The purpose of this page is to give information on traveling and living in Europe, Ireland in particular. When traveling anywhere, especially when traveling through several countries at once, it is very important to be prepared. While this is by no means a comprehensive site on traveling in Europe, it will present you with realistic options to consider.
Use the links to the left of the page to navigate to the information you are interested in, or simply keep scrolling downward to see it all at once!
The following is the information that anyone who travels should know. Use this information not just when traveling in Europe, but anywhere outside the US.
- Passport: Before they will let you leave the United States, you will need a passport. You can get the application for the passport at your local county clerk's office, a major post office in your area, or at the passport office in Washington D.C. It usually takes about 45 days to get the passport in the mail, so don't wait until the last minute. To get the passport, you will need your birth certificate, 2 passport photos (ask your application center where to get these), and $60. It is true that all passport photos look horrible, so don't be upset when yours does as well.
- Flights: Get your flight booked as early as possible. If you are going with multiple people, find out who they are and when you are supposed to leave and get back so you can make appropriate decisions together. It is much easier for you if you all travel together. Don't depend on anyone else to make travel arrangements for you. If you are going through a college, visit your international studies program office. Chances are they will have scholarship information for people who would like to travel abroad to take courses or student teach. For the cheapest flights, check the Internet. Sites such like Cheaptickets, Travelocity, and Flycheap have many good deals that you can't find otherwise.
- Insurance: Check with your insurance company to see what kind of coverage you have when you are outside of the country.
- Money: It is a good idea to change some of your American money into the currency of the country you wish to travel too. This is good because you will most likely need some quick spending money and there may or may not be an ATM machine available. For other transactions, you can depend on your ATM card if you have one. If you don't, it's a good idea to get one. Make sure your ATM or credit card is either VISA or MASTERCARD as most ATM's and businesses will only accept these card companies. Traveler's Checks are good but you will find them to be a hassle because many merchants do not accept them. Coming back from the country, make sure you change your currency back to US currency before you leave as you are likely to lose less money in the exchange this way. Worried about converting the dollar into other moneys, try this site: www.xe.com/UCC/. Keep in mind that as of January 1st, 2002, all European Union nations will be using the Euro.
- What to Pack: Be sure to pack light if you plan to stay for a limited time. A few good items that will be of a great help are: a converter and adapter set - check WAL-MART, light clothing, an umbrella, an analogue travel clock, a small FM/AM radio-to keep in touch with happenings in the US, rain gear, a backpack - invaluable, comfortable shoes, a digital camera and a regular camera, a travel diary, pictures of your friends, a laundry bag, some old letters, your favorite book, a good jacket, towels, a pair of dressy clothes - for the nightlife. The main rule in packing is to stay simple. Be sure to keep any objects that customs might not like out of the bags completely. Also, keep sharp objects like shaving razors and scissors in the bag you plan to check in.
- Accommodations: Make accommodations well in advance. If you're young, or young at heart, a hostel is probably your best bet. Find hostels in your area of travel at www.hostels.com. See traveling around Ireland and Traveling around Europe for further details in those areas. You local travel store will have specific locations and can even make arrangements for you.
- Food: If at all possible, get to a shopping center when you arrive. Eating out, especially in Europe can be very expensive and will add up over the days and weeks of your stay. Many hotels, hostels, and bed and breakfasts have kitchens available for you to make small meals. Stick to ready to serve meals for a less expensive, faster dinner.
- Communication: At some point you may wish to call your friends and relatives to tell them you have survived the trip. Your best option is to keep a phone care with you at all times. You never know if you will have the ability to call long distance where you are staying. If at all possible, keep your communication to email. In most European nations, there are "Internet cafes" where, for a small fee, you can exchange letters with your friends. Snail mail (UPS, FEDEX, etc.) can be very expensive for things like packages so be mindful of the cost when asking parents and friends to send you stuff.
- Other Sources: Talk with everyone you know who has gone to your destination for advice. Beware though because in some cases, a bad experience could set a precedent for the advice that is given. Other helpful places are your local travel office, your local bookstores, and libraries.
The following is information concerning Ireland. While seemingly small, Ireland has much to offer in its history and culture if one knows how to tap into it.
