So here we are 24 days away from departure and we've already made 2 sets of changes to our "set" itinerary. I have to say that is the beauty of getting started early enough on all this. Yes, unfortunately, I've had to email some of the B&B's and see about changing dates, or canceling reservations, but this far out there are no extra charges or fees.
The first came when we were able to adjust our plane flight so we didn't have to stay overnight in Chicago on the way to Ireland. That gave us an extra day. We planned to stay around Clontarf, Howth and Malahide that day, and then head out on the road. As we looked at our itinerary more, we realized that we needed an extra day in the Cork area. So all days up to Cork were moved up a day and we changed a 2 day stay to 1 day at the end of the trip to plug in our Clontarf, Howth, and Malahide day.
As of yesterday we have decided to change an overnight in Kinsale, to an overnight in Wexford so we are able to meet up and have drinks with a friend. Totally an unexpected change, but being flexible is what it's all about. And when we looked at the itinerary for the day, this actually makes a little more sense to our travels. We'll still be spending some time in Kinsale, but not an overnight, and we will still have two nights in Cork.
Another friend just returned from Ireland and messaged me that he had some recommendations for me. I hope it's just great pubs, as I'm not sure I can handle too much more in the way of changes. I feel so very bad emailing the B&B owners and canceling reservations. I'm anxious to see what he has to recommend.
Still considering one more change, but it's more of a convenience one, than a travel one. Still thinking on that one. I like the idea of staying at one place for a couple of days now and then, and this was one of those places. Still time for that decision as it's near the end of our trip.
I'm finding that at times this trip is designing itself and we are just working around it. And actually it's working itself out just fine.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Under 30 days to Go!!
My traveling partner and I met this weekend to talk about last minute things. We are now just under 30 days until departure and this was the last time we would have a chance to get together face to face and check to make we had things covered. At least as much as possible covered. No vacation ever goes without a little catch here and there, but that's what makes it all an adventure.
Since this is my 4th trip to Ireland and her first, she had some questions about details that I take for granted. So I thought for anyone following this, I might take a minutes to write about these things so that anyone reading this might find it helpful.
Money....Yes, it's always good to have some. LOL But what everyone needs t think about is exchanging money from dollars to Euros. Where, when, how much? You can purchase Euros from AAA, or your bank. They make it sound great with only a $5 service charge per $1000. What they don't tell you is that the exchange rate they quote you is higher than the standard exchange rate. That's where they make their money. And unless you are at the main branch of a bank in a big city, you need to give them a couple of days notice to get the Euros in.
You can take dollars to Ireland and to to an exchange window at the airport and get Euros there. Again, you will pay a little more for this service also. If you can hold off and use your credit card until you get to an ATM, this is where you will get the best exchange. You are not paying for someone to give you the money, you're just taking it from your account. If you can't find an ATM at the airport, and need cash right away, just exchange a small amount at the airport and stop at the first ATM in the city when you arrive.
Electrical - basically make sure you have adapters with you. If you take a hairdryer, it must have a little place to change the voltage, or even with an adapter, it will burn up! I've only been to one B&B where they had adapters available. As you travel and repack so often, make sure when you pack that the adapters are the first thing to be put in your suitcase. I found a great deal on the ones for Ireland and Britain here:
http://bit.ly/hHeYZ5
The shipping was more than the adapters, but the total price was perfect.
Before you go-- Before you leave contact your credit card company and bank that you will be using your ATM and credit card(s) in Ireland. Some banks have rules about how much you can withdraw per day, or may question the use of the card outside of the norm. Make sure you know their withdrawal rules. They may also charge you to convert your Euro purchases on your credit card back to dollars. Nice to know if you are watching how much you spend.
Speaking of money - So how much money do you take? This is a difficult one. Almost all hotels and B&Bs take credit cards nowadays, but there are a few out there that want cash. If a B&B runs 40 Eruo, and you still need to pay for admissions, and meals and or drinks at pubs, or small restaurants, you might want to have around 100 Euros on hand. That's around $140. That may sound like a lot, but it goes very quickly. And that is only one day! Don't forget the cost of gas for your rental car, or bus and train fares.
