Veteran travel expert and TV presenter Brendan Sheerin has revealed his top tips for booking a trip away.
The Leeds-born Coach Trip tour guide has thousands of travel miles under his belt, so knows a thing or two about booking a holiday.
Appearing on Steph’s Packed Lunch on bank holiday Monday (January 3), Brendan shared his advice for booking a trip away from home - and they apply whether you’re jetting off to another country, or opting for a staycation in 2022.
The 62-year-old told Steph McGovern: “Decide where you want to go and do a bit of research on the places that you want to go. People always ask me my favourite capital city, but every country has its own jewels.”
And the same can be said about the UK, with every county and city steeped in history with hidden gems just waiting to be explored.
Near Edinburgh, there’s a secret underground cave filled with amethyst or a haunted pub in Salisbury which is home to the mummified hand of a cheating gambler just waiting to be visited.
Brendan also suggested looking to see if there are any "trips to see certain monuments" - and of course, Great Britain is full of them.
London is a great city for these kinds of tours, from a sightseeing bus like Joey and Chandler in F.R.I.E.N.D.S, to walking tours and even e-scooter tours.
Some people are known to overpack for a short break, with five suitcases, three holdalls and half their wardrobe - but Brendan had one top tip to avoid this.
He said: “When you’re packing, halve your packing. When you lay it on the bed, halve it. You don’t wear all those clothes and dresses that you take with you, you never do.”
Brendan also recommends "being part of the culture".
He said: “Don't look out for a rest doing egg and chips, go somewhere and have a nice paella or fried fish.”
Lots of British destinations also have their own local delicacies, from haggis in Scotland, to Staffordshire’s oatcakes. If you’re planning a trip, do try and immerse yourself in the heritage and traditions should your holiday spot have any unusual ones.
His best piece of wisdom, though, was to have a good time - just like the celebs on the newest series of Celebrity Coach Trip.
The show is back following a two year hiatus, taking a bunch of famous faces over to Europe for an action-packed adventure.
The series features presenters Matt Richardson and Will Best, alongside Linda Robson, from Loose Women, and Lesley Joseph.
They’re joined by Geordie Shore stars Sophie Kasaei and James Tindale, The Honeyz members Celena Cherry and Mariama Goodman as well as Olympian Ashley McKenzie with actor Paul Danan.
The celebs will travel in pairs and compete to keep their place on the coach, with a duo being crowned the winners at the end of the tour.
Celebrity Coach Trip 2022 airs on E4.
