based on 2 sharing.

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Hong Kong to Vietnam Cruise: Flights & 7 Nights, May, €1429!

Experience the orient next year for this amazing price of only €1429. Spend three nights in Hong Kong before cruising to Vietnam on Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas. I had the pleasure of experiencing this ship last year and it is amazing! Try skydiving, take in world class shows and dine in some top class restaurants. Read my review on Ovation of the Seas for more details.

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These are just my favourite holidays from Shannon airport, but Sunway have many more offers available. If the above dates don’t suit, call their sales team 01- 2311800 and they will be able to organise a holiday for the time that does suit you.

This post was sponsored by Sunway Holidays but all views, as always, are my own.

Sarah

Sunway Holidays have just launched a 5 day holiday sale with prices from €264! There are so many amazing deals available, so I thought I would pick some of my favourites and share them with you!

As usual, I only recommend places that I have personally been to or have received good feedback from guests. All the prices below include flights, transfers and checked baggage – with NO HIDDEN EXTRAS! Most sale prices are valid throughout the month of May including the May bank holiday weekend! Hopefully there will be something to suit you in Sunway’s 5 day holiday sale!

1. Lanzarote: 29th April & 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th May – €284!

With warm weather almost guaranteed, Lanzarote is always a good choice for a week in the sun. Enjoy a week in the popular Oasis apartments in Puerto del Carmen, the island’s largest resort. The apartments receive good reviews on tripadvisor and are ideally located close to the resort centre. And remember the price of €284 includes flights, checked baggage and transfers!

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2. Algarve: 29th April & 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th May – €284

Only a short flight from Dublin, with wide sandy beaches and towns full of character, it’s not surprising the Algarve is one of Ireland’s most popular holiday destinations. You will be staying at the highly rated Club Oceano apartments in Albufeira. They receive excellent reviews on tripadvisor and were awarded a certificate of excellence.

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3. Puerto Rico: 29th April & 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th May – €284

Puerto Rico is one of the Canary Islands most popular resorts and is perfect for anyone looking for lively holiday. Built into a cliff, this sheltered resort usually offers the warmest temperatures on the island. By day it is more relaxing with most apartments offering plenty of places to enjoy the spectacular sea-views. Stay at the popular Puerto Plata apartments which are very centrally located to enjoy all that the resort has to offer.

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4. Fuerteventura : 29th April & 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th May – €304

Looking for some of Europe’s best beaches, great water-sports and warm temperatures? Go to Fuerteventura.  Stay in the highly rated Villa Florida apartments in the popular resort of Caleta de Fuste. Recently renovated and located in the heart of the resort, these are a perfect choice for relaxing week in the sun.

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5.  Costa del Sol: 29 April & 06, 13, 20, 27 May – €334

Short flights and short transfers is always a good way to start a holiday! The Costa del Sol is another firm favourite with Irish holiday makers and Benalmadena is one of the most popular resorts. You will be staying in the Flatotel apartments which are ideally situated close to the beach with stunning sea-views. Although basic, they are a great choice to explore the surrounding area and are close to Benalmadena’s modern marina which houses plenty of shops, bars and restaurants.

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6. Sicily: 29 April & 06, 13, 20, 27 May – €414

One of Italy’s most captivating islands, a week in Sicily is sure to please. Stay in the popular Villa Linda hotel in the resort of Giardini Naxos. This family run hotel is centrally located and although does not have it’s own swimming pool, it is located beside the beach. You can also pop into the upmarket resort of Taormina, which is only 20 minutes away by local bus.

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7. Mogan, Gran Canaria: 29 April & 06, 13, 20, 27 May – €384

One of Gran Canaria’s prettiest resorts, Mogan is perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing holiday in beautiful surroundings. It’s sheltered location also makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking for hot temperatures at this time of year. Once a small fishing village, Mogan has grown into an upmarket resort but still manages to keep its authenticity. Stay in the highly rated Marina Mogan apartments which receive excellent reviews on tripadvisor and are situated in the heart of the resort.

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8. Menorca:  14th, 21st, 28th May – 2 adults & 2 children €1036

This is an ideal choice for a family holiday. Not only is the island of Menorca ideal for families but the Roc Lago apartments offer free access to the waterpark throughout your stay. Situated in the heart of Cala’n Bosch, close to the marina and minutes from the shops bars and restaurants, these low rise apartments are exceptional value for a great family holiday.

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So there you have it, my best buys from Sunway’s 5 day holiday sale. I hope I have managed to find one that might suit you! If so, let me know, I would love to hear from you. Leave your comments in the box below.

All prices are correct at time of issue but are subject to change. This post was sponsored by Sunway Holidays but all views, as always, are my own 🙂

Sarah

Lapland is without a doubt one of the best trips you can do with your kids, I can not recommend it highly enough! Lapland is on sale now, book it before its too late!

The magic starts at the airport. You are greeted by representatives in costume when suddenly you see that the destination on the check-in desk is the North Pole. The magic never stops! A winter wonderland covered in snow is enough for most kids, but meeting the ‘real’ Santa Claus, is sensory overload!

