Inspiration For Your Next Holiday

If you are looking for guidance for a big trip abroad or you’re an experienced traveller looking for inspiration on your next getaway, Travel Tales will help you find the answer. Offering the latest travel advice, stories of adventure, travel reviews and uncovering hidden gems for you to explore, we answer all your travel queries to make sure you experience the best when travelling the world!

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Top Gardening Tips

  • Frances MacDonald
  • 12 March 2024

Top romantic destinations in the world to explore

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 14 February 2024

There are so many incredible places to visit in the world, which epitomize romance. Whether you're looking for a quick escape or a leisurely holiday, we have selected some top destinations where you c ...

Top 10 cities in Europe to visit in your lifetime

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 31 January 2024

Thinking about taking a European city break? Europe has some of the most beautiful cities in the world that are just waiting to be discovered. ...

Top 5 river cruises in Europe and beyond

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 30 January 2024

A gentle, meandering river cruise is one of the best ways to see and understand a new place. ...

7 Excellent reasons for taking a river cruise

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 26 January 2024

Check out the advantages and our reasons for going on a river cruise for your next holiday. ...

Best Places to Travel in March

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 02 January 2024

Discover the best places to go in March. ...

Travel Department at the Holiday World Show 2024

  • TD Team
  • 01 January 2024

Visit us at the Holiday World Show at the RDS where we'll have special offers exclusively available for bookings made at the show ...

Best Places to Travel in February

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 29 December 2023

Discover the best places to go in February. ...

Top 10 European Countries You Must Visit in 2024

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 21 December 2023

Europe has undoubtedly the greatest choice of holiday destinations in the world and most can be reached within a couple of hours. From the romance of Italy, the splendour of France and the beautiful b ...

Best Holiday Destinations for Over 50s

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 11 December 2023

Here’s our top ten attractions in Europe to add to your bucket list to inspire you for your next holiday. ...

Why You Need to Visit Lisbon

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 01 December 2023

The 'city of the seven hills,' Lisbon has a unique look and personality, making it one of Europe's most attractive capitals and it's a must see destination during your holiday to Portugal. ...

Winner in the British Travel Awards 2023

  • Travel Department
  • 29 November 2023

Travel Department are delighted to have won in the prestigious 2023 British Travel Awards for ‘Best Escorted Group Holiday Travel Company.’ ...

Best Places to Travel in January

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 27 November 2023

Discover the best places to go in January. ...

5 Best things to do in Lake Garda in 2024

  • TD Team
  • 14 November 2023

Our guide Renate Tielman shares her reasons why you should book a holiday to Lake Garda. ...

8 reasons to choose a guided holiday in 2024

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 14 November 2023

Discover the benefits of going on a guided tour for your next escape. ...

Top 10 must-see destinations in 2024

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 12 October 2023

Discover our top 10 must-see destinations to give you some inspiration for where you might travel to in 2024. ...

Best Places to Travel in December

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 12 September 2023

Discover the best places to go in December. ...

Best Places to Travel in November

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 05 September 2023

Discover the best places to go in November. ...

Best Places to Travel in October

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 31 August 2023

Discover the top travel destinations for October. ...

Visit Iceland: Top activities to see and do

  • TD Team
  • 28 July 2023

The Land of Fire and Ice is filled with natural wonders and stunning sights. Check out the seven activities you must do during your trip to Iceland, which will leave you with memories to last a lifeti ...

8 Best Christmas Markets To Visit In 2024

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 20 July 2023

We have chosen the Europe’s top Christmas markets to help you decide which markets are right for your festive escape. ...

Top 10 things to do in America

  • TD Team
  • 20 June 2023

With cosmopolitan cities, stunning coastlines, incredible scenery and some of the best driving routes in the world, the USA has so much to offer and we have fantastic holiday options. ...

Why you need to visit Cyprus

  • TD Team
  • 01 June 2023

The perfect blend of history, culture, beaches and relaxation. Find out why you need to visit Cyprus and Northern Cyprus. ...

10 reasons to visit Puglia region in Italy

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 12 May 2023

There are many reasons to visit Puglia and it should be your next holiday destination in Italy. The heel of Italy, Puglia, also known as Apulia, is often overlooked by many and unfairly so as it has s ...

Top 10 things to do in Cuba

  • TD Team
  • 20 April 2023

Cuba is the Caribbean destination that has it all; beautiful weather, friendly locals, diverse culture and rich history, ...

