6 Budget Travel Tips to lovely Ireland

Enjoy your budget travel to Ireland (image from 

     Ireland is known for its friendly people being warm hosts, traditional music and pub. At the same time, it carries the monicker “Rip-Off Republic” which gives the impression that travelling here is definitely nowhere cheap. Fret not though, being a budget traveler that my friends and I are, we find ways to make  your travel to Ireland a breeze even though you’re on a budget:

1.  Book Ahead. Good thing my friends are seasoned travellers that their idea of booking ahead was indeed astounding. Being a first-timer, I was just surprise at how huge we have saved. This includes flight, accommodation and rental care. This also saves you from the risk of price increases. Rooms in and around Dublin are usually book in advanced as the demand is high. You’ll save about US $9 as opposed to paying your accommodation when you’re there, not to mention it’s in cold cash. Additionally, don’t forget to confirm ahead specially if you have the discount voucher
2.   Sniff for legit bargains. The internet is a fertile ground for budget travel bargain hunting. You can get discount pass and vouchers. Funny, you’ll find it lighter to pay with the voucher rather than the credit card or cash. You may want to check www.ireland.com  and www.tandctrade.com which is the website of Town and Country Homes. You can view at the B&B options that you have with the latter. You may also try the tourist offices. A wonderful tip, make sure that your choice of accommodation accepts voucher that you have so that you will save both effort and money.
3. Avoid high season. This comes along with booking in advanced. Mostly the internet offers great discount during the off-peak season to strategically encourage budget travelers. Bread and Breakfast (B&B) are less crowded as well. Don’t be worried that you might miss the sight at the best time of the year which is usually marketed during high season. The off-peak season will give you a different view, a picture of its own that you will surely appreciate.
4.  Know what you want. If you know what you want, you will be able to save more while enjoying travel in a budget. Make certain of what you would want to see in this beautiful country. If you are undecided, go to the internet and just check the wonderful sites you can see in Ireland or ask a globetrotter friend who has been to this Irish country on which nice place to spot. Are you the adventure type who enjoys the outdoor or would you be happy gaiting in the museum for the historical whiff? The decision is up to you. You may want to check the itinerary of travel tours. Or if you can do the itinerary yourself, then maybe ask the guidance of a travel tour operators only in a specific spot or landmark. In this way, you will only book the essential and perhaps splurge appropriately if you have to or want to. This will also avoid paying for some extras which are on the package but you may not be actually needing so you can just opt out and keep that portion of the money.
5. Travel Light. This is a time and tested tip. This will help you avoid excessive baggage; at the same time, moving around will be a breeze. 
   Although those places we’ve been to are comfortable and with just-enough sitting room space, some if not most B&Bs have small space. Many of the rooms have shower but not a tub.
6. Do not dine out. According to www.about.com, “It is easy to spend € 30 or more for an evening meal in Ireland's restaurants. If you are travelling on a budget, simply avoid evening meals - most restaurants offer cheaper lunchtime menus, some also have an "early bird special" in the late afternoon. Also consider "carveries" in pubs or "family restaurants" (often glorified take-aways with a no-frills interior and a simple menu). Take-out menus are available from many fish and chip shops, Chinese and Indian restaurants or take-aways.”