24 February 2020

During the summer of 2019, I was offered the fantastic opportunity to travel to the exciting and historic city of Istanbul on a Travel Counsellors trip with Turkish Airlines. We flew out on a direct flight with Turkish Airline in Business Class, which was a brilliant experience. The service was exceptional, and the food was fantastic I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. I went to Istanbul with five other Irish Travel Counsellors, and we really made the most of our visit to Istanbul. The flight took about 4.5 hours direct from Dublin, and we arrived into the newly build Istanbul airport. Istanbul is a unique destination and an ideal location for a weekend away. We were met on arrival and had a private transfer to our hotel. The city was bustling full of life, and it took us under an hour to arrive at our hotel. We stayed in the four-star Eresin Hotel Sultanahmet which was located in the heart of Istanbul. It was a Boutique class hotel and it even had a its own private museum showcasing a cistern (covered reservoir), mosaics, 49 other museum pieces of historical and architectural significance from Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine times. This hotel is in Istanbul’s historic district close to the city’s main touristic, entertainment and shopping areas and just a short walk away from the world-famous sights such as the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace. We had dinner in a lovely restaurant on the Friday night which was about a 5 minute walk from our hotel. The city is full of amazing restaurants and all mix of all dishes from around the world. The next morning, we started our adventure with a relaxed walking tour of Istanbul and the first stop was the famous Blue Mosque. The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design. Head coverings are available at the Blue Mosque entrance for free. Next stop was The Topkapi Palace which is the biggest and one of the most popular sites to visit in Istanbul. This Palace was very interesting and is formed by a maze of buildings centred around a series of courtyards protected by different gates. While we strolled around city we stopped at the Hippodrome and the Obelisk of Theodosius, The Serpent Column. After lunch we got the opportunity to visit the Grand Covered Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops. It is often regarded as one of the first shopping malls of the world. We had such a fantastic time here this Bazaar was massive and we shopped until we dropped! It was a fantastic experience. We then got a tram back to our hotel and we then quickly changed for our boat trip on the Bosporus where we had dinner and fantastic entertainment and a show on board. On the trip we experienced some traditional Turkish dancing. The next morning we had breakfast on the roof top of the Eresin hotel. After breakfast we were on the return journey home. This business class lounge Istanbul is so huge where you can indulge yourself with fantastic foods and drinks which of course we sampled. Some of us decided we would sample the massage which was also included for all business class passengers. It was a lovely relaxing experience! The lounge can be accessed by business class, Miles & Smiles Elite Plus and Elite, Star Alliance Gold and Corporate Club passengers. All in all this was a fantastic trip from beginning to end.

15 March 2013

I was delighted to be going to the party city of Las Vegas but I didn’t know what to really expect! I have to say it was an amazing experience from beginning to end, I really enjoyed all Las Vegas had to offer. I was part of a group of 10 Ladies and we departed from Dublin airport on United Airlines to Las Vegas with a stopover in Newark. We arrived in Vegas at approx. 1800 local time. We were transferred by coach to the 5* Encore on the Las Vegas strip, this hotel is amazing. I really got the WOW factor on entering the hotel lobby; my first impression was this is such a luxurious hotel. The suites were stunning. My suite was on the 66th floor and very spacious with flat screen TV, a separate spacious lounge and huge bathroom with separate power shower and separate bath. The evening we went to see a show “ Le Reve” which was very entertaining at Wynn hotel which is attached to the Encore hotel. Please see my views on some of the hotels. The Bellagio Hotel This is a huge luxury hotel on the Strip which offers lovely elegant rooms with marble baths. It has its own huge casino and spa. The Bellagio has a famous fountain show that takes place every half hour. There are a good variety of restaurants and there are sophisticated boutique and shops within the hotel. Caesars Palace Hotel This is a great and huge hotel ….it is almost like a city! Plenty of shops, restaurants, bars. The location of the hotel is right on the strip and very convenient for walking around. This hotel connects to various areas of the strip and there are lots of bridges all over the strip that you can cross and ill get you from one side to the other very easily. The rooms are very spacious and a large bathroom. Tropicana Hotel I would say this is a little hidden gem with great rates and is in prime location on the Vegas strip. This hotel has been newly refurbished and the location is right opposite the MGM . I felt there was definitely a tropical feeling when you enter this hotel as it is a bright, airy and has bright and modern furnishings. The rooms are also bright and airy and very spacious. We were shown their newly refurbished bungalow rooms which all have balconies. The hotel has 3 pools and a large casino. The Cosmopolitan Hotel This hotel is new to the strip and suites with a private balcony and is located on the Las Vegas Strip it features boutique shopping and fine dining. This modern hotel suites feature a kitchenette with microwave and a stocked mini-refrigerator. They are also equipped with a flat-screen TV and minibar. Most terrace suite room type has a view of the Bellagio Fountains. The Cosmopolitan offers 3 different pools and a nightclub. The hotel also has a casino with table games and slot machines. Inside the hotel the large crystal chandeliers that hung down several floors was very beautiful. We were taken to the Las Vegas show in Caesars Palace called Absinthe. This show is known as one of the best shows in Las Vegas. Absinthe will give you the shock and awes you crave in Las Vegas with an extra scoop of shock! I have to say I never laughed as much I really enjoyed this show in saying that this show is not for the faint hearted parts can be very vulgar. To sum up Las Vegas is definitely a trip away from the real world!! If you’re a night owl or a party animal or just love life well then Las Vegas is the place to be. Don’t forget to pack your party dress and dancing shoes. Everybody knows about the casinos in Vegas, but there are nightspots you just can't find back home. The Las Vegas nightlife truly is unrivalled & this was by far one of the most exciting and enjoyable destinations I have ever been to. After experiencing Las Vegas first hand I really feel confident talking about it and would love to share the excitement of this wonderful destination with you.

