Happy New Year – and welcome to the Traveling in Ireland podcast!
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For everyone new to the podcast I want to take a minute to introduce myself. My name is Jody Halsted and I am an author, publisher, Ireland vacation coach, tour coordinator, and (obviously) your host on the Traveling in Ireland podcast.
That is a lot! But Ireland is my passion; and my goal -100% – is to help people have an amazing Ireland vacation.
My book, Planning the Ireland Vacation of Your Dreams, is available on Amazon in both print and Kindle editions (and the Kindle edition is included in the Kindle Unlimited library).
My website, Ireland Family Vacations, is a complete resource for Ireland vacation planning – filled with information on what to do & see as well as handy tips for planning your trip.
My vacation coaching services help you maximize your Ireland experience, and my small group guided tours are designed to not only deliver the Ireland you've been dreaming of, but introduce you to the people and hidden places that make the country so very special.
On a more personal note, I have 2 teenage daughters who have been traveling through Ireland with me since before they could toddle, one very understanding husband (who loves it when I plan other peoples vacations because it means I'm not planning my own), and one large, very fluffy, dog who prefers we stay in the US and travel by RV so she can come along.
2021 Ireland Travel Tips
Now that you know all about me, let's jump into what you need to know as you consider planning an Ireland vacation in 2021!
As of today, January 14, 2021, Ireland remains in a Level 5 lockdown through the end of the month – and possibly longer.
Though nothing official has been released there are reports that St. Patrick's Day festivities will be ‘scrapped' and government officials aren't predicting a return to ‘normal' until May or June.
On the travel front, beginning January 16, 2021, a negative COVID test will be required for all passengers arriving in Ireland and those arriving from the UK or South Africa will also be required to self-isolate for 14 days.
Important Ireland Vacation Planning Tips for 2021
Travelers to Ireland (and anywhere else) need to do plenty of research when planning a vacation this year. A few specifics to keep in mind:
– If you do plan to visit Ireland in 2021 make your reservations for July – or later.
– Book your accommodations early. Thousands of people have already rescheduled their 2020 vacations for this year – many accommodations are approaching capacity for the most popular months of July & August.
– Be sure to read cancellation policies! Know exactly what you can expect if your plans are altered – whether you change them or the situation is out of your control.
– Research & make bookings. It's very likely that there will be restrictions on the number of visitors allowed at attractions & visitor centres. Yes, it removes the impulsiveness from your explorations but for tours and sites you really want to visit it will be a MUST this year.
– Stay current on rules & regulations. As you make your plans be sure to research the locations you will visit. Know their rules and be ready to abide by them.
– Book your flights early and don't expect bargains. Yes, the airlines will work to entice you to book your flight and you may find some deals, but reduced flight routes will keep prices higher than you might expect.
My article Booking Your Flight to Ireland teaches you how to set flight alerts with 3 easy-to-use tools and offers tips on how to get the best airfare to Ireland.
– Stay fewer places & take more day trips. This is the perfect year to explore Ireland's ‘hidden' spots. Get out of the busy tourism centres and explore the alternatives to Ireland's most popular locations.
– Plan more time outdoors. Dramatic cliff walks, secret beaches, mountain biking, or just exploring a ruin that time (and most people) forgot. Order a couple of my favorite books to help you find some amazing spots!
– LIKE Ireland Family Vacations on Facebook . I share news & updates from Ireland on that page as it hits my newsfeed.
Thanks for Listening
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