If you need to transfer money from your savings to your checking and are using a computer that you don't usually use (or different URL) you may have to go though a verification process that will take a few minutes. This can happen even if you notify your bank. They are watching for hackers.
Internet cafes - If you don't have your own computer with you, you might need or want to get in touch with family using an Internet Cafe. They are not as predominate as they used to be, but you can still find them. If you use a site where you log on, make sure to log off and don't just close the window when you are done. Most Internet Cafes do wipe all info once a person is finished, but some don't. Just to make sure no one can get into your account, make sure and log out.
Make sure someone at home has a copy of your itinerary and a number where to reach you. And carry an itinerary with your that has the phone numbers of all the B&B/hotels where you are staying in case you get lost, or need directions. Make sure your traveling partner has an emergency phone number back home if they need you to call for them.
Oh, and don't forget. Take an small travel umbrella! If you don't have one, it's sure to be raining! :)
Since this is my 4th trip to Ireland and her first, she had some questions about details that I take for granted. So I thought for anyone following this, I might take a minutes to write about these things so that anyone reading this might find it helpful.
Money....Yes, it's always good to have some. LOL But what everyone needs t think about is exchanging money from dollars to Euros. Where, when, how much? You can purchase Euros from AAA, or your bank. They make it sound great with only a $5 service charge per $1000. What they don't tell you is that the exchange rate they quote you is higher than the standard exchange rate. That's where they make their money. And unless you are at the main branch of a bank in a big city, you need to give them a couple of days notice to get the Euros in.
You can take dollars to Ireland and to to an exchange window at the airport and get Euros there. Again, you will pay a little more for this service also. If you can hold off and use your credit card until you get to an ATM, this is where you will get the best exchange. You are not paying for someone to give you the money, you're just taking it from your account. If you can't find an ATM at the airport, and need cash right away, just exchange a small amount at the airport and stop at the first ATM in the city when you arrive.
Electrical - basically make sure you have adapters with you. If you take a hairdryer, it must have a little place to change the voltage, or even with an adapter, it will burn up! I've only been to one B&B where they had adapters available. As you travel and repack so often, make sure when you pack that the adapters are the first thing to be put in your suitcase. I found a great deal on the ones for Ireland and Britain here:
http://bit.ly/hHeYZ5
The shipping was more than the adapters, but the total price was perfect.
Before you go-- Before you leave contact your credit card company and bank that you will be using your ATM and credit card(s) in Ireland. Some banks have rules about how much you can withdraw per day, or may question the use of the card outside of the norm. Make sure you know their withdrawal rules. They may also charge you to convert your Euro purchases on your credit card back to dollars. Nice to know if you are watching how much you spend.
Speaking of money - So how much money do you take? This is a difficult one. Almost all hotels and B&Bs take credit cards nowadays, but there are a few out there that want cash. If a B&B runs 40 Eruo, and you still need to pay for admissions, and meals and or drinks at pubs, or small restaurants, you might want to have around 100 Euros on hand. That's around $140. That may sound like a lot, but it goes very quickly. And that is only one day! Don't forget the cost of gas for your rental car, or bus and train fares.
If you need to transfer money from your savings to your checking and are using a computer that you don't usually use (or different URL) you may have to go though a verification process that will take a few minutes. This can happen even if you notify your bank. They are watching for hackers.
Internet cafes - If you don't have your own computer with you, you might need or want to get in touch with family using an Internet Cafe. They are not as predominate as they used to be, but you can still find them. If you use a site where you log on, make sure to log off and don't just close the window when you are done. Most Internet Cafes do wipe all info once a person is finished, but some don't. Just to make sure no one can get into your account, make sure and log out.
Make sure someone at home has a copy of your itinerary and a number where to reach you. And carry an itinerary with your that has the phone numbers of all the B&B/hotels where you are staying in case you get lost, or need directions. Make sure your traveling partner has an emergency phone number back home if they need you to call for them.
Oh, and don't forget. Take an small travel umbrella! If you don't have one, it's sure to be raining! :)
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