The Last Word with Matt Cooper The Last Word On Travel: Long Haul Destinations That Avoid The Middle East
Apr 13, 2026
Sarah Slattery, travel expert at thetravelexpert.ie known for luxury and value booking advice. She discusses why travellers are avoiding Middle East stopovers and which Caribbean islands are rising in popularity. She highlights new direct services to Barbados, Mexico and Punta Cana. She also covers cruise alternatives and renewed interest in US and Canada routes.
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Travel Demand Shifting West From Middle East
- Demand for long-haul travel is shifting west away from the Middle East due to unrest affecting usual eastbound routes.
- Sarah Slattery cites Dubai (20m) and Abu Dhabi (26m) visitor numbers to explain why displaced travel demand is pushing prices up for eastern destinations.
Book The Caribbean For Winter Beach Travel
- Consider the Caribbean as a direct alternative for beach and adventure long-haul trips, especially in winter months from Ireland.
- Sarah highlights St Lucia packages from £1,799 all-inclusive and activities like the world's only drive-in volcano, ziplining and rainforest hikes.
Use New Direct Flights To Barbados And Mexico
- Use new direct services when possible; Aer Lingus will fly Dublin to Barbados in spring 2026 and is restarting Mexico routes in October.
- Sarah notes Cancun and TUI charters as good-value direct options with two-week five-star all-inclusive packages around €1,900.