Ricardo_215

Any suggestions for a short break for wife & me? She just discovered she has a few days off from March 19 & we need to be back before 30th. She's also off for Easter, but that's probably going to be expensive. We live in Ireland. Do any travel companies still do really last minute deals? I mean REAL bargains? (Like they are desperate to sell off this holiday for next to nothing that some poor couple had to cancel coz granny died.) Anyone tried them, phoning or using the 'net 1 or 2 days before going to see what's available? Friends did 2 years ago with Budget Travel, but they have now gone bust! 5,6, or 7 days away might be about right. We can probably get to UK fairly cheaply, so flights from there might be considered too. A city break in Europe might be our choice, we also enjoy walking & camping but it may be a bit chilly for camping even in southern Europe. At short notice is it good to arrange our own travel & accommodation or get a package? I normally plan & book our hols months ahead so this situation is new to me. We have been to Paris, Amsterdam, Bruges, Krakow & although it may be nice to go again, we'd both prefer somewhere new.

Zerlina

If you're in Ireland, Ryanair seems like an obvious choice. They link to booking.com for hotels.

Ricardo_215

Yes I've been keeping an eye on the old favourites like Ryanair. Thanks. We may well use them.

Ricardo_215

Out of the blue we had an invitation to visit a friend in Porto. So we're going there for 4 days, then from there we fly to Barcelona for 4 days. I need to get a hotel or maybe even a hostel in Barcelona, probably somewhere near the old town, never been there before. (Any suggestions?) Not bad prices, managed to get cheap Ryanair "no taxes" flights, €150 altogether for the 3 flights for 2 of us. We didn't book any check-in bags, going to try & do without. I wonder if I ought to check in a bag for the way home from Spain & fill it with 15 litres of wine, it might be worth paying €15 check-in fee if the wine is cheap enough (compared with Ireland).

kimhe

Banys Orientals has got an excellent location in the old town and has been on the Condé Nast list of the "10 most recommended hotels in the Mediterranean" (100€/double):
http://www.hotelbanysorientals.com/

kimhe

Last time in Barcelona I stayed at Hostal Orleans (double, 51€) on the ouskirts of the old town/Born district. Very close to some of the best bar/restaurant areas in town. Basic, but ideal location: http://www.hostalorleans.com/index_eng.htm