13 November 2024

For my annual girl’s trip with four of my close friends our choice of location was Porto in Portugal. We flew out on a Friday afternoon and home on the last flight on the Sunday evening. We stayed in the 4*Dom Henrique Hotel which offered a triple room and a double room. The staff were very friendly, the rooftop bar had a great atmosphere with live entertainment and stunning views from the terrace. On arrival to Porto, we jumped in our private transfer and within 25 minutes we had checked into the hotel, a quick freshen up and we headed for the Time out Market n Porto, about a 10 minute walk from the hotel. There was a wide choice of food and drinks on offer and a fantastic atmosphere. The market is right beside the famous Sao Bento train station, which is a must visit to see its beautiful, tiled walls…some difference to Heuston Train Station in Dublin! We also squeezed in a visit to Perola Do Bolhao to try the local dark chocolate and cherry liqueur, the shop itself is beautiful and for €1 its definably something you want to try while in Porto. On the Saturday morning, we had a walking food and wine tour which was for 3 hours. We stopped in 6 different locations getting to taste beautiful Portuguese foods , wines and of course a selection of local Ports. We ended the tour in the out Bolhao markets in the centre of town which has a selection of local produce and a great choice of restaurants to try. Our guide was fantastic and open to any questions you have about Porto. I would highly recommend this tour as it’s a great way to get your bearings and experience local produce. That afternoon we headed down to the beautiful Riviera area along the Doura River. This area is buzzing with live music, restaurants, bars and markets on each side of the river. We walked across the Dom Luis bridge and went to get tickets for the cable car which takes you right up to the upper level of the Dom Luis bridge where the views are spectacular, and you can then walk on the upper level of the bridge back over to the other side. We enjoyed a drink at the Porto Cruise roof top bar which had stunning views over the river There is also a funicular that can be enjoyed beside the bridge. That evening then we headed down Rua dad Flores street were there were a number of buskers creating a lively atmosphere ….with so must choice of restaurants we settled on Largo de sao Domingos and it didn’t disappoint. The staff were excellent and the food was sensational, I would highly recommend this restaurant for the food, setting , staff , a wonderful evening. On the Sunday we enjoyed a beautiful breakfast at the Hungry Bikers Bar Rua do Almada and then we headed towards the university area of the city and visited the Igreja Do Carmo church, there is a daily organ performance at 12 which is free so make sure you get in time to get your seat. The church is beautiful, and you can get tickets then to climb the bell tower to see magnificent views up and down the town. There is a fabulous area beside there with shops and café s and bars which brought us to the famous Livraria Lello library, you need to book these online in advance to get your slot. The Ireja Do Carmo is a stone’s throw from here too and must be seen to appreciate the beauty of this building. After that we headed to do a River Doura cruise which was €18 PP. It allows you view the 6 bridges of Porto from the water and it’s a must do when visiting the city. The views of the city form the water are beautiful. Porto is fantastic for shopping with a great selection of shops and great value. There are so many cafés dotted throughout where you can enjoy a coffee and pastel de Nata. The most famous café is the Majestic Café where JK Rowling goth er inspiration to write the Harry Potter series. Be prepared to queue but definitely worth a visit is you are a Harry Potter fan After being in Lisbon recently enough I really wasn’t sure what to expect from Porto. You can walk everywhere in Porto, granted its hilly but it is one of the easiest cities to navigate. The people are so friendly, and the value is incredible. It’s a vibrant city full of culture and I will definitely return as I feel I only touched the surface with a weekend trip. For more images please check out my Instagram page @emma.dowlingtravelcounsellor If you would like to arrange a trip to Porto I would be delighted to assist and plan an exciting itinerary for you. Obrigda!

