Based in Dublin 9

Derek Dunne

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It's Nice To Meet You

Greetings and welcome to my web page!

I'm Derek Dunne and I'm a Dublin based personal Travel Counsellor. I have over 25 years of experience in Travel between a retail Travel Agency and with Travel Counsellors.

During my time in the travel industry I have assisted clients with all facets of travel from package holidays, city breaks, multi centre itineraries and round the world trips to safaris, cruises, honeymoons, ski trips and an extensive amount of corporate travel and group bookings.

I have travelled extensively over this time and have experienced many different destinations and cultures such as Cape Town and the Garden Route in South Africa, Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Bangkok and Koh Samui in Thailand, Bali, Singapore, Vancouver and Toronto in Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Atlanta, Atlantic City, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, New York, San Francisco & an RV holiday in the Southern States in the United Sates. I have also been on various package holidays and city breaks around Europe along with Mediterranean and Norwegian Fjords cruises, I am certified to provide expert advice for Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Azamara Cruises and I am a certified South Africa Specialist.

I believe I can offer an exceptional personal service while utilising Travel Counsellors buying power and key global contacts with suppliers from all over the world in order to bring you your dream holiday, nothing is too much trouble and the more complicated itinerary the more exciting it is. You can feel safe and secure in the knowledge that Travel Counsellors are fully licensed and bonded in Ireland with the Irish Aviation Authority, licence No TA 621.

I can assist you with all or just part of your travel needs, so if you just require flights, accommodation, a cruise, sports trips, theme park tickets, car hire, travel insurance or any bespoke itinerary I am here to help.

For a great friendly professional service with the personal touch give me a call or drop me an email.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best Wishes

Derek Dunne

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My Blog

I absolutely live and breathe travel and I love to write about my experiences! Please take a look through my posts - you might find your own holiday inspiration.

Bask in the Beauty of Bali

30 November 2016

Bali is a beautiful Indonesian Island known for its fantastic hotels, beaches, beautiful sunsets, great restaurants and lovely people. The Balinese are an extremely friendly, gentle and courteous race with a warm smile. The interior of this tropical island is a rain forest and also features a volcano and the combination of temples carved into the cliff faces along with paddy fields. This diversity is in stark contrast to the many towns located along the stretches of sandy beaches. Seminyak, Sanur and Nusa Dua are popular resort towns along with the lively city of Kuta. Bali offers great value for money and regards to hotels and the standards range from luxury 5* opulence to very good value 3* hotel options. Bali attracts a wide diversity of visitors including honeymooners, families, backpackers and surfers from nearby Australia. It would be considered a year round destination with the same summer season as Ireland. We visited at off-peak season in November and had fantastic temperatures in the late 20's and not a drop of rain. We split our time between two contrasting resorts of Sanur and Kuta. Sanur would be a quiet town; ideal for a relaxed atmosphere but had plenty of choice regards hotels and dining options. The beach side city of Kuta in contrast houses big nightclubs, a great stretch of beach that is very busy and is a major party capital of Bali with loads of options for nightlife. We also visited the more upmarket and chic resort of Seminyak some 20 minutes by taxi from Kuta. Talking of taxis, the traffic conditions in Bali are hectic to say the least. Roads are virtually a free for all with motorbikes and scooters coming at you from all angles. Rapid development and an ageing infrastructure, mean that the roads struggle to cope. In major tourist areas the traffic is chaotic and there are daily traffic jams. Bali is packed full of activities including many water based activities such as scuba diving, surfing, fishing etc. It is also a paradise for spa lovers and all sorts of treatments are widely available. A famous Balinese massage is usually done with oil and involves long, Swedish-style strokes. In stark contrast to exorbitant western prices for a massage, a Balinese massage is incredible value, and visitors should definitely avail themselves of this luxury (on a daily basis I say!). In local salons, a one-hour full body massage will cost as little as €5. In fact the cost of living is much lower in Indonesia, dining and drinks and extremely reasonable. There are also great options for you to include another city stopover on the way to or from Bali, including Singapore, Bangkok, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong all offering great flight connections. Alternatively you can explore the island next door, Lombok, which is very relaxing and chilled out. Alternatively you could use Bali as a stopover with Australasia. Bali is a beautiful island with super friendly people and great dining options along with a great choice of hotels to suit all budgets. It really is worth putting in that extra few hours flying as the affordability on the ground will more than cover the cost. If you are interested in Bali or combining Bali with another destination send me an email or call me.

