Reader, Rosaleen, sent an email the other day looking for some travel advice. I’ve been across the pond a time or two, so I thought I could offer up some tips and then turn it over to you since I know some of you are seasoned travelers with great advice. I included the full email below so you know exactly what advice she’s seeking:
Hi, Mavis! You seem to have made some changes to your site, so I can no longer find a tab marked “Travel.” {The travel category is tucked away at the bottom of the site now since I felt there were a few more pressing categories to include up top!} IIRC, you have mentioned traveling to London, as well as other places. Hubby generally HATES travel, but has expressed some interest in visiting Ireland (our heritage) after he retires, probably late this year. I’m thinking since neither of us has to rush back to a job, once we are there, we may want to consider a longer and more extensive trip including some time in Scotland and England.
What advice can you and your readers share on the subjects? I’m looking at ways to save on lodging and food, as well as ideas on what to visit. Hubby has diabetes, mostly controlled with diet and some exercise, to the point that we eat no sugar, white flour and only small amounts of potatoes, etc. I’m one who has brought food and some cookware to prepare food as I travel, but this may not work so well considering import or customs issues. For example, I cooked and dehydrated low carb meals to take to Hawaii, but Ireland’s Customs laws dictate no imported meat or milk products, with some few exceptions.
I would be OK with camping, but probably he would veto that plan. I’m also good with the idea of using AirBnB, but he is less interested in this. I can happily eat tuna and sardines for lunch over multiple days, but checking Aldi in Ireland, it seems these are not sold there. There are listings for packaged smoked mackeral and salmon, at least. I have some recollection of hearing that friends and family send tuna and peanut butter overseas because it is not available in many countries. We should be able to pick up salad items, cheese, and some cooked meats, so we won’t starve, of course.
If we use a B&B, assuming breakfast isn’t too high carb, we might have dinner out, and save some of the protein to put on a salad for another meal, but I’m not expecting American restaurant-sized meat or fish portions. With lots of time to plan, I will be checking Trip Advisor, etc., but figure you and your readers will also be on top of this.
Cheers! Rosaleen
First, I’m sooo excited that you’re thinking of traveling abroad. I highly recommend it to everyone. It can be a life-changing trip if you do your research {which it looks like you are!} and have a solid plan in place! My first tip doesn’t come from me at all but from someone else. I was a loyal viewer of Rick Steves PBS Series Europe Through the Back Door and was able to glean a great deal on how to save money while traveling abroad from that show. We’ve been to Ireland 3 times and Scotland once and each time I scoured the Rick Steves website for ideas. I cannot recommend his site enough. That would be the first place I’d start because he offers tips on saving money, beating the lines, and even acclimating to the culture!
As far as lodging, I have not tried an Airbnb yet because I too like the predictability of hotels and bed and breakfasts. 😉 But if I was planning on staying some place for more than a few days, it’s definitely something I would look into. I have had friends who have had amazing experiences with Airbnb. I’d definitely look at the ratings of the owner and the past reviews of the place you’re looking to rent out. I think you can probably get a good feel for a place that way.
I almost always use Trip Advisor to look up hotels and B&Bs, so we’re on the same page there! I’ve found their reviewers are pretty spot on. It really is a great place to start if you decide not to do the Airbnb thing. B&Bs in Europe are typically VERY affordable, as compared to the “trendy” B&B’s in America, so that might be a great hotel alternative! I usually choose a hotel based on location. I want it to be centrally located to the activities I want, OR, I want it to be close to a subway.
When it comes to foods, your restrictions make it a little tougher, but certainly not impossible. I have never had a problem finding fresh fruits and vegetables or any kind of food for that matter at a local grocery store. And I love to hit the outdoor markets when I travel {so many cities in Europe have great ones!}. They even have prepared foods that are much cheaper than sit-down restaurants if you don’t feel like cooking, and visiting the markets is pretty much a fun activity in itself.
Since you’re going to be there for awhile, I’d suggest you get to know public transport, even if you plan on renting a vehicle for all or part of your trip {although if you get a place centrally located, I don’t personally think a rental would even be necessary!}. Europe makes public transport a walk in the park–a very inexpensive walk in the park. Subways, buses, trains, etc. are a great way to save.
I’d suggest you also look into savings passes for public transport. Cities want tourists to use their transport system, and more often than not, they offer great discounts, if you look. If weather permits, you can also look into cheap bike rentals. You will be able to experience a lot more of the city than just walking. For more specifics, see how I get around London.
On one of our trips we flew into London, toured the city for a few days then took the Caledonian Sleeper train to Inverness Scotland {Urquhart Castle is a must!}. The kids LOVED it. After a few days in Inverness and the Glencoe area, we then went on to Edinburgh, spent a few days there and then hopped a cheap Ryan Air flight to Dublin. Really, I think the key to a trip like this is research, research, research. Find everything you’d like to see and then whittle those things down to the time frame you have.
