As soon as the New Year begins we start planning where the 2013 holiday days will be spent! So, we've paired up with travel experts Thomas Cook to bring you our Top 10 Tips for one popular holiday destination every week. This week it’s Majorca in the spotlight…

An island paradise you can escape to for a song, what could be better?

Majorca is a hugely popular destination every year for Irish sun lovers. The largest of the Balearic Islands, let the waves of the Mediterranean Sea wash over you and take your cares away on the sunny sands.

If Majorca is top of your list for a getaway this year, then here are ten tips that will help you make the most of your time there:

• In the words of the great Baz Luhrmann, “Trust me on the sunscreen”. Pack plenty suncream and apply regularly, even on cloudy days.
• Set your mobile up for roaming. It's fine if you don’t want to be called by work or the likes on holidays, that’s half the reason for going in the first place – but make sure you have some way to contact home, and be contacted, in case of emergency.
• “Lookie lookie” men will be everywhere trying to sell you sunglasses, watches, wallets and the likes. They’re designer! Not. It should go without saying that €5 Ray-Bans are not the real thing…
• No hablo espanol? No problem. Most bar owners and shop owners speak English, you won’t have any problem being understood.
• Don’t try: The tap water. Stick to bottled water, it will only cost you about €2 for a 5 litre bottle from the local shops.
• Do try: The seafood paella. As a local specialty it’s amazing.
• The main nightlife spot is Magaluf, and BCM is the largest nightclub on the island, home to the best parties and host to the best DJs.
• Spanish regulations mean you need to make sure your passport has at least 6 months on it before it expires.
• Meet the rep at the start of the week. Yes, getting up early on your first morning is no fun, but you’ll find out events are planned for the week that you may not spot otherwise, you’ll get emergency contact details and most importantly the info on how you get back to the airport at the end of the week!
• Get travel insurance – it’s always a case of better safe than sorry.
• Update your time zone on your phone. Missing a flight can be a complete heartbreaker, and pretty hard on your wallet too. 

Thinking about your summer holiday? Book now with Thomas Cook