KLBOWES

My inlaws and myself are going to Ireland in September for 10 days. None of them have traveled outside the country. I am concerned because they do not wish to have "set" plans for the trip and want to make reservations to stay places and things to do when we get there. I have been to Ireland and know it's not like in the U.S. where there is a Super 8 in every town. Also, I feel it will just be unwise. I know it's safe there but think we'll have a hard enough time getting along (5 females and 1 male) as it is and don't want to make things worse. Anyone have any advice for me and my fellow travelers? I love them dearly and don't want anyone to have anything but a great time!

janisj

How late in Sept? Later the crowds will be greatly reduced so accomodations a lot easier to "find on teh fly". Early in the month is still fairly high season.

One issue - if you plan on B&Bs, many only have space for 6 or 8 guests max so find enough rooms for 6 can be difficult. But if in mid-to late Sept and basing in some of the larger tourist towns you shouldn't have too much problem.

I would DEFINITELY pre book: the first night, the last night, and any nights in Dublin.

rex

<< None of them have traveled outside the country. I am concerned because they do not wish to have "set" plans for the trip ... >>

I've heard of the blind leading the blind before... but this is the blind leading the sighted.

You need to talk some sense into them.

You don't refer to your group as a couple and four women. Some reason why not? Are the room requirements even more complicated than simply wanting three doubles?

For the life of me, I cannot understand wanting to squander vacation time seeking out lodging and planning... when you could be doing.

Best wishes,

Rex

JandaO

what Rex said.

ira

ditto

suze

This is not specific to your situation, but the reason why I like to have reservations is if you do not... necessarily some and possibly a large part of your day could end up being spent in looking for a place to sleep that night.

edhodge

We have been to Ireland twice in September. We prebooked both times but even months out, I found that the B&Bs who come most highly recommended could not accommodate us and there were only two of us.

I am curious- how are you handling the transportation issue? Renting a people mover or two cars? A group of 5 friends rented a people mover and HATED driving it. Just thought I would throw that out there because if you rent two cars, you can go your separate ways anytime. If you want to book ahead, you can. Then the others are left to their own devices if they don't like your itinerary.

Diane

Luisah

Perfect response from Rex.

indytravel

I like edhodge's idea of two cars. One car is the planned vacation with lodging reservations. The other car is the "wing-it" crowd. While the planners settle into a nice, reserved B&B with an evening at a local pub the "wingers" can drive around and find someplace to stay.

socaltraveler

see Rex.
IMHO having reservations does not mean spontaneity goes out the window; you have a whole day everyday to wing it. With reservations, the trip has some shape and relatives are not snipping at each other at the end of the day. You can save that for the "where do we eat dinner" game, especially since your group is not small.

CAPH52

We went to Ireland this past March with a group of 8; my husband, myelf, our two kids, my two brothers, one girlfriend and one family friend. We were only there 5 nights. Originally, one brother wanted to make reservations for the first two nights (because we were staying the same place) and the last night. Winging it the middle nights probably wouldn't have been a big deal as we thought we'd split up for those two nights. Well, we wound up deciding we all wanted to go to Westport. So we did reserve ahead. And we were really glad that we had. Remember, this was March, if anything even less crowded than September. I don't doubt that we would have found something in Westport without advance reservations. But would we have all been in the same place? And would we have been as happy with the B&B and it's location? I'm with the others who say you don't want to be wasting your time looking for a place to stay. Whatever you give up in spontaneity, you gain in having more control over your lodging.

stokebailey

Ditto everyone.

Especialy in Dublin area, where some big event goes on in September.

I'm picturing you in car, grim expression on face, thinking I-told-you-so kinds of thoughts as you and free spirits search for place to lay weary heads.

Besides, researching lodging on internet is part of the pre-trip recreation.

CAPH52

Just wanted to add one thing to my earlier post. The day that we drove from Galway to Westport, we took our time meandering along the coastal route through Connemara, stopping for a nice lunch and to see Kylemore Abbey, Croagh Patrick, etc. We didn't arrive in Westport until at least 5:30. I seriously doubt that we could have done that had we not reserved ahead. So while making reservations may cost you some freedom, it also buys you some!

Marsha

No offense, but I don't think 5 women could ever agree on the same accomodation! Rex is right - you will waste a good part of your day as you hunt for lodging. If your inlaws are older folks, I wouldn't get too creative, but look for reliable, comfortable places to make reservations.

starrsville

no

dfr4848

NO WAY!! If you do, double check insurance policies - they may not cover all the things that could happen as a result of what you end up doing to each other.

cantstayhome

Advice? Let them go on their own trip! Having just done a group trip with 7 people, I can say that the only moment we experienced the slightest bit of tension was when dealing with a situation that was not properly planned. We all reviewed our plans in advance, agreed on what we wanted to do together and what we wanted to do apart. Explain to them that Europe does not have the same type of chains as we do here (something you seem to recognize) and you can't judge quality (or try to make assumptions about same) based upon name. Here, you drive down the highway, get off at an exit, see a Super 8, a Radisson, a Hilton, and Holiday Inn. Those names allow you to make certain assumptions about the places that makes it easier for you to determine where you might like to spend that particular night. I remember wasting about 5 hours in Paris looking for a hotel with my now husband after our flight home was canceled (on a whim we had them put us not the next flight out, but one three days later, a request they happily accomodated) and the hotel we had just left was booked. You just don't know what you're going to find once you get past the lobby. Never again will I do that willingly!

crazychick

It is quite common for Uk people to pop on a ferry and thenjust hit the irish coast. Not booking too far ahead but sorting out somewhere as you drive along. Maybe using a book or intenet info as a guide for some B&B's Having said that with your party being so large you might want to at least book some accomadtion. September should not be too bad , but I do fear they your inlaws think that there will be several chain's of hotels dotted around the palce. One of the best things about Ireland is staying in the wondeffull but small B&B's. These might help you.
www.cork-guide.ie
www.kerryguide.com
www.travelireland.org

dsm22

EEk! That doesn't sound like a vacation to me, it sounds like my worst nightmare.

I would seriously sit down with them and get a "loose plan" about where you will go and make reservations on places to stay. I would not want to take up precious time trying to find acccomidations for that many people.

I am the type of person that likes structure and the stress of not having to plan all that stuff. I have friends that take off and just go, not planning anything. But, they at least make their hotel reservations.

I feel that some preplanning allows you to maximize your stay wherever you are traveling.

suze

I think it is the number of people that makes this a very bad idea. Perhaps 1-2 people can "wing it"... but 6 for obvious reasons will be much more difficult, in my opinion.