Top tips for a happy holiday

THE summer holiday season, such as it might be in a year of recession, began last weekend from Irish airports.

Falcon Holidays, one of the leading tour groups in the country, has put together a different package entirely to help clients and customers of other companies to make the most of the sunshine break.

“In the run up to a holiday everyone is excited and often the practicalities get overlooked,” explained Falcon marketing manager Charlotte Brenner, who said the first, and some of the most important, tips were to check the validity of passports, of travel insurance and, of course, of actual travel documents.

Anyone travelling within the European Economic Area can apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which is free of charge and entitles one to reduced or free emergency medical care. The EHIC replaces the E111, which is now no longer valid. However one should still have a comprehensive insurance policy.

Check out the advice on www.falconholidays.ie, or visit a local Falcon Travel Shop.

* HEFFERNAN’S Travel has teamed up with MSC Cruise Line to offer special offers for 2010; lots of people might not be interested in advance booking like that in the current climate, but the deals are worth a look.

Those willing to throw down a marker before May 18 will pay the brochure price for the cruise and the second passenger will pay a mere €1.00.

Prices of the Mediterranean cruises start from €1,000, so clients are in with a chance of going two for one at just a tiny bit over the big grand. A Greek Island seven night trip costs a little bit more, with the first passenger expected to pay €100 more. But the second passenger still travels for near zilch!

Best to contact Heffernans Travel in Cork at 021 2300700 or check out their website at www.heffernans.ie

* THE third largest airline flying from Dublin airport, bmi, operates up to seven flights a day between Dublin and Heathrow and has carried over 12 million passengers out of Dublin since 1989.

The full-service airline (what’s that nowadays?) flies from Dublin to Heathrow seven times daily for as little as €37 one-way, including the new government departure tax.

Bmi boasts an expanded schedule worldwide to link in with Dublin services.

For more information, visit www.flybmi.com or contact any local travel agent.