Two Belfast travel consultants have given their top tips for those planning to jet off this summer.
Grace Duffy and Danielle Larkin from Hays Travel in Victoria Square have told all on the most affordable places to travel to over the holiday season, where is best for different groups, along with current trends.
The NI travel consultants also told that you should ensure to book your travel insurance as soon as your holiday is confirmed.
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Speaking of the most affordable options currently, Grace said: "The most affordable places to travel this summer [are] Rhodes, Turkey and Sunny Beach in Bulgaria.
"Marmaris in Turkey is proving to be a popular destination for young people at the moment... they are seeing videos etc on TikTok of the vibe there in the summer months.
"It is also value for money when in resort. Couples still want a more luxurious feel and are therefore opting for the likes of Greece and Tenerife."
When asked about which destinations are most affordable when you get there, Danielle said: "Turkey and Sunny Beach because you are getting a better exchange rate for your GBP. It is also considerably cheaper when out in resort."
Speaking of the most popular destinations being booked currently, she added: "At the minute, Disneyland Paris for 2024 has proven popular as well as winter breaks to the Canaries and city breaks around Europe."
The travel consultants also told what the cheapest times to travel over the summer period are.
Grace said: "Generally the cheapest time to travel is early June. The most expensive is July and August, especially for families. However, we have found that when customers book in advance this helps keep the cost down.
"If customers are not tied to dates, late September and May are cheaper as well."
For those booking holidays, Grace said to be "open-minded" when searching.
"Do not simply go by star ratings as hotels get their ratings from facilities available. The difference could be that one hotel has a gym and one does not.
"Always have in mind three things... that [are] most important to you for your holiday - what is essential and what are your desirables?" she added.
The travel agents have also advised booking as soon as possible if you plan to travel in summer 2023.
Danielle continued: "Also, 2024 is [proving] popular to be booking for now, as there [are] discounts available and free child places. Some dates etc for the likes of Tenerife for summer 2023 have sold out.
"At the minute we have seen a decline in last minute holiday deals. Customers are booking in advance to get the best prices guaranteed."
She added: "We have not found a decline in holiday bookings. Customers are snapping up any deals for this year especially for May, September and October."
"As reiterated by Martin Lewis, you should book insurance from the minute you book your holiday as you are protected from then," Danielle said.
The travel consultants also told the most popular holiday options and destinations currently for those heading away on honeymoon.
Grace said: "European cruises at the minute are popular for honeymooners. As well as this, 4 and 5 star adult-only hotels in the likes of Greece and the Canaries have been a hit.
"Multi-centre Greek Isle holidays are especially enjoyed by honeymooners as well as New York and Mexico multi-centres."
Regarding getting currency changed, Danielle said: "Any customers who book with Hays Travel get a VIP rate. We also have the Hays Travel Money Card and offer a buy back guarantee if they need to return any leftover currency."
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