A few last notes......

Can’t believe we leave on Saturday for London and we’ll see all of you lovely people the following Saturday in Shannon, Ireland.

A few last things to pass along - There are tipping guidelines in the Ireland and Britain Go-To Guide that came with our backpacks if you want to take a look.

Driver Tip – CIE Tours suggested gratuity for our driver is 8 Euros per person per day (7 days). That is 56 Euro ($66.00 US) total per person for our trip. The good news is that the tour price we charged you included gratuity for the driver. So, you are covered. At the end of the trip, Mic will provide the driver with the gratuity for the entire group. We are all about making this trip easy and fun! Oh, and EPIC, too!

Hotels – We requested that all rooms have two twin beds. Our reasoning was that two twin beds actually give you two more inches in width than a King bed. The CIE tours website says “rooms are Twin (2 separate single beds) or Double (usually a queen size but subject to each hotel’s discretion and availability).” We are in very nice hotels and I anticipate excellent accommodations. I just wanted to give you a heads-up on that.

Arrivals – We have two couples arriving a little later. Kate & Andrew at 11:20am and Brian & Nicole at 10:10am. All others are scheduled to arrive around 9am. Our driver will be at the airport at 9:15am. Bob and I will already be in Shannon so look for us in Airport Arrivals after you go through Immigration and Customs. Those staying at airport hotels, please meet us at Airport Arrivals at 9:15am. The plan is to load up and go out to breakfast. For the two couples arriving a little later, we have requested a Breakfast Box and coffee to go. After breakfast, we will swing back by the airport to get our last two couples. I promise we won’t leave you behind! If flights get delayed, we will adjust as needed.

I think that is all for now. If you haven’t already, please download WhatsApp on your cell phones. If you already have it and I haven’t added you to the group, double check to make sure you are signed in.

Cheerio!

Caren & Mic

Only 18 more days until our Ireland journey begins!!!

More ideas to share:

ATM - You will almost always get the best exchange rate when buying foreign currency with an ATM. Many travelers hit the ATM at the airport when they land. I know I do. Kos suggested checking with you bank to see if there is a daily withdraw limit when traveling abroad. I did not have that problem with Wells Fargo but good to check. Remember to let your bank and any credit cards you plan to use know when and where you are traveling. You can do this on their website or by calling.

You may also want to check with your cell phone carrier and ask about your coverage in Ireland. I’m T-Mobile Global Network. When I called they said my data and texts were free but calls were 25 cents per minute. Now I know.

WhatsApp – Nine of us are in the group already. It looks like all you need to do is download the app (it’s free) from your Play Store on your phone. I will be able to see you then and add you to the group. Remember to go to SETTINGS and turn off notifications unless you want it to ding every time someone gives a thumbs-up or responds. I know I don’t.

If I am forgetting anything or you have some travel tips to share, let me know and I’ll include them in next week’s email. It may be the last official one as Bob and I leave for England on Sept. 1. Of course, I can communicate from the road but I’m hoping to get all the information to you before we leave. The beauty of WhatsApp is that once we are all on there we will have instant communication for the group. See you all soon!

Caren

34 Days Until We Take Off for Ireland!!!

I encourage everyone to pack very light. Comfortable, casual clothes are all you will need for the Begley Ireland Trip. Oh, and a lightweight jacket, too. We like to carry on our luggage. It’s ideal if you can. I traveled to Italy for 17 days (see pic below) with only a small carryon bag and a backpack. I also packed a foldable backpack to bring a few treasures home with me. Hotels should have hairdryers, no need to pack one. FYI my hair is a lot longer now ;-) !

