First timers - planning our dream trip at the end of August - 10 days

Stonington2014 · Newbie

First timers - planning our dream trip at the end of August - 10 days

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Greetings and Welcome!

We love to help first-timers develop an Ireland habit. biggrin biggrin

To get you started, see Michele's Tips: http://www.irelandyes.com/planning.html General Lodging Info: http://www.irelandyes.com/lodgings.html and B&B specifics: http://ireland.activeboard.com/t12840639/bb-etiquette/

General advice about vouchers is that they can be troublesome, at best -- and down-right nearly impossible, at times.

An explanation: SEE: http://www.irishtourism.com/independent-vacations-of-ireland/bed-and-breakfast-vouchers-ireland/2052 for in-depth info on ONE option. By the way, the vouchers on offer at 38 Euro per person are NO bargain. Current average B&B prices in Ireland are in the 30-35 Euro Per person range. They claim to offer 1500 locations.

Vouchers are only as good as their NETWORK of accepting B&Bs. Not all B&Bs accept vouchers and those that do, generally only accept CERTAIN vouchers. There are multiple companies that issue vouchers.

B&B Ireland http://www.bandbireland.com/home http://www.govisitireland.com/bed-and-breakfast-vouchers/ (only claim 800 locations) a search of Irish Farmhouse Holidays claimed 146 results!

B&Bs set their price, then agree to a discount to the voucher people, in order to increase business during 'slow' times. The vendor 'marks up' their cost (in order to make a profit and cover overhead) and passes THAT price onto the customer (you). During busy times, the B&B will accept the vouchers on a 'Space Available' basis. Adding insult to injury, if you book in without a voucher, the B&B generally is paid in full, at departure. If you used a voucher, they often must wait 30-60 days before ever receiving a dime.

Given a choice, B&Bs will nearly ALWAYS opt for full-paying customers. Late August is still High Season, so demand during that time should be high. In addition, you will need a Family Room or a Triple and that exasperates the problem even more, as MOST rooms are set up for Double occupancy. Trying to 'see it all' in only 10 days is impossible (which you obviously understand, given your post) -- so pre-booking shouldn't prove TOO onerous. The other advantage would be that by Pre-Booking, you won't waste any time each day "searching", you can pick a good location (one that offers proximity to services and/or sights) AND you can remove a great deal of anxiety and stress. Knowing your destination and having a Time-table actually make things easier. You can pre-print directions to the B&B, research the area for activities / sites/ entertainment and organize your trip in order to maximize tourism options.

If you DO decide to go with the vouchers -- It IS Your Trip, After All! -- Try to determine: Can you pre-book? What B&Bs accept those particular vouchers? Will they provide you with a list / catalogue IN ADVANCE? confuse confuse

NOT trying to frighten you -- Merely wish to make sure you don't get unpleasantly Surprised. wink

Even though there IS a 'Learning Curve' to traveling in Ireland -- It is SO worth it! biggrin biggrin

Michele Erdvig · Host

Welcome from me too. Bob has started you off with excellent info.

I would not use vouchers in August. They are best used off-season, if at all. I suggest firm reservations in August, which is still high season. If you make a good itinerary there is no reason not to book your B&Bs in advance. Read my article Plan Your Trip to Ireland in 10 Easy Steps. I think it will help.