Drinking Beer in Ireland

My husband loves Guinness so finding a beer he liked in Ireland for him was a piece of cake.  Now me on the other hand, I am quite picky with my beer and most the time you will find me with a Corona or Corona light.  Ireland is getting better though - most pubs are offering a wider variety and now I can even find Corona.  In the past several years it has been common place to find Budweiser on tap too.  However why not try what Ireland has to offer.  

STOUTS
Beamish Stout
Often compared to Guinness, Beamish is dark and chocolaty like its more famous cousin, but features a slightly lighter body and spicier bite. Before it hits your lips, this stout goes through a two-week brewing process using the original Beamish yeast, dating back to 1792. It is well worth the wait — sweet flavors of caramel and hints of coffee balance out the bitter, hoppy finish. Like Guinness, Beamish comes in a nitro-can to simulate the taste and texture of a freshly-poured pint for a result that is truly bittersweet.     
Guinness Draught
The milkshake of beers, this "meal in a bottle" has that roasted malt flavor and hint of chocolate we've come to expect from most full-bodied beers. A rich and creamy Irish favorite for centuries, this hearty brew is best straight out of the bottle or, if it's canned, from a tulip-shaped pint glass. Ask your bartender for a "perfect pint," an optimal pouring method which, according to the company, should take 119.53 seconds. Can't wait that long? Just think of how happy you'll be when that fluffy white cloud forms at the top of your glass, distinctive of "draught" or nitrogen-infused brews. Warning: May put hair on your chest.
Guinness Foreign Extra Stout
Re-launched in the U.S. on October 1, 2010, this Guinness export first reached our shores back in 1817; then it was known as West India Porter. Brewed with more hops than domestic Guinness, this version was intended to last longer in warm climates and so survive the lengthy sea journey abroad, since hops act as a vital preservative. Moreover, it has the happy effect of enhancing the beer's flavor and strength. The Foreign Extra Stout is Guinness' strongest beer at 7.5 per cent alcohol by volume. With a dark color that belies its rich, chocolaty taste, this stout goes down smoother than Guinness Draught, and with less bitterness. Read a review of Guinness Extra Stout.
Murphy's Irish Stout
The lightest and sweetest of Ireland's Big Three (Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's), Murphy's Irish Stout is the "nice guy" of the group. But don't be deceived — that just means you can drink more of ‘em. Think chocolate milk topped with a double shot of espresso and finished with a one-inch thick head of caramel-infused creamy goodness. Since the company's acquisition by Heineken in 1983, Murphy's has been enjoying a reputation as one of the fastest growing stout brands in the world. Have a Guinness for dinner, but save this one for dessert.
Ohara's Celtic Stout (Carlow Brewery)
Carlow Brewery is what you would call old school. Its name comes from Carlow, a small town located in Ireland's historic Barrow Valley region and home to a once-thriving craft beer scene. In the 1800s, crafting your own beer was a popular practice among the inhabitants of Carlow, but this ended with the takeover of small breweries by big business. Carlow Brewing Company, founded in 1996, is reviving this olde tyme way of producing beers long lost, motivated by the belief that their way of manufacturing beers is superior to modern methods. O'Hara's Celtic Stout is true to the original Irish stout.  It's a robust, full-bodied combination of hops and roasted barley, providing both sweetness and a roasty bite with no artificial additives. Just hops, barley, yeast and water — that's it. (Really makes you wonder what you're drinking in all those other beers.)  If you're looking for the real deal, this is it. Read a review of O’Hara’s Irish Wheat Beer.
Porterhouse Brewing Co. Oyster Stout
Established in 1996, Porterhouse Brewing Company is Ireland's largest independent brewery. Beginning with a Dublin pub, the company now operates bars as far afield as New York and London, bringing their craft brews beyond the Emerald Isle's shores. Porterhouse Brewing Company makes a varied range of stouts, ales, lagers, seasonal and specialty beers, including their popular oyster stout. The name is not a misnomer. While not all oyster stouts are actually made with the bivalve itself — some were simply designated as such because pubs served them with oysters — Porterhouse actually shucks fresh oysters into the conditioning tank. Fortunately, you won't find them floating in your pint, but you should get a hint of their flavor — not full on, as if you were eating fresh seafood, but more subtly, as in Asian foods made with oyster sauce. The result may not be your typical Irish stout, but it still has the characteristic rounded malt flavors, creamy mouthfeel and smooth finish. Vegetarians beware.
Harp Lager
Not everyone wants a beer to taste like a milkshake. Luckily for them, there's hope — Harp. This crisp summery lager, which comes from a country better known for its stouts and leprechauns, has a bitter beginning that quickly that turns to clean and refreshing. This classic lager is smooth and solid.
Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale
Kilkenny has friends in high places. Guinness brews it; Diageo, the world's largest producer of spirits (Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, Jose Cuervo, Bailey's and Guinness) carries it; and Smithwick's, Ireland's oldest brewery, is where it originated. The beer is older than some countries, with a heritage dating back to the fourteenth century, and until recently, Dubliner Pub in Washington, D.C. was the only place in the United States that carried it. Kilkenny has since become widely available. The taste can be described as Smithwick's with less hops and a creamy head like Guinness. The amber brew has the rich aroma and flavor of toasted malt. It's all at once sweet and creamy, offset by some bitterness and is available in both draught (nitrogen-infused) and canned forms.