Sling into Singapore

25 March 2016

I have sent many clients over the years to Singapore & particularly to avail of the great offers via the Singapore Airlines stopover programme, it was time for me to explore this vibrant city. While densely populated and comprising of a lot of reclaimed land, Singapore has a calm, organised and modern feel to it. The city itself is spotlessly clean and features some excellent transport links. While Singapore is heavily taxed, this also leads to several advantages. For example, there is 100% vehicle registration tax on imported cars, a car permit for $50,000 has to bid for every 10 years in order to drive, the number of cars is regulated, this added to the many toll gates makes driving very expensive in Singapore. But it also helps to have a fantastic metro system in place. In fact you will find more than metros underground as the city would have many underground malls, shops & food courts. Be warned if you are staying over a weekend and in or around the main shopping district of Orchard Road, Sunday is the main shopping day and throngs of locals come out in something akin to Grafton Street on Christmas Eve. The Singapore people are made up of various different communities, predominately Chinese, Malayan & Indian, along with many other smaller ethnic groups. They are a vibrant colourful people with a calming nature and always very courteous. Due to strict laws the crime rate in Singapore would be extremely low and it would be an extremely popular amongst all types of travellers. Singapore is ideal for a stopover if travelling to or from Australasia. The city is easily seen with a full day tour via a hop on hop off bus and for some more light hearted entertainment a visit to Sentosa Island is recommended to see various attractions for all the family with among them Universal Studios. For the adults a trip to the famous Raffles Hotel to sip a Singapore Sling is a must. For hotels you have the choice of luxury 5 stars, but the more budget conscious tourist is also well catered for. There are various nightlife options from fine dining to the buzz of the main area for nightlife on Clarke Quay. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Singapore and it’s well worth a flying visit if you’re in the region or passing through. Get in touch with me if you need any further details on Singapore or if you wish to combine Singapore with another destination!

Paradise in the Dominican Republic

07 February 2015

I was delighted to have the opportunity to go to the Dominican Republic. When I visited this island I got to experience the culture, sights, beaches and many of the great hotels and resorts that it has to offer. The Dominican Republic is the second largest island in the Caribbean and is neighboured by Haiti. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492 after many years of various occupations and civil unrest Dominican Republic became a free state in 1960. The capital Santo Domingo is steeped in history and is a great option for tourists who wish to experience some local culture before hitting the some of the impressive hotels located on the coastal towns. While in Santo Domingo we visited did a walking tour of the city followed by a visit to the museum of Alcázar de Colón or Columbus Museum, the former home of Diego Columbus where he once established the government. The city would be ideal for a two or three night visit with a preference to staying in the Colonial City on a Sunday night so you can experience a local tradition Grupo Bonye playing all types of local Dominican folk music at the Ruinas de San Francisco where locals come to sing and dance to celebrate Dominican Republic independence. Among the hotels we visited were Breathless Punta Cana, Zoetry Agua Punta Cana, Sivory Punta Cana, Dreams Punta Cana, Secrets Royal Beach, Now Larimar, Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana, Paradisus Reserve, Club de Playa Caleton, Occidental Grand, Dreams La Romana, Hostal Nicholas de Ovando, Casa de Campo and the Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe. The fantastic range of properties has something to suit all tastes, requirements and budgets. The range of cuisine is fantastic and the local people are so warm and friendly and always welcome you with a smile. If you have had enough of lounging around the pool or on the beach there are some fantastic excursions and days trips to experience with my favourite being a day trip to the beautiful Tropical Island of Saona, reached by catamaran or speedboat. There are also some great trips available to experience some local customs and traditional culture. The Dominican Republic would a year round destination but be aware of hurricane season, we travelled in the heart of it but were lucky to experience no more than two hours rain for the whole week. Due to its fight connectivity with the United States, The Dominican Republic can be easily coupled with some major US destinations and is also popular choice to starting point for a Caribbean Cruise. If you wish to hear more about The Dominican Republic and enquire about your next holiday give me a call and I'd be delighted to share what was an amazing experience with you and help your dream holiday to The Dominican Republic become a reality!

Lisbon and its coastline..

10 June 2014

An ever growing popular trend with the adventurous holiday maker is to combine a beach and city destination. So for the best of both worlds and for some relaxation and culture I headed off to Portugal to experience what Cascais and Lisbon has to offer. A short two and a half hour flight followed by a 30 minute scenic train journey and the delights of the beautiful coastal town of Cascais awaits. Cascais is located on the Estoril coastline with both towns close together. Cascais is a wonderful laid back town that caters for all demographics. There are several coves with sandy beaches and a good choice of hotel and dining options in the former fishing village. Estoril slightly south of Cascais is a little more than two minutes in a taxi. A huge attraction is the famous Casino De Estoril, which is huge and is highly recommended even if you don't partake in the gambling as it also features restaurants, a club and live entertainment at the weekends. For a day trip, Sintra comes highly recommended, located a little over 45 minutes from Cascais by local bus or alternatively easily accessible from Lisbon by train. Apart from being a lovely town the huge attraction lies in the overlooking mountains; The Pena Park and Palace once occupied by the Portuguese Royal Family up until 1910, when Portugal became a Republic. The Pena Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and apparently one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. The Park occupies eighty five hectares and has various attractions apart from the palace; it really is a great day trip! Next up, a short train journey back to the cosmopolitan city of Lisbon with its large avenues and picturesque architecture. Lisbon is quite a large city with rich history a population of 2 million. It can be quite hilly but it is easily accessible via a local metro, tram and bus networks. Taxis are inexpensive and the many tour buses that circumnavigate the city come highly recommended as a great way to quickly get a geographical handle on the city. There are loads of cultural attractions and the hop on hop off bus services is a very convenient option to pack in as much as possible on your visit. The main thoroughfare, The Avenue Liberdade is lined with designer shops, hotels and cafes and is a great place to spend an afternoon people watching. There are many parks and squares for a stroll and Lisbon has a great choice of hotel options. A trip to the Belem district which features the castle and the Maritime Museum is a must and then there is the contrast of the ultra-modern site for the EXPO '98 which has been converted into business district that features many attractions including Europe's largest aquarium, Oceanarium. Lisbon has many attractions and is ideal for all types of holiday makers. If you wish to explore holiday options in Portugal or holiday combinations please do pick up the phone or send me an email.