28 April 2009

I travelled with a group of friends to Disneyland Paris on a direct flight from Shannon to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport which took about 2 hours. We then took a shuttle bus to Disneyland Paris. We stayed in the holiday Inn which is just out side the park but is very easily accessible to the parks and there is a shuttle bus that runs every 20 minutes or so. The choice of hotels to stay at is never ending; you can stay in the heart of Disney Paris with six Disney hotels located onsite, whatever your taste or budget. The Disneyland Hotel is a magical kingdom or take a bite of the Big Apple at Disney's Hotel New York, listen closely & you'll hear the sea at Disney's Newport Bay Club, a warm welcome awaits at Disney's Sequoia Lodge or try the Wild West Frontier at Disney's Hotel Cheyenne or discover New Mexico at Disney's Hotel Santa Fe. Originally known as Eurodisney opened in 1992 and last year was the 15th Birthday of what is today called Disneyland Resort Paris. Disneyland Park For families and grown-ups alike, the party and dreams continue after the Parks have closed. We experienced a boulevard of action-packed dreams, electrifying entertainment, and Disney delights. There was a great choice of restaurants and fun for everyone of all ages young and old and all stages, Disney Village is the place to go for the ultimate in shopping, new movies, dancing, dining and live entertainment .We went to see the brilliant Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show which is a must do when you visit and we experienced a live spectacle of horses, buffalo, cowboys and Indians, you can't afford to miss this show. We had authentic western-style food as Buffalo Bill himself tells the tale of how the West was really won. If you ever wanted to sample a steak in Chicago, a New York deli Sandwich in Manhattan or share a dessert with Minnie Mouse or fancy a meal with some Disney Characters, now you can if you are keen to party! Shop till you drop and find some super gifts to take home. Whatever you go for, be it adventure, romance, fantasy or the great outdoors, Disney Village with its themed restaurants and bars, shopping and entertainment, will satisfy everyone This is how I would sum up what's at Disneyland Resort Paris:- Disneyland Park - live your childhood dream in a Kingdom of classic fairy tale adventures and thrills. Walt Disney Studios Park - become a part of Disney movie magic in front of the cameras and behind the scenes 12 hotels to suit every taste - 7 Disney themed hotels with the magic on your doorstep & 5 more hotels just a short ride from the Parks Disney Village - shop, dine, and party right next to the Parks There is definitely something for everyone, young and old and all stages at this Fantastic fun filled Theme Park.