15 October 2024

Croatia in October Travel Blog – Catvat & Dubrovnik Dubrovnik was one of the ports we stopped at many moons ago on a cruise we went on for our honeymoon and we spent the day exploring the city walls. My husband Joe and I vowed to return some day and last weekend we finally got to go back. We choose to stay in the beautiful small fishing town of Cavtat. Cavtat is 10 minutes by taxi from the airport and 30 minutes by bus to Dubrovnik old town or a little under an hour by boat.We flew directly from Dublin to Dubrovnik airport and with a short transfer time of only 10 minutes by car we arrived in the beautiful Cavtat Hotel. The staff couldn’t have been more helpful. Joe misplaced the key to his suitcase lock and the staff had a handyman there within 5 minutes to open it for him without any fuss. Very impressive. Our room was bright airy and spacious with two balconies over looking the seafront and mountains. An incredible view to wake up to each morning. The hotel has a rooftop pool and bar. You get your allocated seats from reception which avoids guests leaving towels for the day on sunbeds. As you walk out of the back of the hotel you are met with the most calming vibes as there are cafés and bars dotted along the seafront . The old town is 5-10 minutes walk and has a selection of beautiful restaurants to sample. Our favourite was Ankoura , so would highly recommend when in Cavtat. There is a gorgeous walk around the bay with a quaint beach bar called Beach Bar Little Star. To experience a sunset here is something quite special. In the port of Cavtat you can take a ferry directly into Dubrovnik in just under an hour. On Saturday morning we purchased our return tickets at the hotel where you get a 10% discount totalling €36 for two people. The boat trip is beautiful and arriving into Dubrovnik at the back of the old town is just perfect. As we were lucky enough to have done the city walls on our last trip we decided to spend the day exploring the town , with its hidden streets and little shops and amazing beach bars where you can sit and watch cliff divers (weather dependant of course) and watch the boats , kayaks and jet skis whizz by. Our two favourite view points were Buza Bar with its rustic vibes of cushions on crates and then not too far from there is the Bard (Mala Buza) which is slightly more comfortable with seating and umbrella areas. Both definitely worth a visit while you are there. You can purchase a city pass for €35 which gives you entry to the walls and a number of museums and attractions throughout the old town. There are so many restaurants in the old town , we choose one on the opposite side of the town from the beach bars after walking around exploring, called Mamas Pot Tavern, the food was tasty and reasonably priced with friendly staff. As we were there is October the last ferry back to Cavtat was at 5.30pm so we jumped back on and got to witness the most beautiful sunset on our journey back to Cavtat. After a quick freshen up we were back out and headed away from the old town down to a restaurant called Ciparis. The staff couldn’t have been nicer and the food was very good too. On Sunday morning we had breakfast on the terrace at the back of the hotel which is such a beautiful setting and went for a swim on the roof top pool. We then enjoyed a leisurely walk around the marina. We took the number 10 bus into Dubrovnik which was €4 each one way. The views along the cliff drive are spectacular but we both preferred the boat journey from Cavtat to Dubrovnik so I would advise the bus one way and the boat back or vice versa. There is a cable car that travels right up to the top of the hill SRD. You purchase your tickets 30 minutes before heading up and they are €27 return for an adult and €7 return for a child. The view is magnificent for sure but there is much more to it. There is a history museum that you can visit. Originally the entire area was called Dubrava . On the local dialect Dubrava means woods and that is exactly what it used to be. Oak and pine trees were forested on the 412 meter high mountain place. The dense forest is the reason behind why Dubrovnik is called Dubrava/Dubrovnik. There is an incredible restaurant called Panorama restaurant beside the viewpoint. I have sent clients there recently so I was delighted to get to sample it myself and it surely didn’t disappoint. I would advise booking in advance to guarantee a table and with a reservation you get to stay there for 2 hours. The food was excellent and the views were simply breath-taking. Once we were finished it was time to make our way back down to the ferry , sneak in one more amazing Croatian ice cream and hop on the ferry back to Cavtat and enjoy more stunning views. Check out my highlights on my Instagram page @emma.dowlingtravelcounsellor for more photographs and video content from our trip. If you would like to experience this amazing part of the world please get in touch and we can start planning your trip together.

