Holidays 2022

[SpindleWhorl]

Ooh, I'm just looking into going to Belfast - maybe next year instead of this year? How long were you in Belfast for?

2 nights but I've been before so spent time doing things I didn't do the previous time, ulster museum, having a mooch etc.

Glad you had a great time in our wee NI! If you were here the past week you got so lucky with the weather.

Yes, Derry was spectacular and there was that parade on, even saw some Dolphins from the Peace Bridge. Learnt so much from doing the walls walking tour

 

[Princessax]

Hi all

Going to Turkey in Sept & would like to use my revolut card, do I convert my money into lira or just leave it in English??

I feel I haven't been away in so long I've lost all my holiday common sense which has been replaced with stress & anxiety

Dependant on where in turkey you’re going some places prefer Lira and some prefer Euro/English.

Defo take your cash in English and convert over there if you plan on using Lira, you will get a much better rate there. Was there last month and got around 20TL to the £!

 

[Lonewolf]

Depends what you’ll do/time of year. When we went we went as family of 4 (2adults, 2teenagers), we used two suitcases. We just stayed by the pool and beach. Went into the town at night sometimes. Mostly packed swimwear and swimwear coverups for the day. And a few night time outfits. Since we just went to the pool/beach in the day we just wore flip flops every day. Took nicer shoes for evening, although probably just ended up wearing the flip flops as find them comfier.

Ooh love holiday outfit planning! Similar to above…swimwear/casual wear shorts, vests, flip flops etc. then maybe trainers if going out in the day? But literally just casual beach/pool wear. I find things don’t get as dirty and you re wear on hols as in pool etc. i love night time outfits too but depends where going…kids just wear their casual stuff but I like evening outfits/jewellery but depends if that’s your thing. I’d definitely get it in 1 case for the 2 of you! And hand luggage! Enjoy!

Thank you both so much . We going late Aug have waterpark, boattrips pool/beach days planned and maybe a meal out as we are all Inc. I think you both nailed pretty much what I have so far so maybe I'm not out of touch as I thought I was haha. Our last couple of holidays have been winter ones so think that's what's thrown me. Thank you so much for your help I feel much less stressed now

 

[Former_Antelopee]

Thank you both so much . We going late Aug have waterpark, boattrips pool/beach days planned and maybe a meal out as we are all Inc. I think you both nailed pretty much what I have so far so maybe I'm not out of touch as I thought I was haha. Our last couple of holidays have been winter ones so think that's what's thrown me. Thank you so much for your help I feel much less stressed now

One thing I take is a T-shirt I’m happy to swim in just incase I get burnt - but I often get burnt easily especially on my shoulders. Just meant I could still enjoy myself but cover up areas where I want to avoid the sun getting to

 

[BettyCrockerr]

Sorry me again

I've asked this before but I can't find the post can anyone help me please with a rough idea what to pack clothes wise for single mum & teenage son going turkey for a week also sharing 1 big case with a 22kg allowance??

I'm so overwhelmed and stressed I've got too much

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Swim wear x 7 (or x 5 if you will wash and rewear)
Shorts - 1 cotton and 1 denim
Beach/pool cover up
Throw on dresses
T-shirts to wear with shorts
Evening dresses
Flip flops
Sandals
Trainers
Undies
Travel outfit
Nightwear
Towels


Swim shorts
T-shirts
Underwear
Evening shorts (denim/chino style)
Evening T-shirts/shirts
Flip flops
Sliders
Trainers
Towel


If you are thinking of doing anything on the water then take rash vests/wet suits and remember hats/sunglasses/sun cream/basic medicine (paracetamol/ibuprofen/antihistamines/insect repellent/immodium etc)


I always pack a spare loo roll

 

[Lonewolf]

One thing I take is a T-shirt I’m happy to swim in just incase I get burnt - but I often get burnt easily especially on my shoulders. Just meant I could still enjoy myself but cover up areas where I want to avoid the sun getting to

Yep plenty of tshirts I burn so bad

Swim wear x 7 (or x 5 if you will wash and rewear)
Shorts - 1 cotton and 1 denim
Beach/pool cover up
Throw on dresses
T-shirts to wear with shorts
Evening dresses
Flip flops
Sandals
Trainers
Undies
Travel outfit
Nightwear
Towels


Swim shorts
T-shirts
Underwear
Evening shorts (denim/chino style)
Evening T-shirts/shirts
Flip flops
Sliders
Trainers
Towel


If you are thinking of doing anything on the water then take rash vests/wet suits and remember hats/sunglasses/sun cream/basic medicine (paracetamol/ibuprofen/antihistamines/insect repellent/immodium etc)


I always pack a spare loo roll

Betty was it your post I lost?
And yep stocked up on lots of medicines, you just reminded me I need a hat for myself also great shout with the loo roll

Dependant on where in turkey you’re going some places prefer Lira and some prefer Euro/English.