5 Things to do in Madeira

  • Travel Department
  • 03 April 2023

With a pleasant climate, dramatic scenery, beautiful flowers and gardens, mountain trails and a unique island culture, Madeira is a holiday destination with something for everyone. ...

Easter traditions around the world

  • TD Team
  • 24 March 2023

We've selected some interesting Easter Traditions around the world which may inspire you to spend the Easter weekend abroad. ...

16 Famous Film Locations to Inspire You to Travel

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 09 March 2023

We have selected 16 films, featuring incredible sights and scenery, which may inspire you to travel the world and create your own adventure better than any Hollywood film. ...

Top 10 things to do in Jordan

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 17 February 2023

A beautiful country that offers so many unique experiences. ...

What To Expect On A Danube River Cruise

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 09 February 2023

A river cruise holiday is a perfect way to discover multiple destinations. Our tour leader Rhona O'Connor has detailed her experience and provided insight so you can understand what it's like onboard ...

Top 10 things to do in Rome

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 22 January 2023

From The Vatican to the Spanish Steps, there are plenty of sites and attractions to see in Rome. ...

Ireland’s Best Travel Agent or Tour Operator Winner 2023

  • TD Team
  • 21 January 2023

We’re delighted to announce that we have won for the first time in the Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards 2023 for Ireland's Best Travel Agent or Tour Operator. ...

Top attractions in Spain you must see

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 19 January 2023

If you’re planning a holiday to Spain, then check out our suggestions of some of the top sights you should see in this stunning country. ...

Everything you need to know about India's Golden Triangle

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 03 January 2023

The Golden Triangle is a classic introduction for any visitor to India. ...

What to expect on an India holiday

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 03 January 2023

One of our customers recounts their memorable trip to India with us. ...

Top 20 lifetime travel experiences

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 01 January 2023

We’ve selected just some of the top places and travel experiences for you to tick off your travel list for 2024. ...

12 New Year's Celebrations Around the World

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 29 December 2022

Discover how other countries ring in the New Year. ...

13 of the most haunted places in the world

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 27 October 2022

Whenever you travel to a new destination or visit an old favorite place, you're bound to have heard a few notorious stories and legends about haunted sites. So are you brave enough to visit some of th ...

Diwali - Everything you need to know

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 24 October 2022

The ‘Festival of Lights’, Diwali is a colourful and vibrant religious festival celebrated every year by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and even some Buddhists around the world. ...

10 Fascinating Facts about Japan

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 13 October 2022

The Land of the Rising Sun, Japan offers a unique blend of ancient traditions, contemporary culture, modern technology and diverse cuisine. ...

Top James Bond Film Locations To Visit

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 05 October 2022

Discover the top destinations James Bond has visited on his various missions throughout the world. ...

Top Things To Do In India

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 22 July 2022

India is a dynamic nation with a deep cultural history that needs to be experienced with your own eyes. ...

Highlights of our South African holidays

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 30 June 2022

Discover the highlights you can experience with us during our guided holidays to South Africa. ...

New European Holidays From London Gatwick

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 31 May 2022

So, whether you’re searching for a long-haul adventure departing from Heathrow or a brand-new European escape from Gatwick, we can kick start the holiday of a lifetime direct from London so you can re ...

Top Places To Visit In Egypt

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 23 May 2022

Check out our suggestions for the best places to see in Egypt and tick this off your travel bucket list. ...

Top Places to Visit in Namibia

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 04 May 2022

If you want to experience wilderness, incredible wildlife and some of the most stunning scenery in the world, then look no further than a trip to Namibia. ...

Top 5 Places to Visit in the Algarve

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 03 May 2022

While most people know the Algarve for its breathtaking beaches, there is so much more to this stunning Portuguese Coast. It is a region full of fascinating culture and history, superb cuisine and ple ...

Top 10 Places To Visit In Canada

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 22 April 2022

A holiday in the 'Great White North' offers the perfect blend of natural attractions, culture and history. ...

Top 8 Things To Do In Tenerife

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 12 April 2022

If you’re looking for a holiday that combines amazing scenery with a relaxing stay by the sea, then look no further than Tenerife. ...

5 reasons to visit Montenegro for your holiday

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 30 March 2022

Montenegro is small country, but as the saying goes – good things come in small packages! Montenegro offers incredible landscapes, fascinating history, rich culture and delicious cuisine! ...

Top 10 things to do in Vietnam

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 09 March 2022

If you're really looking for the holiday of a lifetime, a Vietnam tour offers the perfect combination of culture, history, scenic backdrops and bustling cities. ...

