Popular European Holiday Destinations in 2015

Skiddoo.com.au reveals Europe’s top hot destinations

Europe is still the favourite holiday destination for many Australians and now online travel bookings site Skiddoo.com.au can reveal what’s next on many Australians’ travel to-do list. As well as the usual favourites, bookings now show four new European hot spots for 2015.

“Australians still love travelling to Europe, and while traditional favourites like London, Paris and Rome remain popular, we’ve seen strong and growing demand for four European destinations. According to our customers, Dublin, Istanbul, Barcelona and Amsterdam are the places to be in 2015,” says Mirza Juddani, founder, Skiddoo.com.au “If you are planning to go to these or any of your own favourite place in Europe, be sure to check out Skiddoo.com.au for some hot Earlybird deals on flights.”

Dublin, Ireland

Why it’s so hot right now: Beautiful, interesting, buzzing and friendly– what’s not to love about Dublin? We’re just surprised at how long it took for Australians to catch on to this gem of a destination.

Insider tips: Have a craic with locals at the lively Trinity Bar area, be blown away by the beauty of Trinity College’s famous old library, and whatever you do, you must visit the Guinness Brewery! What many don’t know about Dublin is there many beautiful, interesting accommodation options on offer here – from the historical to the modern. Our tip for an unusual and reasonable place to stay is in a private room in Trinity College itself – among students in the beautiful college grounds and right in the heart of Dublin too!

Fares: Skiddoo.com.au has return flights to Dublin starting from $1414 return*.

Istanbul, Turkey

Why it’s so hot right now: The proverbial melting pot, Istanbul is where East meets West, and old culture meets new cool, so no wonder it’s a hit with the well-travelled.

Insider tips: Tick off main attractions like the Grand Bazaar (get ready to haggle), crossing the Bosphorus and awe-inspiring architecture all around – take your pick from the Byzantine Hagia Sophia museum, Blue Mosque to the Topkapi Palace and more. Then to get a real feeling of the city, explore the cafes and vintage shops of trendy Cihangir; or the street art, clothing and music stores of street-cool Galata; the historic, beautifully coloured and authentically Turkish neighbourhood of Balat, and for some night life, check out the bar-lined street in Kadikoy which turns into a two-bloc street party. No trip to Istanbul is complete without tasting a strong cup of Turkish coffee and delicious meals – particularly, balik ekmek – a grilled fish sandwich made with soft bread.

Fares: Skiddoo.com.au has return flights to Istanbul starting from $1495 return*.

Barcelona, Spain

Why it’s so hot right now: Australians love the beach, and especially, beach cities – throw in the fun parties, delicious food, busy bars and distinct culture that is Barcelona, and you can easily see why this is one of 2015’s hottest places to visit.

Insider tips: First timers have to check out the wonderfully gothic architecture and the works of Gaudi. For a dose of the real Barcelona, visit El Gotico and El Born, which have some of Europe’s most beautiful and oldest streets. It’s easy to get lost in these rustic neighbourhoods but the quirky cafes, bars, shops and chance to glimpse a slice of Spanish life will make up for it. Check out the heaving Barceloneta beach and grab a cocktail at a Chiringuitos (beach bar), then keep walking along the promenade to other beaches like Port Olimpica and Marbella. A beautiful square located just off Las Ramblas, Placa Reial (Royal Plaza), is the place to go for traditional Spanish and Catalan food, and it is also home to some of Barcelona’s best night life – from nightclubs to live bands and Flamenco performances – or simply enjoy a beer by the fountain in the centre of the square and soak in the atmosphere.

Fares: Skiddoo.com.au has return flights to Barcelona starting from $1512 return*.

Amsterdam

Why it’s so hot right now: Amsterdam is as beautiful and fun as people say it is – and it’s the ultimate hipster paradise(they were riding bikes here way before it was cool.)

Insider tips: It’s a given – you must ride a bike and take a tour around town (but beware: bike lanes can get crowded.) Make your way to the hipper-than-hipster De Pijp, with tucked away bars and gorgeous cafes, and check out the Albert Cuypmarkt – an open air street market selling everything from food to clothing and bicycle parts! If you appreciate art, it’s graffiti galore at Spuistraat (a street in central Amsterdam) and at De Pijp; see the greats at Van Gogh Museum and Rembrant house or catch a boat to Noord where you’ll find art project filled warehouses. Sit in the sun with friends at the Hannekes Boom – a popular historic bar by the canal; pop into the fragrant Amsterdam Flower Markets – the world’s only floating flower market where flower stalls stand on the houseboats; and while in Amsterdam, be sure to try Dutch treats like stroopwafel (a local cookie), bitterballen (local fried meatballs) and of course, poffertjes (little pancakes with icing sugar.)

Fares: Skiddoo.com.au has return flights to Amsterdam starting from $1523 return*.

If you are thinking of going to Europe next year, be sure to check out the great Earlybird deals at Skiddoo.com.au. Unlike other travel booking sites, Skiddoo.com.au does not charge booking fees for most international flight bookings.

* Prices correct at time of print, subject to change without notice, and subject to seat availability.