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Note: All travel is subject to frequently-changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state, and local advisories before scheduling trips.

COVID aside, winter is not an ideal time to visit Ireland. But if you’re ready to plan a trip to the Emerald Isle in spring or summer, winter is a great time to start planning. With seemingly endless natural splendor, a renowned reputation for hospitable residents, and highly walkable cities, a trip to Ireland makes for an excellent re-introduction to Europe, and it doesn’t have to blow your budget. Here are seven prime ways to experience the Emerald Isle without having to uncover a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

RELATED: 9 gorgeous hostels in Europe starting at $10 a night

Let the locals direct your pub crawl

The worldwide reputation of the Irish pub pretty much precedes itself, and if you’re headed to Ireland, it’s somewhere between likely and inevitable that hitting a few pubs is somewhere on your agenda. Rather than agonizing over various reviews and guides ahead of time, here’s a suggestion: Let the locals do the work for you. Pick the closest pub to your accommodations that looks good to you, pop in, chat up the bartender or a willing local, and before you know it, you’ll have a fully loaded, local-approved drinking itinerary. A benefit of this approach is the ability to indicate your preferences, whether you’re looking for something hip and contemporary or if you’re interested in a postcard-perfect spot to hear some trad music (traditional Irish folk music). Who knows, you might even find yourself with some new drinking buddies.

Find great deals on Dublin hotels right here.

Bike your way through Killarney National Park

County Kerry is stunning in general, and Killarney National Park is arguably its crown jewel. Many will suggest you rent a car and drive the full Ring of Kerry, and if you can swing it that’s a fine choice. (Look for car rental deals here.) But with car-rental prices at an all-time high, reaching Killarney via train and renting a bike makes for a budget-friendlier option that puts you within easy distance of sites like Muckross House, Ross Castle, and Torc Waterfall. More ambitious riders can even make a day trip of reaching the stunning Gap of Dunloe. If an extra €10 isn’t too much, the quick ferry to Innisfallen, an island on Lough Leane that includes the ruins of a 10th-century monastery, is well worth the modest price tag.

Find great deals on Killarney hotels right here.

Demolish a full Irish breakfast

Provided that pork is on the menu for you, you’d be remiss not to devour the full Irish breakfast at least once during your trip. For the uninitiated, said breakfast will include some if not all of the following: bacon, sausage, eggs, tomato, beans, mushrooms, toast, and black and white pudding (sausage-like dishes typically stuffed with pork and grains). This is another case where surveying locals is likely to point you in the direction of a good breakfast at a good price, but even if you just fly blind you’re still likely to leave happy and full. The latter element is worth knowing, because if you finish the whole thing, it’s quite possible you won’t need to eat again until dinner.

Add value to your trip by using the “free breakfast” filter when searching hotels.

Stage your own GOT reenactment

Northern Ireland (that’s the six counties that are part of the United Kingdom for those who skipped European history) is rich with sites that figured prominently into the filming of the hit HBO series, with Belfast serving as the primary base of operations during the show’s run. If you want to spring for it, there are plenty of tours that will schlep you around to various sites at a reasonable cost, but if you want to sort out your own transit, most of the sites are free to visit, giving you the chance to channel your inner Arya fleeing Kings Landing via the Dark Hedges or take in Dunluce Castle, which served as the basis for the Greyjoy’s Castle Pyke. Here’s a list of Northern Irish sites used in the show.

Find a lovely place to stay in Belfast here.

Tour a brewery or distillery

If you’re going to be sampling the beer and whiskey in pubs, the least you can do is take some time out to appreciate how it’s made. Guinness’ St. James Gate brewery is a hugely popular destination for a reason, and the pint you’ll enjoy at the culmination of the tour is almost worth the €18.50 admission on its own, thanks to a stunning 360 degree view of Dublin that comes with it. Whiskey aficionados may find themselves drawn to Jameson or Bushmills, but if this sort of thing interests you, be advised that Ireland has seen a surge in craft breweries and distilleries in recent years that may offer more intimate and economical tour options.