ALES
Murphy's Irish Red
Irish red ales get their reddish hue from the small amounts of roasted barley they contain. Some manufacturers artificially color their beers red, and as a result some beers labeled "red ales" are not truly so. In America, darker amber ales are also sometimes labeled as "red ales." Murphy's Irish Red was originally brewed as Lady's Well Ale in 1856. Lady's Well, located across from the company's brewery in Cork, has been a religious site for Catholics since the eighteenth century. Dutch beer juggernauts Heineken International purchased the brewery in 1983. This true Irish red is dry, crisp, hoppy and very carbonated with some signs of fruit and caramel.
Smithwick's Irish Ale
This beer is so old, it dates back to the fourteenth century when monks would brew their own next door to the Smithwick's brewery. The ruins of the original Franciscan abbey that once stood there can still be seen. Smithwick's is Ireland's oldest operating brewery, the major ale producer in Ireland and, along with Guinness, part of Diageo. Like Murphy's Irish Red, this is a red ale characterized by caramel maltiness and a hint of hops. 

TOMORROW WE WILL DISCUSS IRISH WHISKEY

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.  Can you believe that Friday is exactly 6 months until we fly out? 

I won't be posting until Monday so I hope everyone has a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving. 

Stay Healthy While Flying

The most important thing when traveling is to stay healthy.  If you don't feel good it affects everything.  I use to always get sick flying.  Here are a few suggestions on how to stay healthy that helped me!

1) Start drinking airborne at least a week prior to your flight.  I sometimes start two weeks in advance and drink it throughout the trip.  It gives my immune system a boost.

2) If you feel yourself getting sick prior to the trip - nip it in the bud as quick as possible.  Get needed meds and feel better before you get on the plane.

3) Bring your own inflatable pillow (packs nicer than a normal neck pillow) and jacket or scarf to keep warm.  I have read stories about the pillows and blankets provided even the ones wrapped in plastic. 

4) Wear glasses instead of contacts.  The air on a plane is extremely dry which leads to dry eyes.  When you have dry eyes you tend to rub your eyes. Germs germs germs. 

5) GET SLEEP.  You will have a much better time if you are not tired.  Be sure to bring something with you on the plane that will help you sleep.  Getting sleep will help fight sickness and make you a happier traveler.  OH - and don't get on the plane exhausted telling yourself you will sleep on the plane.  If you can't sleep on the plane you will be miserable when you arrive at your destination.  Been there and done that.

6) Drink lots of water.  The plane is very dry like I mentioned earlier.  Keep hydrated.

7) Bring healthy snacks.  You might not like the airline food.

8) If you can - get up from time to time and move around.  Keep your circulation going.

9) Bring hand sanitizer with at least 50% alcohol.  Be sure to use it often especially after a visit to the restroom.  I also use it to wipe down my tray and arm rests. 

10) If it is flu season - get a flu shot prior to your trip. 

Money and Tipping Venice

• Are ATMs easy to find in Venice

Yes. Just look for the nearest bank. Nearly all Venice banks have 24-hour "bancomats" (automated teller machines or cashpoints) facing the street.

A few caveats:

• Most bank ATMs are available to tourists and have multilingual menus. However, bancomats at Venice's largest savings bank--the Cassa di Risparmio di Venezia--are reserved for customer transactions.
• A few ATMs may have withdrawal limits. If you're attempting to withdraw more than, say, 250 euros and the bancomat won't complete the transaction, try again with a smaller amount.
• International ATM network connections aren't 100 percent reliable. Always carry enough cash to meet your needs if the network is down for repairs or maintenance.
• It's always a good idea to notify your bank and credit-card companies before traveling abroad. Otherwise, you could find that your cards are blocked overseas.

For more advice and warnings, see our Money and Currency article.

• Where can I exchange currency?

You'll find money-exchange counters at the airport and in major tourist areas. However, you're likely to save money by using your ATM card to get euros from Bancomat machines.

• Do you have any advice on tipping?

Tipping is tricky, because customs and expectations vary by nationality. For example, Australians often hate to tip, while Americans tend to tip more generously than Europeans do because the U.S. service economy is built around tipping.

Still, here are some guidelines that may be helpful:

Hotel porters. Tip 1 to 2 per euros per bag, depending on the hotel category.

Hotel chambermaids. Tip 1 to 2 euros per person each day. (In fancier hotels, you may want to tip a bit more.)

Restaurant waiters. Italian restaurant bills normally include service, but if you're at a sit-down restaurant, it won't hurt to leave an extra 5 to 10 per cent on the table for good service. (Tip in cash, even if you're paying by credit card.)

Bartenders. Tipping is entirely optional in bars and cafés. If you're seated at a table, you can tip the waiter or waitress as you would in a restaurant; if you're standing at a counter, you can give a modest tip to the bartender or barista (for example, when handing over your ticket for a drink or coffee in traditional Italian bars where you prepay at the cashier's desk).

Taxis. In land taxis, it never hurts to round up the bill when paying. In water taxis, there's no need to tip unless the driver has performed a special service.

Toilets. In nicer restaurants or other places where lavatories have attendants, it's normal to leave 50 cents or a euro on the attendant's plate. In public WCs that charge fees (see our Venice Public Toilets article), there's no need to tip.

Our advice: Don't feel that you have to tip generously (Italians aren't big tippers), but don't feel guilty about overtipping, either. Service employees aren't likely to be offended by your largesse.

 

http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/faq/money-and-tipping.htm

 

 

NOTE:  Some restaurants in Venice add a service charge.  Our favorite restaurant does this.  The Bistros in Saint Mark Square also add a service charge because of the location.  It is usually around 12%.

 

Tipping in Venice

One of the most commonly asked questions is what is the tipping policy in Italy. The answer is that it is not expected or required to leave a tip. Period. If you are inclined to do so because the service was good, then only a few Euros. I almost never leave a tip.

In the U.S. it is customary to tip 15-20% because the servers are paid less than minimum wage, and they rely on tips to earn a living. This is part of American culture. But only Americans leave tips. In some places, such as Germany, you may leave the change, but not 15 or 20% of the bill. But generally, non-Americans do not tip.