You can choose a one night sleepover trip or the two night Sleighbell Spectacular trip. I was lucky to be able to go on the two night trip two years ago with my children. Prices start at €899 per adult and €799 for children from Dublin and Cork for the one night trips and €1259 per adult and €1059 per child for two nights. I loved the two night Sleighbell Spectacular and I would say beg, borrow or steal to do it! I stayed in a luxury log cabin and had a winter wonderland experience. Enjoy a snowmobile ride through the forest, husky and reindeer rides, a trip to Santa’s command centre and a trip to Santa’s village! All activities, food and arctic clothing are included in the price. You really only need spending money for souvenirs. With memories that will last a lifetime and possibly go on for generations, they really are priceless. For more information on my trip to Lapland, you can read my blog here.

Click here for more details or email me for personal quotations.

Sarah

Thailand is exotic, cultural and exciting all at once, and the island of Phuket has all three in abundance.

Once seen as a honeymoon paradise, Phuket has evolved and is now the busiest of Thailand’s tropical islands. It is also the largest island and certainly is the most diverse. You can choose to lounge on a beach all day and enjoy some spa treatments or party all night in one of Patong’s shall we say ‘lively’ bars. Although still a tropical paradise there are numerous things to do here. A trip to one of the neighbouring islands, Phi Phi being the most popular or a visit to the old town of Phuket, with it’s quirky streets will not disappoint. It is also a great place to chill out after a trip to bustling Bangkok or elephant trekking in Chang Mai.

Sunway Holidays offer many holiday options in Thailand and at very competitive prices. I have chosen the Old Phuket Karon . Ideally situated this 4* hotel is across the road from the beach and close to many bars and restaurants in the resort centre. It is a perfect choice for those looking for some relaxation yet within easy access of Patong, which is only 15 minutes away. This resort has also received a certificate of excellence on tripadvisor. Facilities on site include two swimming pools, two bars, four restaurants and a fitness centre.

Fly from Dublin on the 9th of May and spend seven nights here for only €839 per person. This price includes flights, taxes and checked baggage.  Mix it up a little and spend four nights in Phuket and three nights in the Phi Phi islands for only €1049. You can also add on a city break in Bangkok or an elephant trek in ChangMai, the choice is yours….

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All prices are correct at time of issue but are subject to availability. This post was sponsored by Sunway but all views as always are my own 😃

Sarah

There are so many names and slogans associated with Vegas. Sin city, the city of lights, the entertainment capital of the world – all of them suggest the same thing – fun, fun, fun!

Although renowned originally for casinos, many people go to Las Vegas and don’t gamble at all. There are pool parties, adrenaline rides, amazing shows, shopping outlets to die for, and let’s not forget, The Grand Canyon! A weekend in Vegas is without a doubt something that has to be done, at least once in your lifetime.

The hotels on the strip offer amazing facilities. You can take a gondola ride in the Venetian, see the amazing Shark reef aquarium at the Mandalay Bay, or chill out and watch the fountain display at the Bellagio. Adrenaline junkies are spoilt for choice in Vegas.  You can ride the High Roller ( world’s tallest ferris wheel), see Downtown on a zipline, or try any number of thrilling experiences at the Stratosphere hotel.

Believe it or not, you can skydive off the top of the 108th floor of the Strasosphere Tower, which incidentally is the highest commercial decelerator descent in the world! They also have the Big Shot, X-scream and Insanity – suffice to say there are plenty of rides for thrill-seekers! See them all here.

I found an amazing deal staying at the Stratosphere hotel. Fly from Dublin on the 26th of November for only €569 including flights and a four night stay. Many offers for Vegas are based on four sharing, this is based on two sharing, so it really is exceptional value. The hotel is highly rated on tripadvisor and is ideally located to enjoy all that Vegas has to offer. You can also secure a booking with only €100 deposit!

So release your inner superhero and prepare yourself for a fun filled weekend in Vegas!

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

Interested in city breaks?  For destination reviews and the best deals, click here.

Cruise around the Emirates on Royal Caribbean’s Splendour of the Seas and enjoy a holiday of a lifetime for only €980! What a great way to beat the January blues!

Renovated in 2011 this impressive cruise ship boasts a state of the art fitness centre, swimming pools, a rock climbing wall, top class entertainment for adults and children and an outdoor movie screen if you fancy catching a movie! Renowned for its excellent choice of restaurants you can choose to dine in Royal Caribbean’s signature steak house, Chops Grille or try some Asian cuisine at Izumi. Of course if you want to dine without any additional cost, the main restaurant and buffet options are of exceptional quality.

Overnight in the amazing city of Dubai and understand why it is one of the world’s leading holiday destinations. See the world’s tallest building, shop till you drop in the world’s largest mall, try some indoor skiing or simply relax on one of it’s stunning beaches.

You will visit two cities in Oman, Muscat & Khasab. One of the Middle East’s oldest cities combined with miles of unspoilt beaches, Muscat is a feast for the senses. You will also get the opportunity to explore the ‘Norway of Arabia’, Khasab and its bustling harbour. Of course no cruise around the Emirates would be complete without a stop in it’s capital, Abu Dhabi.  Luxury hotels and modern theme parks contrast with busy bazaars. Take a trip to Ferrari world, explore dhow harbour or visit one of it’s many museums.

Fly direct from Dublin on the 17th of January and spend seven nights on board this luxury cruise ship for only €980 per person. Price includes flights and cruise on a full board basis.

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

Sarah