How to make the most of your annual leave in 2022

If you're of a mind to plan ahead for your travels, now is the perfect time to schedule your holidays strategically to allow you to make the most out of your annual leave. By booking holidays around these key dates you'll be able to get the most out of your annual leave in 2022, allowing you to spend more time exploring the world.

April 15th ​–24th. Take 4 days leave for a 10-day holiday

April weather in Ireland is unpredictable at best. One minute we could see sunshine poking through the clouds and the next we’re hit with snow showers. Leave the uncertainty behind with a trip to the Maldives where April temperatures average between 27-31 degrees meaning you can spend your days soaking up the sun out on the soft white sand, and your evenings sat out on the deck of your private overwater villa under the blanket of stars in the pitch-black night sky.

Alternatively, head west across the Atlantic to Mexico where temperatures sit around a similarly tropical 30 degrees and the idea of home seems a million miles away. Expect warm and gracious hospitality, fresh punchy cuisine and exotic wildlife. 

May 30th – June 12th. Take 8 days leave for a 14-day holiday

 Head over to the west coast to discover the highlights of California and Nevada on a road trip that will allow you to experience the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, sample delicious Mexican flavours in beautiful seaside San Diego, stand in awe above the magnificent Grand Canyon, try your luck along the Las Vegas strip, hike through Yosemite National Park and soak up the rustic charm of Napa Valley wine region.

Aug 27th – Sep 5th. Take 4 days leave for a 9-day holiday

Over August Bank holiday weekend take the short flight down to southern Portugal to the delightful Algarve. A long-standing favourite amongst European travellers, the Algarve has a depth of attractions that few regions can compete with, from the pleasant climate and golden beaches to the championship golf courses and delightful dining scene which utilizes the bountiful produce of the neighbouring Atlantic ocean and features no fewer than eight Michelin star restaurants.  

If you’re ready to venture further afield and experience an entirely new culture, one which beguiles visitors and opens their eyes to new possibilities, take this opportunity to visit Bali on a twin-centre adventure. We recommend splitting your trip between a beachside resort such as Seminyak, where a collection of cosseting accommodation options awaits, and the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud, where you will experience the mystical Hindu traditions which make this island so unique.

December 24th – 2nd Jan. Take 3 days leave for a 10-day holiday

Following the joy of Christmas, take advantage of the bank holidays that succeed it by jetting off for some extended time in the sun. If beachside relaxation is what you need following a busy festive period, then the island of Barbados beckons. Sink your toes into the warm sand of the Platinum coast as the Caribbean Sea creates a soothing melody and the sun sets on another day in paradise.

Alternatively, if you’re hungry for adventure then South Africa is the place to visit. Shark diving, safari drives, bungee jumps, surfing and scenic coastal rod trips are just a few of the activities that make the rainbow nation unmissable.

 

The best shoulder season destinations to avoid the crowds

26 April 2024

There are so many great reasons to experience certain destinations in the shoulder seasons – that sweet spot between a region’s peak season and off-season. Think fewer crowds and queues for major attractions, better-value flights and other travel, and a more authentic experience of the destination. We’ve put our heads together to share a few of our favourite places that can be just as good or even better outside of high season.

Experience a luxury family escape in Greece with Grecotel Amirandes

12 April 2024

Nestled on the sun-kissed shores of Crete, the Amirandes Grecotel Boutique Resort offers an idyllic retreat for families seeking both relaxation and adventure. Tapping into the rich tapestry of Cretan history, the resort's architecture is reminiscent of the grandeur of ancient Minoan palaces and the elegance of Venetian nobility, providing a backdrop that fascinates both adults and children alike.

Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort's Ultimate Retreat

10 April 2024

Discover a slice of paradise that’s perfect for everyone at Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort. Nestled on Portugal's serene Algarve coast, this resort offers the ultimate combination of luxury and entertainment, ensuring both kids and adults have an unforgettable stay. With spacious accommodation overlooking picturesque scenes and separate zones catering to privacy, relaxation, and family fun, Anantara Vilamoura is the epitome of a luxury haven.