- For general info on Ireland, try this site. For Limerick specific info, try this site.
- Before you travel anywhere in Ireland, obtain a USIC card. This is an International Student Identification Card. Using this card, you can get many of the services in Ireland, and in Europe, at a reduced price. This includes bus/train travel, flight arrangement with certain companies, as well as in several local merchant shops such as Supermacs (fast food). You can obtain this card in America before you leave or in Ireland at any of the many USIC offices. Also, many colleges have this option available in the international studies department or in the student union
- In Ireland, the best way to travel - and the cheapest - is either by bus or train. Renting a car is very expensive unless you have several people involved. Although you can buy tickets when you get on the bus, it is preferred that you buy your tickets at either the bus station or at one of the many merchants that sell them. Usually, a merchant near the bus stop you are at will sell them. Also, look for deals on bus travel. For instance, in Limerick, the bus is free on Saturdays within the city limits. Time tables for both the bus and trains can be picked up at your local bus depot or even at your accommodations. Ask around.
- The best places to stay are probably the hotels, but if your are young or are interested in spending your money on souvenirs and not accommodations, your best bet is to stay in a hostel. At the local travel stores, you will find maps that give you a listing of the hostels in your area. Many hostels are for specific people, but there are also hostels that are designated for tourists, so ask! A good site for finding hostels in Ireland is www.hostels.com.
- The best thing about going anywhere is meeting new people. So when you are in another country, Ireland included, be social. Take the time to think of questions and don't be afraid to ask. Everyone is a little nervous when they first get to a place that is different, but by talking and making new connections, the place you are staying in will seem like home in no time. CAUTION: be mindful of the assumptions you make about other countries. Your actions are more than a reflection of yourself, they are a reflection of your country as well. Don't ruin the next person's trip by making a comment that might offend someone. When in doubt ask first.
- Pubs in Ireland are a great place to meet and enjoy Irish culture. The music will be primarily traditional Irish tunes played using a fiddle, banjo, guitar, a tin whistle, and any number of other instruments. In more college student oriented bars, you will find that the music is primarily American. The same is true for disco's, which are usually connected the back of the bar. In Ireland, many of the bars will close early, but the disco will stay open until as late as 3 or 4 in the morning.
- Speaking of time, be conscious that there is a 5 hour difference between the United States and Ireland. This is a good thing to know when calling home!
- Ask your host what areas of town are best avoided. Just as in the United States, there are good and bad parts of town. In Limerick for example, there are specific areas such as Southill that are known for their danger. Try not to walk alone at night if at all possible. Believe it or not, people can tell just by what you are wearing that you are not Irish, and that you are probably American. Be mindful of this fact when walking because tourists are often subjects of crime.
- If at all possible, visit the countryside. Places such as the Cliffs of Moher, Bunrattey Castle, and Crag Caves are just a few examples of what Ireland has to offer to its tourists. Take the time to enjoy each place for its unique slender.
- Drinking: This is the information you really wanted! Guinness, Carling, Kilkenny, and Bloomers (a cider) are traditional Irish beers that can be found in most Irish pubs. Other foreign beers can also be found. Most beers come in sizes of "pint" and "half-pint." A pint is about 14 oz, a little more than the can of Bud you are used to. Beer in Ireland is very expensive, with a beer costing between £2.25 and £2.70 ($2.81 and $3.37). Most pubs do not sell the cocktails that are common to American bars, however most will have staple liquors such as whiskey, port, vodka, and gin in case you like drinking it straight. You must be 18 to drink in Ireland.
Ahh Europe! It seems that no life is complete without making a trip to the nations across the Atlantic. The following is a few simple things that will help you to make the journey easier.
- Once you get to Europe, travel is relatively cheap. Just as in the United States, there are low budget airlines that offer rates that are very low compared to the major companies such as Aer Lingus or British Airways. One in particular, RyanAir offers very cheap flights and constantly offers deals for traveling to major cities in Europe. Using RyanAir, you can travel to London and catch a connection to just about any major city. The trade off is that you will not get the service you may have become accustomed to, and you will most likely land in an airport that is smaller and a little further from the city's core. Still though, the rates are more than worth it!
- Once you get to the city of your choice. Get both a map to the metro and a map to the city as soon as possible. If you can, get these before you arrive as you will need them for the majority of your journey.