Some restaurants in Venice are in business to grub money from tourists, not to serve good food, and should be avoided. The waiters know that Americans leave tips. They are constantly asked by Americans whether the tip is included. Only Americans ask this, because everyone else in the world knows that it is—the question makes no sense to people from other countries, and marks you as an American (as if they couldn’t already tell). For that reason, if the waiter in these places thinks you are American, they will tell you that the tip is not included. They will bring you a bill that shows a 12% service charge, and still tell you that the tip is not included. They will tell you that this is a tax, or that it not for them, it’s for the owner. These are both out-and-out lies, and amounts to fraud. A bona fide restaurant will never mention a tip. (Note, for example, that there is no place on the credit card receipt to add a tip)

How do you tell which to avoid? Here are some clues:

1) They stand outside and all but drag you in. A good restaurant would never do this. This seems to me little better than begging in the streets. These people only want to get your money. The first thing a good restaurant will often ask is whether you have a reservation.

2) There are 10,000 things on the menu. A decent restaurant will have only a handful of things in each category on the menu. That is, a few appetizers, four or five pasta courses, and four or five main courses. If the menu looks like Denny’s or the Double-T Diner, run.

3) There are photos of the food on the menu. Self explanatory.

4) They have a tourist menu. Again, self explanatory.

5) They are always open. Reputable restaurants in Venice close at about 2:30 (if they serve lunch) and do not open again until 6:00 or 7:00 p.m.

What to look for in a good restaurant: Generally, the good restaurants will be small, have only a handful of tables, and may have the menu taped to the window written on a place mat (a kind of mustard-colored paper).

There are exceptions to every rule. For example, Gianni’s on the Zattere (identified by its bright yellow chairs) violates most of these rules, but will never beg for a tip. The food is good and the service prompt and polite. It is also in a beautiful spot on a little pier over the Giudecca Canal. They serve a wide variety of food that should please most adults, and they will have something for the kids.

An exception in the other direction, i.e., a restaurant that is less obviously a money grubber because they do not do everything I mentioned above, but is one of the more egregious violators because they bill you a 12% service charge and then tell you tip is not included, and that the 12% is a tax (which, again, is a bold faced lie), is Ai Tosi near the Rialto Market at Sotoportego del Capeler. The food is okay, the service fairly quick and attentive, but the tip thing keeps from going there, and Americans who go there should just ignore the request for a tip.

A note on the “coperto:” This literally means “cover,” and is a standard charge in all restaurants in Italy, which they say covers the cost of the bread. It is usually 2-3 Euros per person, but can be more in fancy places. I don’t take exception to this because everyone does it, and everyone (even Italians) have to pay it—it does not single out Americans.

 

http://hendersoninvenice.blogspot.com/2010/07/tipping-in-venice-one-of-most-commonly.html

 

 

Ireland Banks & Money

Ireland: Banks & Money  

Note:  Make sure you have access to more than one Debit card.  Have at least two Debit cards from two separate issuing banks.  Last month in Sicily my Debit card was eaten by an ATM.  We also make sure we each have our card with us just in case something like this happens.  Be sure to raise your daily withdrawal limit amount to the highest available by your bank.  Most daily limit amounts default to $100 or $200 US dollars.  However it can be raised to $400 or $500 depending on the financial institution.  NOTIFY your bank informing then of your travel dates and destinations a week in advance of travel.  Most banks have the option on their website.  Ireland still accepts Visa cards without the EMV chip at many locations.  We take credit cards that don't charge foreign exchange fees.  Check with your credit card company concerning their policy. 

From Trip Advisor:

Currency  

The Republic of Ireland ( Ireland Tourism) uses the Euro (€). The notes come in €500, €200, €100, €50, €20, €10 and €5 denominations.
NB: €100 notes and above may not be accepted or be carefully scrutinized in shops. 100 cents make up €1 and the coins are as follows 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2. 
While foreign currency is generally not accepted, some large shops in places popular with tourists, will accept major foreign currencies such as dollars and sterling, but the rate you will be offered will generally be inferior to that offered by a bank or credit card issuer. 
In Northern Ireland, the Pound Sterling is used.  The currency is the same as that used in Great Britain but the 4 main retail banks each issue their own banknotes.  English and Scottish banknotes are perfectly acceptable in Northern Ireland, but you may have difficulty using Northern Irish notes in Britain.  Some shops in Northern Ireland will accept Euros. Some will give a good exchange rate but others will not, so check before you pay. 

