Once upon a time when you wanted to go on a long-haul holiday, you had to choose from British tour operators, and you did not necessarily get what you wanted - you were adding on Ireland-London flights and converting sterling etc. But now you can go in to your local travel agent, pick up a selection of brochures for all sorts of exotic holidays, operated specifically for the Irish market by Irish tour operators, and the prices are much better.
Joe Walsh Tours Worldwide holidays are really worldwide this year - they feature Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Bali, Seychelles, the Caribbean, China and Vietnam. They have a diverse range of itineraries taking in some of the world's most incredible sights. All the holidays feature luxurious hotels and the prices are excellent, especially for Asia, where your pound goes further. For example, two weeks staying in Kuala Lumpur and Penang will cost from £799. Because of their relationship with a wide range of carriers Joe Walsh Tours also have flights to Australia from £599.
Sunway Holidays feature South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mauritius in this year's long-haul brochure. The selection of holidays available give you an opportunity to go on safaris, see magnificent natural sights, tour the famous wine lands of the Eastern Cape or laze in luxury on a coral-surrounded island. You can have a look at what is available on www.sunway.ie.
Club Travel's new Australia, New Zealand and round-the-world selection is fascinating. You can go to Australia and New Zealand via so many different routes, starting East or West. If you go west, you can take Aer Lingus to Los Angeles and onwards with Air New Zealand or Air Pacific. Round-the-world fares start from £932. The brochure has maps illustrating 17 possible routes to Australia. Club also have a wide selection of hotels they can book at the various stopover points on your journey
Twohig Travel's Worldwide Holidays stretch from East to West and also South America. With Rio de Janeiro, one of the most exciting cities in the world featured, and with a five night holiday from £885, it is well worth considering. Twohigs feature a number of all-inclusive holidays, which have become very popular in recent years, especially with honeymooners. I like the little panels through the brochure "Twohig Thoughts" that give an honest insight to the destinations.
Michael Stein Travel has specialised in Egypt for some years and offers a range of tours all year round to Cairo, Luxor and Aswan.
All of the brochures featured are available from your local ITAA travel agent or direct from the tour operator.
If you are looking for reading material on long-haul destinations, the Fingal County Libraries annual travel promotion is running until the end of the month.
Joan Scales can be contacted at jscales@irish-times.ie