Don't be a Voucher Slouch ~ Give the Gift of Travel this Christmas!

Let's admit it, some people are a nightmare to buy for at Christmas as they have everything they need and try as you might they won't give you an inkling . Well I haven’t met a person yet that didn’t like a break away from the stresses and strains of everyday life to recharge the batteries. 

When that last minute panic sets in as you realise you still haven’t found the perfect gift, I’ve got you covered as I’ve scoured the internet to come up with 5 top hotel deals that are not only a bargain but also hassle free as you can print them from the comfort of your own home no trudging around shops in the rain required! My best finds in no particular order of deadliness are:

5. Flynn Hotels

There are four hotels in the Flynn Hotel Group, Old Ground Hotel in Ennis, Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny, The Park Hotel in Dungarvan and The Imperial Hotel in Cork. We have stayed in the Imperial and loved it especially the escape spa, that and the fact that the English market is only around the corner. One of my favourite bar’s in Cork, Arthur Mayne’s is just across the road, it’s a great spot for Sunday Brunch. 

Flynn Hotels are running an amazing “our gift to you” promotion at the moment, if you buy €250 of gift vouchers they’ll also give you a complimentary break of a two night stay at any Flynn hotel to be taken in January, February or March 2016. How good is that?! You also get a great self gift. Buy vouchers online with Flynn Hotels at www.flynnhotels.com offer available until 31st December 2015.

4. Cabra Castle, Co Cavan

In case you didn’t see our post last week about the stunning Cabra Castle catch up here. If you did see it I’m sure you’d love to stay there, this is a wonderful gift but I have to say I’d be going along with whomever I bought it for. luxurybreaks.ie has a fantastic deal at the moment, one night B&B for two people including €25 dining credit for just €99, valid for stays until Friday 8th April. Unfortunately they don’t have any Saturday availability but believe me, it’s worth taking a day or two off work for. BOOK HERE

3. Arklow Bay Hotel & Leisure Centre, Wicklow

How about a two night break in Ireland’s Garden County for just €119? Dealrush have a great deal but you have to hurry as it’s only bookable for the next 3 days. The highlights of this offer are two nights for two people B&B you’ll also get a glass of prosecco each on arrival and late check out. 

If that’s not enough they’ll also throw in €9 dining credit too, so a three course meal will only cost €20 per person. You’ll also have full access to the leisure centre and spa where you can avail of €10 off any €50 treatment. Children under 12 can stay for a small supplement of €10 per child B&B. Grab this bargain here!

2. Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford

I found a great bargain with Living Social for Ferrycarrig Hotel in Wexford, a mere €69 for one night B&B for two people in a room overlooking the River Slaney. Also included in the offer is a complimentary bottle of wine if you dine in Reeds Restaurant and a box of chocolates in your room. You can also avail of complimentary parking, Wi-Fi and full use of the leisure centre. There is a two night option for €109. Book before 17th December here! 

1. Rome, Italy 

Groupon have an awesome offer of two nights B&B in Rome with flights included for just €99 per person sharing. There is also a 4 night option available for €149pp. I have previously written about one of our many trips to Rome without blowing the budget here if you’d like to see how we got on. This deal must be booked before December 6th 2015 HERE. But again, you could grab a bargain on any of the low fare airlines for an EU city. If you're in need of any inspo, you can always click the Travel link above!

So don't be one of those loved ones to proffer a One for All voucher on Christmas morning, you know, I know & your loved one knows there was little or no effort involved; isn't the entire point of giving a gift to show your love and appreciation for that person?... And if you're going on the trip with them, sure mores the better! 

Let us know, have you bought Travel for a loved one for Christmas before? Would you be tempted now?

Luxury Penthouse Living in The Clarence Hotel, Dublin!

I would never tire of waking up to this view of the heart of Dublin.

I know we usually bring you the best ways to see a city or a country on a budget but I thought, occasionally, you might like to see the splurges too. Have you ever wondered what was housed in that bright green penthouse on top of one of Dublin's top hotels, The Clarence? Well wonder no more!

Sue & I were lucky enough to spend a night in room 501 at The Clarence Hotel recently. I say lucky, as when we were checking in we were advised that the Penthouse was available that night & asked would we like a complimentary upgrade. Who says no to that?! 

Keep scrolling & we’ll give you a sneak peek at the luxury that awaits you in the penthouse suite. Unfortunately we can’t show you all of our photos but we’ll certainly give you a flavour of our night between Bono’s sheets!! Disclaimer: Bono wasn’t actually there at the same time we were otherwise that would have been just downright awkward - I mean the three of us wearing shades indoors? Catastrophe. 