- If possible, use your friends back home to get connections in the place where you will be visiting. If you have a place to stay, you will have more money for other things, plus you will meet more people as well.
- Traveling alone can have its advantages. You get the experience of being alone in a strange city as well as the freedom to do as you like on your own time table. Be cautious though of the fact that you are alone. Be sure to have emergency numbers on hand at all times. If possible, bring a mobile phone for quick phone access. Always carry a phone card with you!
- Bring a book bag with you when you go. While it's good to have a suitcase, the less baggage you have the better. Plus with a book bag, you have a place to store the things you buy as well as a comfortable mobile storage compartment for maps and such (you will be less obvious as a tourist).
- Always carry your passport with you unless you plan to be in the area for a prolonged period of time. In this case, don't carry your passport as it might get misplaced easily.
-
For more info on European countries, try www.hostels.com. It not only has info on hostels, but also on the countries themselves. Also, check out your local bookstore for a guide book.
Differences in the English Language
So you think you know English huh? Over the years, because of its separation and the constant mixture of other culture's dialects, America has developed a language that is unique when compared to other English speaking nations. While the differences are few and easily dealt with, it is useful to know some of the basics before traveling. Below is a list of American words and their European (mainly Irish) counterpart.
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Buckingham Palace, England
- boy - lad
- girl - lass
- sweater - jumper
- French fries - chips
- potato chips - crisps
- line - queue
- tennis shoes - runners
- very nice - lovely
- great - grand
- good-bye - cheers
- cigarette - fag
- schedule - time table
- biscuit - scone
- subway - underground
- highway lane - carriageway
- pass - overtake
- traffic circle - round about
- TV - telly
- apartment - flat
- rent - hire/let
- ketchup - sauce
- sassy - cheeky
- zero - naught
- two weeks from now - fortnight
- "if you're smart" - "if you're cute"
- elevator - lift
Because everyone has a question or two that has not been covered yet!
Q: Is it better to walk or take a bus around the cities?
A: If you are a somewhat fit person, you should probably walk it. In most cases, the things you want to see are within a one or two mile radius. By walking you have the opportunity to experience real culture and the life outside of the tourist areas.
Q: What is the average price for a hostel?
A: It depends on where you are. In England, you can count on a London hostel to cost about 20£ (about $25), while in the country it may only be 9 or 10£ (about $14). In most cases you will stay in a dorm room style setup where you share the room with several other people. Some hostels do give individual rooms as well though.
Q: Is it possible to get away from McDonalds and Burger King?
A: In short, No. There are fast food restaurants in most major cities. Do you really think that these places would give up the chance to make money in other countries.
Q: What is the weather like in Ireland?
A: In Ireland, the weather consists of a lot of rain. Rain is a little different in Ireland though. In most cases, it is more of a drizzle with a lot of wind mixed in. For the most part, it is mild during the morning and then rainy during the evening. It is rare to find the ground dry when you wake in the morning in Ireland.
Q: What are the currencies of Europe?
A: As of January 2002, the official currency in 13 major European nations is the Euro (€). This includes Ireland but does not include England, who still operates under the English Sterling Pound (£). Many say that eventually England will be forced to change because of the loss in value of the pound, but we shall see what the future holds. In case you're wondering, the US dollar is bound to lose value as well, but because it is so widely used in the United States, it will lose value at a slower rate than the English pound.
Q: What language is spoken in Ireland?
A: English is the primary language of Ireland, although Gaelic is used and taught in schools as well. The use of English as a language is expanding and it is expected that the decline of Gaelic will continue. Gaelic originates from ancient times and was outlawed when Ireland was under English rule. After Ireland's independence, Gaelic was once again promoted with slight success.
Q: How do the Irish feel about Americans?
A: Ireland is very supportive of America. You must keep in mind that during the potato famine in the mid 1800's, several thousand Irish peoples emigrated to the United States for hope of a new life. Since, that number has turned in to millions of people in the United States that are of Irish decent. Therefore, Ireland holds a very close bond to the United States. As a result, the United States has helped Ireland to gain economic ground to make it the fastest growing economy in Europe and in the world. This is due partly to technological investments made by American companies.