Credit and Debit Cards

Credit Cards: 
Visa, Mastercard/Eurocard are very widely accepted in Ireland. All hotels, petrol stations (gas stations), supermarkets, shops/stores, pharmacies, restaurants, transport operators, payphones, etc will accept them.
Other cards: American Express (AmEx) is accepted, but not nearly as readily as in the United States or Canada. Diners Club, JCB, Discover etc are generally not accepted. It is not advisable to rely on these cards as a sole method of payment while in Ireland (or much of Europe). 
Debit Cards: 
Irish Laser Cards, Maestro, Visa Debit and MasterCard debit are widely accepted. Other debit cards, not carrying the Maestro, Visa Debit or MasterCard logos are not accepted. Check with your card issuer that your card is acceptable abroad before you travel.
NB: Non-Irish issued Maestro cards are generally not accepted on-line or over the phone in Ireland, but they can be used in retail outlets and ATMs where the PIN is entered. 
Some very small retailers and cafés may only accept cash payment.  Certain retailers will also refuse credit cards for small amounts e.g. less than 10 euro. However, they will often accept Irish debit cards. Some discount supermarket chains, notably Aldi and Lidl only accept debit cards (Laser or Visa Debit). So, do not be alarmed if everyone else is paying by card and you are refused. This may be because their acquiring bank charges them higher fees on credit cards. For this reason, it is advisable to carry some cash, particularly if you plan to shop in small stores or are in very rural areas. Some travelers have found that some B&B are listed in guides as accepting credit cards but may refuse to take them. 
In common with most European countries, over the past few years Irish credit and debit cards have become 'chip and pin'.  If you have a 'chip and pin' card  you no longer sign but key in your pin into a pinpad.
If your card does not have a chip, don't worry as your card will usually still be accepted and you can just sign for your purchase. However, you may be asked for ID for larger transactions. There have been reports that some retailers may refuse non-chip cards, if this happens, ask to see a manager.
They may be able to authorize the transaction manually when they check your ID as they are liable for losses should your card be fake. Also please note that some automated ticket vending machines no longer accept non-chip cards. Automatic checkouts in some supermarkets also no longer have facilities to take magnetic cards. However, staff will be able to process your card manually on a separate terminal.
A very small minority of retailers have inflexible, blanket policies on non-chip cards and will refuse them as they will not accept the liability for losses in the event of fraud. In this case you may need to use an ATM to withdraw cash. If this happens, please do not take it out on the counter staff as they may not be allowed to accept non-chip cards, or their terminal may even be configured to prevent them from doing so.
In general, if you are travelling to Europe, it is advisable to ask your bank if they can issue a chip and pin card. Some US banks have recently begun the process of migrating to this technology too. So, in a few years this should be a non-issue.
If you are from a country outside the euro-zone, when paying with your credit card be sure that you are being charged in euro, and not your own currency.  Some outlets, particularly those popular with foreign visitors, use a facility called 'Dynamic Currency Conversion' (DCC) so that they can apply the charge in dollars, pounds, yen, etc.  However, the rate they use to convert your purchase is invariably worse than that which would be applied by your own credit card issuer, so you lose out.

ATMs 

Almost all ATMs in Ireland provide credit card withdrawals for Visa and MasterCard credit cards and ATM cards with the Cirrus or Plus logo.  Amex and Link cards are also accepted at some ATMs, including AIB and Bank of Ireland (the two largest banks).
ATMs are usually located outside bank branches, but increasingly can be found in convenience stores, supermarkets, petrol stations and even bars. In Ireland there are no additional charges for using in-store ATMs. Charges for using the ATM are dependent on the Bank of the cardholder so check before you leave home. In general the best rates can be found using your own ATM card, as long as your bank does not charge ridiculous fees.
Before you travel to Ireland, check with your bank that your Credit Card, Debit Card or ATM card is activated for use in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (United Kingdom). Otherwise, you may have problems withdrawing cash.
All Irish issued cards have 4-digit PINs but ATMs are programmed to accept PINs of different formats for non-Irish cards.  
Most ATMs will recognize that you have inserted a foreign card and offer you a range of language options. 

Travelers Checks

Travelers checks are not widely accepted for purchases and you will generally have to exchange them at a bank or Bureau de Change for euro cash.  This may mean that you are paying commissions twice - once to buy then to sell.  Do your sums before you decide to use them.

Changing Money 

Banks all have currency exchange desks (for exchanging cash, cashing travelers checks, credit card advances etc) and are usually open from 10-4 every day.  One day per week banks are open until 5pm - in Dublin this is on Thursday. Permanent TSB branches are open every day till 5pm.  Banks will apply a handling charge for exchanging cash or check - this will be displayed on a board along with the exchange rate.  Rates and commission charges do vary so it can pay to shop around. Exchange rates can be compared online using sites such as 
Some department stores also provide foreign exchange services but post offices no longer provide it. 
Some independent bureau de change are open longer hours than the banks.  The bureau de change at the airports keep long hours to suit flight times- check the airports own sites e.g. Dublin ,  Cork  and Shannon for exact hours and locations.   Most major hotels will also carry out the same facilities, although rates may not be as attractive.  Note that for security reasons, US$  100 bills are not readily accepted, even in banks.  

Currency Controls 

There are no exchange controls  in Ireland. Any sum of money in any currency can be freely brought  into or taken out of the country without disclosure or other  formalities.

Taxes

In Ireland VAT ("Value Added Tax") is applied to most goods and services.  The rate depends on the type of product but most items are subject to a rate of 21%.  The only positive part is that VAT is included in the price marked on the item so unlike in North America you do not have to do complex mental arithmetic at the checkout !  The 21% rate is higher than most other countries and there are also very high duties on alcohol and tobacco products.  As a result prices in Ireland are often more expensive than elsewhere. 
There is a scheme whereby visitors from outside the European Union can purchase goods to take home with them and benefit from tax relief. Relief is not allowed on services (for instance, hotel accommodation, meals, car hire etc.).  For more information see the Irish Revenue Commissioners website or one of the companies which process the refunds such as  TaxBack.com

Are You Ready for Your International Trip?

I touched on this early in the blog so I just to mention it again. 

Are you ready for an international trip? 

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/checklist.html

Traveler’s Checklist

A trip requires careful planning.  Listed below are important steps you can take to prepare for a safe trip anywhere outside the United States. In addition, you can search for your destination to view more specific information about that country or area.

Getting There

Be Aware of Any Travel Alerts and Warnings for Your Destination

The State Department issues Travel Warnings to recommend postponing travel to a country because of widespread civil unrest, dangerous conditions, terrorist activity or, in some cases, because the U.S. has no diplomatic relations with the country and may have great difficulty in assisting U.S. citizens in distress. Travel Alerts disseminate information quickly about terrorist threats or other relatively short-term or transnational conditions that could pose significant risks to you and affect your travel plans. U.S. embassies and consulates send out security or emergency messages to alert U.S. citizens to fast-breaking events, such as demonstrations, coups, approaching storms, and crime.
The Department of State urges U.S. citizens living overseas or planning to travel abroad to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  When you enroll in STEP, we can update you with important safety and security announcements.  Enrolling will also make it easier for the embassy or consulate to contact you in the event of an emergency.  You should remember to keep all of your information in STEP up to date; it is particularly important when you enroll or update your information to include a current phone number and e-mail address.



