Get the holiday vibe
The surprise destinations that can offer best breaks
IT’S time to book summer holidays, if you haven’t done so already. So the question is: where to go in 2024?
House-swapping, sports tourism and holidaying in a group of pals are all popular this year.
Here, travel expert NADIA EL FERDAOUSSI teams up with Tourism Northern Ireland to explain new trends such as “vibe-checks” and “destination dupes”.
THE world is your oyster but if, like me, you’ve ever found yourself yearning to travel but concerned about choosing the wrong place, don’t worry — you’re not alone.
Psychologists call this feeling “analysis paralysis”. It’s why millions of us are turning to social media to
see what destinations look like and get a sense of their vibe before we commit to booking.
Looking at hotel websites is one thing, but the photos people share on their social media are often closer to the real deal. And don’t forget to read reviews.
With holidays now about so much more than lying in the sun for two weeks, vibe checks are expected to be one of the main drivers influencing travel choices this year.
A vibe check is basically getting the feel of a place, a sense of the atmosphere. And the type of vibe you’re looking for can change, depending on who you are going with and what time of year you’re travelling.
If you’re looking for a laid-back
vibe, a trip to Puglia in Italy could be perfect. Madeira, a Portuguese island in the Atlantic, is great for adventure lovers. Kefalonia in Greece, with its beautiful beaches, will be popular this year.
FOODIES
Foodies will love the tapas in San Sebastian, but they should also consider Cape Town in South Africa – the braai is incredible and the wine seriously underrated.
Extended families aiming to get away could look at renting a large villa and enjoying a sun-soaked adventure in captivating landscapes like those found in Gran Canaria or Lanzarote.
Home swapping is increasing in popularity while sports tourism is
set for a bumper summer as people flock to Florence for the Tour de France’s Grand Depart and France for the rest of the race and the 2024 Olympics.
Football fans from across Europe will descend on Germany as they hope to cheer their team to success at
Euro 2024.
Value is also high on our priority lists this year.
The search for
“destination dupes” – unexpected places offering great value for money and the holiday vibe you’re dreaming of – is set to take off. One of these places is the North.
Many of its really cool spots are less than two hours from Dublin and it has affordable options to suit all budgets.
You’ll find a relaxing vibe by the lakes in Fermanagh, a lively vibe in Belfast city or adventure vibes along the Causeway Coast.
Here you’ll really feel like you’re on the edge of the world, breathing in the fresh Atlantic Ocean air.
I love to hike so for me, there’s nothing better than filling the car with all my luggage, travelling at a pace and time that suits me and exploring the stunning Mourne Mountains.
Once you’ve decided where you want to go, you should consider when you want to travel.
Prices can be more expensive during the school holidays but there’s still great value to be found out there.
Travelling is often cheaper if you choose to do it midweek and search for free activities.
Discover Northern Ireland’s website discovernorthernireland. com has a great planner that is the perfect aid to overcome any analysis paralysis.