Atlanta Adventure

12 December 2013

Many people who have been travelling to the US regularly have at some stage probably transited in Atlanta, but this time I got the opportunity to visit Atlanta properly and experience what it has to offer. Atlanta Airport is the busiest airport in the world, Delta Airlines have direct flights from Dublin with connections all over North, Central and South America. This was my first experience of Delta Airlines and I found them extremely good to fly with. I availed of their Economy Comfort Service on my outbound flight for that bit of extra legroom, 50% more recline of the seat and full complementary bar service. Atlanta itself is an ideal city for a stopover, it is steeped in history but also features some iconic attractions - The Georgia Aquarium - The Worlds Largest Aquarium features over 120,000 animals and over 500 species. Or how about a tour of the world famous The World of Coco Cola, where you can take in the history of coke and taste samples from all around the world. Or maybe catch up on some news at the CNN Studio Tour and get a close-up of global news in the making, or maybe take in a show at the famous Fox Theatre. Weather permitting an afternoon in Piedmont Park, Atlanta's 189 acre urban park located close to Downtown is a must see. A visit to the Atlanta Tourist Centre is a great way to plan your tours and get to see what you want to see. Atlanta main areas are Midtown, Downtown and Buckhead. Downtown is the main business district and home to the city’s many sporting venues and tourist attractions. The Midtown area is the city’s second largest business district, and is also known for its art institutions and cultural attractions. Buckhead is eight miles north of Downtown and the city’s third-largest business district and is connected to via Peachtree Road which is lined with many business and fantastic restaurants including the fabulous Bones and Fogo de Chao. There are also some fantastic shopping opportunities including Perimeter Mall and Lennox Square Mall. Atlanta is also famous for hosting the 1996 Olympics and a visit to the Centennial Olympic Park comes highly recommended. There are some changes afoot in Atlanta with a trolley car system under construction in the Downtown Area with various loops around the city which will connect with the MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) Train and Bus service if you are located outside the city. Atlanta most famous son and prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement is Dr Martin Luther King, a visit to the King Center is a must see to pay homage to a great man. Located on Auburn Avenue just east of Downtown it features the Crypt of Dr & Mrs King, Freedom Hall (Exhibition Centre), Dr Kings Birth Home and the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church where Dr King first found notoriety. I have a dream, that one day you will also get to experience Atlanta. Please contact if you wish to do so as it is a place well worth the visit.

New York Shopping Trip

07 January 2014

I have been to New York several times but this time we were on what I'm told was, serious business.....shopping! New York is truly a shopper’s paradise. The value is extraordinary and features zero or low sales tax, but to be an even more savvy shopper there are several things you can do to maximise your experience. Firstly fly direct if you can, if you are taking in multiple destinations on your trip maybe leave the shopping in New York to be the last leg of the trip - that way you are straight home with your new purchases as opposed to hauling the extra luggage for the duration of your trip. Secondly, Midtown Manhattan is the obvious location to stay and if you are in a group and on a budget maybe look at more people sharing a hotel room to keep costs in check. Thirdly and most importantly plan well in advance, New York is hugely popular and hotels can be expensive but with better planning the cost can be kept down. Generally a shopping trip to New York is 4 or 5 nights but it can vary. There is so much to pack in while there and New York also has some great options for sightseeing and entertainment after a hard few days shopping. Very popular day trips for shoppers would be to Woodbury Common or Jersey Gardens Premium Outlet Stores, here you will find an array of stores with fantastic prices, buses go regularly from the Port Authority Bus Station. If you book your tickets in advance you can just show up for the bus and avoid the queues. Woodbury Common is a collection of 220 outlet stores featuring the world’s leading designers and brand names with great savings. It’s an hour from the Port Authority by bus and watch out for the shoppers with their empty suitcases - fill them as you shop! The outlets are fantastic but you will also find a huge choice of all sorts of shopping options in Manhattan. Ranging from small boutiques to large department stores like the iconic Macys, Bloomingdales and the fantastic Century 21 opposite the World Trade Centre site. Remember to bring your passport with you as both Macy's and Bloomingdales offer a 10% discount card for visitors. For high end shopping check out 5th Avenue and Saks, or if it’s jewellery your after check out the famous Tiffany's also on 5th Avenue. For the kids there is also a huge choice too such as ToysRus on Times Square, FAO Schwarz on 5th Avenue, The Lego Store at the Rockefeller Centre and The Disney Store on Times Square. New York offers great shopping opportunities all year round but none more so that when the sales kick in straight after Thanksgiving or what is now called "Black Friday". These sales generally run right up to Christmas and offer even deeper discounts for those intent on getting all set for Christmas. You could time your trip to coincide with the lighting of the Christmas Tree at the Rockefeller Centre for a truly magical Christmas experience. If you are all shopped out why not take in some of the fantastic sights New York has to offer, you could take a ferry out to the Statue of Liberty, go down the financial district and walk up Wall Street and visit the World Trade Centre site or how about taking in the breath taking skyline from the top of the Empire State Building, or for something more tranquil why not a stroll through Central Park. There are various different tickets that I can arrange to maximise your sightseeing that give some great value and also help beat those queues! If you are confining your entertainment to the evening, taking in one of the spectacular shows on New York's Broadway is a must do, again these can all be reserved in advance so you are guaranteed your seat! For more information on New York breaks or maybe if you wish to combine your New York trip with another destination please give me a call or drop me an email.