Do You Have All Required Travel Documents?

Most U.S. citizens must use a U.S. passport to travel overseas and reenter the United States. A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies your identity and citizenship. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to issue U.S. passports.

Most foreign countries require a valid passport to enter and leave. Some countries may allow you to enter with only a birth certificate, or with a birth certificate and a driver’s license, but all persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air, must present a valid passport to reenter the United States.

If you are traveling by land or sea, you must provide evidence of both your U.S. citizenship and your identity when you reenter the United States. For many land or sea trips this means you can travel using the new U.S. passport card instead of the normal passport book.  Read more about U.S. passport requirements.

What about your children?  Some countries have instituted requirements to help prevent child abductions and may require travelers to present proof of relationship to the children and evidence of consent from any non-accompanying parent(s).  Visit our child abduction country information pages for information about your destination.

When does your passport expire? Some countries require that a traveler’s passport be valid for at least six months beyond the dates of the trip. Contact the embassy of your foreign destination for more information. Foreign embassy and consulate contact information can also be found in our Country Specific Information pages.


Are You Prepared for an Emergency?

Make sure you have the contact information for the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you are going. Consular duty personnel are available for emergency assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at U.S. embassies, consulates, and consular agencies overseas and in Washington, D.C. Contact information for U.S. embassies, consulates, and consular agencies overseas may be found in our Country Specific Information pages. If your family needs to reach you because of an emergency at home or if they are worried about your welfare, they should call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (during business hours) or 202-647-5225 (after hours). The State Department will relay the message to the consular officers in the country where you are.  The consular officers will then try to locate you, pass on any urgent messages, and, if you wish, report back to your family on your welfare.
You can read more about what the Department of State can and can’t do for you in an emergency here.


Do You Plan to Drive Overseas?

If you plan to drive overseas, you may need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP).  Many countries do not recognize U.S. driver’s licenses without an accompanying IDP, and it is illegal to drive without a valid license and insurance in most places.  You should check with the embassy of the country where you plan to travel to find out more about driver’s license and car insurance requirements.  If you will be residing overseas for an extended time, it is a good idea to obtain a local driver’s license as soon as possible, since IDPs have a limited validity.  Foreign countries may also require that persons considered resident obtain a local driver’s license if they are going to drive.  To renew a U.S. driver’s license while abroad, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your home state.

For more information, please review our page on Driving Abroad.


Pack Smart!

• Pack light so you can move more quickly and have a free hand when you need it.
• Carry a minimum number of valuables and plan places to conceal them.
• Check your bags, clothing, and vehicle to make sure you are not carrying any banned items or substances, such as weapons or ammunition, into your destination country.  Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity and nationality. 
• Avoid packing IDs, tickets and other vital documents in backpacks or other locations you won't be able to see at all times. 

Do You Have Photocopies of Your Itinerary and Travel Documents?

Make two photocopies of all your travel documents in case of emergency or if your documents are lost or stolen. Leave one copy with a friend or relative at home. It is always a great idea to let at least one person know exactly where you will be staying and how to contact you in an emergency. Carry the other copy with you stored separately from the originals. Documents to make copies of include:


• Passport ID page
• Foreign visa (if applicable)
• Itinerary
• Hotel confirmation
• Airline ticket
• Driver's license
• Credit cards brought on the trip
• Traveler's check serial numbers 

Your Safety

Prepare to Handle Money Overseas

• Check and understand the exchange rate before you travel.
• Before you leave, notify your bank, credit card company, or other financial institutions that you are going overseas.
• Avoid carrying cash and consider using traveler's checks or major credit cards instead (but make sure they are accepted at your destination before departing on your trip).
• Change traveler's checks only as you need them.
• Do not flash large amounts of money when paying a bill.

Learn about local laws and customs

While traveling, you are subject to the local laws even if you are a U.S. Citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own and it is very important to know what's legal and what's not. If you break local laws while abroad, your U.S. passport won't help you avoid arrest or prosecution, and the U.S. Embassy cannot get you out of jail.

Your Health

Do You Need Any New Vaccinations?

Vaccinations Are Required for Entry to Some Countries
Some countries require foreign visitors to carry an International Certificate of Vaccination (aka Yellow Card) or other proof that they have had certain inoculations or medical tests before entering or transiting their country.  Before you travel, check the Country Specific Information and contact the foreign embassy of the country to be visited or transited through for currenty entry requirements.
Health Experts Recommend Vaccinations for Travel to Some Countries
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) can provide you their recommendations for vaccinations and other travel health precautions for your trip abroad.

 

Do You Know How to Find Medical Help Abroad?

Get Help With a Medical Emergency Abroad:


• Find a Doctor/Hospital Abroad
• View ALL information about Your Health Abroad





Does Your Health Insurance Cover You Outside the U.S.?

Learn what medical services your health insurance provider will cover overseas.  Although some health insurance companies will pay "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for a medical evacuation back to the United States, which can easily cost up to $100,000, or even more, depending on your condition and location.  Regardless of whether your insurance is valid overseas, you may be required to pay for care when you receive it.

If your insurance policy does not cover you abroad, consider purchasing a short-term policy that does.  Many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.


NOTE: Social Security and Medicare do not provide coverage outside of the U.S.
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Are You Taking Any Prescriptions or Other Medications?