7 Worldwide Wonders for Your Travel Wishlist

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 25 February 2022

Are you looking for some travel inspiration for your holidays? Travel has never been more accessible and now is the time to experience some of the most iconic attractions in the world. ...

5 Reasons to take a city break with Travel Department

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 18 February 2022

Check out the five reasons why you should go on a city break with the Travel Department. ...

12 Interesting facts about Italy

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 18 February 2022

Few countries in the world have such a variable, diverse and colourful history as Italy. Every time we visit, we learn new facts about Italy’s wonderful past. ...

9 things to do on a Sorrento holiday

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 08 February 2022

The Sorrento Peninsula offers some of southern Italy’s most famous sights. The unique landscape of hills and valleys is adorned with scented lemon orchards and silvery olive groves, with dramatic clif ...

5 Best Lakes in Italy To Visit

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 28 January 2022

If you’re looking for a holiday full of relaxation, beauty and culture, amid a stunning natural backdrop, then the Italian Lake District is the place for you! ...

Top 10 highlights of China

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 24 January 2022

We've compiled our top 10 highlights of China so that you can plan your perfect oriental escape today. ...

8 interesting facts about China

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 24 January 2022

The number 8 is considered to be the luckiest number in Chinese culture, so we’ve decided to outline eight interesting facts about China! ...

8 reasons to visit Porto

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 25 November 2021

Portugal’s second largest city is filled with undiscovered beauty, culinary delights and world famous wines. ...

10 best places to spend Christmas

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 14 October 2021

Make Christmas memorable and experience the festive season in a new destination this year. ...

The Mental Health Benefits Of Planning A Holiday

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 06 October 2021

We recently carried out some surveys which show that people are looking forward to travelling again. So now, regardless of the situation, preparing for that break is a positive act of wellbeing. ...

8 Things To Do On Your Next Dubrovnik Holiday

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 08 September 2021

There is so much to uncover in this historic part of Croatia; check out our recommendations for the top things to do when you visit Dubrovnik. ...

Our Travel Guide For A Lake Como Holiday

  • Yvonne Boyle
  • 03 September 2021

Our Commercial Director Yvonne recently got to visit Lake Como with our customers on our first international Travel Department tour since March 2020. Yvonne has outlined her experience of her Italy ho ...

Visit Malta's Top Tourist Attractions

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 25 August 2021

If you’re considering a holiday in Malta, then check out our selection of the top tourist attractions you can experience. ...

Why You Should Visit Limone in Lake Garda

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 16 August 2021

Located along the northern end of Lake Garda, Limone is set along a backdrop of rocky cliffs with stunning lakeside scenery. It is one of the most picturesque places to stay in Lake Garda, and is a gr ...

5 Reasons to Travel to the French Riviera

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 12 July 2021

Our Cannes & the Cote d’Azur holiday provides total relaxation in picturesque surroundings. ...

10 things to do in Croatia

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 09 July 2021

Check out our selection of some of the top activities to do in Croatia. ...

5 reasons to fall in love with Vienna

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 21 June 2021

The capital of Austria, Vienna has majestic monuments and palaces, elegant avenues, splendid museums and much more… ...

7 inspiring Mediterranean destinations for your next break

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 08 June 2021

When deciding where to go for your next short-haul holiday, the same places probably spring to mind. ...

Top places to see in Romania

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 24 May 2021

Discover our recommendations of some of the best places to see in Romania. ...

Experience the Fjords of Norway

  • Guest Post
  • 17 May 2021

In April 2019 Nenagh photographer Bridget Delaney took a Travel Department holiday to Norway, where her stay exceeded all expectations. ...

Why You Should Take a Solo Traveller Holiday

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 26 April 2021

Discover the most incredible destinations on our solo traveller holidays, made especially for independent travellers. ...

Top 8 highlights of Istanbul

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 19 March 2021

Formerly known as Constantinople and was once seen as the capital of the world, Istanbul is the fusion point of where East meets West. ...

Best places to visit in Greece

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 12 March 2021

Greece is a country that could easily overwhelm first-time visitors thanks to its sheer volume of historic or archaeological sites and there are so many places to see and experience. ...

Top 5 places to visit in Northern Ireland

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 26 February 2021

With its vibrant capital, jagged coastlines, historical sites and enchanting landscapes, there’s so much to see; check out our suggestions for the best sights to see in Northern Ireland. ...

10 best places to visit in Ireland in 2023

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 22 February 2021

Some of the most iconic sights and incredible landscapes in the world can be found right here so check out our selection of the top places to visit in Ireland. ...