Marvellous Mexico

31 December 2013

Mexico in recent years has been exploding in popularity on the Irish market where demand from families, couples and honeymooners has been huge! So I thought for my own holiday I'd have to check it out and see what it has to offer. We set off for Cancun, a coastal city in the tourist destination commonly called The Mexican Caribbean. Cancun is situated on the southeast coast of Mexico in the Yucatan Peninsula. The climate in Cancun is tropical, with consistent hot and humid weather throughout the year, very warm sea temperatures and powdery sandy beaches. Cancun has loads to offer for a fun filled holiday including a great selection of restaurants and nightlife, water sports, Eco-parks and Mayan archaeological sites. Further down the coast is the Riviera Maya, a long stretch of tiny fishing villages and hidden resorts and the modern resort area of Playa del Carmen. Wherever you are on this peninsula, you are never far away from the many Mayan sites of the Yucatan peninsula – sites like Chichen Itza and Tulum, with temples, walled towns, castles and pyramids. There is also an array of activities and wildlife encounters to choose from. Hotel wise the area is famous for its large All Inclusive Resort style proprieties. Some of my favourite brands such as Dreams, Now, Secrets and Zoetry have something to suit all tastes, from family resorts to adult only resorts to wellness resorts. We choose to stay in a couple of the Secrets Resorts. First up Secrets Capri Riviera Resort & Spa, from the moment we arrived, the service and ambiance was fantastic. There are magnificent gardens leading up to the resort and we were greeted with a "welcome home" and a cold towel and a glass of champers to get us into relaxed mode. The lobby area is impressive and there is a fantastic selection of restaurants and bars to choose from and on one of the nights it was Mexican themed night, with a Marciachi Band and a fantastic outdoor buffet. The pool area is magnificent and the service was impeccable and we wanted for nothing throughout the day. There’s lots of different entertainment and activities throughout the day or you can just laze around pool or on the beach or even have a relaxing massage on the beach! The hotel itself has a kind of Mediterranean feel to it and all rooms are of the Preferred Club standard so they include a lot of extra amenities. We then travelled back up the coast to the Secrets Silversands; another 5* resort but with a different feel to it. This is a larger resort with art deco décor featuring an impressive split level lobby area and eight bars, restaurants and pools! The rooms are in separate blocks with the Preferred Clubs rooms boasting sea views. The main pool had a busy vibe to it but there are so many pools we could go around the corner and have a pool virtually to ourselves. The restaurant selection was superb although we struggled to get by Himitsu Asian Restaurant each evening as the food was out of this world! This resort has something for everybody and fantastic service to boot. We really loved our time in Mexico and in the amazing Secrets Hotels where the staff are so attentive and friendly. It’s a place I know I will return to one day, maybe even to Los Cabos next time or Baja California as it’s also called. For further information, best prices and recommendations on Mexico and All Inclusive holidays please do get in touch.

Lazy days in Lanzarote

01 August 2013

Lanzarote is a volcanic island and is probably the most popular of the four Canary Islands on the Irish Market. It lies just 70 miles off the coast of Africa with a 4 hour flight time from Ireland. It has an enviable year round climate which features extremely low rainfall and temperatures that rarely fall below 20c in the winter months (it’s actually on the same latitude as the Sahara), as a result it would be an extremely popular holiday destination all year round. Finally, after many years in the Travel business I got a chance to experience it. I had not flown on a charter flight in a few years and I must say Thomsonfly and Air Europa were very good to fly with, we paid a little extra for the legroom seats which worked out well - a lot of charters offer this facility now. To maximise the experience and to take in as much as possible we decided to split our stay in 2 hotels, both 4* and both very good value. First up, the Hipotels La Geira in Los Pocillos on an All Inclusive basis. This is a lovely bright modern well-kept hotel, the food was excellent with a huge choice and the room was modern, spotless and had the biggest balcony ever! The hotel features a magnificent pool and is directly across the road from the beach. It’s in the Los Pocillos area so you are within walking distance of both Matagorda and Puerto Del Carmen as it nestles between the two. This hotel is excellent value for an All-inclusive relaxing break. Next up the Beatriz Playa Hotel, this would be a larger busier hotel with an impressive atrium. The hotel would have more facilities (including a great SPA!); it is down the end of Matagorda so close to the airport and a taxi ride from Puerto Del Carmen for a busier atmosphere. This would be a real family favourite too as they have plenty to keep the kids occupied. There is a fantastic promenade that stretches nearly 10km from Matagorda to the end of Puerto Del Carmen. For the main part, the traffic runs in one direction with a cycle lane and a wide pavement and it is great for a stroll, run or cycle. Along the promenade there is also a great choice of restaurants, bars and shops for some retail therapy. Lanzarote offers a wealth of things to do and boasts a number of excellent attractions, which should feature on any itinerary. Timanfaya National Park in the South of the island is a jaw dropping stretch of volcanic wasteland and a must see for any visitor as it has one of the world´s most unique landscapes. Add in the fantastic beaches, climate, cuisine and friendly locals and it is the ideal spot for a relaxing break. If wish to find out more about Lanzarote, the Canary Islands or 2 Centre Holidays please call or email me.