If you take prescription medication:


• Pack enough to last your entire trip, including some extra in case you are unexpectedly delayed.
• Carry your medications in their original labeled containers, and pack them in your carry-on bag since checked baggage is occasionally lost or delayed.
• Ask your pharmacy or physician for the generic equivalent name of your prescriptions in case you need to purchase additional medication abroad.
• Get a letter from your physician in case you are questioned about  your carry-on medication; some countries have strict restrictions on bringing prescription or even non-prescription medications into the country without proper medical documentation

Travel Insurance

Should you buy travel insurance?  I thought this article was a good answer.

Would you like to add travel insurance to your purchase?

That little pest of a question pops up every time I book a flight, confirm a hotel room or reserve a rental car. It’s become the “Do you want fries with that?” of online travel booking. The difference: sometimes I buy the fries.

I have never bought travel insurance in my life because instinct has always told me that it’s a bad deal. I rarely pay for hotel rooms, tours or rental cars in advance. I don’t pack designer clothing in my checked luggage. I’m generally healthy, and I have medical insurance that covers me abroad. (It claims to, at least.)

But instinct is a poor way to make decisions about insurance. So with a three-week trip to Asia approaching, I finally decided to figure out whether I should be traveling with insurance, and, in general, when it is smart to have it and when is it unnecessary.

Travelers tend to buy insurance if they are more at risk or more likely than the average policyholder to make a claim. In economics that’s called “adverse selection” — but it’s adverse only for the insurance companies. For consumers, it’s just smart. Imagine two people looking at a $100 insurance policy for a two-week trip: one is a 65-year-old heading to India, where he plans to rent a scooter, eat street food and sleep in already-reserved five-star hotels every night. The other is a 30-year-old going to London, planning to crash at a friend’s apartment and buy discount theater tickets every night. It’s pretty clear who should buy insurance.

For my own coverage, I looked at packages offered by World Nomads, a popular and well-regarded company that provides travel insurance plans online. (If you are buying insurance, try them — or examine the options at insuremytrip.com, a travel insurance search site.)

Generally, travel insurance is sold in packages, combining various categories of coverage. Go through them all, determining what you need and what you don’t, either because you’re not at risk or you’re already covered. If a package doesn’t seem worth it, more customized policies (which you can find through insuremytrip.com, among other sites) offer certain à la carte options. But you may not end up saving that much.

Coverage for my Asia trip through World Nomads would cost me $85 for its standard plan, and $116.40 for slightly more elaborate “explorer” coverage. I looked at each element of their plans — which are similar to most other packages out there — to calculate whether, overall, they might be worth it to me (and to you). Here is a breakdown.

Medical

If your regular health insurance doesn’t cover you while abroad, you need some when you travel. Medicare participants and citizens of countries covered by national health services generally fall into this category. Others should check on the specifics of their policies. I have coverage through the Freelancers Insurance Company, which uses the Blue Cross Blue Shield program; my policy states that I’m “assured of receiving care from licensed health care professionals no matter where” I am through the Blue Card Worldwide network.

I went to the Blue Card Worldwide Web site and was relieved to find many affiliated hospitals listed in the Asian cities I was planning to visit.

But I was still suspicious. I offered a hypothetical to the customer service phone line: what if, in an emergency, I ended up at an out-of-network hospital because I couldn’t communicate with paramedics or there was no affiliated hospital nearby?

The representative was stumped, put me on hold, and came back. “I checked with a supervisor,” she said. “The claim would come through, we would deny it, then you would have to appeal it,” she said. Appeals, she added, were made on a “case by case” basis.

In other words: good luck. On the other hand, many travel insurance policies will reimburse medical expenses no matter what hospital you end up at.

Since I wouldn’t be engaging in any high-risk activities and I had a fighting chance of being covered should the very unlikely worst-case scenario occur, I decided the medical coverage added minimal benefit. I did, though, arm myself with a printout of all the affiliated facilities in the areas I was visiting.

Emergency Evacuation

This one is simple: without coverage, if I have to be medically evacuated home from a distant land, I’m out something like $30,000. So it comes down to how likely the scenario is. Headed to a particularly isolated region? Climbing mountains or fording rivers? Then having evacuation coverage as part of a package or separately (the cheapest I found for my trip on insuremytrip.com was $40) is a good idea.

Travel Protection

This kind of insurance offers reimbursement (sometimes partial) for prepaid reservations if your trip is canceled, interrupted or delayed. I rarely spend much on a trip before I leave beyond the plane ticket (always coach) and maybe the first night in a hotel (always cheap). But for others, with expensive seats and long prepaid reservations, it might make sense.

Also worth noting: some credit cards will provide similar coverage. My United Mileage Plus Explorer card from Chase does. And although it is probably harder to get a claim processed with Chase than with World Nomads, I didn’t see much justification for duplicate coverage.

Baggage Protection

World Nomads will reimburse you for items lost or damaged in transit, and cover expenses incurred because luggage is delayed. For me, this was triplicate coverage: my credit card covers this, and airlines are legally required to reimburse you as well, with limitations.

But the Nomads policy also covers damages and loss beyond your flight. I carry around about $3,000 of electronic equipment everywhere I go, and World Nomads would cover up to $500 per item (after depreciation). It’s worth it to determine the value of what’s inside your baggage and do the math.

Of course, whether you get reimbursed is partly up to you. A World Nomads customer service representative gave this example: if you leave your cellphone in your bathing suit and go into the water, it’s not covered. That’s not only the kind of thing I do, it’s exactly what I did on a New Year’s Eve a few years ago in Rio de Janeiro.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment

I’ve never understood this one. If you need life insurance, wouldn’t you want it for the whole year, not just when you’re traveling? And if you lose a limb, will a few grand — what World Nomads offers — really help? (Note that life insurance companies will ask about your travel habits; so be sure you’re honest when you apply — and if you already have coverage, be sure it covers the countries you’re visiting.)

So Is It Worth It?