28 August 2024

Alicante is a port city on Spain’s south eastern Costa Blanca, and the capital of the Alicante province. Its old town, Barrio de la Santa Cruz, has narrow streets, coloured houses and a nightlife scene. I have been flying in and out of Alicante airport for over 20 years and enjoying holidays along the Orihuela coast and I have never spent any time in Alicante. This year we decided to do 4 nights on the way home from a week on the sunny Orihuela coast and explore the city and it didn’t disappoint. We stayed in the beautiful Alicante Gran Sol Hotel which is affiliated with the Melia Hotel Group. It is the tallest building in Alicante and is situated overlooking the beautiful Alicante port. Just outside the hotel is the beautiful colourful promenade which has a selection of fantastic restaurants. We stayed in a 2 bedroom family room situated on the 22nd floor with breath-taking views. The hotel is spotless with excellent staff. There is a restaurant on the 25th floor which you can enjoy lunch and dinner from which I would highly recommend and also make sure to book in advance, we enjoyed a very special wedding Anniversary lunch here. There is also a bar where you can enjoy a drink from and take in the stunning views from. The old town is a 5 minute walk and has a range of things to see and do from beautiful churches, restaurants and bars with several little squares hidden throughout. There is also the famous mushroom street with giant mushrooms along it which is a must do to walk down. Alicante is also great for shopping with the main shopping street / area called Avenida Maisonnave and Calvo Sotelo Square. There is also a huge outlet shopping centre on the outskirts of the city of you really want to shop til you drop. We did the open tour but that brings you around the city which is great for getting your bearings and learning about the city and takes only 50 minutes. In the cooler months a walking tour would be an excellent way to get to know the city which can be easily arranged. There is so much history and culture within Alicante. We visited the medieval Castillo de Santa Bárbara, set on a hilltop with sweeping views of the Mediterranean coast. There is a lift that takes you right up the top and I would highly recommend spending an afternoon here. Alicante has one of the largest bull rings that seats 15k people and is steeped in history .Placa de Bous d’Alacant is a cultural and bullfighting treasure that captivates the essence of Spanish tradition. The historic bullring invites you to immerse yourself in the excitement of bullfighting and the rich bullfighting heritage. You can purchase tickets for bullfighting from €15 on the website www.plazatorosalicante.com Alicante is home to a diverse array of art exhibitions centres and museums both large and small spanning from archaeology, fine arts , ceramics , bullfighting and many more. Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art located adjacent to the Santa Maria Church and is a must see for art lovers alike. All of the up to date information on cultural events are on the following website. https://alicanteturismo.com/en/museums-and-cultural-centres/ Alicante also has a beautiful beach to enjoy with a range of beach bars and you rent sun loungers and umbrellas and spend some time swimming in the beautiful Mediterranean sea. Alicante has something for everyone. Whether its a family break , girls weekend away or a city break Alicante comes highly recommended. Check out my highlights on my Instagram page @emma.dowlingtravelcounsellor for more inspiration on Alicante. If this sounds like a destination you would like to visit get in touch and I would love to plan your next trip.