In Bruges..

29 January 2013

For a little something different for a weekend break I tried the spectacular medieval city of Bruges. To get to Bruges it's a little over an hour flight to Brussels followed by two trains which takes an hour and a half or a one hour transfer from the airport. The Venice of the North, as it is known, Bruges became a UNESCO world heritage site in the year 2000. Bruges was more recently made famous by the 2008 smash hit film "In Bruges", which featured our very own Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell. It's definitely worth a look and especially so if you intend on visiting Bruges. Bruges is full of wandering canals and ornate houses but everything in Bruges is accessible on foot. However there is also a horse and carriage ride or a canal cruise option if your feet get tired walking through the cobble stoned streets. It is a medieval city and much of the architecture remains intact. The most famous building would be the Belfry which overlooks the main market square, it houses a bell tower and is accessible via 366 steps and on a clear day gives you a perfect view of the city and the market square below. While we were there the Christmas Market was on and there were various stalls selling their wares and an outdoor ice rink in the square. The place was buzzing and a hive of activity. Due to Bruges long and important history the city is home to many museums that will give you a first-hand look into the cities past. Some of the highlights are the only Michelangelo to leave Italy during his lifetime, the Groeninge Museum and the Memling museum which focus on Flemish Primitive paintings, the lace museum and for the beer lovers do not miss Brewery ‘De Halve Maan, Frietmuseum (museum dedicated to Belgian Fries) and Choco-Story (a chocolate museum). There are various different shopping opportunities, plenty of tourist shops and a vast array of chocolatiers along the narrow streets. Other famous local delights include Bruges's famous Flemish Stew made only with fine Belgian dark beer, Belgian Waffles and a large selection of famous Belgian beers that must be sampled in one of their old hostileries to give you a true sense of local culture. For an afternoon stroll the Minnewater Lake is a romantic park and lake full with beautiful swans and the most beautiful scenery. Bruges is an ideal spot for a short break, it is extremely tourist friendly, and it is steeped in history and has an old world charm that resembles something from a fairy-tale book. If you would like more information on Bruges, Christmas markets or other city break ideas just give me a call or drop me an email.

Brand New 5* Celebrity Cruise

21 October 2012

Having cruised twice in the last two years I was really excited to receive an invite to the inaugural sailing of the Celebrity Reflection. The newest addition to the Celebrity fleet, the Reflection is the last of five ships in their Solstice class. The concept behind Celebrity is "modern luxury"; they exceeded all my expectations to achieve this. This is 126,000 tonne brand new vessel with a capacity of 3,046 guests and 1,270 crew on board. Apart from being a five star luxury brand Celebrity strive to differentiate themselves from the rest of the market by thinking outside the box and adding loads of additional features to make your cruise experience truly breath-taking. The main dining room features an impressive wine Tower as a centre piece which is the height of two floors and contains in the region of 487 different labels from all over the world. It is called Opus (which means work of art on a grand scale) and is a superb venue, and the food was fantastic and the great the thing about ordering from the menu is the rule is “there is no rules”. You can order what or how much of whatever takes your fancy, so if you have had a hard day in the Spa or around the pool you can get an extra main course or if your sweet tooth is kicking in why not an extra dessert or two!! You also have the option of paying a small fee to dine in one if there specialty dining restaurants, including Murano, Blu, the Tuscan Grill, Qsine and Bistro on Five or The Lawn Club Grill on Deck 14 which features a half an acre of real grass. These are all bookable while on board or prior to setting sail. With 166 chefs producing on average 14,000 meals a day your every need is catered for. There are a dozen fantastic bars on board, my particular favourites were the martini bar which boats a frosted bar and the Ensemble Lounge which was more laid back and had some fantastic live music. For wine buffs there is Cellar Masters and for something completely different there is the Molecular Bar where you will be served by trained Mixologists and ingredients include liquid nitrogen!! The entertainment on-board is endless from shows to rival Las Vegas in the main theatre to various singers and performers dotted throughout the bars. There is also a casino, a library and several shopping opportunities. The Celebrity iLounge offers computer tutorial classes and is also an official Apple retailer – where guests will find the most Apple Mac products available at duty-free prices. Also there is a state of the art gym, running track, basketball court, kids clubs & Aqua Spa and 3 pools so there are tons to do whist on-board. The staterooms are fantastic and over 80% of them have a balcony. The Penthouse was magnificent and features an all glass shower that extends over the edge of the ship! While the Aqua Class suites are a new addition to Solstice class and include an array of extras. I stayed in a Deluxe Balcony Stateroom, it was bright and spacious and the décor was beautiful, plenty of storage space, plasma screen TV, sitting area with couch, a spacious balcony and a well-appointed bathroom. I have recently become certified to give expert advice on Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Azamara Cruises. If you need any information on these or any other cruise companies or itineraries, help or tips please call or email me.