Though some elements of the World Nomads package might have benefited me, I decided the package as a whole didn’t make sense for my trip. (I did end up buying a yearlong medevac plan I found through insuremytrip.com for $225.)

Though my initial instinct to avoid package insurance had been (coincidentally) right, the process was valuable anyway: I now know a lot more about my medical coverage and credit card perks. Everyone should make similar calculations.

Of course, there’s one more variable: if you’re a worrier, and having coverage for every imaginable circumstance will allow you to relax and enjoy your trip, then go ahead and do it. I just won’t be joining you.

 

By

Seth Kugel

12 Things You Should Do Every Time You Travel

I found this on Pinterest and loved it:

Whether or not you’re a seasoned world explorer, it’s surprisingly simple to travel like one. The key doesn’t lie in hush-hush secret spots passed on by word of mouth, but rather in intuitive everyday behaviors that will transform you into much more than a tourist dipping her toes into a new area. So, what should you be doing on every single trip you take? Read on and take note.

 

Whether you’re traveling abroad or simply taking a road trip a few states over, it’s imperative that you talk to the people around you. Even if you’ve arrived somewhere with a crew, make a point to talk to the people seated next to you at restaurants, preparing you a drink at the bar, or those you run into on a hike. You never know what insider intel you’ll pick up on! 

 

It can be all too tempting to stay to the confines of your resort or only hit the top tourist sites in your plans. Always keeping safety in mind, challenge yourself to do something—anything!—that requires a little bit of digging. Do this by talking to locals (see previous point), asking your concierge for off-the-beaten-path recommendations, and starting your pre-trip research early!

There’s really no better way to get a feel for the full scope of a city than by taking public transportation. Busses especially help you grasp neighborhoods. Just be sure to keep your eyes peeled, bring a map, and hold onto your personal belongings at all times.

Put down the souvenir refrigerator magnet and slowly back away. Traveling is the perfect opportunity to scoop up some truly special items that will serve as mementos of your adventures. So hit the market and buy something you'll cherish for years.

Keep a diary. Take photos. Recap your days with your travelmates. Afford yourself every ability to look back on this trip and remember the most wondrous of details, big and small. Just be sure not to spend too much time on Instagram. You’ll miss out on the adventures you wanted to remember in the first place!

We love Yelp. It’s a lifesaver when exploring a new place. But the real gems—or at least the truly authentic ones—may evade you if you only dine by way of the five-star ratings. While you’re chatting up the locals, ask them what their favorite neighborhood restaurant is. If you’re adventurous, follow their recommendation without even doing a quick Google search (gasp!)—though we won’t judge you if you do for peace of mind.

If your trip involves one destination city, make a point to arrange for a day trip to a nearby city or town. Often, the most popular tourist destinations—though popular for a reason—overshadow some equally worthy yet smaller nearby destinations .

Don’t give legs to the “ugly American” stereotype. Before your trip, read up on essential phrases so you’re not clueless upon arrival. If you missed the study period, pick up a pocket dictionary at the airport and try it out—most people will appreciate your effort, even if you’re struggling.

Spend an entire day with no set plans aside from exploring a neighborhood intimately. Do so on foot or by biking, as this will give you optimal mobility and allow you to stop and go as you please. Don’t set time constraints, and allow yourself to amble about from morning until evening. You’ll be feeling like a local in no time.

Whether or not you’re a nightowl, a different energy settles over a city when the sun sets. Depending on the particular flavor of where you visiting, the nightlife might consist of live music in bars; huge, pulsing clubs; or candlelit cafes with plenty of wine to go around. Get dressed up and dive into whatever fun awaits.

With our smartphone GPS systems never far away, the age-old threat of getting lost has been all but erased. Sure, that may save you some frustrating or stressful moments, but so long as you have nowhere to be in a timely matter—and you’re not putting yourself in danger—getting lost is a great way to become familiar with a place and stumble upon unexpected things. Forgo your maps for one afternoon and get lost.

Eat something new. Try something that makes you scared. Resist the temptation to plan, plan, plan. Whatever your comfort zone is, push yourself outside of it—even if it’s just an inch or two. A truly great and memorable trip will teach you something about yourself—and may even change you a bit. The only way to do that is to shake things up.

http://www.mydomaine.com/what-to-do-while-traveling
 

 

FLIGHTS

I just wanted to insure everyone that I have been checking flight a couple times a week.  I have not seen any change in weeks.  I still think the best time will be January or February.  Click on the picture to enlarge.

 

 

 

 

UPDATE TO VAT

I just noticed on my last purchase in Ireland I only received a VAT refund of 17%.  So I decided to check why online.  I was under the impression it was 21%.  Well after reading up online I found out that the VAT changes regularly and you should always check prior to travel.

These are the current rates as of right now:
Ireland 17.36% and Italy 4 to 20%

Still not a bad deal - I will take 17% back on my purchases.  :)  Some people do not know about the VAT and never apply for a refund.  It takes seconds at the airport and it is usually on your way to the gate.

USING THE INTERNET

I honestly do not know how people traveled prior to the internet.  Yes I know there were travel agents but with travel agents you paid their prices.   Now with the internet there is so much at our finger tips the world is our back yard.  Add social websites like Pinterest and it is icing on the cake.  Here are a few to start:

http://www.skyscanner.net/news/50-insider-travel-tips-tricks-what-we-ve-learned-about-travelling

http://www.hithaonthego.com/travel-tip-surviving-15-hour-flights-economy/

https://www.cheapair.com/blog/travel-tips/top-10-tips-for-booking-cheap-flights/

http://www.airsafe.com/issues/baggage/bag_tips.htm

http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/troubleshooting/35-travel-tips-revealed-top-secrets-of-travel-writers

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/trip-tips-20-fixes/

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/76192

VENICE ITALY TO DOs

I get very passionate when I talk about Venice (Venezia) Italia because it is my favorite city in the world.  I know this sounds corny but it moves my soul.  I know not everyone feels the same passion I do about Venice but it is hard not to love.

