It’s that time of year when you make your list and check it twice and try to find something original to give your loved ones for Christmas. I’m a firm believer that memories make the sweetest gifts and what is a better gift to give than the experiences only travel can bring. Whether its a stay over in a hotel or a flight to go visit someone you love, travel makes memories and that is truly the greatest gift of all. So I’ve compiled a few gift ideas that might help you to tick a couple of people off your Christmas list.
I’m going to start with a voucher for one of Ireland’s best hotels. Ireland’s Blue Book has a range of some of the best properties around the country, from country houses to boutique hotels and self catering accommodation.
Ireland’s Blue Book is a romantic collection of Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, Castles and Restaurants. Located throughout the island of Ireland these charming and stylish hideaways are the perfect choice for your holiday vacation in Ireland. They are also ideal for a midweek or weekend break and those seeking a romantic getaway.
Activities vary from golf, fishing, spas and cookery schools or just relaxing in warm and comfortable surroundings.
With a choice of elegant Georgian Manors, Stately Castles, Historic Hotels, cosy Bed and Breakfast accommodation, Luxury Boutique Hotels and Designer Lodges, there is something to suit everyone’s tastes and requirements.
Also included in the collection are four of Dublin city’s finest Michelin star restaurants.
https://www.irelands-blue-book.ie/
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The gift of Flight?
Aer Lingus Gift Voucher
There is nothing like booking a trip and having a break to look forward to – and it’s even better when you’re not paying for it all yourself!
Buy an Aer Lingus gift voucher this Christmas and your lucky recipient can use it to purchase flights or put it towards the cost of flights on aerlingus.com.
Gift vouchers can be bought in denominations from €25 to €500 and can be redeemed at aerlingus.com against bookings with no expiry date!
Your loved one can then use their gift voucher towards a booking to any of our wonderful destinations!
With announcement of two new routes to the USA next year Seattle and Philadelphia, it could be the perfect gift to go visit a relative.
Visit www.aerlingus.com to purchase an Aer Lingus Gift Voucher and give that special someone a trip to remember this Christmas.
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If I was looking for a voucher to rejuvenate myself after Christmas then I’d head to Monart County Wexford because the Shaolin Monks are back for a six week stay and they will be in huge demand. So why not get the voucher for your loved one and the great news is that it doesn’t have an expiry date! It can be used over the phone or online.
Monart is such a centre of zen and relaxation I don’t usually feel the need for a treatment. Winter is a lovely time to visit and be cossetted in the warmth and luxury of this unique destination that offers adults a chance to really get away from the kids!
https://secure.monart.ie/bookings/vouchers
Monart Destination Spa The Still Enniscorthy Co. Wexford
TEL: +353 (0)53 92 38999 EMAIL:[email protected]
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What about giving the gift of luggage? There are lots of brands and the best advice is to find your travel needs.
I swear by my Samsonite cabin baggage that I’ve dragged around the world for nineteen years now – the zipper has finally given in on one side but it still works perfectly. Get the latest up to date model for only €108 in Arnotts at the moment with easy push upright wheels. It’s the perfect size for taking on any airline and always check that cabin bags have the correct dimensions
- Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm
- Capacity: 39 litres
- Total weight: 2 kg
http://www.arnotts.ie/samsonite/
Also in Arnotts are some ideal travel size bags
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This Beautiful Travel Wallet is the perfect present for any travel Junkie.
Retailing at €44.95 at all Avoca Stores now it would make Christmas magic for someone like me!
Buy it on line or see the full range in store. The wallet has space for travel documents, passport, foreign currency and lots more. I Love IT!
Travel books make lovely gifts and Avoca have a wide range at Christmas
What about this map of the world book by Antonis Antoniou for €48 making a great coffee table book for travel lovers.
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Urban Outfitters have lots of travel inspired gifts but this cork Globe is pretty special and with colourful pins marking places you have visited I really want one! They come in two sizes and prices £110 and £145
For more information see www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk
This great book is just what an adventurer needs – a guide to adventures in each country in alphabetical order
It may be just what someone in your life needs to get up and out of the living room chair
Buy it online for £24.99 and get a second copy half price!
Follow up with a scratch map adventure journal for £28 to make a coordinated gift!
https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/en-gb/shop
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The Travel Department have lovely Gift Vouchers that do not have an expiry date either
- Travel Department gift vouchers can be purchased for any amount
- Haveno expiry date
- Can be redeemed against any Travel Department orTDactive Holidays trip with a choice of over 120 destinations worldwide
- Arrive in abeautiful presentation gift box with a message of your choice, or can be printed at home as an ideal last-minute gift
- Can be purchased online atwww.traveldepartment.ie, by phone on 01 637 1600, or in person at the Travel Department Travel Store in Arnotts
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Give The Gift Of 5* Luxury
Our InterContinental Dublin Gift Card is the perfect gift for your family, friends or colleagues. It’s the ultimate last minute gift, easy to purchase and always a hit! Our Gift Vouchers allow the recipient to choose the delightful treat they wish to enjoy in their own time.
Delights include; a luxurious weekend experience, four course lunch or dinner in Seasons Restaurant, an award winning ESPA Treatment in The Spa to name but a few. It’s truly the most personal of gifts offering a wonderful memorable experience! Vouchers come in €50 options but €300 would make a wonderful gift for two to enjoy.
