your Holiday
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Hottest destinations With an entire world to explore, it can be difficult to pick just one destination to visit – luckily, the travel experts can help to make that decision easier for you. If you’re looking to travel somewhere exotic and relaxing, whether that’s in Europe, USA or the Caribbean, here are some of the top sun destinations to visit Europe
It’s no surprise that in the latest Quarterly Survey by the Irish Travel Agents Association, Spain and Portugal (along with the USA) were yet again named as Ireland’s most popular sun holiday destinations for summer 2017. With more than 5,000 miles of coastline, Spain has thousands of beaches from small rocky coves to long strips of golden sand, as well as some of the world’s must-see cities – Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga and Valencia. However, to get the best value for money, the travel professionals recommend choosing a package holiday this summer, to destinations in Europe including Salou, Menorca, Sardinia, Cyprus, Turkey and the Canary Islands. “The Canary Islands are a firm favourite with Irish holiday makers,” says Tanya Airey, Managing Director, Sunway (www.sunway.ie). “But if you are looking for something different this summer, we are delighted to be introducing Salou in north eastern Spain on the Costa Dorada, Alghero in Sardinia (the second largest island in the Mediterranean located off the coast of Italy), and Cyprus with its mix of balmy weather, beautiful beaches, friendly locals, excellent hotel options and many leisure activities. Menorca is also a popular hotspot this year with its slow island pace immersed in Catalan culture, the most amazing white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.” While many of us love to spend our time relaxing and sunbathing the entire time we’re abroad, realistically it’s impossible when you’re bringing the kids – so you need to factor in things they can also look forward to. Tanya says the Costa Dorada region is an ideal family holiday destination in Spain, as “it’s packed with excellent seaside resorts, one of Europe’s largest theme parks PortAventura World, and the fabulous city of Barcelona is located close by. “Visiting Salou in the Costa Dorada is the perfect family holiday, with its golden sandy beaches and so many activities on offer including exploring an entire world of fun in PortAventura World, the new Ferrari Land theme park, relaxation, cuisine and all the shopping that you can imagine.” Cruise holidays are also big this summer, allowing you to see many destinations at once.
Tanya says not only do they offer something fun for all the family, but they are excellent value. “As a family-owned company, we understand family cruise holidays and offer a wide selection of great value family cruises to suit all budgets and tastes. With different members of the family all looking for different activities on their holiday, family cruise holidays are a great way to relax, with something to keep children, parents and grandparents all entertained.” “With its all-inclusive options, a cruise offers great value for money. There is something to suit all ages, occasions, budgets and destinations so it’s vital that you use an expert to make sure you are getting the best value and the right cruise for you and your family. Visiting a variety of enticing destinations in just one holiday is one of the greatest attractions of a cruise. From spectacular scenery to the endless activities while on board the ship, a cruise is the ultimate holiday experience for all ages.”
USA
With long-haul and adventure holidaying being a top travel trend this summer (and the USA being one of the top destinations for Irish people to visit) beach and adventure lovers should visit somewhere a little different from the usual spots – such as The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel in Lee County, Florida (www.fortmyers-sanibel.com). “What makes The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel so special is the fact it allows visitors the chance to unplug and relax in a
Fort Myers, Florida
El Duque Beach, Tenerife, Canary Islands
Dominican Republic natural setting,” says Stefanie Zinke, Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau (Lee VCB). “It’s world famous for its shelling (activity to collect shells) along 50 miles of white-sand beaches and is different than most places in Florida. There is abundant wildlife here, which includes ‘JN’ Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, which offers some of the best birding in the world. You can watch manatees roll around in the water, dolphins jump, eagles fly, and more wildlife in a natural habitat. It’s a place where you can make lasting memories.” Rob Wilson of Lee VCB adds that in Lee County, you’ll find something for all tastes. “Lee County covers a large area. We have Sanibel and Captiva for a relaxing island stay. Cape Coral offers biking trails, and many restaurants and breweries. Matlacha looks like an old fishing village, complete with galleries and restaurants offering fresh seafood. Fort Myers offers a vibrant downtown that celebrates art and music on Friday nights throughout the year. Fort Myers Beach has many restaurants with live music and a chance to sun and enjoy a vibrant night life. “The area has a lot of visitors in January, February and March. After Easter, the crowds disperse and it is easier to enjoy the area. I would suggest the end of April and May, and then again in the fall, including September to December before Christmas holidays. But if you really like the heat and want some affordable rates, summer is also an ideal time.
“Leave all of your worries behind and watch the dolphins jump as you enjoy the sunrise on one of our many beaches. Find your island here and make memories that last a lifetime.”
Caribbean
With more than 700 islands to choose from, shimmery stretches of sand, sparkling crystal-clear water and world-famous rum, it’s not hard to see why people would want to flock to the Caribbean. “The Dominican Republic in the Caribbean is a paradise island that offers more than a laid-back sun-drenched holiday,” says Tanya Airey, Sunway. “It has many beaches, rivers, waterfalls, tropical rainforests and is home to some of the warmest-hearted people of the Caribbean. Our featured resort of Punta Cana is one of the most popular regions in the Dominican Republic. Most of the hotels stretch along the glorious beaches of Bávaro, Punta Cana, and are perfect for sun-filled lazy days. It’s impossible not to relax here! “We offer many of the Caribbean islands as exotic luxury holidays as well destinations in the Caribbean area such as Cancun and Mexico, with its superb location, luxurious resorts, some of the world’s most beautiful beaches; and a multitude of outdoor and water sports activities, which can be enjoyed all year round. With so much to see, do and experience it’s easy to understand why Mexico has such a high retention rate amongst holidaymakers.”