How to start planning??? Please Help!
Aug 5th, 2004, 04:14 AM
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How to start planning??? Please Help!
We have a group of 5 couples that is interested in traveling together to Ireland. We can be gone a couple of weeks and our initial thoughts were to have someone help us with our route and B&Bs, rent a couple of vans and hire two drivers. My daughter tells me the beauty of Ireland is not only the landscape but the people and the local pubs.
We would appreciate advice on where and how to start planning or recommendations as to other ways for us to "do" Ireland.
We would appreciate advice on where and how to start planning or recommendations as to other ways for us to "do" Ireland.
Aug 5th, 2004, 04:28 AM
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Hi Kentucky,
With 5 couples, I think you first have to decide on some basic things, before you even start planning a route. It will be important for everyone to have input on a variety of things, and to make sure everyone is on the same page.
For example:
1) What is your budget? Each couple should answer this, not just you. It's important to make sure you aren't stressing someone's bank account.
2) What are your interests? Scenery, pubs, golf? Small towns or a city like Dublin?
3)How do you like to travel? Spend a week in one place, or move every 2 or 3 days to see new things? This can be a big one. I didn't go to Spain with my sister and bro-in-law because they wanted to park in one spot for a week, and I went to 6 places in 2 weeks. People travel differently.
4)What are the expectations for staying together? It is OK to spend time away from each other - actually, it is probably a good idea. Think about how this would work logistically.
5)What are everyone's top 5 things to see/do in Ireland? You can start planning a trip around those lists (and again, keep in mind the possibility of splitting up).
With 5 couples, if you are going to stay in B&Bs, I'd have reservations ahead of time.
There are tons of Ireland itineraries on this board - read through them to get some ideas. Some other websites that have information:
http://www.12travel.com/?affid=1023
http://www.ireland.travel.ie/
http://www.goireland.com/
http://www.all-ireland.com/
These (and I'm sure there are tons of others) can give you ideas about itineraries and accommodations, etc.
Good luck!
Karen
With 5 couples, I think you first have to decide on some basic things, before you even start planning a route. It will be important for everyone to have input on a variety of things, and to make sure everyone is on the same page.
For example:
1) What is your budget? Each couple should answer this, not just you. It's important to make sure you aren't stressing someone's bank account.
2) What are your interests? Scenery, pubs, golf? Small towns or a city like Dublin?
3)How do you like to travel? Spend a week in one place, or move every 2 or 3 days to see new things? This can be a big one. I didn't go to Spain with my sister and bro-in-law because they wanted to park in one spot for a week, and I went to 6 places in 2 weeks. People travel differently.
4)What are the expectations for staying together? It is OK to spend time away from each other - actually, it is probably a good idea. Think about how this would work logistically.
5)What are everyone's top 5 things to see/do in Ireland? You can start planning a trip around those lists (and again, keep in mind the possibility of splitting up).
With 5 couples, if you are going to stay in B&Bs, I'd have reservations ahead of time.
There are tons of Ireland itineraries on this board - read through them to get some ideas. Some other websites that have information:
http://www.12travel.com/?affid=1023
http://www.ireland.travel.ie/
http://www.goireland.com/
http://www.all-ireland.com/
These (and I'm sure there are tons of others) can give you ideas about itineraries and accommodations, etc.
Good luck!
Karen
Aug 5th, 2004, 05:41 AM
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I would also add to karen's list:
6. How will money, bills, car rental be handled? Everyone pay for their own meals? Or will someone split the cost and settle up later. When I travel with my Mom or cousin or friend, I usually use my charge card since I get a good exchange rate and figure the costs when we get back and I get a check. In mentioning car rentals, my Mom and her cousin and another couple were in Ireland a couple of years ago and her cousin didn't bother with insurance. Well, her cousin ended up damaging a fender and all split the expensive cost. I kind of felt she should have been responsible since she failed to get the insurance; on the otherhand, the others should have made her get insurance.
Monica
6. How will money, bills, car rental be handled? Everyone pay for their own meals? Or will someone split the cost and settle up later. When I travel with my Mom or cousin or friend, I usually use my charge card since I get a good exchange rate and figure the costs when we get back and I get a check. In mentioning car rentals, my Mom and her cousin and another couple were in Ireland a couple of years ago and her cousin didn't bother with insurance. Well, her cousin ended up damaging a fender and all split the expensive cost. I kind of felt she should have been responsible since she failed to get the insurance; on the otherhand, the others should have made her get insurance.
Monica
Aug 5th, 2004, 06:44 AM
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It should be fun, but the planning will be a challenge. It's good to be in two different vehicles so people can split up and do different things from time to time. You also may want to hand out no whining buttons.
As far as B&Bs, they are usually the way to go, though a good percentage of them (probably most) won't have 5 rooms. Hotels would be good if you want to all stay in the same building but there aren't as interesting and are much more expensive.