Paris Horse Racing Weekend

17 October 2012

Paris in the Autumn, I love it! This was my third visit to Paris and each time it was the first weekend in October to coincide with the Prix de l’Arc De Triomphe, two days of fantastic horse racing in a wonderful setting. On my first visit to Paris some four years ago I immediately got a great feel and liking for the city. While Paris is a very large city (approximately 2.5 million people live there) it is also very accessible and extremely tourist friendly. Once you have cracked the metro system the whole city is open to you for little more than a euro. The train to connect with the metro from Charles De Gaulle Airport to Gare Du Nord takes a little over half an hour and then it's easy to navigate your way from there. This time we stayed in a suburb of Paris, Puteaux. It would be more a business district and quite at the weekends but it is easily accessible to the metro which is the main requirement when choosing a hotel in Paris. Paris truly is a sightseers dream with so many famous landmarks & such a rich culture. I have never gone all out sightseeing on any of my trips to Paris, but I have rather chipped away at various sights. This time we did the Louvre, The Jardin de Tuileries and the Eiffel Tower. All spectacular in their own unique way. The main reason for our trip was for the sport. Longchamp Racecourse is located in the Bois de Boulogne district of Paris. It's accessible via Port Maillot metro and a free bus transfer onwards to the track which takes ten minutes. It is a fantastic setting and probably the nicest racecourse I have graced. The Saturday card is more laid back and subdued but it gives you a chance to properly explore the course and build the atmosphere and tension prior to the big day. Sunday's card is dripping with quality with seven Group 1's, the atmosphere is electric and the crowd is huge and cosmopolitan. It truly is a fantastic weekends sport in an amazing city and we are already looking forward to our next visit. During my travels I have attended various big race meetings including Breeders Cups at Arlington Park Chicago, Belmont Park New York and Monmouth Park New Jersey. I have also taken in The Dubai World Cup, Glorious Goodwood, Ascots Champions Day, 2 Grand Nationals and various meetings throughout the UK. The main one that I have yet to tackle is the Cheltenham Festival, but soon. If you need any assistance with next Paris break, with Paris Euro Disney, a weekend break or with your next sports trip please give me a call or drop me an email.

Real Spain on the Costa Del Sol

23 August 2012

I have been down to the Costa Del Sol many times in the past, it’s a beautiful coast easily accessible from Ireland and has plenty to do. But alas I had been there and bought the tee shirt. When friends recommended Nerja for an extended weekend break I thought why not. I had heard a lot of very good reports from colleagues and clients. I must admit I was very impressed and it’s the ideal spot for a nice relaxing break that is away from some of the hustle and bustle of the other larger resorts. We went in late June, the temperature hit 38/9 most days and it was hotter than the other end of the Costa. We stayed in a peaceful hotel about a 10 minute walk to the centre. The place itself is kind of split into two areas, the heart of Nerja with its white church and the Balcon De Europa Hotel and Burriana Beach area (which is the best beach in Nerja!) We were lucky the weekend we were there as we got to see the Spanish get behind Spain in Euro 2012 which happened to coincide with the San Juan Festival which takes place on the night of June 23rd each year, and continues until the morning of the 24th. The festival of San Juan marks the beginning of summer and in Nerja the tradition is to camp on the beaches overnight with friends and family. At midnight effigies are lit, and bonfires leapt over, and those with sins to cleanse, or who just want to join in the fun, take a dip in the sea. The official bonfire, with fireworks and live music, takes place on Burriana Beach at midnight and it was truly spectacular. In fact Nerja is renowned for its festivals as when I was researching things to do I discovered there is virtually a festival every month!! The centre of Nerja itself gives you a sense of real Spain, with winding streets full of restaurants, bars, shops and ice cream parlours. We also found some very nice restaurants and had some fantastic meals. From Cosmopolitan on Burriana, to the rear courtyard of Pinocchio's and the rooftop of Scarlettas the cuisine could not be faulted. At night Nerja centre was alive with activity, bustling restaurants and bars, street performers and sketch artists and it gave you a true sense of Spain, alive and fun. If you would like to hear more about Nerja or plan your holiday there, please call me.

New York, New York!!!

