An Insiders Guide To… Making The Most Of A Short Break

A combination of low funds and a lack of holiday leave can mean that many of our holidays end up being quick two-day city breaks but with a little know-how, you can turn that 'flying visit' into a haven of rest and relaxation. The old proverb claims that the journey is as important as the destination and we couldn't agree more, so we've got some top tips to make sure that your holiday begins long before you step on a plane.

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1) Glam up Most airports offer a host of opportunities to treat yourself while waiting to board so a little planning goes a long way! In Dublin Airport, the Mac counter in The Loop offers a collection of complimentary services so that you can arrive at your destination looking as good as any Hollywood celebrity. Passengers can choose from a 'Just One Look' tutorial, which include a lesson on making up one key feature of your face from a MAC make-up artist. From mastering that smoky eye to creating a classic lip or learning those tricky contouring skills, this is a great opportunity to up your cosmetic game. There are also some advanced lessons, which explore products and techniques to enhance your current look - such as using neutral shades to bring out your best features or bringing a more glamorous edge to your application. Some counters also offer false lash application and all services are available as walk-in demonstrations so no booking is required, subject to artist availability. 2) Get skin savvy We would all love to have more time to spend on our skin and get some regular treatments so why not do it at the airport? This will have you feeling chilled out and with a glowing complexion by the time you arrive at your destination so pop over to the Clarins counter at the The Loop, where they have a dedicated treatment room with a selection of facials for you to choose from. Better still, you can enjoy a 20 minute mini-facial treatment for free when you purchase three products. Book your appointment in advance at the Terminal 2 counter on 01-9440759 or email theloop.dublin@daa.ie. The Jo Malone store also offers complimentary hand massages with their beautiful lotions so you'll be smelling of roses on your city break! 3) Indulge in retail therapy Oh how we love airport shopping - all of the joy with much, much less guilt! If you have a soft spot for luxury products, then use your time at the airport wisely as The Loop at Dublin and Cork Airports both offer 20% off on all fragrances and 15% on skincare. This can mean major savings so put off any purchases until you're heading away. Dublin Airport is also home to Ireland's only Victoria's Secret store so it's totally justifiable to go on a little splurge! The store focuses on fragrance and bodycare and stocks a great range of cult products and cute gift sets. The range is very affordable too so it makes a great choice if you need to stock up on birthday or Christmas presents. While the 100ml liquid rule can complicate things (and nobody wants to haul a bag of body products around Europe), the beauty of airport shopping in The Loop is that you use the Shop And Collect service. This handy facility allows you to store your purchases free of charge and collect them when you get back - and they'll even send you a reminder text so you don't forget! Another great addition is www.theloop.ie, where you can browse online and order your products in advance. 4) Book wisely Check out all your options when choosing a destination. If you only have a little time, you don't want to spend it on a plane but luckily, many European cities are now just as accessible as the UK. Amsterdam is an enduring favourite for weekend breaks and flight time is just 1hr 30mins. There's tons to see and do and the city is also host to some beautiful restaurants and bars. We definitely recommend a walking tour to see the best of the city as quickly as possible! Check out our Insiders Guide To Amsterdam here. 5) Live in luxury If you're only staying for a day or two, then it's definitely worth treating yourself to a fabulous hotel. Check out several different website to compare prices and you could get a great deal. Les Jardins Le Marais in Paris and Hotel V Nesplain in Amsterdam are two of our personal favourites! For more information on airport shopping, check out The Loop Shopping on Facebook, @theloopdutyfree on Twitter or #theloopshopping.