My Top 10 Experiences and Travel Posts from 2023

From ski to sun, city breaks to cruises, I look back on my highlights and top travel posts from 2023.

20 amazing trips as well as publishing 140 travel posts from 2023 – this was certainly a busy year, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! I am so proud that this website received 2 million views, 80% of which are Irish holidaymakers, and that I now have 120k social media followers! A massive thanks to you to all of you who read, commented and shared my posts, I really do appreciate it. 

I had many top travel experiences in 2023, both at home and abroad, so it wasn’t easy trying to pick my highlights, but I narrowed it down to my top 10 favourites. I have also listed my most read travel posts from 2023, just in case you missed any. I hope they will help you plan your next trip away, and that there are lots more exciting adventures in store for all of us in 2024. 

My Top 10 Travel Highlights from 2023

1. Went to London with Alex

My first trip in 2023 was to London with my daughter Alex – we had the best time! We only stayed one night but managed to fit so much in. We flew into Gatwick in the morning and saw some of London’s highlights when we arrived. Then went to see Abba Voyage in the evening, followed by dinner in The Ivy, and went to the Warner Bros Studio Tour of the Making of Harry Potter the following morning!

We went straight to the airport after the studio tour (they will store your luggage for you), it felt like a long weekend, yet we were only away for one night – I would highly recommend it!

2. Got my ski legs back in Andorra

It was amazing to return to Andorra this year – the place where I skied for the first time back in 2000! I was fortunate to be invited on a Topflight Press Trip for a few days and loved every minute of it. I hadn’t skied for a few years and it was great to get my ski legs back, and to see how much Andorra has to offer.

3. Enjoyed a relaxing family break in Fuerteventura

Our family holidays can sometimes be a bit hectic, so chilling out in Fuerteventura for 10 days over Easter was pure luxury! The sun shone, the beaches were incredible and we wined and dined ourselves for the duration.

We also took the ferry to Lanzarote for the night which was a new experience for me – why isn’t island hopping in the Canary Islands more of a thing? Lanzarote is only 40 minutes away, I suggest you try it the next time you are in Lanzarote or Fureteventura.

4. Explored Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands

Move over Wild Atlantic Way, there is a reason Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is called Ireland’s best kept secret. It is less crowded, less expensive, and packed with top attractions! We cruised the Shannon, cycled and kayaked along the Royal Canal, saw some stunning scenery, ate delicious food and visited some of Ireland’s ancient castles and country houses – and all over three days.

We enjoyed it so much went back a month later and took a cruiser on the Shannon for the weekend!

5. Ticked Island hopping in Greece off my bucket list

I remember the days when Budget Travel used to fly in the middle of the night to Athens, and holidaymakers would spend 8 hours on a boat to get to Ios! I knew Greece’s Cyclades were some of the prettiest islands in the world, but I just couldn’t justify the long journey at the time!

Fast forward 30 years and I decided it was time I ticked some of them off my bucket list. It was our family summer holiday but we did it in style! We flew into Paros, via Athens, took the ferry to Milos, and then to Santorini before flying home direct to Dublin. It was a magical 12 day family holiday and it was worth the wait!

I now have Naxos, Skiathos and Foligandros on my list – I need to go back…

6. A Mother and Sister Night at the Slieve Russell Hotel

Most of you won’t know this but My Mum is 96 years old, so our family night at the Slieve Russell Hotel was made extra special by her being there. She loved her stay, and still talks about the beautiful view from her room. I feel very privileged that I was able to bring her away, and hope we can do it again next year.

7. A combination of Princess Cruise experiences

I loved my cruise on Sky Princess last year and this year I was so fortunate to be invited to see some of their new experiences. I enjoyed the incredible 360 Dining Experience in Rome, followed later in the year by my first ever ship yard visit to see the brand new Sun Princess in its final stage of completion.

I don’t have blog posts on these, but you can see both on my Instagram highlights – Sun Princess and 360 Experience.

8. A long weekend in Washington

Washington was one of those trips that just happened by chance. I found cheap flights online for the mid term break and decided to just go for it. It turned out to be one of our best family trips this year.

We felt like we were in a 1000 movies all at once, but also loved its calm, clean streets and relaxed atmosphere. I would highly recommend a visit, and if you have tweens or teens – don’t miss a trip to the outlets, just 20 minutes away.

9. Fell in love with Prague

I visited Prague about 30 years ago but think I must have enjoyed the beer too much because I certainly didn’t recall how beautiful a city it was. The Old Town Square, Prague Castle, Mala Strana, I could go on and on…

I visited with my pal Ed Finn and we had the best time exploring Prague and the neighbouring city of Pilsen. Suffice to say, put it on your list, it is a super city break destination and amazing value too.

10. Explored the Christmas markets in Vienna

And last but not least, I was so fortunate to visit Vienna for the Christmas markets this year with Travel Department. It was my first time to visit Vienna, but it won’t be my last – I loved it.

Vienna is magical at Christmas time, but I think it could be equally as beautiful during the summer, when the gardens are in full bloom, and you can dine alfresco and enjoy its stunning buildings.

My Top 10 Travel Posts from 2023

While the above were my favourite travel experiences from 2023, the following were my most read posts of the year. For anyone who hasn’t read them yet, hopefully they will give you some travel inspiration for 2024.

1. The Best family campsites in Europe

Camping holidays are still proving to be very popular with Irish holidaymakers – this post received over 38,000 views! A big thanks to the great family bloggers, writers and travel agents who helped me compile this post.

2. The Best luxury family resorts in Europe

We all like to treat ourselves and holidays are certainly one of the best ways to do it! This post on luxury family resorts was once again one of my most popular, with over 30,000 views this year, and my ultimate guide to Sani Resort had over 17,000 views.

3. Rome Travel Guide

Our family trip to Rome was one of our highlights of 2022 and it seems you all loved it too! My travel guide on the top things to do in Rome was one of my top travel blogs of the year, and my guide on where to stay in Rome was one of my top 20.

4. 10 City Break Deals less than €199

Most of my top 10 travel blogs in 2023 were travel guides or round up posts, but its clear you also love a good bargain! My top city break deals – most of which were less than €199, was another one of your favourites.

My top city break destinations, and my top city breaks for families were also popular and both featured in my top 20 posts.

My Top 10 City Breaks for Families

5. 50 hotels with lodges in Ireland

Having the freedom and space of a lodge, with the added benefits of hotel facilities on site, is a win-win for families. This has been one of my most popular posts for many years and I have no doubt it will continue to do so.

6. Ireland’s bucket list

If you are looking for a unique stay in Ireland or a luxury hotel for a special occasion, this post has all you need. It’s no surprise its one of my most popular posts – I still refer to it from time and have many places I would love to tick off my bucket list.

7 – 10. Top family holiday posts for 2023

The last four most popular travel posts from 2023 are all geared towards families. I’ve got the best family holiday destinations in the Algarve and Lanzarote, Europe’s best water park holidays, and holidays that cater for larger families. If you are planning a family trip to the sun next year, check out these family travel blogs for inspiration:

I hope my travel highlights and top travel posts from 2023 will give you inspiration for planning your 2024 holiday.

Thanks again to you all for reading my travel blogs and guides, I really appreciate all your support. I’m planning lots more great trips next year so I hope you will continue to follow along!