19 August 2012

If you haven't been or are indeed are a regular visitor, the "city that never sleeps" is truly a fantastic, busy, vibrant city packed full of different cultural influences that is a must see. It is a truly infectious place that will always stay with you and leaves you with the feeling that you want more. This was my fourth visit to New York and the first time I did just New York on its own for a weekend. As flights etc are so reasonable I always tended to combine New York with somewhere else on the East Coast. My first memory of New York is arriving in the middle of Time Square in a yellow cab & looking around and being blown away by all the Skyscrapers and the lights, it truly is spectacular. This time we stayed in The Washington Jefferson Hotel in the old Hells Kitchen district, it’s just steps away from Broadway and a 7/8 minute walk to the heart of Times Square. The location was great and had a real neighbourhood feel to it. When first entering the room I thought I was in Paris because of the small size of the room, but everything was spotless & the staff were extremely friendly. I have experienced different standards of hotels in different locations in New York on my previous visits. From The Millennium Broadway on Time Square, The Pennsylvania opposite Madison Square Gardens to the Grand Hyatt at Grand Central station, it’s great to experience the diversity of these different areas. Every time I go to New York I always find new places, either for a bite to eat, a spot of shopping or sightseeing and taking in some of the local cultures. There are also some obligatory things I do while in New York. I always pay a visit to the site of The Twin Towers and pay my respects to the victims of 911. My favourite thing to do is a simple walk in Central Park on a crisp morning. This time I got to experience more shopping than before, and I must say it truly is remarkable value. Shops on Times Square that must pay high rents are still selling clothes etc at fantastic prices and if you go off the beaten track to the outlets like Jersey Gardens or Woodbury Common there are even better bargains to be had. The place is a true shoppers paradise. But whatever you’re into, New York is the place to be, as it delivers on every score from sightseeing to shopping, culture to entertainment, The Big Apple is truly the gateway to America. Why not call me and I can assist you with flights and hotels to suit your needs and maybe tailor make your weekend for you whether you’re looking for a city tour, a trip to The Statue of Liberty or up The Empire State Building, an aerial view of The Big Apple's famous skyline from a helicopter or a legendary Broadway show. Take a slice of The Big Apple! Derek

Cruise the Norwegian Fjords

19 August 2012

Having sent many clients on cruises in the past and having seen their popularity take off over recent years I had to try it out for myself and experience firsthand what a cruise holiday was like. We decided to take the safe route and did a short cruise from Malaga with a group of friends for 5 nights with Royal Caribbean. It was an easy introduction to cruising as it was a short flight/transfer and a short cruise. But instantly I was captivated with the whole experience and I couldn't quite believe for my own eyes what excellent value for money they really are. Having had such a great first experience of a cruise holiday I was open to going on one again, but I didn't realise it would be so soon after my first. Eight months after my first cruise I was off again, this time a Norwegian Fjords Cruise with MSC, it was an 8 night cruise out of Southampton. The ports of call were Amsterdam, Oslo, Stavanger, Flam & Bergen. The ship, MSC Opera was fantastic, it accommodates up to 2,200 passengers and had a great mix of mainly Europeans on board. We did not want for dining options, bars or entertainment. My particular favourite was the La Cabala Piano Bar, which was great to unwind in after a sumptuous 5 course evening meal. We pre purchased a drinks package and that worked out very good value. Because it was an 8 night cruise we had 2 Gala Evenings and the champagne flowed freely (& it was free!). Our first port of call was Amsterdam, from the cruise terminal you can see Central Station & it is a short walk to the centre. The city is easy enough to navigate your way round and is very tourist friendly and picturesque. Next up the main course Norway, first port of call was Oslo. What a lovely city, again easily reached from the port and great sense of history to the place and some great architecture, The Parliament building and The Palace Park is popular with both locals and tourists - you can see the changing of the guard here every day at 1:30 pm, the art deco Opera House at the docks is a major contrast to the centre of the city. Oslo is an expensive city but definitely worth a visit. Next up Stavanger, a temporary stadium was erected in the heart of the town to host a beach volleyball tournament and the place was a hive of activity. The ship parked virtually on top of the town and it was an absolute gem of a place, picture postcard perfect. By the time we reached our third destination in Norway, Flam, the weather had closed in, unfortunately we got to see very little due to heavy rain and fog. This village looked the most spectacular of our destinations visited in Norway and is a must see if you are taking in a Norwegian Fjord Cruise. Lastly we visited Bergen the second largest City in Norway and a World Heritage Centre which is packed full of culture and sightseeing options. If you haven't cruised before or are indeed a regular, the Fjords truly is a one off spectacular trip. Cruising is also terrific value, you are virtually in a floating hotel and get to see a new part of the world everyday without you having to do the travelling (or packing!), whilst enjoying everything the ship has to offer from entertainment to activities, or relax around the pool or in the Spa, a cruise will cater for all aspects of your holiday. Plus you get to see the world and have the option of doing some memorable excursions!! Why not give me a call and I can assist you with your next cruise break, from Caribbean to the Mediterranean, South American to South Africa and Asia to Alaska this is your chance to discover the world in luxury. Derek

My customer stories

Sent by Tim Bashall

Derek at Travel Counsellors has been providing a service that is second to none for both my business and personal travel requirements for a number of years now. No matter how complex the arrangements are always spot on. I wouldn't work with anyone else. It is just as simple as that!

Sent by Audrey Smith

From the moment I picked up the phone to Derek I knew he would find us the perfect last minute getaway. His sense of humour, enormous patience and attention to detail is second to none and I look forward to dealing with him again for future holidays.

Sent by Julie Anne Hogan

Derek is always so helpful, really makes travelling with family less stressful. If issues arise or changes need to be made he is only a phone call away. Would highly recommend.

