Christopher Kirker, managing director, Kirker Travel
“The first time I visited Venice I arrived by train to find rain falling in sheets, the August heat was insufferable.
“I had nowhere to stay, a soaked rucksack on my back, an empty stomach and less than £15 in my pocket. I was 16 years’ old and I was loving every minute of it.
“Since that first summer visit in 1966 I have probably returned to Venice 30 times or more. There is quite simply something about the city that makes it like nowhere else on earth.
“Of course, there are bad points such as the crowds – it seems everyone must go to Venice at least once in their life and I wouldn’t deny them that treat – but I now plan my all too rare leisure days in the city very carefully so that tourists are not a problem. Breakfast has to be on the terrace of the Monaco and Grand Canal Hotel, overlooking the famous Grand Canal. The rest of the morning is then devoted to exploring the ‘hidden’ Venice – places like the church of Madonna dell’Orta with its fabulous Tintorettos.
“After lunch at Harry’s Bar – one of life’s great treats – I like to take a siesta, then a glass or two of Prosecco in one of the bars by the Rialto, watching the gondolas glide silently past. Dining simply on fresh scampi and calamaretti at the Trattoria alla Madonna finishes the day perfectly.
“I love the canals, the people, the wine, the food, the churches, the palaces, the hotels, the sounds, the sights – and, yes, even the smells – of Venice. This is my favourite city in the world.”
Chris Barker, brandmanager, Cresta Ireland
“For me, the ideal short-break destination means a quick flight to somewhere with a good mix of culture, heritage and nightlife. My favourite place with that combination is Shannon.
“Flying time from London is less than 90mins and the airport is then just 20mins from Ennis, a town full of busy narrow streets and home to a host of fascinating buildings, including a 13th-century Franciscan Friary.
“There’s a constant hustle and bustle in Ennis which gives it a big-town feel by day and real vibrancy by night.
“Amazingly (even for an Irish town) Ennis can find enough customers to fill over 90 pubs, night after night.
“In the many traditional pubs, the chatter from the market is replaced by tall stories and lively music – all fuelled by the steady flow of Guinness and whiskey. These are real Irish pubs, where friendships are instantly made and long remembered.
“If you explore beyond the town by hire car you find quiet roads, courteous drivers and an enthralling variety of attractions. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is a day trip in itself and the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, rising 700ft from the Atlantic are another must – looking right over the edge is a true test of nerve!
“Shannon is a beautiful region with stunning scenery and heaps of history. But what makes you want to go back again and again is the people – their warmth, humour and hospitality linger in your memory long after you return home.”
John Harding, sales director, Travelscene
“There is nowhere like Marrakesh for a short break. Everything about the city is unusual – the atmosphere, the culture, the sights and sounds and the pace of life.
“The old city is amazing – going there is like stepping back in time. You never know what you might see – snake charmers and jugglers, trinkets and crafts for sale, food sellers offering all kinds of local delicacies – and all the time haunting local music playing in the background.
“I love to find a particular little cafe at the corner of the main square and just sit there watching a panorama that could come straight from a National Geographic programme.
“Marrakesh is an ancient place, but it is still a working city – the old souk and medina are there for the locals, not just tourists, and they come with their camels and donkeys to do business just as they have for generations.
“Moroccan food is wonderful – plenty of fresh fish and lamb – and the people are gentle, tolerant and extremely cultured. All around the city there are wonderful places to explore – out to the Atlas Mountains, for example, or to rural markets and every excursion is a real experience, not just another sightseeing tour.
“Marrakesh is an exotic place, but the quality of its hotels mean you can explore a completely different world, step back in time and still have all the comforts of five-star accommodation. That’s a great and pretty rare combination.”