27 April 2009

I decided to go to Budapest in Hungary on a short break and see what all the talk was about! We departed from Dublin on a direct flight that took approx 2.5 hours. When we arrived we took a transfer to the Hotel Mercure Metropol, a great 3 star hotel very centrally located which took about 30 minutes and the taxi transfer was excellent value for money. This Hotel is situated in the business and shopping district in a great location and has easy access to the cultural and tourist attractions of Budapest. The main shopping area is about 10 minutes walk away. The city is split in two by the river Danube, the Buda side and the Pest side. A cruise on the Danube is a must do while in Budapest, we took an evening cruise and the food and the entertainment was fabulous while the orchestra on board played the blue Danube. This old historic city has wide boulevards, big public buildings, and monuments and parks - all remnants of previous empires that once occupied this city. We took a hop on hop off tourist bus which was excellent value for money and we saw all the sights close up while the guide explained the history surrounding this fantastic city. The tour took a couple of hours but it really gave us a great feel of the history of Budapest. There is also a great range of international cuisine to suit all tastes. Music lovers can enjoy plenty of open air concerts during the summer months. There are thousands of small stands around the downtown area selling souvenirs, maps and postcards to tourists. Margaret Island The island is a huge park in the middle of the city. It is nice to come here to relax and walk around and watch the world go by; you could spend the entire day here, as some Hungarians do, picnicking in the green grass and playing with their children. Chain Bridge The Chain bridge is the oldest bridge in the city, built in the second half of the 19th century. It is the best bridge to walk across the river because of the relatively small amount of cars. Plus, it connects the Pest and Buda. Like all other bridges, it was blown up during World War II but rebuilt again later. The Royal Castle Located on the Buda side on the Castle Hill, the foundations go back to the 13th century but the Royal Palace itself is only a couple of hundred years old. Today the buildings house the National Gallery and the National Library. The Parliament is one of the major buildings in the capital, visible from virtually anywhere on the other side of the Danube. If you have a chance to go inside, it is well worth the trip. I was told that in the winter, there is a skate ground right in front of it. All in all I have to say I really enjoyed Budapest, it was a great city for a short break and I look forward to booking lots of clients there. I find it is always easier to talk about destinations when I have been and experienced it myself.

19 October 2008

I really enjoyed the experience of my trip to Croatia & Montenegro in April 2008. Croatia is located between South-Central Europe and Middle Europe. Its shape resembles that of a crescent or a horseshoe, which flanks its neighbours Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. We departed from Dublin airport and arrived at Dubrovnik Airport and then transferred to Budva (approx. 2.5 hours) and checked in to Hotel Queen of Montenegro for 2 nights. We spent 2 days exploring Budva which is one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic Coast (more than 2000 years). The medieval city walls are hidden behind a fascinating network of narrow cobbled streets and open squares with churches, galleries, cafes, restaurants, shops and boutiques. Boasting of some of the best beaches in the region, Becici is 3km south of Budva. We then transferred to Dubrovnik which is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic and stayed there for 3 nights in a nice little 3 star hotel in the Lapad peninsula overlooking the pebble beach and the pine woods of Petka Hill. There was a popular pedestrian boulevard with bars, cafes and shops adjacent to our hotel. There were also impressive walks nearby. The old Town of Dubrovnik, about 3kms away, is served by regular bus service. We took a short guided tour of Dubrovnik Old Town which has intact city walls and within them its churches, monasteries, cobbled streets and tall private houses which have remained unchanged for centuries. We then took a coach transfer to Orebic (approx. 2.5 hours); we stayed at the Grand Hotel Orebic for 2 nights. This Hotel was located beside a pebble beach in a quiet bay. It’s surrounded by rich vegetation and is connected to the centre of Orebic by a lovely walk along the sea shore. Orebic has some of the finest sandy beaches and a quaint little village which has a lovely harbour which was a little stroll from our hotel. There are magnificent sea views including a lovely view of Korcula (the birthplace of Marco Polo) which is approx 1.5km away by ferry with regular excursions to it. We took the ferry and it has unspoilt coves and beaches, lovely walks and plenty of seafood restaurants where you can sample the local wine. I am delighted that I now have first hand information on a lot of the resorts and hotels in Dubrovnik and Montenegro and I would love to share details of this exciting destination you.

