What do I need to go to Ireland?

Question

I would like to travel to Ireland. I plan on doing a tour...I know a lot of people are against them but I'm told this is a really great way to see Ireland that is pretty safe, since I am going alone.

The group has you staying in hostels all nights. That being said what do I need? Obviously a passport...but do I NEED a credit card or can I just have my bank cards? I will probably have a mix travelers checks and cash. Any other ideas?

If you have gone, please tell me what you brought, how you packed, etc. I'm thinking ONE backpack since I'm just going for a week.

Thanks!

Answer 1

passport and mucho $$$$$$$$

Answer 2

money

Answer 3

The best tour for younger kids (no offense...you sound young) is

http://www.efcollegebreak.com

The catcj is you have to be between the ages of 18-26.  If so, I can reccommend how I have travelled all of Europe.  It's awesome!

http://www.efcollegebreak.com

It lists tons of vacations, priced cheap for students...or really anyone from age 18 to 26.

They take care of the airfare, transportation, activities...they basically make sure you have a great time!

Its way cheap, fun (you get to travel with other hot college kids), safer and smarter.

Plus if you use this manager code: gavrie6237

you'll get a $50.00 discount on top of the already cheap price!!

Answer 4

How big is that backpack, Daisee?  <snicker>

Staying in hostels means no washing anything, including yourself in some places.  You will likely need more socks than you think.  It rains ... shoes get wet, etc.  I always take two pairs of run-around shoes and plenty of socks.  Jeans I dry (sorta) in my room each night.  Shirts ... the same.  How many to take?  3 changes and one "decent" outfit.  Place your jeans on a bed, fold them in half and then roll them into a tube.  Jeans and shirts both fit nicely into a backpack when rolled up, and they can protect stuff like your shampoo, etc, which should be encase in a big zip lock bag.  

If you plan to check your backpack, a smaller carry-on can hold a change of clothes, meds, camera, etc.  I never checked my backpack until they changed the rules about liquid on carry-on luggage ... now I check it.

At the end of the trip, I throw away any unused shampoo, conditioner, etc., and use the "found" space for the stuff I bought.  You will always find stuff to buy in Ireland.  :)

That brings me to money.  Yeah, take some money.  Cash?  Yeah, about $300 to exchange at the airport or the first bank you find (usually a better rate).  That will give you about 140 euros at the current exchange rate (I think).  Check the exchange rate just before you go, and you'll know what to take.  Yahoo! Finance gives that info on the financial home page.  As far as using a credit card vs a bank card.  I've had mixed luck.  Some places took my bank card just fine.  Others kept kicking it out.  Last year I had to borrow from my younger brother <blush> as I did not bring my credit card.  

I hope this helps.  I go to Ireland about every year, but this year I'm staying close to home.  I do hope you have a terrific time.  Take a moment to connect with some Irish people.  They are great!!

Good luck!

Uppity Wench

Answer 5

Don't forget Medicine.

Answer 6

In Ireland here we have things called banks which have a wee slot thingy where you put your card in and it gives you money. Great thing it is esp on a Saturday night. We take all sorts of people and their money. Some local pubs will even exchange Euros and Dollars etc. One backpack should do if you aren't having a dirty week. Hope you like Guinness but there is other stuff to drink. Get a Ulster Fry in the morning. It will set you up for the whole day. Hope you enjoy here. I do.

Answer 7

if you belong to AAA(auto club) you can get travelers checks in euros with no exchange fee  then convert back to dollars when you get back with no fee.