So where should we consider a fiscal break? This week, I spoke with industry experts about their thoughts on summer 2022.

Russia on the rack

A significant impact of the war in Ukraine on travel is Russia as a destination, literally and figuratively canceled, with resorts such as Sochi and the country’s popular cities likely to suffer the most.

John Spollen, CEO of Cassidy Travel, said: “All of our tours dealing with Russia were quickly removed. So in terms of Irish travellers, that means our St Petersburg cruises were usually re-routed to other destinations around the Baltic. And on this, the Baltic States are still doing well and are not as affected as we thought. Despite the war that we and our customers are well aware of, I think there is now consumer confidence. »

More room at the hostel

Due to sanctions and the falling rouble, the collapse of Russia’s huge and ever-growing outbound tourism is having a major impact on some of their most popular markets, from Turkey to Thailand.

Spollen explains: “Russians made 45 million trips abroad in 2019, so now many destinations are canceling those tourists. As a result, in Europe you will find many destinations like Turkey, Cyprus and Croatia with thousands of beds to fill, which could mean better value for consumers.

Balance the budget

Mary Denton, CEO of Sunway Holidays, says people are a little cautious about spending big: “When we were coming out of Covid things were going well and people were booking holidays, but as the invasion in Ukraine initially saw things slow down somewhat, it’s not having a big impact on bookings What does have an impact, however, is the cost of living so it’s more people’s pockets that have an impact on decisions rather than a concern about travel. I think people may be a little more cautious right now. They haven’t had a summer vacation in the last three years, they may have accumulated savings, but now, with the daily costs, the last few weeks have been particularly difficult for people.

Favorite destinations

Of the hundreds of thousands of us planning to travel, where do we plan to put our beach towels? It looks like a combination of old favorites and bucket list options is really taking off.

“Despite all the global events, bookings are still very strong and Spain and Portugal are still our main destinations, but we are now seeing Turkey and Greece becoming very popular as well as destinations like Morocco proving to be very popular. right down to their grand prize,” says Denton.

“I think there is also a lot more confidence now in terms of Covid; most passenger locator forms are now gone – Spain just removed theirs last week – and I think if people are fully vaccinated and take every precaution they can travel with much more confidence.

Insurance is the best policy

Amid the Covid reality still impacting travel arrangements, interest in travel insurance is understandably skyrocketing.

“Our policies provide coverage for emergency medical expenses and other expenses incurred while abroad if you catch Covid-19,” says Jason Whelan, travel insurance manager, Blue Insurance.

“This coverage covers any reasonable additional transportation or accommodation costs incurred, up to the level of your original booking; if it is medically necessary for you to stay beyond your scheduled return date, up to a maximum of 2 000 €.

The policies also include cover for sunk, unused and prepaid costs (eg match or concert tickets) if you receive a Covid diagnosis within 14 days of your trip start date and cannot travel for medical reasons.

Offers of the week

New York and Jamaica!

A trip is twice as good when it’s a two-door getaway to the Caribbean and the United States with Cassidy Travel. Their Double the Fun in New York & Jamaica trip is a 10-night getaway: three nights at the four-star Mela Hotel near Manhattan’s Times Square before flying out for a seven-night all-inclusive hotel stay. four-star Riu hotel on Jamaica’s iconic Montego Bay.

Prices from €1,979 per person, including return flights from Dublin.

cassidytravel.ie

Sunway offers

Sunway has some great packages across the Mediterranean this summer, from Mallorca to Malta, but if you’re looking for a budget option, consider looking a little further east this summer.

Kusadasi, one of Turkey’s best resorts, may be touristy, but step away from your hotel pool to enjoy excellent nearby attractions – from the ancient city of Ephesus to the Greek island of Samos.

May departures from Dublin start from €399 pp based on flights, transfers and a B&B stay at the four-star Golden Day Wings hotel.

sunway.fr

Aer Lingus breaks

The airline currently offers a three-night city break in Barcelona from €339. The offer includes return flights from Dublin to Barcelona as well as accommodation at the Onix Liceo hotel, which is reasonably rated. The four-star property is just a block from the thriving Las Ramblas strip, meaning you’ll spend less on Ubers and have more money for wine and tapas. This fare is based on travel in May 2022, but for more packages see holidays with aerlingus.com

Morocco Value

Morocco is one of the best value for money destinations right now and if you’re looking for an alternative to Agadir, consider the thriving and trendy city of Marrakech. Tropical Sky offers a seven-night, all-inclusive package at the star-studded Iberostar Club Palmeraie, just 15 minutes from town. The package which starts from 719 pp also includes flights from Dublin, private transfers and is valid for travel between 1 May 2022 and 31 October 2023.

Tropicalsky.com