Ireland!!! ???

[gunsgirl]

Ok we are t-minus 7 days to departure to Ireland!

and I am excited and nervous at the same time,
I have never traveled of this continent before!

so does anyone have and tips or tricks for traveling overseas?

what I have so far- take lysol wipes to wipe the blarney stone so I don't get H1N1 when I kiss it ..

get plug adaptors for flat iron

learn the money system

allow for extra room in luggage for shopping

have a camera with extra storage and batteries

Anything else that I am missing???

[clsmarathon]

OMG, where are you going in IRE?? DH and I are going there for the second time in December.

There are ATMs all over the place - they have the best exchange rates. Don't bring cash and exchange it - their exchange rates are highway robbery.

Call your banks (esp if you have a federal CU) and let them know you are traveling (and where) so that they don't decline any charges.

Don't freak out driving on the other side of the road. It's tough to get used to, but give yourself a minute to get your bearings. Make sure you're cautious going through roundabouts. They can be tricky.

Get some bottled water in the airport for the plane ride. You need to stay extra hydrated while flying overseas, since you can easily dehydrate. Get some sleep (assuming you're flying overnight), but make sure you get up and walk around to avoid deep vein thrombosis.

HAVE FUN! I have less than three months, but I am SOOOO JEALOUS!

[gunsgirl]

Originally Posted by clsmarathon OMG, where are you going in IRE?? DH and I are going there for the second time in December. There are ATMs all over the place - they have the best exchange rates. Don't bring cash and exchange it - their exchange rates are highway robbery. Call your banks (esp if you have a federal CU) and let them know you are traveling (and where) so that they don't decline any charges. Don't freak out driving on the other side of the road. It's tough to get used to, but give yourself a minute to get your bearings. Make sure you're cautious going through roundabouts. They can be tricky. Get some bottled water in the airport for the plane ride. You need to stay extra hydrated while flying overseas, since you can easily dehydrate. Get some sleep (assuming you're flying overnight), but make sure you get up and walk around to avoid deep vein thrombosis. HAVE FUN! I have less than three months, but I am SOOOO JEALOUS!

UGG we just got travelers checks! are you saying we should not have? I do not think we can take them back- ****!!!

we were not going to charge anything- Dh was worried about fruad so we got AMX travelors checks and some cash.

as far as where we are going we are doing a tour for the first time- we are going to ( fly into) Dublin then to killarney, the cliffs, shannon, waterford, and a few other stops along the way. our tour is 9 days long.

thanks for the water tip! I will make sure to do that- and I was thinking about some rock star or red bull to help fight the jet lag - I have a travel pillow and a lunesta for the over night flight

anythng else????

[familyof4]

I just got back from Dublin about 1 month ago....it was a blast!! I cant wait to go back!

You probably already know it rains all the time.... bring at least 2 sweatshirts and a waterproof jacket and an umbrella. It will probably only get to about 70 there and I wasn't used to that. I live in Nevada

When we went to the Cliffs... it was soooooo windy and cold!!! Dont get me wrong it was beautiful also.. but really windy. So be prepared

Also at night hit the pubs!! It is a lot of fun! Irish people really do know how to party.
The people in Ireland are so nice and friendly. You and your DH will have a great time
We went to the ATMS one night and I took out 20 Euros and it was like taking 26 dollars out of an ATM in America... hopefully that makes sense?

[gunsgirl]

Originally Posted by familyof4 I just got back from Dublin about 1 month ago....it was a blast!! I cant wait to go back! You probably already know it rains all the time.... bring at least 2 sweatshirts and a waterproof jacket and an umbrella. It will probably only get to about 70 there and I wasn't used to that. I live in Nevada When we went to the Cliffs... it was soooooo windy and cold!!! Dont get me wrong it was beautiful also.. but really windy. So be prepared Also at night hit the pubs!! It is a lot of fun! Irish people really do know how to party. The people in Ireland are so nice and friendly. You and your DH will have a great time We went to the ATMS one night and I took out 20 Euros and it was like taking 26 dollars out of an ATM in America... hopefully that makes sense?

I actually have several sweaters, 2 jackets and an umbrella, I also have some warm long sleeve shirts for layering ( LOL we lived in Kodiak for 4 yrs so I know HOW to layer )

I am looking forward to an official Irish pub crawl for sure!!!

[familyof4]

Originally Posted by gunsgirl I actually have several sweaters, 2 jackets and an umbrella, I also have some warm long sleeve shirts for layering ( LOL we lived in Kodiak for 4 yrs so I know HOW to layer ) I am looking forward to an official Irish pub crawl for sure!!!

Okay well I was the idiot who didnt bring very many warm clothes because we were in Paris for 5 days before that and it was super hot there..

I hope you have a great time and post the pics when you get back!

Also go to Temple Bar even though its very touristy, it is very fun!! There is a place called Copper face Jacks down by Grafton Street.. and its where alot of the locals hang out.. we had some locals take us there.. but get there before 10pm and there is no cover charge after 10 its 10 Euros.

[*Genia*]

I agree with sweatshirts advice, I went in the dead of summer and it was freezing. Take lots and lots of pictures. I went the travelers checks route too and I don't remember it being any trouble but the ATM idea sounds easier. I'm so jealous I would love to go back but I know it wont be happening any time soon.

[Amber1980]

ooo....take me with you...i am so jealous....That my dream vacation. Have a great time and I want pics pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease

[gunsgirl]

Originally Posted by Amber1980 ooo....take me with you...i am so jealous....That my dream vacation. Have a great time and I want pics pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease

ah shoot, if only I had known you wanted to go- instead we are going with my IL's LOL

OH boy will I ever take alot of Pictures!!!

my dream vacay is actually Scotland ( that will be in 2011 )

[clsmarathon]

Originally Posted by familyof4 Okay well I was the idiot who didnt bring very many warm clothes because we were in Paris for 5 days before that and it was super hot there.. I hope you have a great time and post the pics when you get back! Also go to Temple Bar even though its very touristy, it is very fun!! There is a place called Copper face Jacks down by Grafton Street.. and its where alot of the locals hang out.. we had some locals take us there.. but get there before 10pm and there is no cover charge after 10 its 10 Euros.

Oliver St. John Gogarty's in Temple Bar does the musical pub crawl, too, which is VERY fun. Look to see when their trad sessions are, too. We saw some of the best Irish music (besides out on the west coast) there.