Defo take your cash in English and convert over there if you plan on using Lira, you will get a much better rate there. Was there last month and got around 20TL to the £!

Yes I've got half my spends in cash so will change that there and the rest on my card, I wasn't sure whether it automatically converted it or I was best doing it myself! Thank you

 

[Affiliatedlink]

Does anyone have any Mallorca recommendations please? I’m looking at going for 4/5 days in October, and I really like the look of Soller but if anyone has any info or advice it would be greatly appreciated!

I’m a Mallorca expert. We love the island, Soller is really lovely and worth a visit but for us its Palma city every time! So much to do, see shopping eating, getting lost in the old town, beautiful small hotels. Belive it or not I’ve never been to Magaluf and I don’t intend to either. You will love it wherever you chose to visit.

 

[mcfeez]

One thing I take is a T-shirt I’m happy to swim in just incase I get burnt - but I often get burnt easily especially on my shoulders. Just meant I could still enjoy myself but cover up areas where I want to avoid the sun getting to

You should Google rash guards. They are great for swimming when you burn easily.

 

[BettyCrockerr]

One thing I take is a T-shirt I’m happy to swim in just incase I get burnt - but I often get burnt easily especially on my shoulders. Just meant I could still enjoy myself but cover up areas where I want to avoid the sun getting to

Wear a rash vest, they have high UV protection and are designed to be worn in the water so dry off quickly and don’t get heavy when wet like a normal tshirt

 

[Melian]

Just got back from my second trip to Northern Ireland - took in all the sights of Belfast and Derry, can't recommend it enough, already looking to go back in September to explore more x

I'm currently in Belfast and loving it so far.

 

[ElectricDreams]

Just got back from my second trip to Northern Ireland - took in all the sights of Belfast and Derry, can't recommend it enough, already looking to go back in September to explore more x

We've just spent a week there and I completely agree. We visited Enniskillen, giants Causeway, Portrush, Bangor and Belfast. It was beautiful, and despite being the middle of the summer holidays, very quiet!

 

[mcfeez]

I'm currently in Belfast and loving it so far.

If you need any recommendations for bars or restaurants, I'm happy to help.

 

[ginandlipstick]

For those who have been/are in Belfast - can I ask for recommendations for hotels/sights to see/restaurants to try?

I’m trying to plan a trip for next year and plan a rough budget. I don’t know whether to make it a weekend break or a week long trip?

 

[mcfeez]

For those who have been/are in Belfast - can I ask for recommendations for hotels/sights to see/restaurants to try?

I’m trying to plan a trip for next year and plan a rough budget. I don’t know whether to make it a weekend break or a week long trip?

For hotels there are a range of prices - what sort of budget would you have in mind? For example if your going luxury, The Merchant is beautiful and in a great spot in the city centre. In terms of more mid range the Clayton or Maldron are popular, and just round the corner from city hall. There are budget options too all in great central spots; Premier Inn I'd recommend for the budget option. Restaurants would depend on £££ and what you like to eat.

Sights in Belfast - St Georges Market is great and has lots of food options too. Titanic Museum, Ulster Museum (which is free!), the taxi tours are very popular with tourists. Lots of people do day trips from Belfast up to the north coast to see the Giants Causeway.

In terms of time - a weekend is fine for a city break of Belfast but theres definitely plenty to see in terms of NI and even parts of ROI if you spend a week.

 

[Former_Antelopee]

You should Google rash guards. They are great for swimming when you burn easily.

Wear a rash vest, they have high UV protection and are designed to be worn in the water so dry off quickly and don’t get heavy when wet like a normal tshirt

I think I may have one somewhere actually, I bought it just before covid for traveling but then obviously couldn’t go so I’ve never used it.
But I don’t actually mind the t-shirt being slower to dry as it keeps me cooler for longer when I get out of the water

 

[ginandlipstick]

For hotels there are a range of prices - what sort of budget would you have in mind? For example if your going luxury, The Merchant is beautiful and in a great spot in the city centre. In terms of more mid range the Clayton or Maldron are popular, and just round the corner from city hall. There are budget options too all in great central spots; Premier Inn I'd recommend for the budget option. Restaurants would depend on £££ and what you like to eat.

Sights in Belfast - St Georges Market is great and has lots of food options too. Titanic Museum, Ulster Museum (which is free!), the taxi tours are very popular with tourists. Lots of people do day trips from Belfast up to the north coast to see the Giants Causeway.

In terms of time - a weekend is fine for a city break of Belfast but theres definitely plenty to see in terms of NI and even parts of ROI if you spend a week.

