Six (older) Oregonians taking RS 14-day Ireland 9/08 tour. None have traveled to Europe before. Getting there is mystery. Any recommendations on best airlines (plane size, treatment)? Some want to use air miles to east coast and connect with Ireland flight. Others want to do direct flight (from Portland or west coast cities). Money is minor worry (expensive in any case); ability to endure long flights (direct vs. connection problems?) and jet lag (break up trip or arrive early/sleep it off?) the major concerns.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
Check out this site for recommendations on sleeping on the plane, packing, etc.
If you can get a direct flight, do it. It will be a long flight regardless, if you can take several hours off your trip by going direct, it's worth it.
Get to Ireland at least one full day before so you can adjust to the time, see this site for jet lag cures. If you can arrive a couple of days early and leave a couple of days after the tour ends, you will have some time to explore on your own.
Posted by
OP
McMinnville, Oregon, USA
2 posts
Thanks for response, but, what site are you referring to? -- Ken
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32201 posts
Ken,
Especially as "none have traveled to Europe before", my preference would be to forget the Air Miles and connecting on the east coast, in favour of the most direct flight you can find. It's going to be a LONG flight regardless, and connecting flights and layovers only complicate matters (and makes the trip more tiring).
Which day in Sept. does your tour start? If your time is flexible, one option you might consider is to travel via Bus or Air to Vancouver B.C. and take a direct flight to Belfast via Zoom. Depending on the date, flights are priced as low as Cdn$279 each way (plus applicable taxes and fees, of course). If your budget allows, use the "Premium Economy" seating, as it provides slightly better seat pitch, faster check-in, more relaxed luggage weight limits, etc. From Belfast it's an easy and pleasant 2-hour ride to Connolly Station in Dublin. Take a Taxi to your Hotel.
I took the RS Ireland tour last fall. You'll have a great time!
Happy travels!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Ken/Linda, Brad was referring to THIS site. You can use the search box on the top right to look for information, or just scroll down through the topics to find things that pertain to your situation. You can also check the Travel Tips section for information. I'd agree with Ken and Brad, though, you're better off just getting there through the most direct flight possible to save confusion and connection problems, as well as trying to match up travelers coming from different places. I've always flown Aer Lingus to Ireland, but I'm not sure they fly from the Portland area.