For more information see http://www.intercontinentaldublin.ie/
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Boots have some lovely travel presents for the HIM in your life
This Ted Baker set is only €18.50
and if you want to give something a little more fancy what about Paco Rabanne three in one for €79
Benefit Minis are on special too with three items for €30. Choose from a wide range on selection from this site just click below
http://www.boots.ie/search/benefit+minis
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If you really want to splash out on a big holiday then Tour America always offer great value
Make the most of this romantic time of year and buy your loved one the gift of travel for Christmas, and take them away for St Valentine’s Day. Tour America and Cruise Holidays have put lots of love into these great offers.
Las Vegas from €469 pp
Give them a call now
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For the skier in your life there are some terrific deals with Topflight
(Black Friday sale, ends Monday, November 27): Dublin to Austria, 7 nights self-catering 3* Aurora Apartments, Bad Hofgastein, was €569 now €349pps (Based on 4 share), depart January 6. Dublin to Austria, 7 nights B&B 3* Hotel Der Salzburgerhof, Bad Hofgastein, was €819 now €599pps, depart January 5. Dublin to France, 7 nights self-catering. Dublin to France, 7 nights 3* Chalet Papillon, Catered Chalet, was €1265 now €845pps, depart February 17.
Dublin to France, 7 nights 3* Chalet Papillon, Plagne 1800, Catered Chalet, was €1129 now €849pps. Dublin to Austria, 7 nights half board 3* Hotel Simmerlwirt, Niederau, was €1169 now €889pps, depart December 30. Dublin to Austria, 7 nights half board 3* Hotel Mozart, Bad Gastein, was €1231 now €929pps. Dublin to Austria, 7 nights half board 3* Hotel Harfenwirt, Niederau, was €1239 now €889pps, depart December 30. Dublin to Italy, 7 nights B&B 3* Hotel Cecilia, Livigno, was €649 now €499pps. www.topflight.ie / call 01 240 1700 / 028 9752 1168
Why not book something romantic to look forward to for the New Year.
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TUI holidays have some great deals to the sun departing in the new year.
Dublin to Lanzarote, 14 nights all inclusive 4* Clubhotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote Resort, Playa De Los Pocillos, from €1,199, depart December 31. Cork to Tenerife, 7 nights all inclusive 3* Catalonia Punta Del Rey, Las Caletillas, from €1,229, depart December 24. Dublin to Gran Canaria, 7 nights self-catering 3* Monte Feliz, Bahia Feliz, from €389, depart January 18. Dublin to Lanzarote, 7 nights self-catering 2* San Marcial, Matagorda, from €369, depart January 28. Dublin to Tenerife, 7 nights all inclusive 3* Catalonia Punta Del Rey, Las Caletillas, from €399, depart January 26. Dublin to Lanzarote, 7 nights self-catering 2* Lanzarote Paradise Club, Costa Teguise, from €379, depart February 25.
www.tuiholidays.ie, Call 1850 45 35 45 or visit a TUI Store /travel agent.
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I’m finishing off with these incredible deals from
Click and GO
5 star city break to Prague from €199pp in February 2018
From €199pp for the 5 star Grandior Hotel Prague. Price is per person based on 2 adults sharing for travel in February 2018.
Price includes:
- 3 nights in the 5 star Grandior Hotel Prague, Prague
- Double/twin on a bed & breakfast basis
- Direct Return flights from Dublin to Prague
- Airport taxes & charges
- Link to offer: https://www.clickandgo.com/design-your-own-holiday/details/2018-02-04/3/2::0/BB/DUB/0/6009/206/202?search=all/Prague/2018-02-04/3/2::0//DUB/0
3* Over 50’s getaway to the Algarve in February from €259pp
From €259pp for the 3 star Baia Monte Gordo Hotel. Price is per person based on 2 adults sharing in February 2018.
Price includes:
- 7 nights in the 3 star Baia Monte Gordo Hotel, Monte Gordo, the Algarve
- Balcony room on a Half Board basis
- Free wine/water with evening meals
- Direct Return flights from Dublin to Faro
- Airport transfers
- Airport taxes & charges
- Link to offer: https://www.clickandgo.com/design-your-own-holiday/details/2018-02-03/7/2::0/HB/DUB/0/9060/66436/256?search=all/The_Algarve/2018-02-03/7/2::0//DUB/0
Winter sun in Costa del Sol in January 2018 from €289pp
From €289pp for the 4 star Sunset Beach Club Apartments. Price is per person based on 2 adults sharing for travel in January 2018.
Price includes:
- 7 nights in the 4 star Sunset Beach Club Apartments, Benalmadena, Costa del Sol, Spain
- One bedroom apartment on a Self Catering basis
- Direct Return flights from Dublin to Malaga
- Airport Transfers
- Airport taxes & charges
Disneyland Paris special offer – onsite hotel + theme park tickets from €999 per family in January 2018
From €999 per family for the onsite hotel, 2 Star Santa Fe. Price is per family based on 2 adults + 1 child sharing for travel in January 2018.
Price includes:
- 3 nights in the 2 Star Santa Fe, Paris Disneyland, Paris
- Staff pick
- Standard on a Half Board basis- special offer free half board upgrade
- Direct Return Aer Lingus flights from Dublin to Paris
- Airport taxes & charges
- OFFER ENDS 29th Nov 2017
- Valid for travel until 20th March 2018
- Offer 20% OFF On-Site Hotels
- 20% OFF Park Tickets
- Free Half Board Upgrade
- Link to offer: https://www.clickandgo.com/design-your-own-holiday/details/2018-01-28/3/2:10:0/RO/DUB/0/7963/22820/999?search=all/Paris_Disneyland/2018-01-28/3/2:10:0//DUB/0