As far as activities, I’d only suggest tour packages, IF you wanted to do everything in the package anyway. If you only wanted to do 2-3 tours on the list, you may find it’s cheaper to price them out separately anyway. And because you’ll have so much time, I’d probably space your activities out anyway. Sometimes I cram so much in a day I’m simply exhausted, but I wouldn’t take that approach if I had weeks to explore!
I also recommend taking the time to read their daily newspaper. You will seriously learn so much, and the headlines alone might amuse you. So there you have a few simple tips from me.
Do you guys have any more tips for Rosaleen?
~Mavis
Cheri says
Check out the hostel network. They usually have kitchens where you can prepare your own food.
Kristina says
B&Bs can be quite affordable, and your landlords there should be able to fix you a low carb breakfast. Traditional English breakfasts are usually quite protein heavy. You shouldn’t have too much trouble with low-carb there. Car rental would be useful if you’re going more rural/far afield, as public transport is sketchy the farther you get from civilization. My daughter and I spend a week last summer in the farthest north of the highlands of Scotland (by car), and it was awesome! B&Bs were cheap and friendly there. A lot of them don’t offer internet bookings, but that’s OK, as you can skype them or email. We even had one cousin hand us over to another cousin who had room. Seems like everyone has B&B there in the summer months! Oh, how I envy you! Have fun.
Hazel says
I’m in England rather than Ireland but I’m pretty sure that the Irish Aldis will be like our ones and sell tinned tuna and sardines. Other supermarkets will sell fresh fish. Peanut butter will also be widely available, I’m certain.
The good thing about travelling in the UK and Eire is that you can read all the labels, so you can try unfamiliar foods whilst knowing that they don’t contain anything you want to avoid.
Lee says
I have used AirB&B on several occasions, and I would definitely recommend it for at least part of your trip. It may take some time to scope out the area around the AirB&B rentals to ensure they are in close proximity to your travel preferences (a place to get breakfast or places of interest), however it really gives you the opportunity to see the location for what it really is – away from the tourist traps and immersed in the culture. My AirB&B hosts have all been very nice, and I have even had some offer to drive and take me hiking one day at a really awesome trail (I only used public transport and had no car rental).
Have you thought about traveling with a tour group for some of the trip? Tour groups will provide a schedule with free time and sort of usher you along your adventure. It’s great for countries in which you do not speak the language. But it can also take a lot of the stress out of planning. For your diet-sensitive husband, you can include on his application about his diet requirements, and this is something they convey ahead of time to the restaurants you stop at as a group. Usually a package includes them securing your housing, transportation, and some/most meals, and even some museum/site costs. They also usually pick you up at the airport and return you as such once the trip is complete. Although it may not immerse you as intensely as staying with an AirB&B site/host or hostel or camping, you can still have a lot of fun adventuring with some of the stress of planning taken out of moving from one country to the next.
Susan says
You might think about renting an apartment if you will be in the same place for a week or longer. We rented one for 10 days in Spain. It makes it easy to cook your own meals. They can be very affordable. In the UK, the National Trust rents apartments and cottages to tourists.
FarmGirl says
My mom and I really liked CIE tours for our trip to Scotland. It was nice to have it all planned out, have professional tour guides, and scheduled activities and meals. Sometimes all of the research and planning can be overwhelming for us since we both work a lot of overtime so the ease of use for the tours was great. Good luck and safe travels! Have fun!
Janelle says
If you want to stay in one place for a little while as your home base, then National Trust rentals can be great. They come in a variety of price ranges and are all over the UK. I went to northern England with my family a few years ago and we rented a great place. It had a well stocked kitchen for cooking our own meals if we wanted to do so and the house was an old gamekeeper’s cottage so it has so much character. Ours was in a rural area which is what we wanted but I believe they have some that are in villages and towns etc.
Aileen says
Hi Rosaleen
I live in Ireland & can say with certainty even the smallest shops have tinned tuna, tinned sardines & peanut butter. These items would be considered basic staples in many Irish households. Having read your post a number of times, it would seem that both of you have a preference for reasonable priced accommodation so therefore B&Bs would be best suited.
I would suggest as Mavis outlined researching what you wish to do in advance of making any bookings. Be aware that from June to early September is family holiday time & prices are at a premium. Particular areas in Ireland are always expensive e.g. Dublin, Galway & Kerry. Deal directly with the B&Bs rather than through booking engines as you will get the best price. You will be able to negotiate better nightly rates if you are staying longer than 2 nights. Most B&Bs breakfast will keep you going until late afternoon. Make sure that when you are reviewing B&Bs on TripAdvisor that reference is made to a good breakfast. I have direct experience & know that my SIL offers a better choice of options for breakfast at her B&B than the local hotel. It helps she is a chef!
If you do not wish to hire a car, have a look at Paddywagon Tours.
Happy to answer any questions.
Aileen
Cynthia Cunningham Platon says
Aileen, my best friend and I are planning a two week trip to Ireland next May. We plan on renting a car and going where the wind blows us. I did a Paddywagon tour with my mother 4 years ago and it was amazing. May I email you some questions for our upcoming trip? cynplaton@centurytel.net
Heather says
I used Airbnb for my trips to London, Australia and my travel in the US. I love the network and have been very satisfied on each trip. Ask questions of the hosts. We got great ideas and good public transport information. I travel with a skillet and wine bottle opener. We eat breakfast and supper in the apartment and keep to a budget at lunch, exploring restaurants early.