25 June 2024

I was very kindly invited to spend a day on the Regal Princess when it came into Dun Laoghaire on Sunday June 23rd, and I got to bring my family along too. We jumped on a boat at the port and the excitement grew as we approached the ship. Once we boarded, we were greeted warmly by each and every crew member. We were then treated to a preview of one of the performances on board in the theatre that holds up to 1000 people. After the performance, we visited the kids club. The kids club caters for children 3-7, 8-12 and 13-17. The facilities boast mini air hockey table, a special area for arts and crafts programs such as t-shirt designing, jewellery making, and exciting game stations. They also have their own lounge with a giant TV. For the older children there is a Princess DJ booth where music lovers can create their own playlist, relax, or dance to the latest mix. On the top deck, you have “Movies Under the Stars” with unlimited ice cream and popcorn, my kids enjoyed Harry Potter from their own little jacuzzi, such a treat. There are two pools on the top deck (4 pools in total on board and 8 hot tubs) so the kids got the spend a lovely few hours splashing about as the sun beamed down on us for the day. We had some lunch at the poolside café which has a selection of tasty burgers, pizza, hotdogs, and drinks. There was also a buffet lunch on offer with everything from salads, fresh fruits, burritos and much more on offer. The Regal Princess was built in 2014 and refurbished again in 2017 and has retained her original elegance and is pristine throughout. There is so much to discover on board from the skywalk, running track, gyms, basketball courts, mini golf, bars, cafes, restaurants, arcades, casinos, and onboard entertainment, you will always have something to do while on board as well as plan your excursions throughout your stay. I find the Princess Medallion Technology very impressive; this is a medallion each passenger wears, your door will automatically unlock when you are close by, you can use it with the app to know where your children or fellow passengers are at all times and allows you to order food and drinks to wherever you are on the ship! The Regal Princess is currently cruising the British Isles until September when she relocates to Galveston, Texas for a Western Caribbean, and Mexico itinerary. If this sounds like an experience for you, please get in touch and we can start planning your next cruise holiday.

04 June 2024

Norway Part 2 Norheimsund & Bergen Part 2. We flew from Bodo and landed in Bergen and met with Marie Ann from Visit Bergen. We hopped on a coach for a little over an hour and travelled to the most stunning town of Norheimsund. This was my personal highlight of the trip. On route we stopped off at Steinsdalsfossen and walked under the most powerful waterfall, a beautiful place to stop and catch your breath. We arrived at our hotel overlooking the water at Thon Hotel Sandven. This hotel can cater for families of up to six and has options from hotel rooms to 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. The setting is majestic and the most charming picturesque town to visit. The following morning we were up and dressed in full RIB gear for our second RIB boat tour with Hardangerfjord Adventure, which took us right into the Hardangerfjord and listened to our guide Thor share stories about farmers high up in the mountains avoiding tax collectors for years as they were in inaccessible and children being tied to ropes when out playing as not to fall over the sides!! All taken with a pinch of salt of course! On this RIB boat tour we saw the most amazing waterfalls as the ice was melting down the cliff edges , absolutely stunning. Our next stop was a pleasant walk up the hill overlooking this beautiful town to experience some local cider tasting and lunch at the family run Spildegarden farm, where they have acres of orchards with the biggest apples I have ever seen and served the freshest of produce with in the most spectacular of settings. The family are on their sixth generation and love sharing their family history with their guests. We did a hotel site visit then at the Hardangerfjord Hotel which have outdoor saunas perched on the edge of the fjord in the most spectacular of settings also. Sadly it was time to leave this magical town and hop on the public bus back to Bergen. The transport system is outstanding ad very easy to navigate through out Norway and there are travel passes (The Bergan card) on offer that provide excellent value and discounts during your stay. We checked into the central Thon Hotel Orion and had a delicious dinner in the hotel and Mats, our DMC Lost in Norway came along to meet us all and give us a walking tour of the city. Mats has incredible knowledge of Norway and shared a selection of itineraries that can be used to build the most incredible trip to Norway. We took The Fløibanen funicular ride up to Mount Floyen, one of the 7 mountains that surround Bergan. Panoramic views of the city and some trails are available here and you could easily spend a few hours taking in these surroundings. People come from all over the world to see this views. We got to sample some of the Bergen nightlife with live music in most pubs and a very similar atmosphere to an Irish put as Norwegians love their music and beers with a broad selection of beers that they will happily let you sample before you decide what you want. We then met our next guide Cedrik from visit Bergan and took us on the Bergen Historic Sightseeing Cruise for a little over an hour. This allowed us to view Bergen from the water and learn some of the history of Bergen itself. We then took a ramble around the markets along the marina where they sell everything from reindeer hotdogs to their tasty moose balls, and the famous indoor fish markets has many dining options to choose from also. Bergen is great for shopping and is a very cultured city with an array of museums to choose from. We got to visit Kode Art museum and visit the Munch collection. His famous painting The Scream is currently held in Oslo just in case you were waiting to see it like some of us were LOL but there is a lot to see here and well worth a visit. We then made our way to the cable car station which brings you right up to Mount Ulriken in less than 8 minutes where we enjoyed a tasty lunch and incredible views. There are countless hiking trails to be enjoyed which are all at a moderate level and you can also do some ziplining which looked like great fun. That evening we enjoyed a tapas style dinner at a newly opened restaurant called Jest before heading onto an event which was part of the Bergen International Festival. This took place at Grieghallen Concert Hall where we watched a Cuban dance company called Acosta Danza. This programme show cased some of the most inspiring choreographers from around the world. There were many events taking place around the city, so the atmosphere was electric on the streets with live music and different events dotted around the streets. That brought our incredible trip to Norway to an end as were headed to bed with an early start to catch the Bergen Light Rail from the city to the Airport. Again this is covered by the travel card I mentioned ( The Bergen Card) We were back on Wideroe airlines to Dublin and home in no time with the short flight of 1 hour and 40 minutes. Norway has so much to offer, and something for everybody from a city break , hiking, fjord adventures, RIB boat tours, ziplining, cruises, fishing, cycling, cultural experiences, beautiful food, historical experiences , The Northern lights , Summer Sun , the list goes on ….Everybody must visit Norway at some stage in their life and I can now help you create the most amazing itinerary with our fabulous partners to ensure you get to experience everything you can and make maximum use of your time while you are there … Personally I will be visiting Norway again very soon …it’s a truly wonderful country.

