Vouchers Vs. Going it alone

Maggie117 · Guru

Vouchers Vs. Going it alone

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

While waiting for Michele to weigh in with her advice, I'll toss in my euro cent worth, but only after adding the caveat that I have NEVER used vouchers personally, during any of my nine previous trips, nor do I intend to, on my upcoming trip, in June.

To decide whether or not YOU can benefit from using vouchers, you'll need to ask the supplier several specific questions:

What TYPE of voucher are they -- B&B only, Hotel AND B&B, etc. There are PRECIOUS FEW B&Bs IN Dublin, for example, and I doubt if ANY accept vouchers.

What BRAND of voucher are they? Town & Country is one, for example. Some other companies might not be as widely accepted as them.

Can you PRE-BOOK your accommodations -- IN ADVANCE -- or are they only useable 'on the day'? Even if the B&B accepts vouchers, as a rule, they only need to accept a minimum number of them on any given day. If you CAN pre-book, how FAR, in advance? Will the agent book them FOR you?

The typical B&B is running 35-40 Euro per person, per night (and UP!). Assuming you AREN'T planning to share a Family Room ( Three to a Room) and want a room of your own, they will generally charge a Single Suppliment, since there will only be one person, rather than two. So, while your parent's room will run them about 80 Euro per night, yours will probably be around 50. So, for the three of you (in two rooms) an AVERAGE night's stay will be somewhere in the vicinity of 120-140 Euro, or approximately $190-225.

Given that, there is certainly the POTENTIAL to save some cash by using vouchers, but only IF you use them, and if the places that accept THEM, are ACCEPTABLE to YOU.

Dublin is SUCH a busy place, that you NEED to be pre-booked, WELL in advance. Elsewhere, in early October, you MIGHT be OK 'flying without a net', but NOT in Dub.

And, the prices in Dublin will be MUCH higher than in Mayo, or even, Cork.
Generally speaking, the more POPULAR the destination is, the less likely it will be to find places that will accept vouchers.

Bob

YaYa · Guru

Maggie,

I did use vouchers on my first trip and not since. Not all places take them as the owners have to wait to get their money and you might find it hard to find places that do take them. As Bob said, I can't think of a b&b in Dublin that takes them. I guess you need to add how much you would save if you bought them and compare to how much you'd spend without them.

Have a wonderful trip.

Joan

Maggie117 · Guru

I appreciate your feedback. I don't want to be resticted, so I think I will pass on the vouchers and PLAN PLAN PLAN~

Thank you.

Sidz · Guru

Would also give you a nod on bagging the vouchers -- you'll save some money not going that way, and in October should have no problem at all finding B&Bs as you travel around. You will be happy that you did this also should your route plans change a bit -- it gives you the flexibility to move around the country in a much more relaxed manner.

Have a good trip.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Maggie,

I am finally checking in to say that I agree that vouchers can be a detriment unless you get a really good fly/drive/voucher package that has a very low price. Otherwise, it is probably best to avoid them. Generally the travel agent makes out well with their commissions on vouchers. B&Bs and purchasers are most times the loosers.

Michele