As a single mum, I find holidays a bit of a nightmare. Airports are stressful at the best of times, but when you've a case and a buggy to carry around it's no joke. Last year I took my baby Gary to Morocco. It was a spur of the moment decision. It was freezing and thick snow covered the ground. I found a great deal for us on the internet.

As it turned out we were delayed six hours at the airport. My food and drink supply had run out and I was on the second last nappy by the time we boarded. Gary didn't sleep the whole flight, either trying to climb over everyone or crawl under their seat. When we eventually arrived at our destination at 3am, we then had to fill out some forms, which took ages. By the time we reached the hotel at four, I was so tired I could barely remember my own name never mind my son's.

It was only then that I realised our hotel was situated across the road from what must have been Morocco's loudest nightclub.

This year we did things a little differently. We checked into a hotel around the corner from where I live. It's a very nice Irish hotel. I didn't fly or take a bus or a train. I didn't even need to take a taxi. I walked in with my pram. I unpacked our toys and clothes and put a DVD on. I ordered room service and we both got into bed.

Hospitality

I walked into the hotel feeling very tired after finishing a nationwide book tour. I walked out of the hotel a few days later feeling like a brand new woman. I had no idea what the weather was like when I left the hotel, I didn't know what was on the news or what anybody was up to because I didn't have my mobile switched on or access to the internet. I read, I slept, I played with my son. I had a ball.

When I checked out I had no taxi to call, no plane to take. I didn't have to repetitively check for my passport or plane ticket. I even had a tan as I booked a beautician to come to my room and spray me with a fake one.

It was one of the best holidays I ever had. When I told people where I was going, they thought I was joking. Why check into a hotel just a few minutes away? Well, why not? I got a nice friendly welcome from the staff, many of whom were Irish. I didn't have to travel far, didn't have to lift a finger for a few days apart from lifting the hotel phone to order food and drink. I didn't have to go off searching for an Irish bar somewhere or try to make new friends because every time I went downstairs to the hotel bar I met at least one person I knew.

I hope anyone reading this is inspired to holiday at home this year. Keep Irish people in jobs and let's start enjoying our own unique hospitality.

- Marisa Mackle