04 June 2024

Part 1 Bodo – The European Capital of culture 2024. I travelled to Norway by invitation from ASM Ireland, sponsored by Wideroe airlines, Visit Bodo, and Visit Bergen as part of an Educational trip. The amazing itinerary included Bodo (pronounced (Boodah), Norheimsund and Bergen. We flew with Wideroe Airlines direct from Dublin to Bergen. They offer 3 weekly flights at the moment. Service on board was excellent with a choice of a hot meal, sandwiches, snacks and complimentary tea and coffee plus inflight entertainment available through your chosen devise and complimentary WIFI. After a short flight of 1 hour 40 mins we arrived and Bergen airport and took a domestic flight to BODO, only 1 hour 40 minutes. BODO is situated just above the Artic Circle and at this time of year we got to experience the midnight sun, the sun never sets and the nights blend into days which was incredible, and we were also told the Northern lights are spectacular from here. We were met by our fantastic guides Kristin and Olga from Visit BODO. The airport is 5/10 minutes’ drive to the centre of BODO where we did a quick check in to the Smart Hotel and then out for a beautiful meal overlooking the harbour at Bryggerikaia. In the harbour BODO also has a floating sauna where you can jump into the fresh water and warm up in the sauna. An exhilarating experience. The next morning we met Johnny from explore Saltun who took us on his RIB boat into the Fjords to experience an eagle safari, seeing the eagles in their natural habitat and feeding right beside the boat, this was incredible and must be experienced when in BODO. We stopped off and met Elizabeth who transported us back to the Norwegian Iron Age times with her stories, food, and berry juice, again a must do experience. I could have listened to her stories all day. We were then back in the RIB and straight into the world strongest tidal current at Saltstraumen, another must see attraction.. Once we said our goodbyes to Johnny we hopped on a mini bus to catch a 15minute ferry ride to an island where we were given a guided tour of a unique and authentic trading post from the 19th century trading post called Kjerringoy trading post. We then made our way back to BODO and visited the newly opened Wood Hotel BODO which is a stunning property perched on a hill overlooking the town, it’s made of 99% wood and used old fishing nets to make all of the carpets used throughout the hotel so sustainability is their key message. This is an experience in itself with the most breath taking views, rooftop pool, sauna and gym with an outstanding restaurant and panoramic views. The best place to stay when in BODO. The last day in BODO was spent at the National Aviation Museum where we had a guided tour, they have 10,000 square metres filled with exciting military and civil aviation history. Learn how aviation united Norway as a nation (with over 70 airports!) and experience icons such as spy planes, F16, starfighter and spitfire up close. We then travelled to Saltfjell Sami Adventure where we were welcomed with coffee and chaga around the campfire while listening to SAMI storytelling and joiking (traditional singing) You also get to meet their prize reindeers. This was an experience like no other and highly recommend it. We squeezed in a final hotel visit and lunch to the Quality Hotel in the centre of BODO overlooking the marina, an excellent choice if you want to stay in a central location. BODO is a beautiful part of the world with so much to offer and I would strongly advise including it in your Norwegian itinerary. It was then time to leave BODO and say goodbye to our new friends , Kristin and Olga from visit BODO, we checked out of our hotel and took the short transfer back to the airport and flew back to Bergen in 1 hour 40 minutes to continue our Norwegian adventures ...see Part 2 of my blog.