Find great deals on Dublin hotels right here.

Get lost in Galway

It’s no secret that putting one foot in front of the other is the best way to get acquainted with most cities, but the charming cobblestone streets of Galway’s Latin Quarter along the River Corrib particularly lend themselves to aimless sightseeing. The medieval city’s got an arty, bohemian vibe so you’ll find plenty of interesting shops and cafes to explore, as. well. The Salthill Promenade is another popular choice for a stroll, offering a pleasant path along Galway Bay and a view of the Aran Islands (where they make those sweaters you’ll see in every Irish gift shop) on a clear day. Basically, Galway is one of Ireland’s most pleasantly walkable cities, so take advantage of it.

Find great deals on Galway hotels right here.

Conquer Ireland’s rugged coastline

Ireland’s coast is rich with stunning scenery and if you have the time and money at your disposal for a car or a guided tour, sites like the Cliffs of Moher or the Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula are well worth the effort. However, if you’re more limited, or if you’re stopping in Dublin as part of a larger European travel experience but still want to sneak in some natural beauty, Howth makes for an excellent choice. It’s easily accessible from Dublin by train, and the scenic paths along the cliffs offer hikes of different lengths depending on how ambitious you’re feeling. Complete the journey with some fish and chips at one of the local pubs.

Find great deals on Dublin hotels right here.

Tagged: Cheap Tips, City, Destinations, International, Types of Travel

Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site.

Matt Lynch

Matt Lynch

Matt Lynch

Latest posts by Matt Lynch (see all)

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Halloween is one of the world’s oldest holidays. For some reason, the living thoroughly enjoy celebrating the dead and the after life… But who are we to complain? We love Halloween. Here is a list of how three drastically different cultures celebrate the dead.

RELATED: Have the fright of your life at these haunted hotels

Ireland

Many believe that Ireland’s ancient Samhain holiday is what morphed into what the western world calls Halloween today. It first began as a Celtic fire festival and took on many different names as the years passed and Christianity influenced Irish culture.

In many places where it is practiced, Samhain falls around the same time that growing season ends, when October turns to November. It is believed that the veil between this life and the afterlife becomes thinner during this transition.

Unlike some of the other holidays on this list, Samhain is thought to be a very serious and spiritual holiday for witches, Wiccans, Druids and other Pagans who observe it, and involves many different rituals and practices.

One such ritual involves starting a bonfire outdoors or a small fire in a fireplace, writing down one of your bad habits that you wish to stop and then throwing it into the flames. As you do this, imagine a positive change inyour life and move around the fire clockwise.

On the holiday, bonfires can be found lighting up the night in the Irish countryside.

Snap-Apple Night, painted by Irish artist Daniel Maclise in 1833, inspired by a Halloween party he attended in Blarney, Ireland, in 1832. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Snap-Apple Night, painted by Irish artist Daniel Maclise in 1833, inspired by a Halloween party he attended in Blarney, Ireland, in 1832. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Mexico

Dia de los Muertos is an elaborate and complicated Mexican holiday, which combines Aztec and Catholic traditions. It is celebrated on November 1 and 2 throughout Latin America, namely in Mexico.

Although this is a holiday based on death, it is anything but scary. It is celebrated with lively and colorful parties, activities, food and drink.

Those who celebrate Dia de los Muertos believe that their loved-ones who have passed on would be offended by mourning and sadness, and so they take part in all of the activities the dead would have enjoyed during life.

Dia de los Muertos is widely known for its imagery, especially the lively skeletons and skulls that are used to represent the dead. These colorful characters can be found in every corner during the holiday.

Families will take their time elaborately decorating their past family members’ graves during the holiday, as well as creating “ofrendas,” or altars, as a sign of love and respect.

Ofrendas will typically include the loved-one’s favorite food and drinks as well as flowers, candles and photos.

By Jaredzimmerman (WMF) (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

By Jaredzimmerman (WMF) (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

China

The Chinese have several holidays that are dedicated to celebrating ghosts and the afterlife. These holidays include the Qing Ming Festival, the Spring Festival and the Double Ninth Festival.

Another of these festivals is the Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as the Zhongyuan Festival by Taoists and the Yulanpen Festival by Buddhists, which falls on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. This specific date was chosen because of the traditional Chinese belief that the seventh month is when restless spirits roam the earth.

During this ancient holiday, many people in China hope to please the restless ghosts and “feed” their ancestors as well, linking the holiday to the Chinese tradition of ancestor worship.

If you visit a Hungry Ghost celebration, be prepared to witness many roadside fires and burnings of offerings for ghosts and ancestors to use in the afterlife. Offerings include food, gifts and even some faux cash.

Entertainment is also important to those who have passed on tothe afterlife. The Hungry Ghost Festivals often include Chinese operas and other live stage performances, which feature tales of gods and goddesses. You can also find stand-up comedy, and numerous song and dance performances.

Hungry Ghost Festival: For one long lunar month during the Hungry Ghost Festival, ghosts are said to roam the earth. Paper money & other offerings are burned to appease the restless spirits. By Juin Hoo, (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/), via Flickr.

For one long lunar month during the Hungry Ghost Festival, ghosts are said to roam the earth. By Juin Hoo, (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/), via Flickr.

Tagged: Holidays

Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site.

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You reach your final destination and drop your bags in your hotel, too exhausted to think about what to do and where to go first. Now what? To the summit of course! You’ve never truly experienced a city until you’ve seen it from above, so make it the first stop on your trip. Really get the lay of the land you’re about to explore, and head to the top of the nearest cathedral/duomo/tall building. If you can, grab a drink while you’re up there–do it. 

Related: 5 U.S. scenic drives that prove getting there is half the fun

Courtesy of Ally Marotti.

Courtesy of Ally Marotti.

Campanile di San Marco, Venice, Italy

Attached to the cathedral in the bustling Piazza San Marco, this bell tower was originally built in the 9th century. It has undergone several rebuilds since then, but has always served as one of the first sights for visitors arriving to Venice by sea. A quick elevator ride to the top will provide the most spectacular sights in town, and possibly in the whole country. Go at dusk, just as the sun dips below the horizon, and watch the sunset reflect off the canals, illuminating the city in the purple hue. Cost is 2 euros ($2.17). 

Courtesy of Ally Marotti.

Courtesy of Ally Marotti.

Carew Tower, Cincinnati, Ohio

The Carew Tower is only the second tallest building in this river city, but the view from the observation deck on the 49th floor is first rate. You can see three states, distinguish Cincinnati’s famous seven hills, and even watch traffic back up on Interstate 75. It’s $4 to get in and there’s a gift shop at the top. Don’t let the janky elevator deter you, and wait until it gets warmer to go—it can get pretty windy up there.

Courtesy of  Jiuguang Wang.

Courtesy of Jiuguang Wang.

Cologne Cathedral, Cologne, Germany

Construction on the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, and it is one of the oldest structures along the Rhine River, seeing as most buildings this old were bombed during World War II. But it wasn’t without wounds. It survived 14 bombs and underwent an extensive renovation since then. Now, for 4 euros (about $4.33) adults can climb hundreds of stairs to the top of the cathedral for a stunning view of Cologne, seeing sights both old and new. Tour the rest of the cathedral while you’re in there.

 

Courtesy of Ally Marotti.

Courtesy of Ally Marotti.

Signature Lounge in the John Hancock Building, Chicago, Illinois 

Chicago is nearing the trifecta of observation decks, with the Willis Tower Skydeck ($19.50 for adults), 360 Chicago ($19 per adult), and talks of a potential third viewpoint in a skyscraper overlooking Millennium Park. But $20 is too tall an order for a great view. Hit the Signature Lounge in the John Hancock Building on the 96th floor. It’s free to get into the bar and the views areastounding day or night. All you have to do is spring for a drink.

 

Courtesy of mhx.

Courtesy of mhx.