Here is another option though it will cost something (but not a lot). Michele Erdwig at www.irelandyes.com does custom itineraries. The couples might feel good about having it planned by a professional and it would take the pressure of the one (perhaps you) that would be doing the bulk of the planning. If one person (or a couple of people) make the the plans for everyone, there may be a constant nagging feeling of "are they all enjoying this". This way, good or bad, no one will have you (or anyone else) to blame. BTW, her itineraries would probably be very good. My understanding is that she is very thorough.
That said, I appear to be leading some people around Ireland this May, but I've made clear to them that the no whining rule is in effect. If they don't like my travel plans, they are free to wander off somewhere else. We will probably have a couple 2-3 vehicles. I'm making my plans based on where I want to go and places I haven't been. Quite frankly, it won't be the best intro to Ireland for the newbies because we won't go to all the "don't miss" spots. They are aware of that.
Bill
As far as B&Bs, they are usually the way to go, though a good percentage of them (probably most) won't have 5 rooms. Hotels would be good if you want to all stay in the same building but there aren't as interesting and are much more expensive.
Here is another option though it will cost something (but not a lot). Michele Erdwig at www.irelandyes.com does custom itineraries. The couples might feel good about having it planned by a professional and it would take the pressure of the one (perhaps you) that would be doing the bulk of the planning. If one person (or a couple of people) make the the plans for everyone, there may be a constant nagging feeling of "are they all enjoying this". This way, good or bad, no one will have you (or anyone else) to blame. BTW, her itineraries would probably be very good. My understanding is that she is very thorough.
That said, I appear to be leading some people around Ireland this May, but I've made clear to them that the no whining rule is in effect. If they don't like my travel plans, they are free to wander off somewhere else. We will probably have a couple 2-3 vehicles. I'm making my plans based on where I want to go and places I haven't been. Quite frankly, it won't be the best intro to Ireland for the newbies because we won't go to all the "don't miss" spots. They are aware of that.
Bill
Aug 5th, 2004, 06:55 AM
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If I were in your shoes, I'd start by reading as much as possible. One place to start is here
http://www.irishtourism.com/fly-drive-ireland/
The budget will affect <i>everything</i> from where/what type of places you stay to how many stops to make to how to get from point a to b.
I personally think this is too large a group for Ireland, but I know others would disagree. I agree with your daughter about mingling with the locals and Wojazz's comment about staying in
b& bs. A group of 10 is a bit cumbersome for that. One idea might be to rent a large farmhouse for part of the time where everyone could stay together and then split up in smaller groups to tour around.
Good luck planning. I do agree once basic decisions are made it might be better to use a professional.
http://www.irishtourism.com/fly-drive-ireland/
The budget will affect <i>everything</i> from where/what type of places you stay to how many stops to make to how to get from point a to b.
I personally think this is too large a group for Ireland, but I know others would disagree. I agree with your daughter about mingling with the locals and Wojazz's comment about staying in
b& bs. A group of 10 is a bit cumbersome for that. One idea might be to rent a large farmhouse for part of the time where everyone could stay together and then split up in smaller groups to tour around.
Good luck planning. I do agree once basic decisions are made it might be better to use a professional.
Aug 5th, 2004, 08:15 AM
#7
I'm usually a big fan of planning your own trips. Having said that, for this one I'd find a good travel professional specializing in Ireland! 10 people, two weeks, hiring cars and drivers doesn't sound like fun trip planning to me.
Aug 5th, 2004, 08:16 AM
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Another aspect is lodging. I know you want to stay in B+Bs which is fine, HOWEVER, it is often helpful to ensure that EVERYONE has agreed beforehand on the final choices. It CAN be done and I think, MUST be done. The last thing you want is to arrive somewhere and someone remarking about how "I wouldn't have picked THIS place" or "It cost too much" etc.
You think you know one another well? Belive me, travel will bring out the best and sometimes the worst so try to get as much agreement as you can before hand WITH the understanding that after the final decisions are (mutually) made that everyone makes the best of it.
Have a great trip.
You think you know one another well? Belive me, travel will bring out the best and sometimes the worst so try to get as much agreement as you can before hand WITH the understanding that after the final decisions are (mutually) made that everyone makes the best of it.
Have a great trip.
Aug 5th, 2004, 10:04 AM
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As mentioned above, money can be a sticking point.
It's not just agreeing in advance to split expenses, meals etc. That sounds easy. Over two weeks, other issues may come up: some people drink wine or beer and others don't, some people always order full meals and others just graze, some people want a nicer place to stay and others are happy with a bare bones kind of place. I think you mght agree on a treasurer so to speak, perhaps two, from two different couples.
