Throw a few bits in the case, grab your passport and get yourself to the airport before you change your mind
Have you ever felt like leaving your day-to-day reality and taking off to another part of the world?
It doesn’t have to be dramatic – you don’t have to be quitting your job or ending a long-term relationship to feel the urge to travel. Sometimes the mood for a weekend away just hits you and if a window of opportunity happens to open up, you’d be mad to ignore it.
While we’re all for taking off yourself and having a solo adventure, it’s definitely worth throwing a message into the family/sisters/friends WhatsApp group to see if anyone else is free before pressing ‘Book’. If you’re lucky, you’ll end up on an unexpectedly brilliant getaway that only took hours to plan but will produce lifelong memories.
However, if you’re only going away for a couple of nights, you don’t want to be spending endless hours on a plane. Here is a great list of short haul flights to incredible destinations whether you’re looking for sun, relaxation, culture or craic.
Dublin Airport
Dublin – Girona ; 2hrs 20mins
Girona is a beautiful city in Spain known for it’s medieval buildings and impressive views from the ‘Old Quarter.’ Game of Thrones fans will also be able to follow Arya Stark’s journey from Season 6.
Dublin – Nice ; 2hrs 35mins
If you’ve never been to the stunning French city on the Mediterranean coast, take this as your sign to go and walk along the famous promenade.
Cork Airport
Cork – Bristol ; 1hr 20mins
It might not be the first place you think of when flying to the UK but Bristol is a great city to visit in summer with lots of gorgeous outdoor areas to relax and soak up the buzzing atmosphere.
Cork – Venice ; 2hrs 40mins
There is so much to see and do in the iconic city of Venice that a short stay will probably not suffice. However, it’s a great way to get a feel for the essence of the city before returning for a longer visit.
Shannon Airport
Shannon – Edinburgh ; 1hr 20mins
Culture, history, craic, castles, comedy – this city has it all! Explore Edinburgh Castle, take the Harry Potter tour, climb Arthur’s Seat and enjoy the immaculate vibes of this brilliant place.
Shannon – Paris ; 1hr 45mins
The Eiffel Tower, the Sacre-Coeur, the Champs-Élyseés, Versailles, the Louvre… Everyone should see Paris at least once. And if you haven’t been there in summer, you’re in for a treat.
Kerry Airport
Kerry – Faro ; 2hrs 35mins
Faro is a wonderful family-friendly destination if you’re planning to bring your children! If not, the pristine beaches, historical wonders and lush greenery will be balm for your busy soul as you unwind and relax.
Kerry – Alicante ; 2hrs 45mins
With urban beaches and an epic nightlife, Alicante is a fun-filled and fabulous spot for an impromptu weekend away with the girls.
Top tips for perfect packing
Before you jet off on your holidays, whether it’s an impromptu weekend away or 10 days in the sun, Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On the Beach has the following advice:
Prep before packing
Before you even pull the suitcase from the roof space, or dig out your summer clothes from storage, get a list going. From jotting down the number of outfits to the exact amount of socks, your holiday packing list will keep you focused and avoid those inflight doubting moments.
Dress for your destination
You’re not taking the Irish weather with you, so ditch those chunky knits and skintight jeans that take up too much space and never see the sand. Check the weather forecast a few days before you go and avoid bringing unnecessary layers.
Don’t be a space waster
Before anything makes it inside your case, lay it all out so you can begin packing Tetris-style. Opt for tightly rolling t-shirts, dresses, shorts and trousers, avoiding unnecessary creasing and maximising space. Keep shoes towards the edges and pop into bags for cleanliness and don’t be afraid to stuff your socks or undies inside your shoes, leaving no gap unfilled.
Make the most of your hotel
Your hotel is more than a place to lay your head. It’s your home from home. Your holiday haven. Before you even start holiday shopping, check what amenities the hotel has as you could easily save some space, and cash, by ditching that heavy hair dryer, endless toiletries and even those bulky beach towels.
Totes a good idea
Pack a few light trusty totes for when you are away. Great for the beach and shaking off the sand as well as acting as a laundry bag for getting that post holiday washing on when you touch down home.
If you can’t lift it you’ve reached your limit
Finally, it’s important to check, and then double check, your luggage allowance ahead of any trip as all airlines are different. If you’ve got a limit, stick to it and pack smart. Look at your itinerary for the week, how many days and nights you’re there and pack enough for those days only. Leave the kitchen sink at home.