Sent by Rachel McCarthy

This is my fifth time using Derek to book big trips for me, my family and friends. As always he is professional to the core, knowledgeable and has a wonderful personal touch that keeps me coming back to him. I would always recommend Derek to everyone and anyone looking for travel assistance.

Sent by Geraldine Sexton

Derek has always been very approachable and helpful, no matter what questions I have asked. He is incredibly quick at getting back in contact and providing answers. He always has practical and useful advice. I will continue to recommend him to everyone, and I have never heard a negative comment about him from anyone I know who has dealt with him in the past. He really takes the stress out of booking tricky or non- straightforward trips/flights and puts your mind at ease! Thanks for everything Derek!

Sent by Mary Breen

It was a pleasure working with Derek. He is knowledgeable, patient and nothing is too much trouble for him. Excellent service.

Sent by Brendan White

Derek is excellent at his job. He is always very obliging, helpful and always gets it right. I have highly recommended Derek to friends and family.

Sent by Deirdre Daly

I always contact Derek when considering my vacations, especially long haul destinations. Derek is very thorough, very quick with solutions, easy to contact and I feel safe with his suggestions and arrangements. I enjoy how we tweak and customise my interests too. I have recommended him to many friends.

Sent by Patrick Hogan

Derek is excellent. Highly recommend him. Have used Derek to book four family trips already this year so that says it all.

Sent by John Breen

In all communications I’ve had with Derek I have always found him to be very professional and courteous. He has that great skill of being able to put people at ease and goes the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. I would rate Derek 100 per cent and have no hesitation in recommending him, in the same way that Derek was highly recommended to me. Thank you.

Sent by Angeline Brown

I have been booking my holidays with Derek for a number of years now and he never disappoints. I couldn't ask for a better service always exceptional.

Sent by Derek Howard

Super helpful, extremely responsive and a pleasure to deal with.

Sent by Sarah Sheridan

Derek is a gent. He's so bubbly, friendly and happy. He has a laugh with you all while remaining professional and knowledgeable about his work. I left feeling like he was a friend I could definitely return to. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to go on any sort of holiday.

Sent by Nicola Cosgrave

Great service. Derek Dunne was very friendly, approachable, informative and interested. He understood exactly what we were looking for from our trip and he planned a wonderful trip within our budget. I have recommended Derek to many of my friends and family and will definitely book another trip with him myself.

Sent by Paul Doyle

Derek has arranged holidays for me over the last number of years and I have always found him to be cheerful, helpful and perhaps even more importantly knowledgeable regarding our destinations. He has always offered us options based on our specific requirements in terms of accommodation, type of holiday and our budget. Invariably they were consistently excellent. In my view he provides a first rate service, always available, and at a time when travel has become more a chore than a pleasure, the reliability of his service in terms of flights, transfers and accommodation makes the travel so much easier. I would have no hesitation in recommending Derek to any prospective traveller and from my point of view I will be working with him again in arranging my next holiday.

Sent by Noeleen Behan

Derek arranged a weeks holiday for 3 of us in Rethymon, Crete for the last week in September. We had a lovely week and would highly recommend the town. All of the arrangements were perfect, the flights, the transfers and the hotels. I would highly recommend booking holidays through Derek as it takes all the stress out of travelling.

Sent by Alasdair Sutton

Derek arranged our trip to our son, Conor's, graduation next May in Kentucky. We wanted to see Washington DC as well as meet up with an old school friend who lives in Georgia. Derek kindly spent some time putting together a very workable itinerary which will allow us to do all of the above. His service is excellent and no change was to difficult to overcome. His professionalism and easy manner makes it very easy to do business with Derek and I cannot recommend him enough. Thanks again for all your help Derek....first class!

Sent by Conall F

We booked our honeymoon to Asia with Derek in early 2017 and the experience could not have been better. From the initial consultation, to booking, to follow-up, Derek could not have been more helpful. His knowledge of the various travel destinations was immense and he was very flexible with us during the planning stage. I have recommended Derek's service to all my family and friends and would certainly plan another trip through him in future.

Sent by Pauline O Sullivan

Derek provided us with an invaluable service this July when we were booking a sun holiday abroad for a gang of twenty five. This group consisted of elderly, teenagers, couples and young children. We outlined what we wanted and how much we were willing to pay and he came back to us very quickly with three choices. His knowledge of resorts and accommodations was superb. We picked our accommodation and Derek very kindly liaised with each smaller group separately and organised flights and room types and airport transfer for each party as everyone was travelling at different times with different family numbers. We never had to do another thing except arrange payment over the phone. Throughout this whole process, Derek could not have been more patient and helpful and has a great understanding of family travel and, indeed, it was a pleasure to deal with him.

Sent by Fiona Ennis

From initial enquiry right through to holiday, Derek proved to be very helpful, professional and knowledgable showing a genuine interest in our plans. Derek obviously loves what he does and this shows in his commitment to ensuring that you have the best possible experience when planning and booking a holiday. Thank you for your effort on our behalf, we will certainly return to you when looking for inspiration when planning our next holiday.

Sent by Charelle Brown

I would just like to add that Derek Dunne is very efficient and I would highly recommend him to friends and family and have done. He is friendly and lovely to deal with. Charelle and Geoff Brown.