Jeepers Creepers, We've Spooky Mid-Term Sleepers! The Best Halloween Fun Ireland Has To Offer

Double, Double, Toil & Trouble.......

I love Halloween especially since having little ones as I use them as an excuse to go overboard with the decorating & sweet buying/eating! While on our travels in the US we picked up lots of fantastic Halloween decorations in Wal-Mart for a few Dollars as they were so hard to get in Ireland a few years ago.

This year more than ever I’ve noticed more & more hotels & tourist boards taking advantage of the Halloween mid-term break, offering families great things to do & places to stay at great rates. I’ve compiled a list of 5 of the best; all are places we've been so I'll happily recommend. Some fun stops are guaranteed to scare you witless as they are adults only!!

When in Rome - Don't Blow the Budget!

When it comes to city breaks, the Italian capital is right up there among my faves. I love Rome & have been back four times already, so far. There is nowhere in the world that matches the stunning architecture & vibrant culture for me.

A city thoroughly steeped in history, you'll find ancient buildings at every turn, still in use today & it truly is a sight to behold.

We found this up a random side street!

I usually keep an eye on air fares & deals for city breaks as we can snap them up when they come along. Both Aer Lingus & Ryanair fly direct to Rome and you can get a return flight for roughly €150pp. 

Our last trip we chose to fly with Ryanair to Ciampino Airport, from there the cheapest & most direct route to Rome is a Terravision coach transfer for €4pp each way. The journey takes just under 40 minutes & you can buy tickets at the airport.

Roman Canals

We have stayed in a few different hotels & my favourite by far has to be Residenza Canova Tadolini, just a stones throw from the Spanish Steps. It’s a stunning 4* boutique hotel that feels more like a private residence. 

There is no restaurant so you are served a wonderful continental breakfast in bed each morning. We paid €130pp for 2 nights B&B. 

As we do in each city, we took the hop on hop off sightseeing tour bus on the first day so we could get our bearings of Rome before we set off on our adventures.

We’re all going to the Zoo, but somebody isn’t happy!

We found Rome very easy to navigate with most places easily accessed by foot, including the Zoo. Children under 1 meter are free in whilst any children over 1 meter & under 12 years are €12, adults are €15. 

We spent a lovely afternoon with the children getting up close to the elephants & giraffes. There are also a few open fields around the zoo so we bought a ball & let the children have a run around.

One of many many Basilicas in Rome

There are literally hundreds of basilicas & churches dotted around Rome so we dipped in & out of each to have a marvel at the architecture & stained glass windows. 

We ate our lunches & dinners in local little restaurants & the food was simple yet delicious. You haven't had pasta until you've had Italian pasta. The prices were also quite cheap, especially as we indulged in a bottle of local wine with our dinners. 

There's a real family feel to dining in Rome with restaurants gladly catering for little eaters with mini portions of adult meals - none of your nugget or sausage schtick. Our bill for 2 adults and 5 children was never more than €70. 

Colosseum

We found a great site for buying tickets before we went to Rome http://www.rome-tickets.com where for €16 including booking fee you can buy a Skip The Line ticket that’s valid for two days for The Colosseum, The Roman Forum & Palatine. I’d pay that amount just to skip the line at the Colosseum as it can get crazy long.

Don't let the lines put you off though as The Colosseum is one of the most magnificent sights you'll ever encounter. Just like the city itself, its steeped in history that no photograph or television show can ever really convey (sorry Russell Crowe). 

We got the lift to the top on our day there as we had buggies and Adam remarked that it must have been some squeeze for the lions & tigers, listening to musak in the glass lift before they got their fight on. He doesn't be well that child. 

The Vatican

While we were visiting the Vatican on our first evening in Rome a Nun approached us & gave us tickets for an audience with the Pope the following day. Should that idea float your religious goat you can apply for free tickets HERE but be sure to do so in plenty of time before your trip. 

There is a little souvenir & gift shop on the grounds of the Vatican where you can send postcards from Vatican City. We sent one home to Sue's dog Diesel to make sure he didn't bite Grandad. He ate it. Just across the road there are plenty of souvenir shops & stalls selling the exact same items at a cheaper price so be sure to spend your sheckles wisely.

Trevi Fountain

We ended each evening in Rome with a visit to the Trevi Fountain.....to look at it in awe....eh & gelato, plenty of gelato!! There is a fab little gelato shop right beside the Trevi Fountain and it just might be the reason we're already thinking about trip number five. 

There are also lots of bars & restaurants surrounding, where you can eat, drink & take in the wonderful view. There really is nothing else like it. Just make sure you throw in a coin to ensure your return to Rome!

Have you been to the Italian capital? Any hidden gems you'd like to share?