Why are so many going to Sydney?

pictures being published of various stars sunning themselves on the resort’s glorious white-sand beaches. Miami’s desirability factor soared with the opening of Soho Beach House in 2010. The hotel and members’ club is part of FLYING THE COOP: The top ten long-haul destinations for the 20,000 people flying out of Ireland with Emirates Airlines is, as you’d expect, a reflection of the destinations we’re choosing to emigrate to. Australia dominates the list with Perth taking the No 1 slot, while Melbourne is third with Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide taking sixth, seventh and ninth positions. Dubai comes in at No 2 – not just because people want a sun holiday there, but also because 400 Irish people are employed there by Emirates. ‘Australia is a huge destination market for our customers,’ says Margaret Shannon, country manager for the airline. ‘There are an estimated 80,000 Irish people living and working in Australia.’ Manila in the Philippines is the fourth most popular destination, largely because 16,000 Filipinos work here. Economy class return fares to Dubai were available from €533 this year with customers flying to Perth from €941, inclusive of taxes. www.emirates.ie CITY SPLURGE: Have vouchers, need to travel to the city to spend them? Dublin’s Gibson Hotel has a great €75 per person sharing rate for January and February, including dinner, glass of wine and bed and breakfast in a superior room. Ideal to take in a show or the sales. The Gibson in Point Village - the last stop on the Luas Red Line. www.thegibsonhotel.ie LOVERS’ GETAWAY: With Christmas about to be over, can Valentine’s Day be far behind? Thomas Cook Ireland already has a range of romantic getaways for 2014 which could easily double up as a last-minute gift. A week-long getaway in Tenerife in the three-star Tamaimo Tropical Hotel, in Puerto Santiago is available from €339pps (departing February 7). A week on Lanzarote starts at €367pps in the 3-star Plaza Palmeras (self-catering) or €515pps in the four-star Beatriz Costa & Spa Hotel (half-board). Both depart February 9. www. thomascook.ie FOLLOW THE SUN: Sunway has launched its summer sun programme for 2014 – with flights from Dublin, Cork, Shannon & Knock. Book by February 28, 2014 and get €100 off per couple. Prices: Sicily (€399); Sorrento (€529); Gran Canaria (€399) ex Dublin. All holidays include flights, transfers, room, 20kg baggage, and taxes. Visit www. sunway.ie