WEATHER – Historical Averages for September per AccuWeather

SUN 9/2 68° /55° A morning shower in spots Hist. Avg. 65°/51°	MON 9/3 65° /55° An afternoon shower in spots Hist. Avg. 64°/51°	TUE 9/4 66° /54° A morning shower in places Hist. Avg. 64°/51°	WED 9/5 67° /54° Mostly cloudy, a shower Hist. Avg. 64°/51°	THU 9/6 63° /51° Rather cloudy, a few showers Hist. Avg. 64°/51°	FRI 9/7 63° /53° Mostly cloudy Hist. Avg. 64°/51°	SAT 9/8 62° /51° A little morning rain; cloudy Hist. Avg. 64°/51°
SUN 9/9 65° /51° Mostly cloudy Hist. Avg. 64°/51°	MON 9/10 65° /53° Mostly sunny Hist. Avg. 64°/51°	TUE 9/11 67° /53° Mostly sunny Hist. Avg. 63°/51°	WED 9/12 67° /52° Mainly cloudy, a shower Hist. Avg. 63°/50°	THU 9/13 64° /49° Couple of thunderstorms Hist. Avg. 63°/50°	FRI 9/14 65° /52° A thunderstorm in the area Hist. Avg. 63°/50°	SAT 9/15 66° /50° Sunny Hist. Avg. 63°/50°

You’ve Got MAIL – In the next few weeks CIE Tours will be sending you a package with:

• 1 Luggage Strap
• 1 Backpack
• 1 Rain Poncho w/ Pouch
• 1 Document Wallet
• 2 Luggage Tags
• 1 International Travel Adapter
• 1 Name Tag
• 1 “Go-To Guide”- This booklet will include:
• 2 Group insurance information –for those who purchased the CIE Tours’ Group Insurance Plan
• Day-by-day Itinerary & Hotel Information
• Know Before You Go Information - Please encourage everyone in your group to read before departure.

I think that is about it for now. Ireland awaits us!

Smiles,

Caren & Mic

Trip Details

Hi All, It seems like forever since we started sharing all the details so I wanted to put them out there again so we all know what to expect in just under 60 days!!! WOWWWW!!!!! Also, below is Hotel information and phone numbers. Smiles, Caren

CONFIRMED HOTELS
Park House Hotel, Galway- 2 nights
Muckross Park Hotel, Killarney- 3 nights
Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis- 1 night

TOUR INCLUDES

Exclusive transport by luxury motorcoach with a driver/guide

Meet and greet service with one group transfer upon arrival and departure at the airport

Hotel accommodation based on twin bedded rooms with private bath as listed for 6 nights

Full breakfasts (7)

Table d'hôte dinners (2) 

Welcome get-together drink

Guided walking tours of Galway & Ennis

Excursion to the Aran Islands

Passage on the Tarbert Ferry

Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney

Irish coffee at Foynes Flying Boat Museum

Visits and admission fees to: 
   Cliffs of Moher
   Killarney National Park
   Dingle Distillery

Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes

Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap 

Begley Family

Day 1: DEPART THE UNITED STATES
Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation.

Day 2: SHANNON ARRIVAL
After customs and immigration formalities at Shannon Airport your CIE Tours driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland. Have breakfast at a local venue with your group before traveling to Galway where you will join a local guide for a gentle walking tour. See the medieval city walls Lynchs Castle and the narrow streets. Then transfer to your nearby hotel check in and enjoy some time to settle into your room. In the evening join your fellow travelers for a welcome drink followed by dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Day 3: ARAN ISLANDS & DUN AENGUS
This morning take a short ferry ride from Rossaveal to Inis Mor the largest of the three Aran Islands. These rocky islands are renowned for the hardy islanders who maintained traditional fishing and farming. The Irish language is still spoken widely. Next take a minibus ride to Dun Aengus a huge pre-historic fortress perched on sheer cliffs which fall away to the Atlantic Ocean below. Have a look around Kilronan before heading back to Galway for a free evening.

Day 4: CLIFFS OF MOHER
Leaving Galway drive along the coast of scenic County Clare. Stop to visit the Cliffs of Moher one of Irelands most beloved natural landmarks. See magical vistas overlooking the shimmering Atlantic Ocean along with Irelands Western coastline. Next take a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary. Continue to Killarney so you can check into your hotel. You may wish to explore some of Killarney before dining on your own.

Day 5: JAUNTING CAR RIDE
After breakfast take a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the grounds of the Killarney National Park. Then explore some of the national park which is roughly 24700 acres of beautiful scenery. The remainder of the day is free for individual pursuits and dining.