08 April 2024

For an Easter family trip, we flew to New York with Delta Airlines into JFK airport and took a yellow cab to The Sheraton Hotel, Times Square. If Times Square is the area, you wish to stay then The Sheraton Hotel is a great option, with a subway station right outside. We began our week with a trip to Times Square. You can enjoy taking everything in from the bright lights and street performers to the red steps and hot dog stands. A hot dog should cost on average $3. Throughout our stay we tried The Hard Rock Café, Raising Canes, which is a must with kids, O 'Donoghue's off Times Square. When visiting New York, it is advisable to purchase a New York Pass, the value you get is incredible. We went for the City New York pass with over 105 attractions to choose from. For a family of 4, a 3 day pass came to €735. The pass activates on the first attraction. For some context we covered 8 attractions in 3 days which would have cost €1400 but our pass was €735. We did the top of the Rock at Rockefeller Centre where you can get a picture on the beam which rises up. We ate at Ellen's diner Times Square; this is a very famous diner that has broad way star servers that sing and serve all the customers at the same time. You cannot book this (unless with a large group/tour) and there is always a queue buts worth it. On Easter Sunday, we got to experience the Easter Bonnet Parade outside St Patricks Cathedral on 5th Avenue. It is an explosion of colour with hundreds of people displaying Easter bonnets and costumes. A walk over the Brooklyn Bridge is also a must do to experience as the views of Manhattan on the walk back is amazing. We booked the ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island which brings you right by the Statue of Liberty. You can get off here but if you wish to walk up to the to the top of the statue this requires booking ahead at least 6 months in advance. We got off at Ellis Island and visited the Immigration Museum. Here you can discover what it was like for immigrants from all over the world arriving to New York and what they endured to gain entry. You can also search the wall of names outside for any of your ancestors that may have made the journey. After this tour we headed to the 9/11 memorials and saw the Twin Tower sight where there are now two huge water fountains with the names of the people that sadly died on 9/11 , there is a museum too (this is closed on Tuesdays) We then visited The One World Observatory which is now the tallest building in New York City now the twin towers are gone. If you have the pass you go in scan it and get you timed tickets. Ours was a one hour wait so we visited the Oculus shopping centre next door. This attraction is definitely worth doing. One of the biggest questions in New York is where can you get the best pizza? We tried Joe’s pizza at 1435 Broadway, there was a large queue, but it moved quickly, and we grabbed our slices which were delicious. We also tried Rays Pizza beside our hotel which was also delicious. The next day we had amazing breakfast at the Brooklyn Diner, near Central Park, 57th Street it’s a typical American Diner with endless pours of coffee (Joe had 5!) fluffy pancakes and waffles and amazing milkshakes, we loved it so much we did it 2 mornings. We then headed up to Radio City which is part of The Rockefeller Plaza and did the tour which was fascinating. We got to stand on the stage which is the size of New York City block and where many singers including Ed Sheeran have performed. We even got to meet a real Rockette who told us all about the life of a Rockette. The famous Magnolia Bakery from Sex and The City is beside here too. We then did the New York Rise just off Times Square which is New York's Immersive Adventure. This is where you soar over the New York City skyline on a 4D ride. Next stop was the Museum of Ice Cream on 558 Broadway and the subway drops you off right across the road. This is a great activity for a rainy afternoon (this is not covered on the pass. It is $50 entry per person). You have endless ice cream, it’s a colour explosion and great fun for kids up to age 11. That evening we ventured down to Little Italy for dinner on Mulberry Street, we ate in Gelso & Grand. We were there on a weeknight, but I believe it’s better to go at the weekend when it’s livelier so keep that in mind if you are planning a trip to Little Italy. It’s well worth a visit and right beside China town so wander through there while down that end of town. The next morning, we headed for the Edge, it’s situated at 34 St Penn Station when you exit the subway. You will see the Vessel, which is an extraordinary centrepiece of Hudson Yards, and its spiral staircase is a soaring landmark. It is currently closed so make sure you check the opening times beforehand if you wish to visit it. I highly recommend the Edge, which is also covered on the pass. It has a section of glass floor which you can see right down to the ground and it’s amazing. You enter through a shopping centre so a nice area to chill out in and grab a coffee or lunch. Next stop was Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum, 20 min walk from The Edge. The WW2 Intrepid Aircraft carrier retired to Manhattan's West side and has been transformed to a museum. The complex hosts the Intrepid aircraft carrier, the USS Growler missile submarine, a Concorde jet, and a NASA space shuttle as well as a collection of jets and helicopters. From there we jumped in an Uber (make sure to have the app downloaded before you visit New York) as there are no subway stations near Intrepid. We went to the beautiful Chelsea Markets and had a ramble around the quirky shops and had a gorgeous lunch in Friedman’s restaurant. As you exit Chelsea Markets you can hop onto the Highline Walkway which is an old subway line that went through New York. It takes about 30 minutes to walk and has incredible views and artwork as you walk through. It leads you back to the subway station near The Edge. We had a booking then, also covered on the pass for The Empire State Building. The exhibition is very well done with lots to see mainly featuring King Kong. New York really has something for everyone. If you want to talk everything New York get in touch to plan your New York adventure.