Let's start with shopping and the VAT in Italy.  I explained the VAT in the post Dublin Ireland To Do's.  Ireland is 23% with no minimum spend.  Italy is 22% with a minimum spend of 155Euro in one location.  Same rules apply - ask the retailer about the VAT refund.

Piazza San Marco - Saint Marks Square
Hands down our favorite in Venice.  We have been to Venice in the summer and in the fall.  In the fall the square was flooded and not too many tourists.  In the summer it was full of life with tons of tourists and pigeons.  The very first time we strolled into San Marco Square we were lost.  The orchestras were playing and it was absolutely magical.  I highly recommend sitting at one of the many bistros in the evening while enjoying a bottle of wine and listening to the orchestras duel.  Keep in mind most bistros charge a fee just to sit.  That keeps people from taking up seats and not ordering anything. 

Find out more about the piazza: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_San_Marco

Basilica di San Marco - Saint Mark's Cathedral
We have toured many Churches and this is one of our absolute favorites.  Show up early because the line gets long.  There are too many things to tell you about the Church so best to just experience it for yourself.  Lady's must have shoulders covered.  This is where a scarf comes in handy especially on a hot day. 

Find out more about Basilica di San Marco: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mark%27s_Basilica

Palazzo Ducale - Doge’s Palace - Bridge of Sighs
Right next (and partly connected) to St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace is arguably the second most important “attraction” in Venice after the basilica (if you don’t count the city itself as an “attraction”). While there are several good reasons to pay the hefty admission fee to tour the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale in Italian), probably the most popular stop on the tour is when you get to walk over the famous Bridge of Sighs. You can see the bridge from the outside without buying an entry ticket, but the only way to walk on the bridge yourself is as part of a Doge’s Palace tour.

Find out more about Palazzo Ducale: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doge%27s_Palace
Find out more about the Bridge of Sighs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_of_Sighs

Get Lost
Nothing like getting lost in Venice.  Take a long afternoon and just walk the canals.  You will discover a ton of little hidden gems

Take the Public Water Bus for a Grand Canal Tour I think the easiest and most pleasant way to get around Venice is on foot, but the Grand Canal only has a few bridge crossings and taking a ride on Venice’s water-buses is a fun transport method. Even beyond the practical reasons for taking a vaporetto, however, there’s the fact that the slow #1 vaporetto that runs the length of the Grand Canal is the ideal equivalent to a city bus tour. I’d recommend either bringing along a self-guided tour book so you can pick out the sights along the way, or just sitting back and enjoying the view no matter what the significance of the buildings is. You’ll enjoy the ride either way, even more so if you’ve got a good seat and some gelato.

Ride in a Gondola
I warn you now - this is not cheap.  Our first visit to Venice was in 2002 and even then a Gondola ride was expensive.  But if you are in Venice it is a must.  Sometimes you can split the cost if there are several in your group.  I also recommend a ride during the day and a ride at night. 

Some helpful information: http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/gallivanting_by_gondola.htm

Rialto Bridge
Whether walking across the bridge on one side to experience the view of the Grand Canal or shopping on the other side - this is a must see. 

Find out more about the Rialto Bridge: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rialto_Bridge

See Venice from up high from the Campanile
At almost 99m (325ft), the Campanile is the city’s tallest building, originally built between 888 and 912 (in July 1902 it collapsed, imploding in a neat pyramid of rubble. It was rebuilt exactly ‘as it was, where it was’, as the town council of the day promised). Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III rode a horse to the top of the original in 1451; these days visitors take the lift. The view is superb, taking in the Lido, the whole lagoon and (on a clear day) the Dolomites in the distance

Find out more about the Campanile: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mark%27s_Campanile

Gelato
It is similar to ice cream but better.  It is heaven!!  You cannot go to Venice and not have Gelato.  Just saying!!!

Be Bond - James Bond
To the east of campo Santo Stefano, campiello Pisani is overlooked by the impressive 17th-century Palazzo Pisani, now the music conservatory. The palace was used for the shoot-out at the end of the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale. An earlier Bond came to blows in the Torre dell’Orologio. Film buffs should also recognize the church of San Nicolò dei Mendicoli from Nicolas Roeg’s dwarf-in-Venice movie Don’t Look Now. Other locations used include the recently opened Palazzo Grimani where the gruesome final scene was shot.

Seafood - seafood pasta
The lagoon city has a long and glorious culinary tradition based on fresh seafood. A writhing, glistening variety of sea creatures swims from the stalls of the Rialto and Chioggia markets into local kitchens. Going with the flow of la cucina veneta requires a certain spirit of openminded experimentation. Not everybody has eaten granseola (spider crab) before, or garusoli (sea snails) or canoce (mantis shrimps), but Venice is definitely the place to try these marine curios.

Bellini
Oh - maybe this is my favorite.  Bellini is made in Venice and distributed by Canella.  It is peach nectar in Prosecco.  I keep a case at home because I love it so much. 

Website: http://www.bellinicanella.com/ita/

Visit a Glass Factory
There are two main items you will see for sale in Venice.  Glass - Murano being the most well known.  You can find tons of glass souvenirs of all kinds.  Figurines, jewelry, chandeliers, glassware, etc.  I suggest taking a tour of a glass factory.  The second main item is carnival masks. 

Murano Glass Factory Tour: http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/murano_glass_factories.htm
Why carnival masks:  http://www.carnevale.venezia.it/en/

Attractions and locations of apartments.  Apartments are the blue asterisks and the attractions are circled in red.

Locations of apartments in Venice by name: