Departure Lounge: Five deals to book this summer, including a week in sunny Spain
December in Chicago is a magical time, when the lakeside city turns on its winter charm. Aer Lingus Holidays is offering direct flights from Dublin to Chicago and three nights in the centrally located four-star Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel for €638 per person sharing. Price includes direct flights from Dublin and three nights' accommodation, in December 2025. Pack your woollies!
holidayswithaerlingus.com
Costa del Fun
Fancy a little Spanish hospitality? Jet off from Cork Airport to the Costa del Sol next week for a seven-night stay at the Sandos Griego Hotel. In the centre of Torremolinos, the popular all-inclusive four-star has a roomy pool and several restaurants and bars. Travel May 26, from €539pp including Ryanair flights from Cork.
loveholidays.ie
Fun summer break
Overlooking Amstelkwartier, one of Amsterdam's newest neighbourhoods, Ruby Emma is a five-minute stroll from the banks of the river Amstel and pretty Park Somerlust.
Amsterdam's such a cool city for a summer break. With the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank's House, Van Gogh Museum, wonderful parks and night life, it's a short flight from Cork and Dublin. Rooms at Ruby Emma, combine great design with green-credentials and top value.
On the banks of the Amstel river, the fresh space includes mid-century modern elements and vintage pieces. Overlooking Amstelkwartier, one of Amsterdam's newest neighbourhoods, Ruby Emma is a five-minute stroll from the banks of the river Amstel and pretty Park Somerlust. Rooms from €127.
ruby-hotels.com
Deal of the week
The four-star Limerick Strand Hotel enjoys a riverside location, and is within walking distance of the main attractions, like the famous Milk Market.
Skip to Limerick for an affordable overnight stay and discover the heritage, culture and food scene in the Treaty City.
The four-star Limerick Strand Hotel enjoys a riverside location, and is within walking distance of the main attractions, like the famous Milk Market. Guests will enjoy discounts on tickets to King John's Castle, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and the Hunt Museum, amongst others.
The Ultimate Summer in Limerick Package, includes overnight B&B, with an ice cream welcome treat, access to the Health Club's 20-metre heated pool and hydro area. From €189 per room per night for two adults sharing.
strandlimerick.ie
School holiday discounts
The stylish IDILIQ Hotels and Resorts, a collection of nine properties in Spain, Orlando and the UK is offering a 15% discount between June 21 and September 7.
I really like the look of the Summer Steals offers from the stylish IDILIQ Hotels and Resorts, a collection of nine properties in Spain, Orlando and the UK.
Offering a 15% discount between June 21 and September 7, you can avail of reduced rates during the childrens' school holidays in popular and fashionable spots like Spain's Wyndham Costa del Sol, Royal Marbella Golf Resort, Tenerife's Wyndham Residences Costa Adeje and Wyndham Residences Golf del Sur. It's worth checking out the diverse properties.
idiliqhotels.com/offers/summer/
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The Irish Sun
18 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Why I love the European hotspot named the continent's worst tourist trap
IT'S NO secret that Barcelona in Spain is often in the headlines for having heaps of tourists. Yet, there is a reason why so many people travel to the 9 Las Ramblas in Barcelona has been named the biggest tourist trap in Europe - but I don't think it is Credit: Cyann Fielding 9 The historic street is full of shops, stalls and hidden gems to explore Credit: Alamy The entire city is accessible, with good metro links and flat walking. There is a wealth of cultural and However, one spot in the city has now been named the continent's worst tourist trap - the famous Las Ramblas. According to Read more on travel inspo Nomad commented: "While some travelers enjoy its energetic vibe, others find the experience chaotic and overwhelming. "The area is often packed with crowds and is known for pickpocketing. "[S]ome even go as far as to say that 'it should be on your DO NOT DO list'." But the spot actually holds so much history and is one of the most fascinating destinations to explore - and it has come a long way from it's origins. Most read in News Travel In the Middle Ages, Las Ramblas was actually an open sewer and then in the 15th century the city planned to expand and the sewer was diverted. As a result, the area became a pedestrian street that quickly became the churches and markets popping up. Spanish city with £15 flights from the UK First of all, make sure you start at Plaça Catalunya - this is close to the start of Las Ramblas and if you explore from here you'll head down to the harbour, rather than uphill. In total the road is 1.5km - which could take you as little as 20minutes. However, I would allow over an hour to slowly amble down the street and if you want to eat or explore shops and sellers, make sure to allow even more time. Starting at the upper section from Placa Catalunya, you will walk through the part known as 'Rambla de Canaletes'. Here you will see Font De Canaletes with Font de Canaletes - a fountain rumoured to possess powers that make you fall in love with Barcelona. The central stretch - also known as 'Bird Street' - was used to home bird sellers, with cages hung on the trees. Then the lower section, is where you will see flower stalls and head towards the Christopher Columbus Monument. As you wander down the street, make sure to stop off at Casa Beethoven - essentially 9 Make sure to not miss Casa Beethoven - a sheet music shop Credit: Alamy 9 Inside it looks like Ollivanders from Harry Potter Credit: Alamy The small shop features shelves upon shelves of sheet music and music centric books . Whilst not the biggest shop, visitors often remark it's cosy vintage vibe - and I couldn't agree more. Even if you aren't a musician, it is well worth exploring. Just down from Casa Beethoven is La Boqueria market - one of Europe's largest and most famous Whilst not the cheapest of places to grab food in the city, definitely don't miss it. The market boasts so much fresh food including fruit and olives, as well as some local dishes. Wandering around the market and exploring is amazing, but I actually found it super useful to explore the map of all 330 stalls on the Heading on from the market, make sure to look out on the floor for a mosaic by artist Joan Miró, who lived in Barcelona. 9 The long street features one of the world's most famous food markets Credit: Alamy 9 And detouring off Las Ramblas, make sure to check out Palau Güell - a Gothic palace Credit: Alamy Carrying on, make sure to take a detour down Carrer Nou de La Rambla to see Palau Güell - which people often miss not knowing it is there. This Gothic building marks one of It is particularly special in my opinion because it features a more dark design, rather than colourful tiles incorporated in his other buildings and destinations across the city. Cross over Las Ramblas again and head to Plaça Reial - a plaza full of restaurants and some of the city's most famous nightclubs. Not one for clubbing, I thoroughly enjoyed just looking at the architecture with stunning neoclassical buildings surrounding the square - the middle fountain is even designed by Gaudi as well. As you then head to the Christopher Columbus Monument, you will pass street vendors and many people dressed as statues. They provide the perfect photo opportunity and are just fun to watch for a few minutes. 9 Opposite the Gothic palace on the other side of Las Ramblas, is Plaça Reial plaza with restaurants and nightclubs Credit: Getty 9 Also make sure you don't miss a mosaic by artist Joan Miró Credit: Alamy If you do take pictures make sure to leave some coins for the performers. All the vendors along Las Ramblas are polite and some are even very talented (I still regret not getting a caricature portrait of myself)! When you finally reach the waterfront - take in the view as it is simply stunning. If you're not done with exploring, at this end of Las Ramblas there are quite a few I think part of the reason why so many people walk away from Las Ramblas either overwhelmed or disappointed, is because they don't know its history or the top places to explore. But by taking your time and exploring the routes different sections and side streets, it makes a great day out immersing yourself in Spanish - and more specifically - Barcelonan culture. Top holiday trends for 2025 Detour Destinations – visiting other hotspots near the main destination. Goods Getaways – holidaying specifically to buy a viral product. All Inclusive Eras – a rise in Gen Z looking for all-inclusive trips. Hotel Restaurant Renaissance – travellers booking hotel restaurants more often. JOMO Travel – doing less on holiday, and loving it. The Phenomena-List – travelling to see natural wonders. Set-Jetting – trips that take in famous sights from TV or movies. One-Click Trips – shoppable travel storefronts curated by social media curators. Another Plus, another 9 Whilst the street might only take around 20minutes to walk you can spend hours exploring Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
20 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Benidorm ‘becoming too POSH' as dejected expat complains of empty beaches & buzz-free bars after Brits ‘priced out'
A BRIT living in Benidorm has revealed that the holiday destination is virtually deserted as tourists have been 'priced out' of the party resort. Harry Poulton regularly shares his travel tips and advice about the Advertisement 5 Harry Poulton shared his experience of Benidorm looking 'dead' this summer Credit: TikTok/harrytokky 5 He says that people simply haven't been turning up - despite it being peak season Credit: Getty 5 Harry claimed the strip and beaches are virtually deserted this year Credit: Getty In one recent clip, which has racked up 127,000 views and over a thousand likes, he reveals that And he explained that tourists might be staying away because the holiday spot is becoming too expensive. The 24-year-old begins by asking: 'Is He continues: 'Where is everybody? It's the middle of July, and it's absolutely dead. Advertisement READ MORE IN WORLD NEWS 'Normally at this time of year, Benidorm's mental – it's busy, there are people absolutely everywhere. 'I've just been walking down the beach; no one. 'I've been down the Benidorm strip; hardly anyone there. 'Bars aren't even that busy – what's going on? Advertisement Most read in The Sun Exclusive Exclusive 'Is everyone going to Harry, from Brighton, said that he 'can't believe' how quiet it is. 'Did you expect smoked salmon-' Brit slammed for complaining his staggeringly cheap Benidorm fry-up tasted 'low quality' Even at peak time, around 7 pm, the streets are still bare, he said. Brits flocked to the comments to explain what's been turning them away - and many had the same story. Advertisement Ivan said: 'Have to say hotels are getting more and more expensive. Crazy prices." Anthony added: 'Everyone is going to Salou, Spain.' A lady called Jane commented: 'It's got too expensive." Rich said: 'People are fed up with being robbed, mate.' Advertisement 5 Harry and many of his viewers believe that rising prices are to blame for Benidorm emptying out Credit: TikTok/harrytokky 5 Viewers reported that prices, especially hotel rooms, had shot up recently Credit: Getty And Jan said: 'Getting too expensive. Used to be my go-to holiday. "However, I cannot afford Benidorm this year. Other Spanish places half the price." Advertisement In another clip, racking up 14,000 views and hundreds of likes, Harry reveals that he has the same feeling. The content creator says: 'Benidorm is getting expensive. 'Is it just me that feels this way? Especially the accommodation. 'Everything this year has gone so much more than last year. Advertisement 'I'm not the only one that feels this way.' One comment which says that it costs almost £1,000 for a single room for a week, to which Harry said: 'Ouch, that's got to hurt. 'Don't get me wrong – eating out, drinking, all those sorts of things are still very reasonable, especially price-wise compared to the UK. 'Everything has got really expensive; not just in Benidorm, but in general. Advertisement 'Is Benidorm falling off? Or is it just the world in general? 'Mad, really – what are holidays ? What's a cheap holiday now?'
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Spain holiday latest as locals blast ‘outrageous' prices and cancel trips amid chilling ‘tourist go home' protest fury
SPAIN is a firm favourite for Irish holidayers chasing the sunshine - but soaring prices and overcrowding have blocked locals from enjoying their own country. Furious locals have been forced to cancel their own staycations as an unprecedented tourist boom sees millions flock to 4 Members of the Mallorca Platja Tour association demonstrate against overtourism in Palma Credit:4 Spaniards blame tourists for the spiralling cost of living crisis Credit: REUTERS/Francisco Ubilla And anti-tourism exacerbated by mass tourism. Thousands have Visitors were blocked from popular beaches and tourist attractions, Chilling READ MORE IN TRAVEL Tourists were even Jet2 chief Steve Heapy said: "Protesters are becoming increasingly vocal, and that's making some people question whether now is the right time to go." And tourists have taken to One person said: "A holiday is a time of relaxation, time with the family, having to worry about the locals reaction and protest would spoil your enjoyment." MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN Another added: "We had a holiday booked to Spain storm and hail warning as 100mm of rain falls in an hour at tourist hotspot But Spain still remains the most popular holiday destination for Irish people with over 2.5 million visits made each year. And Spain's top 25 Mediterranean and Atlantic coast destinations saw local tourism drop by 800,000 last year whilst foreign visitors rose by a whopping 1.94 million. Speaking to Reuters, 26-year-old Spaniard Wendy Davis blasted the "outrageous" prices of holidaying in her own country. Hotel prices have rises 23 per cent in the past years to an average of €136 a night whilst beachfront rentals have climbed 20.3 per cent in two years. Wendy cancelled a trip to the south coast for a cheaper visit to inland Spain this summer. Wendy said: "The whole Spanish coast is very expensive. Now you don't go on holiday wherever you want, but wherever you can." LESSER-KNOWN SPOTS Many Spanish locals are now flocking to lesser-known destinations inland. Tecnitasa Group President Jose Maria Basanez said: "It is becoming increasingly difficult for Spanish holidaymakers to afford beachfront tourism rentals." Last month, anti-tourism campaigners were heard yelling out "tourism is terrorism" and "tourists go home" as Balearic Islands Government vice-president Antoni Costa said their behaviour had been 'unacceptable.' Claiming hundreds of thousands of local jobs would be lost if politicians pandered to the wishes of activists calling for 'tourist degrowth,' he added: 'Abandoning tourism would be madness. "We're a tourist economy and we're proud to be so. 'I think people are deluding themselves if they think that in the Balearic Islands it's possible to do mostly other things than tourism. 'What guarantees the future of tourism is to taking into account the social and environmental sustainability factor. Looking the other way is not the right way to go. 'We must implement policies that allow us to move from an economy that basically grows in volume to an economy that grows in value.' 4 Acitivists stopped a tourist bus with water pistols in Barcelona earlier this year Credit: REUTERS/Bruna Casas 4 Spain locals can no longer afford coastal holidays in their own country Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