Then there are other issues: the early-risers vs night owls, the dependent ones who won't take a step unless someone else goes with them, the ones who are always late and the others who are impatiently on time or early. Then there are the people with 2 suitcases each and the others with just a small carry on size.
THere's a lot to talk about, and the time to be brutally honest is before you go. This is stuff that a travel agent can't do for you.
It's not just agreeing in advance to split expenses, meals etc. That sounds easy. Over two weeks, other issues may come up: some people drink wine or beer and others don't, some people always order full meals and others just graze, some people want a nicer place to stay and others are happy with a bare bones kind of place. I think you mght agree on a treasurer so to speak, perhaps two, from two different couples.
Then there are other issues: the early-risers vs night owls, the dependent ones who won't take a step unless someone else goes with them, the ones who are always late and the others who are impatiently on time or early. Then there are the people with 2 suitcases each and the others with just a small carry on size.
THere's a lot to talk about, and the time to be brutally honest is before you go. This is stuff that a travel agent can't do for you.
Aug 5th, 2004, 11:54 AM
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..just to echo all of the above sentiments..get the ground rules straight!....i think with 10 people (in Ireland) there are 4 choices..1. go on a tour or get someone to design a tour..that way no one will get the blame or feel the responsibility ...2. go to a "resort"..not a big possibility in london but a few of the castle hotels may fit the bill. people will probably be occupied enough that no one will feel they have to be social director..3. if you are golfers stay near a course which is also near pleaces of interest..this will again keep most people occupied..those who arent golfing will be a small enough number that day trips in one car with lots of flexability possible..(if you arent golfers but are fly fishermen the above scenario would hold)..3. split up and have 3-5 cars with everyone booking several nights in the same town for a great communal evening..also plan to meet on a the morning after the evening together for a joint sightseeing or other event of mutual interest..i said the morning after so no one is late, rushed ect...4. consider another country...I really think this trip has the potential for being fabulous or a nightmare...much better to get things out in the open before hand! I will also warn you that if you are the planner you will probably feel a huge responsibity for the success of the trip..think of whether you can handle it before you volunteer..I have done it..just remember, someone can be a wonderful friend but you may not be able to travel with them (..if you have ever had roomates you will know that best friends sometimes cant live with each other)..good luck and let us know.
Aug 5th, 2004, 12:52 PM
#12
Lots of great comments above. Many other issues I hadn't even thought of.
Is the group willing to split up for some of the time? I just can't imagine wanting to travel with 9 other people for 14 days straight doing every single thing together. Everything will be quite complicated. How to find seating for 10 people at each restaurant? I'm wondering about finding reservations at B&B's because wouldn't 10 people take up the entire place? Etc.
Is the group willing to split up for some of the time? I just can't imagine wanting to travel with 9 other people for 14 days straight doing every single thing together. Everything will be quite complicated. How to find seating for 10 people at each restaurant? I'm wondering about finding reservations at B&B's because wouldn't 10 people take up the entire place? Etc.
Aug 5th, 2004, 12:59 PM
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A tour might be a good idea, as then there is not 'one' person who is in charge when things do not go right.
Too many people for a 'friend' to be in charge of. My experiences in traveling with groups is -- say hey, this is where WE are going on these dates, if interested please join in. If you want to meet here and there, wonderful...
More everyone plans what they want to do and then try to overlap with each other so you have some time together...I think this is the most enjoyable way to do it.
Too many people for a 'friend' to be in charge of. My experiences in traveling with groups is -- say hey, this is where WE are going on these dates, if interested please join in. If you want to meet here and there, wonderful...
More everyone plans what they want to do and then try to overlap with each other so you have some time together...I think this is the most enjoyable way to do it.
Aug 5th, 2004, 02:03 PM
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Extending the "Ohio River valley" welcome to you also, Kentucky - - I am from Floyds Knobs (Indiana) - - about 6 miles from Louisville. This past March we convened a (the first annual?) local Fodorites' get-together. I am hoping we can repeat.
And I have done trips of groups of family and friends and friends OF family, and this is indeed a big undertaking. I have never hired a driver. I (or my wife and I) have served as driver(s) of the van(s).
I seem to recall that kybourbon has some similar experience as well (though primarily for school gropups?)
I should try to compose a skeleton of items you ought to consider (though I have not traveled significantly in Ireland and never with a group there) - - but it seems like it would be a lengthy item, and I am not sure I feel like launching into it here on this thread.
Are you local to Louisville, Cincinnati/Covington or Evansville/Henderson? It's hard to know for sure if my experiences are relevant to what you are seeking to do, but I'd be glad to talk with you further about how to begin to lay this out.
... and whether/whenever we meet again, I'd be glad to keep you informed about it.
Best wishes,
Rex
And I have done trips of groups of family and friends and friends OF family, and this is indeed a big undertaking. I have never hired a driver. I (or my wife and I) have served as driver(s) of the van(s).
