Now that the summer is in full swing, it’s hard to not get an itch to seek an adventure or chase some vitamin sea! There’s nothing like a bit of travelling to recharge your batteries after a wet and windy Irish winter.
Why not treat yourself and book a last-minute trip away? We’ve got some useful tips and resources to get you organised, plus five of the best places to visit this summer. No matter what kind of trip you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered.
Where to book a last-minute break
● Sites like Kayak.ie and Budget Travel compare flights, hotels, car rentals and package deal holidays from around the web so that you can find an option for your last-minute trip away.
● Be as flexible as you can with your travel dates, because prices can double or drop by half, based on the difference of even one day.
● Avoid the places that are ‘on trend’, where every second person you know has visited recently. Booking these last-minute will mean they’re more than likely going to be very overpriced.
The best summer holiday destinations
1. Beachy-keen
Really want to treat yourself to some hot sun on your summer holiday? Barbados is the perfect spot. Situated in the east of the Caribbean isles, this beautiful destination boasts highs of 31°C during the summer months. There is no shortage of beautiful beaches with sprawling white sands and crystal clear blue water. Carlisle Bay should not be missed, with tourists and locals alike hailing it a slice of paradise. The warm water will certainly be a far cry from the bitter Irish sea!
Once you’ve had your fair share of sun worshipping, the towns are full of authentic Bajan bars and restaurants. If history is your thing, take a break from the heat in one of the many historical landmarks that will give you a deeper insight into the country’s rich cultural identity.
2. A bustling city break
Barcelona is a beautiful city, rich in culture and fine cuisine. This city is a rare combination of history and innovation. We know how important the weather is to us Irish so if you choose to visit Barcelona in June, you’ll find temperature highs of 27°C – the perfect temperature for taking a dip in the Mediterranean sea!
3. Get your skis on
Tignes in France stands out as the premier destination for summer skiing, thanks to its high-altitude, sun-drenched slopes. This vibrant resort not only promises excellent skiing conditions but also offers a unique mix of terrains suitable for every level of skier.
After a morning on the slopes, why not dive into some water sports on the lake? With its stunning mountain backdrops and a variety of outdoor activities, Tignes ensures that your summer ski getaway is as thrilling as it is scenic.
4. Cheap and cheerful
Malaga is worth considering if you’re taking kids along with you. This spot is filled with things to keep the kids busy, including museums, amusem*nts and water parks. Selwo Aventura park has over 2,000 types of wildlife including tigers, elephants, white rhinos, and lions. When you want to unwind after a day of adventure, Malaga offers breathtaking beaches for you to do so.
Be sure to take a look at these eight tips for packing for holidays with kids…you’ll thank us later!
5. Closer to home
If you’ve got the holiday itch but are looking for somewhere with a little less travel time, then London is the perfect summer city break for you. The flight is around one hour and forty minutes, meaning less time trying to get comfortable in plane seats! This diverse and historic city is filled to the brim with engaging activities, beautiful sights, and amazing food. If you’re feeling brave, it’s definitely worth trying out a creepy Jack the Ripper tour!
Alternatively, if you’d prefer somewhere a little hotter, then you can take a last-minute trip to the magnificent beaches of Lagos, and you can travel to Portugal from Dublin in under three hours. Breathtaking views, delicious local food and scenic beaches are at every turn.
While on holiday, we understand that you want to relax and take your mind off the stresses of life. With Aviva travel insurance, we give you the peace of mind that should something go wrong, we’ll be here to help.
For a last-minute break, you can take out single trip or multi-trip travel insurance online with Aviva Direct at www.aviva.ie
