HOLIDAY WORLD SHOW - SMASH HIT!
Just finished a fab weekend of world travel without moving an inch out of Dublin, visiting the Holiday World Show. According to our colleague Edmund Hourican, the organiser of the show, numbers were up 9pc on last year. "Exhibitors have reported a considerable increase in business as consumers book their holidays for the year ahead," Edmund told me, as in excess of 38,000 people made their way to the RDS for personalised expert travel advice on the top places to travel in 2018. The increase in numbers indicates the popularity of this award-winning show. I was delighted to attend, meet old friends and make new ones like Isabel Oliveira, the Marketing Manager for Tourism Malaysia. I was also delighted with the response to our Sunday Independent special supplement. The stories we told garnered a very positive reaction. We will be following up with further stories from our readers, with online interviews and a travel book later this year! You will find news of all this in this column first. Luxury Indian Ocean Savings Set on the southwest coast of Zanzibar, The Residence Zanzibar is a luxurious hideaway and the ideal place to unwind. Trailfinders has eight nights at this resort from €1,999pps. Includes: flights with Ethiopian Airlines, private transfers, half board and accommodation in a villa with your own private pool. The price includes two free nights (saving €750pp) and is valid for travel in May and June. Call Trailfinders on (01) 702 9120 or visit www.trailfindersie Austrian Summer Adventure Topflight's Westendorf, Salzburg, Krimml waterfalls and Grossglockner tour ensures that you will enjoy many top Austrian delights. Stay in the beautiful village of Westendorf in 4-Star Hotel Jakobwirt. During the week enjoy a guided walk of Westendorf, an excursion to the Krimml waterfall (Europe's highest waterfall), a full-day excursion to the Independent special supplement. The stories we told garnered a very positive reaction. We will be following up with further stories from our readers, with online interviews and a travel book later this year! You will find news of all this in this column first. Luxury Indian Ocean Savings Set on the southwest coast of Zanzibar, The Residence Zanzibar is a luxurious hideaway and the ideal place to unwind. Trailfinders has eight nights at this resort from €1,999pps. Includes: flights with Ethiopian Airlines, private transfers, half board and accommodation in a villa with your own private pool. The price includes two free nights (saving €750pp) and is valid for travel in May and June. Call Trailfinders on (01) 702 9120 or visit www.trailfindersie Austrian Summer Adventure Topflight's Westendorf, Salzburg, Krimml waterfalls and Grossglockner tour ensures that you will enjoy many top Austrian delights. Stay in the beautiful village of Westendorf in 4-Star Hotel Jakobwirt. During the week enjoy a guided walk of Westendorf, an excursion to the Krimml waterfall (Europe's highest waterfall), a full-day excursion to the a fantastic time. My mother says the highlights of her trip included "walking along the lake at night, taking in the peaceful sounds of the water" and "the delicious ice-cream!". This week, my recommendation is a deal from an Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) member, The Travel Broker. Stay for 10 nights in the 4-Star Hotel Olivi Thermae & Natural Spa, located just a few steps from the centre of the old town of Sirmione and Lake Garda. Travel on 9th May, from €1,989pp. Price includes: return flights from Dublin, transfers and 10-nights at Hotel Olivi on a half-board basis. For more, visit http:// itaa.ie/2018/01/30/amazing-lake-gardal