Day 6: DINGLE PENINSULA DRIVE
Today discover the beauties of the Dingle Peninsula once described by the National Geographic Traveler as the most beautiful place on earth. Drive along the south shore of the peninsula for plenty of vistas of heathery mountains sandy stretches of beach stunning green landscapes and rocky headlands. Pause at strategic locations to admire the views and take photos. Continue on to Slea Head at the western tip of the peninsula. This excursion will give you excellent views of mountains and coastline and looking over to the Iveragh Peninsula. If time permits stop for photos in front of Begleys B&B before visiting Dingle Distillery. The Dingle Distillery is known for its distinctive whiskey gin and vodka. After a tour of the facility enjoy a sample of the finished product before returning to Killarney for a free evening.

Day 7: FOYNES MUSEUM & ENNIS
Depart Killarney and drive a short distance to Foynes. Upon arrival visit the Flying Boat Museum which recalls the early days of air travel during the 1930s and early 1940s. Irish coffee was first created here to warm frozen weary travelers and you will learn how to make a perfect one and then drink it. Next embark on a walking tour of Ennis to see the principal sights and learn some of the towns vibrant history. The town dates back to the 11th century and is full of character with its narrow streetscapes quaint shops monuments and markets which give the town a medieval feeling. Then check into your hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.

Day 8: RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES
Transfer to Shannon Airport in good time to check in for your flight. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores before boarding your aircraft and flying across the Atlantic Ocean back to the United States.

HOTEL INFORMATION

GALWAY, IRELAND 08 Sep 2018 - 09 Sep 2018 Park House Hotel Forster Street Eyre Square Co Galway IRELAND Phone: +353-91-564924

GALWAY, IRELAND 09 Sep 2018 - 10 Sep 2018 Park House Hotel Forster Street Eyre Square Co Galway IRELAND Phone: +353-91-564924

KERRY, IRELAND 10 Sep 2018 - 13 Sep 2018 Muckross Park Hotel & Spa Muckross Killarney Co Kerry IRELAND Phone: +353-64-6623400

CLARE, IRELAND 13 Sep 2018 - 14 Sep 2018 Temple Gate Hotel The Square Ennis Co Clare IRELAND Phone: +353-65-6823300

Final Payment Due June 20th

OMG time is flying by!

How is it June 10^th ALREADY!

I checked the countdown clock it say 88 days until we leave for Ireland!!!

June 20^th is the date our final payment of $1248 per person is due. Same as before checks, charges, or Paypal all work.  Pick you fave.

Final payments have already been received for:

Bob Begley

Greg & Julie

Marie

Katie

Andrew

Maureen & John
Anita & Rich

I STILL need to renew my Passport. Also, I haven’t started that walking program I promised myself I would do. So I'd better get busy!

Love, light, and see you all before we know it in Ireland!

Smiles,

Caren

Dates to Remember

Hi Everyone!

Hope you are all well and happy! Trip plans and arrangements are going awesome. Everyone has paid their deposits. Yay, and thanks!

Our next deadline is May 20^th. That is the final date to cancel your participation and still receive your deposit back. Of course, we hope no one needs to do this because Mic and I are excited to explore Ireland with each of you.

June 20^th is the deadline to pay the final amount $1248 per person ($1498-$250 deposit). Don’t worry I’ll remind you in plenty of time.

Love and light,

Caren

Deposit Due Date Coming

Hey Y’all!

Thanks for all the payments coming in. A couple of quick notes:

The $250 per person Deposit & Travel Protection Plan ($199 optional) is due by April 20^th.

There is still plenty of time to send a check if you want. Make payable to Caren Albers. Mail to: Caren Albers, 7913 N. Lagoon Dr., Panama City Beach, FL 32408.

PayPal – caren.albers@gmail.com. Use “Send Money to Friends and Family” option so that no fees are charged (per PayPal no fee when use a bank account or balance to send in the US)

Credit Cards – I will need your credit card number, expiration date, security code, and name on the card.

Other dates to remember:

May 20^th - the last day to cancel your participation and still receive your deposit back. After May 20^th the trip is non-refundable. (I had to move this date up a little because of deadlines to enter our information into the CIE computer system.)

June 20^th - Final Payment is due by.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Smiles,

Caren

P.S. Payments received so far: Ruth A, Maureen & John, Andrew & Katie, Brian & Nicole, Sharon & Bill, and Julie & Greg.  If you made a payment and you don’t see your name here, let me know so I can track it down.