Two of us are planning a two week trip in May. We are planning to head straight to Galway from Dublin, then work our way counterclockwise back to Dublin. We'd like to stay in B&B's for most of our visit. How important is it to secure reservations ahead of time? Would we have trouble finding accommodations if we waited until a day or two before we arrive? We are not adverse to staying in hotels/motels, but would prefer B&B.
Posted by
1172 posts
I would book ahead. I always book ahead as I hate, hate, hate wasting my time finding accommodations when I get somewhere. I would much rather spend my time visiting and taking in the sites and culture than trying to find where I am going to sleep that night.
You will find others who love booking last minute.... really depends on your travel style I would say.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2828 posts
Per Sharon, it really depends on your preference. In May you'll be ahead of the big influx of tourists that begins once schools go on holiday in June, and the BnB'S will just be opening for the season, so you should have plenty of available options if you choose to "book as you go". Personally, we like to book well in advance to insure that we get our first choices, but that's just us...
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thank you for your replies.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7567 posts
I find the best balance in a trip like this is to have a short list of good options for each destination, well vetted before hand, maybe even an email or two to the B&B letting them know you will be in the area. Then as you go, and your plans firm up, book as is comfortable, calling or online the day before. At that time of year, even if your first choice is booked, the second rarely is, and the third choice all but never.
I do usually book my first and last nights, just because I know where I will be, but even just showing up I have never "wasted time" getting a room.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thank you Paul. That's probably what we'll do. We travel all over the US that way and love the freedom it gives us. Just didn't know how tight things were in Ireland that time of year.