Saint Paul’s Cathedral, London, England

This Anglican cathedral opened in 1708 and rises 365 feet above the streets of London. Visitors exploring the cathedral can climb 528 steps up to the Golden Gallery for panoramic views of the city. The ticket to this one is a little pricier at 15.50 pounds ($24.11), because it includes access to the entire cathedral. It is ripe with history and beauty though, and worth it for the trip. Plus climbing all those stairs is a nice workout.

Courtesy of Ally Marotti.

Courtesy of Ally Marotti.

Duomo, Florence, Italy

The Duomo in Florence (also known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) is truly the center of the city, marking one of the highest structures and most bustling piazzas in town. But if you thought the view down in the piazza was something (there’s always at least two gelato shops in your line of vision) wait until you get to the top of the dome. The sprawling hills of Tuscany unfold before your eyes, reaching beyond the stretches of the city. You have a couple summiting options here: You can climb 463 steps to the top of the Duomo’s cupola (dome), experiencing Giorgio Vasari’s “Last Judgement” frescos up close and personal on your way for 10 euro ($10.83), or you could save yourself a couple bucks and get just as spectacular a view from the top of the connecting campanile (bell tower) for 8 euro ($8.66).

Courtesy of Chris Murphy.

Courtesy of Chris Murphy.

Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, Ireland

The best aerial 360 view of Dublin is quite possibly from Gravity Bar, the pub at the top of the Guinness factory. You pay 14.40 euros ($15.59) for a tour of the factory, and it concludes with a free pint up in the Gravity Bar. On a clear day, the dozens of steeples protruding above the rest of Dublin’s buildings, painting a lovely picture of Irish culture. And no better way to enjoy the view than with a free pint.

Post by Ally Marotti.

Tagged: Cheap Tips, City, Food & drink, International, Tips & advice

Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site.

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The same way Canadian geese fly south in late fall, we travel-lusting people of the world all seem to flock to the same locations at the same time—Mexico and the Caribbean in March, Europe in June, Hawaii pretty much anytime of the year.

Fighting the instinctual urge to travel during peak season means cheaper rates and smaller crowds. Avoid paying an arm and a leg; here’s a list of travel-friendly shoulder seasons to take advantage of year-round.

Utah in summer

The Rocky Mountains in general arebreath-taking during the summer. Salt Lake City and Park City draw in large numbers of skiers and snowboarders in the winter, so that’s when they make their bread and butter. The summer months see smaller crowds. Ski-centric towns usually drop their hotels rates by $100-$200 during summer and fall. To the southeast and less elevated part of the state, Moab is home to nature-carved red rocks not to be missed. Strike out on a more frugal outdoorsy vacation from June-September to experience some of the best mountain biking, hiking, white water rafting and outdoor concerts in the nation.

moahb

Arches National Park, Moab, Utah; Credit: Gautam Dogra ©

New Orleans in late summer and fall

Mardi Gras may only come once a year, but New Orleans is full of life year-round. The absolute cheapest time to go is in the peak of summer, but it’s hit or miss on if you’ll enjoy yourself. It depends on how you feel about extremely damp heat. So let it cool down a tad; plan your jazzy trip for the tail end of summer or early fall. The 4-star JW Marriott New Orleans has rates as low as $149 in August, while they reach a high not at $289 during February festivities. The party on Bourbon Street never actually stops, so be sure to pack your party pants.

New Orleans; Credit: Jeff Turner©

New Orleans; Credit: Jeff Turner ©

Ireland in March

You’d think withSt. Patrick’s Day in March, Ireland would be a giant island of festivities and high hotel prices. Actually, the holiday in its homeland isn’t the drinking day it’s become in the U.S. It can cost $200-$300 less to travel during early spring, namely March, than in the summer. Don’t worry about the weather; it’s rare to have anything more than an occasional flurry in Ireland’s winter due to The Gulf Stream, and by March, some of that famous green is starting to regain it’s hue. Book now so you can start planning your itinerary.