Top 10 attractions to visit in Portugal

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 17 February 2021

Portugal truly has it all for that unforgettable holiday- a fascinating history, warm, friendly people, great weather and incredible beaches. ...

Top travel destinations for couples 50+

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 18 January 2021

There are myriad reasons to travel with your partner later in life: financial security, a deeper understanding of the world, more time, etc. But perhaps the best reason to see the world is the experie ...

Top 5 reasons to visit Spain

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 12 November 2020

We’re outlining our top 5 reasons to discover Spain along with our holiday suggestions to help you make up your mind. ...

Experience Sicily – A Holiday You Can’t Refuse

  • Michelle Jackson
  • 02 November 2020

There are places that make you feel as if you’ve escaped from the rest of the world and Sicily, formed by its myriad of cultures, is one of these places. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterran ...

Visit Tuscany The Heart Of Authentic Italy

  • Michelle Jackson
  • 29 October 2020

Few places conjure up beauty with such authenticity as Tuscany. Even the word Tuscany implies a magical place that will whisk you to an untouchable world. ...

Live Like A Film Star On The Shores Of Lake Como

  • Michelle Jackson
  • 20 October 2020

The stunning turquoise waters of Lake Como are as dazzling as the stars who flock there to escape the limelight. What better way to enjoy the mountains that sweep down to this lake than in the comfort ...

A Love Affair With Italy Starts In Lake Garda

  • Michelle Jackson
  • 20 October 2020

Are you looking for the perfect location to start a love affair with Italy? The Novel Traveller, Michelle Jackson, enjoys some gems with Travel Department on a guided tour of Lake Garda, Verona and Ve ...

Top 10 places to visit in Italy

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 21 September 2020

If you’re planning a holiday to Italy, then check out our suggestion of some of the top sights you should see in this stunning country. ...

What To Expect On Your Next Holiday In Italy

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 28 August 2020

We are delighted to see it’s reopening for tourists and our CEO Sara Zimmerman visited Italy recently to see what a holiday in Lake Garda and Lake Como will be like for our customers this year. ...

5 reasons to visit Poland

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 06 December 2019

Visit Poland, it is rich in culture and history, has wonderful architecture and stunning scenery; it is a truly unique country. ...

Irish and UK Holiday Habits Revealed

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 14 November 2019

Recently, Travel Department surveyed over 500 people in Ireland and the UK on their travel habits and how they like to holiday. ...

10 Interesting Facts about Berlin

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 05 November 2019

The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 was a momentous moment in history, it marked the end of the Cold War and the Soviet Union rule. The wall was built in 1961, it literally and metaphorically was the ...

Seville - top five attractions

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 12 September 2019

Seville is a beautiful city located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, with a strong Moorish heritage and was a busy port in the past carrying out trade with the Americas. ...

Top 5 Foods of Sorrento

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 06 July 2019

One of the best things about Italy is that you’re guaranteed to eat well! Discover our top 5 favourite dishes that can be found in Sorrento. ...

Nine fascinating facts about Madrid

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 28 May 2019

The biggest city in Spain and the third largest in Europe, the Spanish capital Madrid is the perfect choice for a short break or a quick getaway. ...

Top five Game of Thrones locations in Europe

  • TD Team
  • 11 April 2019

This remarkable series used various stunning locations around the world as filming backdrops, many of which can easily be visited. Here are the top five Game of Thrones locations in Europe to inspire ...

A Foodie Guide to Italy

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 01 April 2019

Italy is renowned for its glorious food. Authentic Italian pasta, glossy home-grown olives, the freshest Alpine fish and mouth-watering desserts are just some of the dishes the region boasts. ...

Compelling Croatia – 30 things to know before you go!

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 22 February 2019

Whether you are considering visiting Croatia or already packed to go, the more you can know about a country before taking the leap, the better. Not everyone has the time to read up before they set off ...

Top Tips for a Long Haul Flight

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 07 January 2019

Check out our top tips for handling a long-haul flight. ...

Undiscovered Italy - Le Marche

  • Travel Department
  • 27 December 2018

One of the great things about Italy is that you can holiday there year after year, and still come across wonderful new places to discover and enjoy. ...

Guide for Food & Drink Experiences Around the World

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 21 December 2018

From Spanish tapas and wines to Italian gelato, Brazilian barbecue or Peking Duck, the world is full of flavours just waiting to be discovered. ...

10 Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka

  • Georgina Willcox
  • 07 December 2018

Sri Lanka has stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, incredible wildlife, historical cities and ancient temples. ...

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