I seem to recall that kybourbon has some similar experience as well (though primarily for school gropups?)
I should try to compose a skeleton of items you ought to consider (though I have not traveled significantly in Ireland and never with a group there) - - but it seems like it would be a lengthy item, and I am not sure I feel like launching into it here on this thread.
Are you local to Louisville, Cincinnati/Covington or Evansville/Henderson? It's hard to know for sure if my experiences are relevant to what you are seeking to do, but I'd be glad to talk with you further about how to begin to lay this out.
... and whether/whenever we meet again, I'd be glad to keep you informed about it.
Best wishes,
Rex
Aug 5th, 2004, 07:51 PM
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Thanks for all of the wonderful information!! The same couples traveled together in Italy for 2 weeks last year and had a wonderful time. We were on a tour where everything was taken care of for us. This would be more challenging. I like the idea of a professional planner!
I live in south central Kentucky and appreciate the warm welcome from my neighbors to the north!
I live in south central Kentucky and appreciate the warm welcome from my neighbors to the north!
Aug 6th, 2004, 04:49 AM
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<<Rex - Does that mean you are organizing another GTG?>>
Is there repeat demand already? Maybe in spring? or it could be just an "add-on" get-together for anyone coming to St James Court for http://www.stjamescourtartshow.com maybe?
Louisville area is not the only option - - depends on who wants where, when, etc...
Is there repeat demand already? Maybe in spring? or it could be just an "add-on" get-together for anyone coming to St James Court for http://www.stjamescourtartshow.com maybe?
Louisville area is not the only option - - depends on who wants where, when, etc...
Aug 6th, 2004, 05:09 AM
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Kentucky,
You can spend the money on a travel planner but why not try to get some basic information and get the group together for a planning session. B&B's may be hard to get close by unless you are in more populated towns like Galway, Westport etc.
A group of us go away in the country sometimes and we plan different activities i.e. golf for the lads and then maybe sight seeing or cycling/horse riding for those not into golf. Then its more relaxed and less of a timetable for all. If you are in Dublin I can help you plan some oof this leg as I live here. There are some smaller hotels in the country that wpossibly you could get a group discount on etc.
Drivers are a good idea for the vans and it is more relaxing for you all.
Let us know some more info i.e.
Age group
Hobbies - i.e. golf
Main interest or areas you want to cover.
Also set down ground rule for eating out etc.
S
You can spend the money on a travel planner but why not try to get some basic information and get the group together for a planning session. B&B's may be hard to get close by unless you are in more populated towns like Galway, Westport etc.
A group of us go away in the country sometimes and we plan different activities i.e. golf for the lads and then maybe sight seeing or cycling/horse riding for those not into golf. Then its more relaxed and less of a timetable for all. If you are in Dublin I can help you plan some oof this leg as I live here. There are some smaller hotels in the country that wpossibly you could get a group discount on etc.
Drivers are a good idea for the vans and it is more relaxing for you all.
Let us know some more info i.e.
Age group
Hobbies - i.e. golf
Main interest or areas you want to cover.
Also set down ground rule for eating out etc.
S
Aug 6th, 2004, 05:57 AM
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Welcome aboard Kentucky. 
I'm just thinking out loud as I type. As to the next GTG, I would consider hosting an 'add-on' to the St. James Court Art Show, which is Oct 1,2,3 this year. The GTG could be at my home. I was already planning to invite Fodorites , who met at the last Louisville GTG , to stop by on Art Show weekend... it would be great to add some new faces, too.
I am rather a captive audience that weekend , because not only does the show take place in my neighborhood I am also one of the organizers of the show.
Friday, Oct 1, would be the least desirable day for the GTG, because that is when I am the busiest with show details. Saturday, Oct 2, might be the best possibility.
If there is enough interest, we can do the email address exchange thing and firm up details.
Judy
I'm just thinking out loud as I type. As to the next GTG, I would consider hosting an 'add-on' to the St. James Court Art Show, which is Oct 1,2,3 this year. The GTG could be at my home. I was already planning to invite Fodorites , who met at the last Louisville GTG , to stop by on Art Show weekend... it would be great to add some new faces, too.
I am rather a captive audience that weekend , because not only does the show take place in my neighborhood I am also one of the organizers of the show.
Friday, Oct 1, would be the least desirable day for the GTG, because that is when I am the busiest with show details. Saturday, Oct 2, might be the best possibility.
If there is enough interest, we can do the email address exchange thing and firm up details.
Judy
Aug 8th, 2004, 03:24 PM
#20
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It is great to hear from a Ky. delagation. I am from the Glasgow area. After reading all of your great advice I am a little worried about this trip. We are meeting for dinner Thursday night to begin the planning process and I have forwarded to the group everyone's comments.