Muckross Head, County Donegal, Ireland; Oisin Mulvihill ©

Muckross Head, County Donegal, Ireland; Oisin Mulvihill ©

Mexico in summer

Northern Americans and anyone who shares their latitude, know that the only thing getting them through winter is the dream of a beach vacation in the spring. To Mexico they go! Spring breakers, families, couples, girls weekends, everyone. Except you, you savvy little cheapo, you. All-in-one packages for July travel will only set you back about $800-$900, while the same package in February and March clocks in at $1,000-$1,100. Hold off on the all-inclusive Cozumel package until June or July. It’ll be hot, but you’ll have constant access to a pool and/or beach, and your tan will be legend. Be careful of hurricane season, which is known to pick up in Augusttoward the end of the summer.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico; ramonbaile ©

Playa del Carmen, Mexico; ramonbaile ©

Costa Rica in July and August

Central America is a beautiful destination where most nations are affected by a wet and dry season. Costa Rica’s wet season runs June to November, which leaves it pretty empty of tourists. No one wants to go and get rained on, true, but this wet season acts a lot like an isolated daily shower. Julyand August typically see the least amount of rain within this time period. The short-lived rains sometimes happen over night and if they strike during the day, it’s usually not enough to ruin your plans.

La Fortuna Falls, Costa Rica; Credit: Kyle May ©

La Fortuna Falls, Costa Rica; Credit: Kyle May ©

 

Tagged: Beach, Family, FREE!, International, Mexico, Off-season, Tips & advice

Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site.

Kelsie Ozamiz

Kelsie Ozamiz

Kelsie Ozamiz

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The key to cheap travel is knowing the best time to find cheap flights and cheap hotels. So we created the CheapTickets 2009 Value Travel Forecast, a month-by-month guide of top destinations that offer the most savings for travelers.

To help identify the best budget-friendly travel opportunities for next year, we analyzed hotels booked on CheapTickets from December 2007 to November 2008 and calculated the percentage of savings compared to peak rates.

Here are the winners (and honorable mentions) for 2009:

Italy vacationsJANUARY: 37% savings in New York
In addition to a 37 percent savings on New York hotels compared to peak rates, retailers are buzzing with post-holiday sales, and big-city attractions are easily accessible now that the holiday crowds have come and gone. Visitors can also take advantage of New York City’s Restaurant Week in January, giving them access to some of the city’s best restaurants for a fraction of the price.

Other January cheap vacation destinations: Santa Barbara, CA and Hong Kong

FEBRUARY: 42% savings in Italy
In February, Italy is just starting to come out of its winter cloak, and budget travelers will appreciate the lower airfare and savings of up to 42 percent on Italy hotels when compared to the high season. February visitors can experience one of Italy’s most famous festivals, Carnevale.

Other February cheap vacation destinations: France and Colorado Springs, CO

MARCH: 53% savings in Portland, ME

This historic, seacoast town is filled with galleries, one-of-kind boutiques and incredible restaurants serving everything from creamy clam chowder and lobster rolls to nouvelle New England cuisine.

Other March cheap vacation destinations: Reno, NV and Canada

APRIL: 58% savings in Brazil
In April, the summer surge of tourists in Brazil is complete, which means fewer crowds, but the same great tropical weather.

Other April cheap vacation destinations: Santa Fe, NM and Columbus, GA

Lake tahoe hotels MAY: 38% savings in Lake Tahoe
For those who love the outdoors, Lake Tahoe is the ideal destination in May. The lake is popular for water sports and beach activities, and with 38 percent savings on Lake Tahoe hotels compared to peak winter rates, going during the off-season means affording activities like a guided cruise or dining at the many lake front restaurants.

Other May cheap vacation destinations: Denver, CO and Atlanta, GA

JUNE: 38% savings in Egypt
With 38 percent savings compared to peak rates, June visitors can relax on the wondrous Red Sea or Sinai coasts, take in the high culture of Cairo or even leisurely float down the Egyptian Nile on a river boat.

Other June cheap vacation destinations: Columbia, SC and Dallas, TX

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Tagged: City, FREE!, Off-season, Tips & advice

Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site.