29 February 2024

In June 2023 I headed off with 4 of my friends for a long weekend to the beautiful Cote D’Azur, known for its stunning coastline, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. We flew to Nice from Dublin and stayed in a city hotel called The Best Western Plus. On the first morning we walked the Promenade des Anglais, Nice’s’ iconic seafront promenade overlooking the beach and its exclusive beach clubs and of course got our picture taken at the iconic I Love NICE sign which has the most stunning views. We then spent the afternoon visiting the old town (Vieux Nice) with its narrow streets, colourful buildings, and local markets, don’t miss the Cours Saleya market. In the evening then there is a large selection of local restaurants to choose from which won’t disappoint. On day 2 we took a taxi up to the medieval village of Eze, the cost of the taxi was €90 I would highly recommend doing this. We spent the day wandering through the charming little streets with dinky little shops, boutiques, art galleries, and for a small entry fee you can visit the Jardin Exotique for the best views of the French Riviera. That evening, we had drinks and small plates at Chateaux Eza on the terrace, it was a bit costly, but the stunning views of the French Riviera made it absolutely and worth it and it was truly spectacular. The trains along the coast are fantastic and very user friendly, so on day 3 we took the train down to Antibes, about a 30-minute journey where we explored the historic old town. There is the Picasso Museum which was closed the day we were there so if that is something you want to see check ahead for opening times. That evening we enjoyed a beautiful meal in the town square which had a great atmosphere. Make sure to check for any local events that might interest you before travelling as there is always something going on. A great memorable girl’s trip, I would highly recommend! If you think Nice is your next holiday or you have somewhere else in mind, please keep me in mind as I would be delighted to help you plan your next adventure with your friends or family.

