What are your favourite travel destinations abroad? Or of all the places you’ve been, where would you most like to return to? They’re some of the questions people considered recently as the Irish Independent held its annual Reader Travel Awards.
One of the most interesting categories was for Ireland’s favourite destination overseas. Read on to find out the top ten results. How many of these have you been to yourself?
1 – Italy
Spain may attract more Irish visitors each year, but the survey results show that Italy is regarded more fondly.
There is so much to see and do in this wonderful country – from historic Rome to medieval Florence, romantic Venice, the beauty of Lake Garda, and the wonderful Tuscan countryside. Readers also mentioned their love for Italian food and wines…and even ice cream! With so much to enjoy, it’s little wonder that Italy is tops of our favourite destinations abroad.
2 – Spain
In second place is the one that probably just about all of us who have ever held a passport have been to.
It’s a little unclear whether ‘Spain’ here refers to just the mainland or if it includes all the islands as well, since both Lanzarote and Tenerife feature separately a little further down the list. Either way, destinations like brilliant Barcelona, magnificent Madrid, and coastal areas like the Costa del Sol and Costa Brava win Spain a permanent place in the hearts of Irish holidaymakers. The sunshine and the value for money are surely the top attractions!
3 – Portugal
Spain’s Iberian neighbour, Portugal, comes third on the list. The beauty and sunshine of The Algarve is a large part of its popularity, with its laid-back atmosphere making it more suitable for family holidays and older couples than some of the ‘party destinations’.
Its main cities, Lisbon and Porto, are other attractive destinations. Portugal is also particularly popular with golfers.
4 – Lanzarote
Lanzarote is the most popular of The Canary Islands, and little wonder. It mixes beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine with historic sites and great food and drink. There’s also great snorkelling, diving, and fishing.
With every single travel operator offering package holidays to Lanzarote all year round, it will remain one of Ireland’s favourite destinations abroad for many years to come too.
5 – France
France is another vast country with much to enjoy. Both Normandy and Brittany are hugely popular for driving holidays, thanks to the ferry links with Ireland. Paris is also a hugely popular destination for both weekend breaks and longer stays.
Also contributing to its popularity are its many excellent ski resorts at this time of year. And don’t forget Disneyland Paris too! ‘Stars Wars: Season of the Force’ is taking place there right now, if you’re a fan of things that happened long ago, in a galaxy far, far away…
6 – Croatia
Croatia is increasing in popularity all the time. Coastal resorts, including the cities of Split and Dubrovnik, attract most visitors, but there will soon be direct flights between Dublin and the capital Zagreb too.
Sunshine and value for money are again the top attractions here. But Croatia has a long, interesting, and sometimes troubling history too, which is also well worth exploring.
7 – Thailand
Now for something a little further flung! Thailand is almost a cliché on the backpacker trail, but it’s a great destination for other travellers too.
From the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, to the beautiful beaches of the south and the rural heritage of the north, this wonderful country never fails to deliver. The people are welcoming and friendly…and you’d be surprised just how far your money goes!
8 – Greece
With the history of Athens and ancient Delphi, and the beauty of the Greek Islands, it’s no wonder that this also makes the list of Ireland’s favourite destinations abroad.
Perhaps the best way to enjoy Greece is take in the best of both. Spend some days on the mainland first, before cruising to your choice of the islands. It’s a sure-fire winning recipe for a wonderful holiday, as many find out each year!
9 – Tenerife
The Canary Islands make another appearance here, in the form of Tenerife. It’s the largest of the islands, and the only one with two airports, so it handles more visitors than any other too. Those who go there obviously regard it highly, and it’s a great destination at any time of year.
10 – Australia
Completing the top ten list of favourite destinations abroad is the furthest flung of all: Australia.
The Irish have always had an affinity with the land Down Under, and despite the distance, many thousand make the trip each year. We’ve never heard of anybody saying they didn’t enjoy their time there. It’s just a pity it’s so far away!
Travel insurance for all your travels
So, how many of the top ten have you been to, or where you might visit this year?
Just remember that wherever you go, it’s always important to make sure you have full travel insurance for your trip.
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