Sorry for all the Ireland postings!

I sent inquiries to 4 B&B's in Ireland. Of the 4, 2 responded. Its been about a week now and I still have not heard any response from the other two. Is this common? How long should I give each B&B to respond before I try elsewhere? I don't like backing out one I confirm a reservation, but I am anxious to get my B&B confirmations.

Oh, and before anyone asks, my DH and I discussed the option of "winging it", as I've heard that having reservations in March are not necessarily needed, but neither of us really feel comfortable with this option.

Thanks for the help!
Tracy

Give 'em a call -- shouldn't cost more than a buck or so.

for one thing, many B&Bs are closed over Dec/Jan/Feb so they might not even read their e-mails too often. Plus many B&B owners take their own holidays during the dead winter months.

So I usually don't expect quick responses in the winter and it is a bonus if they do get back to me in a short time.

B&Bs are not hotels w/ staff on call all the time year round - they are usually small family concerns and will answer when they answer . . . .

Allow for the time-zone difference and pick up the phone, they speak English, sort of...

WK

Hi tc,

I have found that faxes are answered more quickly than emails.

If you dial 1016868 before 011, your phone call to Ireland will be only 12 cts/min.

Your choice isn't between winging it and hassling them.

Just leave it till February. Why on earth do you need total certainty now?

Thank you all for your help and suggestions. I understand that they are small family-owned homes and have taken in consideration the season. I'm not too worried about it, but I asked to make sure I shouldn't be concerned. I will give it time.

flanner, I guess I'm booking early because it is the compulsive vacation planner in me. I feel as though my itinerary can't be complete without knowing exactly where I am staying and when.

Thanks everyone! I will probably wait awhile longer and then just give them a call or a fax if I don't hear back.

Tracy

tcreath, this time last year I was booking my B&B's for a trip in April. I was staying in popular places and popular b&b's. I finally phoned a couple of them and booked(needed two rooms). The ones in Kenmare and Bunratty I had to wait until after the holidays. Around the 1st of the year, I phoned and made the arrangements. They were closed but were happy to make the bookings.

chatham, thanks for the update! I think I will wait until after the holidays and then call and make the arrangements from there.

Tracy

I would most definitely Phone rather than email, I think you are very wise making reservations for March, as we get lots of tourists here in Ireland in March.

tcreath,
For our 1st trip this past October, I found phone calls much better but you may want to wait until mid-january to call as alot of B&B's are closed through the Holidays.

Definitely make your reservations ahead if that makes you most comfortable. I could not stand the thought of just winging it for our trip either. (as an event co-ordinator actually writing the words "winging it" makes me start to hyperventilate!)

BUT, I do want to reassure you since you are going in the "off" season as we did, that even some of the most popular B&B's had rooms available. I say this only to reassure you that waiting until January for the reservations in March should not be a problem.

If you decide to reserve by phone a good tip is to get the calling card from Costco/Sam's Club, only cost .12 per minute, plus you can get their toll free international calling # for you to bring "just in case" or give to your emergency contact person if they need to reach you.

Have fun,
Happy Holidays!

Definately ring them. Many people are off from late next week and the week of Xmas to New years. I would book your B&B in Busy areas especially if you are over for St Particks day. Lots of tourists come this time of year.

12perfectdays has given you good advice - except possibly for the calling card.

You can use one of the 10-10- numbers for a lot less than 12 cents a minute. (I personally use 1010-987 but others work better for different local phone companiesregions). It averages about 5 cents a minute or even less. And a phone card bought after you are in Ireland will also be cheaper than one bought in the States.

Thank you everyone again for your advice. I will call in mid-January to make our reservations and will definitely try the phone code to get a cheaper rate! And I agree that phone cards over there are the way to go. We always purchase a card as soon as we arrive in Europe to check in at home, etc.

Thanks again!
Tracy

tcreath, one more thing, when getting your rooms by phone, have them e-mail you your reservations and print them out and have them with you so there is no confusion when you arrive. Also, I always call about 2 weeks before I leave to make sure everything is still on. My Best, Joan