28 February 2024

Why Lanzarote is my favourite Canary Island for family fun When you land in Arrecife airport the first thing you notice is the landscape. There’s not a high rise in sight just beautiful white buildings. The weather is also a big draw for families especially during the peak summer months as in recent years mainland Europe has been quite hot. There’s a beautiful breeze and we never felt restricted by the temperatures. There are many small and large resorts to choose from across the island with a range of accommodation suiting all budgets. In July 23, my husband and I along with our two children Jessica (9) and Oisin (7) decided to stay at the 5-star Rubicon Palace H10 Hotel in Playa Blanca. We initially went half board but quickly upgraded to full board when we saw how many ice creams the kids were consuming!!! The hotel provides a range of cuisines from buffet style dining to Italian, Steakhouse and Thai restaurants to choose from. There is a full schedule of entertainment for all ages with plenty of pools to choose from. Theres a daily schedule for children’s activities and they will never be short of thigs to do and friends to make. There’s a small beach if you turn right as you leave the resort on the beachfront which unfortunately, we only realised on our second last day, with a lovely few beach bars too. There are bigger beaches as you walk closer to the centre of Playa Blanca. Not being a family to stay in the one spot, we did venture out almost every day. The centre of Playa Blanca is over half hour walk along the beautiful coastline but if walking that distance isn’t your thing there are regular taxis for about 5/7 euro that reception happily arrange for you. If you are looking for extra activities to do you can take a ferry to the island of Fuerteventura which you can see form the port. It’s about 30 minutes, I would advise a bigger ferry especially if anyone is prone to sea sickness…we didn’t take the chance… There are a range of beautiful restaurants and bars along the coast and old and town to the Marina which would suit everyone’s’ taste. There is also a market down by the Marina if you fancy haggling for a few bargains. If you are a day tripper, then a range of trips can be arranged, whether it’s a trip to Rancho Texas which is a waterpark and zoo experience, Camel rides or a Volcano trip, again there’s something to keep everyone happy. We’ve had several holidays over the years to Lanzarote and it never disappoints. I would be delighted to arrange your next trip to the island of Lanzarote!

27 February 2024

Disneyland Paris / Paris city In November 22, we surprised our daughter Jessica for her 9th birthday with a trip to Disneyland Paris. We had lost my dad suddenly earlier in the year so this trip could not have come at a better time to lift our spirits. After the big surprise was revealed, off we headed to Dublin airport with our Mickey Mouse ears and flew to Charles De Gaulle airport where we were met by private transfer and brought to The Newport Bay Disney hotel. This is an onsite Disney hotel that is a 5 - 10 minute walk (depending on little legs) into the parks so no shuttle bus required. This hotel has had a full refurb since we were there so I’m looking forward to return as I believe it is even more amazing. We arrived late so the next day we were up at the crack of dawn to hit the parks. On day 1 we did the Walt Disney Park, which is a sensorial overload including Toy Story, Avengers, Ratatouille, (my personal favourite ride) Cars, and many other rides to keep you busy. One point I wish I knew before going was that the themed restaurants book out months in advance so as soon as you book your stay and if this is something you want to include make sure you get it booked in as there is no way you can just walk in as we found out at the Bistrot Chez Remy. On Day 2, we hit the main Park and when you first catch a glimpse of the castle it really does take your breath away. It was Jessicas birthday that day and Joe queued for quite some time at the town hall for a birthday badge, but it meant she got extra attention from the characters which she really loved. Be prepared to walk the legs off yourself but the excitement of it all keeps you going. There are parades and character appearances throughout the day so make sure you do your research, so you don’t miss anything. That night then we experienced the fireworks at the castle which is an unforgettable evening for any age. The next morning, we reluctantly checked out and caught the train which is so handy straight into the centre of Paris. We booked our bags into a hotel hold as we were not flying until later that evening. That day we explored Paris, starting with the L’Arc de Triomphe and then onto the Eiffel Tower where we climbed to the 2nd level, my legs have never been so wobbly, I swore then that my next trip up the Eiffel Tower would be via the lift. The kids loved Paris more than we expected so I would advise adding on a night or two if you can to take in more of the city. We then took a taxi to the airport and off we went home. A trip we will never forget.