This is probably the wrong answer - but there isn't a solid budget in place. My boyfriend and I have basically decided to put money into a separate bank account to save up for holidays etc. It's just knowing how much to save up. We've just got back from Edinburgh and I think I've been bit by the holiday bug .

Thank you so much for your recommendations!

 

[noseybirdxo]

I’m a Mallorca expert. We love the island, Soller is really lovely and worth a visit but for us its Palma city every time! So much to do, see shopping eating, getting lost in the old town, beautiful small hotels. Belive it or not I’ve never been to Magaluf and I don’t intend to either. You will love it wherever you chose to visit.

Hey! Have you got any good recommendations for Palma such as hotels, restaurants, things to do, also great places for a hen do like beach clubs? Is it easy to get around?

 

[mcfeez]

This is probably the wrong answer - but there isn't a solid budget in place. My boyfriend and I have basically decided to put money into a separate bank account to save up for holidays etc. It's just knowing how much to save up. We've just got back from Edinburgh and I think I've been bit by the holiday bug .

Thank you so much for your recommendations!

No problem. I totally get you - I love planning a trip.

You could always book something free cancellation at a good rate and then change later if you want something different. Belfast gets priciest in terms of hotels on the weekends like all cities, I'd say there are good deals if you can go mid week.

 

[ginandlipstick]

No problem. I totally get you - I love planning a trip.

You could always book something free cancellation at a good rate and then change later if you want something different. Belfast gets priciest in terms of hotels on the weekends like all cities, I'd say there are good deals if you can go mid week.

I've got the longest list ever - but I'm not a great flyer - so trying to get over that fear slowly but starting off with shorter flights and then building it up.

I'll definitely look into a midweek trip and see what difference that makes in terms of price.

 

[Ingognito.Queen]

For those who have been/are in Belfast - can I ask for recommendations for hotels/sights to see/restaurants to try?

I’m trying to plan a trip for next year and plan a rough budget. I don’t know whether to make it a weekend break or a week long trip?

My City

Depends what you're into really, but these would be my tips -

• Titanic Museum - very well done, but also very long and perhaps over detailed. I'd only do this if you are really into the history of it. It would probably take 2-3 hours to do it from start to finish. The whole of the Titanic quarter is lovely though and the Titanic Hotel is gorgeous and has a lovely big spacious bar which was the original drawing room for the plans of the Titanic. The place is so historic.

• The hop on/hop off bus is also worth doing. It brings you to both sides of the city (the Falls and the Shankill Rd) and you can see the murals. It also goes to Stormont.

• The peace wall which separates republican and nationalist areas and is covered in art work.

• St. Georges Market which has been going since 1604 and it's in a beautiful old Victorian building.

• The Ulster Museum - again, I'm not sure what you're into but this is a really good museum and it's located within the Belfast Botanic Gardens which is also worth going to.

• Queens University (Also near the Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens) This is a gorgeous old building (reminds me of Hogwarts) and the grounds and gardens are really nice to walk around.

• City Hall - this is right in the centre of the city so it's hard to miss. This is where the Christmas markets are held every year.

• Cathedral Quarter - cobbled street area with restaurants and bars

• Belfast Castle - stunning views as it's 400 ft above sea level and there are unobstructed views over the city and Belfast lough.

For places to eat and drink:

• The Europa piano bar is lovely for a drink (The Europa Hotel was at one point the most bombed Hotel in Europe!)
• Granny Annies - this is a really quirky bar/resturant. The interior is meant to look like an old grannys house. It's actually worth going to just to see how it's decorated.
• Red Panda is a great Chinese restaurant
• Revolucion de Cuba - French Baroque design bar and restaurant.
• Darcys - family run restaurant that only uses local produce (if possible)
• Crown Bar (opposite the Europa Hotel) - the inside is classic Victorian architecture and is owned by the National Trust. It has pretty much been untouched inside since it opened - the tiling and stained glass inside is just gorgeous. It's pretty special. This place is always busy though, so perhaps try mod week if possible.
• The Morning Star - one of Belfasts oldest pubs and does good pub grub
• Whites Tavern - traditional cosy Irish pub with open fires
• Bittles - really unusually flat iron shaped building. Again, another cosy pub which is in the city centre.
• The Points - specialises in Whiskey and has a huge selection.
• Robinsons pub - 120+ year old relaxed pub with the usual pub food and pool tables etc.

Hotels -

The Merchant is pricy but luxurious.
Titanic Hotel is lovely, but again perhaps a bit pricy and just be aware that it is located in the Titanic Quarter which is a 15-20 min walk into the city centre.
The Malmaison is in a converted Victorian warehouse and has a nice bar.
Bullitt Hotel - great location and boutique vibes.

All the usuals are there too - Premier Inn, Jurys, Clayton, Hilton etc.

A long weekend (3 nights?) would be enough time.