11 October 2008

I experienced an amazing and exciting trip to South Africa In December 2007. Cape Town was my first port of call; known as the Mother City it is a must see destination for all who visit South Africa. There are so many wonderful sights including the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a working port and Cape Town’s most popular shopping, dining and entertainment district. Also Robben Island, one of South Africa’s most important historical sights, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Table Mountain is where you can take the revolving cable car to its peak and has the most breathtaking views when looking down on Cape Town city and the fab long white sandy beaches. I now have first hand information on some of the hotels of Cape Town and the V&A waterfront. The hotel we stayed in on arrival for one night was the Fountains Hotel; a nice 3 star hotel located within walking distance from the V&A waterfront. This hotel has a bright spacious restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner. This hotel also has an indoor pool and fully equipped gym and sauna. Perfect for our arrival! We then took a flight to Port Elizabeth where we were transferred to Lalibela. Unique in the Eastern Cape, Lalibela Game reserve has no public roads running through its property. Home to the ‘ Big 5’, all of the animals are free to roam throughout the entire reserve. Open vehicle game drives bring you face to face with elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and cheetah, African wild dog, hippo, giraffe, zebra, warthog and antelope. Food is true safari cuisine. This whole experience of a safari was a unique experience to me but one I would highly recommend and would love to do again. We then continued down the coast to Monkeyland where we had a 1 hour guided tour. This was a different experience but was also an enjoyable one as the guide was very informative . During my time in South Africa we visited a lot of hotels and experienced a wide array of activities, but nothing beats seeing the 'Big 5' in their natural environment. This was by far one of the most exciting and enjoyable destinations I have ever been to and now after experiencing Cape Town and the Garden Route and the Safari first hand I can understand why a lot of people are heading there - especially honeymooners. I feel really confident talking about South Africa now and would love to share the excitement of this wonderful destination with my clients.

26 November 2008

My husband and I had an amazing trip in June 2003 to Thailand which is known as the land of smiles, magic and mystery and where the weather is as warm as the people with a combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine and ruins of fabulous ancient Kingdoms. We flew into Bangkok and stayed in a nice 3 star hotel called the Amari Atrium which was centrally located near Bangkok's main commercial and shopping district of Sukhumvit Road. The Transfer from Bangkok airport took about 30 minutes. Bustling Bangkok is one of Asia's most intoxicating capitals, full of street bustle and wonderful food, with its mix of ancient and modern, plus great shopping and sightseeing. We took a boat trip through the Floating Market, picture-perfect temples and great shopping, including the Night Bazaar. Bangkok is also home to some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. We then travelled up to the north of Thailand to Chaing Mai's old city second only to Bangkok in size but the vibe in Chaing Mai couldn't be more different it is a lot more laid back and more relaxed. We went trekking in the hills with the hill tribes and we took an elephant ride into a nearby forest to glimpse the lifestyle of remote hill-tribes and we could cool off in the spray of beautiful cascading waterfalls .We also visited the Night market there - it's one of the best in the country! We also visited Phuket which is Thailand largest Island and sits in the deep blue waters of Anadaman Sea. Phuket has some of the best diving in the world in the crystal clear waters and unspoilt beaches and also has vibrant nightlife. Phuket provides a great base for exploring the underwater world and we also visited Krabi which is a little island very close to Phuket and both Islands offer convenient access to many idyllic islands scattered between the two. During our stay in Thailand we also visited Koh Samui one of Thailands leading island destinations. Koh Samui has Fabulous white sandy beaches, and offers a more relaxed holiday. Chaweng is the main centre offering shops, bars, nightlife and lots of lovely restaurants. We went diving and snorkelling which was one of the most amazing experiences of underwater world ever to us. Thailand has gorgeous, white sandy beaches; Buddhist temples; and a friendly national character that added to our memorable experiences. Thai food is internationally renowned for being spicy and pungent. Some of the most popular dishes which we tasted and loved are Phat Thai (Thai fried noodles) Tom Yam Kung (spicy shrimp soup) and curries. We also found that Thailand is a shopper's paradise, offering a diverse range of products such as jewellery; antiques, to tailored suits and designer clothing and of course silk. Traditional handicrafts and tribal artefacts that we purchased were posted home as this worked out cheaper and safer. I now have first hand information on some of the hotels. I feel really confident talking about Thailand now and would love to share the excitement of this wonderful land of smiles with my clients. All in all we found Thailand one of the most memorable and cultural experiences ever.