The Holiday Conundrum: Do I Fly North, South, East or West?
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
If you are looking to escape Ireland for a week or two over the forthcoming few months, which way should you be looking to fly? How far from home should you travel and what can you expect when you arrive at your chosen destination?
In the winter, a trip north may have appeal for some. Iceland is a growing tourist destination, not solely for its active volcanoes and glaciers, but because it offers some of the most rugged unspoilt natural wilderness that is rare to find in Europe. Around Christmas time, you can venture further north to Santa's home in Lapland and enjoy a frolic with your children in the snow.
Of course, cold weather may not be everyone's idea of the perfect break, so maybe the answer lies further south. During the winter, the temperate climes of Spain, Portugal and the Canary islands offer a welcome respite to the cool northern European winters. In contrast, during the summer each of these destinations, as well as others in Greece, Turkey, Italy and France, offer guaranteed summer sun, warm temperatures, azure seas and a variety of local intoxications sure to make any holiday abroad entirely unforgettable!
Looking west? Then there are plenty of options available in North America. A hugely popular destination is Florida, where each year large numbers of visitors flock to the Sunshine State in search of good times. A popular option is a fly-drive vacation. When it comes to car hire, Orlando offers a wealth of rental options for the visitor, from a simple two-door vehicle, ideal for a couple, to large people carriers for the family. With any trip to Florida, or indeed any other state, it is worth noting that to explore this massive and varied land you are likely to need a reliable vehicle.
Certainly, there are intriguing options north, south and west for Irish citizens to consider for their holiday, but what about heading east, over to Europe and the Middle East, out towards Asia and the sub-continent? What options are available in this region of the World?
Vietnam holidays are proving to be increasingly popular with many tourists nowadays. Many folk are eschewing the traditional holiday destinations in the east, such as Thailand and opting for this famous and once troubled country. Indeed, the war takes centre stage in the recent history of the country with many sites across the nation opening up a fascinating insight into the conflict. In addition, the country has a deep, spiritual past that permeates and inspires enquiring visitors. As such, Vietnam is quickly becoming a top country on many travellers' lists to visit.
However, it is not solely Thailand and Vietnam drawing people to the east. Asia holidays are proving increasingly popular in many other regions too. From the land-locked communist state of Laos, complete with its Buddhist monks, fantastic temples and wonderful untouched, unspoilt wilderness. A visitor to Asia can also experience the killing fields in Cambodia, so notorious under the Pol Pot regime. This haunting place is a stark contrast to the welcoming, gentle pace of village life and the unequivocal welcome and friendliness of the Cambodian locals. Moreover, who would fail to be impressed by the majesty of Angkor Wat, truly one of the wonders of the (relatively) modern World!
Therefore, whether you are seeking to leave Ireland on holiday and head to any of the four points of the compass, there is a wide range of destinations to visit, new cultures to experience and different sights to see. Nevertheless, whether you head north, south, east or west, remember that all the destinations mentioned share two common themes; a breath-taking natural beauty and a guaranteed warm and friendly welcome!
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