Linda Sand says
I also highly recommend Rick Steves travel information. We were once touring a museum and I was reading his bits to my husband; when I looked up we had a fairly large audience listening to me. I also recommend his bags. We bought two of his bags many years ago and they are still the best travel suitcases we ever found. The ones we bought are now known as his Classic Back Door Bags: https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/classic-backpack
Deborah says
I want Togo to Irland and Scottland one day.
I have been to Spain, but it was on a Transatlantic cruise. The ship was relocating from Florida, USA to Spain. We had 3 stops in different towns in Spain. Cartagena, Malaga, and Barsalona. It was for 14 days, and then we stayed for 4 extra days before flying back. I loved every minute of it.
Karen says
Self catered cottages and rentals are abundant. This category of travel has been popular in Ireland and the U.K. for a very long time. If your focus is Ireland, take a look at Kinsale. It’s a beautiful spot to make as home base. Lots of walkable sights, charming, less touristic and the food capital of Ireland. Food is simple and lovely whether at a local Pub (crab with Irish butter, oysters, lamb) or restaurant. I don’t feel it would be hard at all to stay diet compliant. Oysterhaven is nearby as is Cork. A car is the most convenient way to get around. I also suggest the Ring of Kerry (after you’ve driven a bit in the area it’s less challenging). Sheen Falls also beautiful. A week in Kinsale will fly by. Irish music, water views and total idyllic setting. I feel this is the best way to experience Ireland.
If you go on to other spots take a peek at Holiday Cottages through the National Trust throughout the U.K., Northern Ireland etc. exceptional rentals at reasonable cost.
Train travel in the UK and Scotland is accessible too but some outlying parts of Scotland would be better by car.
Lcg says
Just did airbnb in Dublin 2 months ago and had a wonderful experience. We are two doors from a spar shop (convenience store) and it had eggs, cheese, hummus and sandwich meat as well as fresh veg and yogurt. I think you will easily find what you need.
Toni says
I highly recommend trying Airbnb. Hubby and I have 2 spots for Airbnb on our property – totally private and we get great reviews from our guests. We have fully equipped kitchens, tons of towels, vintage bedding,…..and we make sure that any condiment you want is available, we provide coffee, tea, juice, pop, a frozen pizza, popsicles, and a welcome bowl that is specific to the guests – it always has fruit, snacks you can only buy in Canada (like coffee crisp, Kinder eggs, or ketchup chips, souvenir coffee cups and other small delights. And I gotta say, I scrub those puppies down so they are cleaner than our own home! BTW – we also allow dogs. You can find out what any Airbnb place is like by reading the reviews, and the hosts are usually onsite and love to meet travelers.
Gina says
An affiliate link to Rick Steve’s book or DVD would be a win/win at the end of the article. 😉
Elaine says
Sounds like fun! I had a friend that did house swaps several times and it worked out great for her. She did one with folks from Oxford and she and her family stayed for a month for free!
I had a boyfriend from England and spent quite a bit of time there and a little in Edinburgh and he is a spender! We ate out for EVERY meal and I thought the food was very good. Plenty of fish options on menus, fresh veggies, soups, salads, etc… The World’s End in Edinburgh had the best Shepard’s pie I’ve ever had! So good we ate there 2 days in a row and it was nothing like the Shepard’s “pie” we usually see here. In any case I don’t think eating out will be a problem for your husband (I have no experience with Ireland) If it were me, I’d definitely save my carb intake for the beer because the beer is delicious and the pubs all serve half pints which was great for me because I could sample more without the ill effects. I thought it tasted fresher, better and less filling . Most pubs will offer you a taste before you buy and even if you don’t drink, I recommend popping into the pubs, especially the smaller ones, because you will meet the nicest people and make friends in a heartbeat. Two Brewer’s in Windsor is one of my favorites; it sits just outside the side gate of the castle. (I love Windsor) My boyfriend was a Royal Guard (and he’s Irish) so I swear, he knew every pub in England! The littlest pubs that are the hardest to find were always the best. The people are great, the food was good, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. I had a great time, every time. London has a lot of history and great things to see but I enjoyed the smaller cities and towns much more. Enjoy!
Libby says
You might be interested in reading through SeniorNomads.com blog. They are a retired couple from the Seattle area who have spent the first four YEARS of their retirement traveling around the world. They only stay in AirB&B and have very specific criteria for how they chose where to stay. They spend 7-10 days in each location.
I’m wondering if there is a diabetes association for Ireland and/or England. Could they give you some “boots on the ground” advice.
Google flights is excellent for finding the lowest cost air fares. If you use the calendar function, it will show cost savings by switching to different days, etc.
Finally, I love my Capital One Visa card with the travel rewards. I spent 15 days in France this spring – and stayed in a castle along the way! – and my rewards paid for ALL of my hotels!
Have a great adventure!