My Verbosity

Are you looking for a way to get cheap train travel when you go on your next vacation? There are a few different tips that will help you to be able to find the cheap prices that you are looking for and the tickets that you need are just 1 Skip Away. Train travel much like the airline industry has experienced a lot of competition over the years and the competition has made it easier to get lower rates on the train tickets that you need. If you want to be able to save money when you are traveling by train then make sure that you take note of these tips.

One thing that will help you to be able to travel cheap by train is if you schedule your trip during the off season. By taking your trip at the same time everyone else is there will be plenty of people who want to ride the train, and the train station will not have much reason to be flexible with the ticket prices. If you travel when it is less busy then you will find that the rates are much lower because the train station wants to find people to travel by train, and are willing to offer them a discounted price.

There are a few other tips that you will want to know about that will help you to find cheap train travel. You will want to make sure that you know about these tips, but traveling in the off season will help you to save a lot of money on train travel. When you take the time to learn about all of the other tips that are available the low price that you want to get on when you are traveling by train will only be 1 Skip Away. Just a little research will go a long way in this regard.

Doolin hotels and guest houses have in the last 10 years needed to raise their standards to remain competitive with the big hotel chains which are now so common in the Irish hotel sector. The independent hotels chosen here provide some of the most pleasant in Doolin Ireland with top class rooms, friendly service and stunning views.

A short walk from town sits the contemporary designed Tir Gan Ean Hotel. Popular with the young, and young at heart, this 4-star hotel has a boutique feel to it combined with every creature that you may be surprised to find in such a rural Irish locations.

Each of the 12 large airy rooms has plasma TVs, contemporary furniture, under-floor heating, air-conditioning and modern en-suites. The modern ambiance is nicely complemented by the use of Celtic furnishings and architecture in public areas. And the range of hearty hot & cold breakfast options mix modern healthy options with the more traditional full Irish breakfast.

The 3-star Aran View House Hotel is a 1km walk from Doolin and the big benefit of its hilltop location is its spectacular sea views out to the Aran Islands and Atlantic Ocean. It is a more traditional country manor style hotel, in its build and its decor, but refurbishment of the guest-rooms has upped the quality of en-suites while retaining the hotels comfortable & cozy charm.

Guests and non-residents are also drawn in by the family-friendly hotel bar with its panoramic sea views and Irish music sessions (in high season).

Finally, staying within a short walk of Doolin village itself the 4-star Ballyvara House Hotel manages to combine its rural setting (within an acre of countryside) with a clean modern hotel. Inside there is a mix of twin, double, luxury suites, quads, family and studio rooms. This eclectic mix caters for all group sizes and types with satellite TV and modern en-suites throughout. The luxury suites have a Jacuzzi bath and king size sleigh bed while the 2 studio apartment come with their own kitchen (ideal for self catering breaks).

The small seaside town of Clifden Ireland has been attracting visitors for decades looking to discover the great Connemara countryside. The three Clifden hotels chosen here are the ideal base for exploring the area, and treating yourself to great service, food and views.

Starting furthest from town, the 3-star Ardagh Hotel is a popular choice with outdoor enthusiasts. The hotel is ideally situated close to the national park trails, fishing on Ardbear Bay and a selection of golf courses.

Inside, the guest rooms are big, bright and airy with all rooms having great views of the bay and/or the Connemara countryside. The restaurant on the second floor has won several awards for the quality of food on the menu with seafood and traditional Irish dishes being of special note.

Closer to Clifden, the Rock Glen hotel is a 5-star country house style hotel set within its own secluded grounds with views of Clifden Bay. Rooms are contemporary designed with all the usual amenities you’d expect with a 5-star hotel (including free wi-fi).

The hotels open plan dining room restaurant is a popular choice with guests and locals alike (which always the seal of approval on any restaurant in tourist areas) and has a menu of hearty Irish dishes.

Finally, in the hillside overlooking Clifden is the picture-perfect Abbyglen Castle hotel. The castles building has been lovingly maintained, as have the lawns, gardens and shrubbery on the castle grounds.

Inside the hotel doesn’t disappoint with high-ceilinged rooms throughout and the large guest rooms furnished in a country style. Those wishing to treat themselves on holiday can also make great use of the sauna, beauty treatments, restaurant and bar all inside the castle fortifications.

Staying in any of these hotels provides an ideal base for exploring this scenic part of Ireland’s west coast while still enjoying the luxury and fine-dining that these hotels can provide.

Golf holidays in Portugal provide the chance of playing a huge range of top-quality courses, with spectacular scenery and weather. This brief introduction to the country’s main golfing region focuses on the most popular areas & courses.

For many, a golf holiday in the Algarve would be the first choice. The central Algarve has a heritage of great courses like the Quinta Do Lago Laranjal and the Vale Do Lobo along with a variety of resorts in close proximity to Vilamoura.

Vilamoura can be too hectic sometimes given the full-on nightlife and sheer volume of resorts and courses. For some tranquillity, the eastern Algarve has some great scenic drives to top-class courses like the Benamor and Quinta Da Ria. And if you wish to treat yourself, then be sure to play the Monte Rei.

Going west toward the Atlantic, the Algarve courses become more challenging. The quality of courses is still maintained and the championship course at Penina is particularly tough going when the sea-breeze is strong. You could also set up a base at the Oceanico to play both the parkland O’Connor course and the desert-style Faldo course.

Further up the west coast there is a concentration of resorts within a short drive of Lisbon that prove popular with golfers wishing to stay in the city and make day-trips to the courses along the river Tagus. The popular Penha Longa Atlantic course and the Praia D’El Rey are the two must play courses in the region. In truth though, you are spoilt for choice here with the dozen or so resorts and places like Quinta Da Marinha, the Troia links and Golden Eagle to savor playing.

Finally, the Oeste region and the island of Madeira are lesser known in golfing terms but each has something to offer. The Oeste region’s course are spread out so really suit those interested in sightseeing & scenic drives. Madeira only has the 3 courses which attract golfers looking to play against the unique backdrop of the island’s lush valleys, volcanic hillsides and sheer cliffs.

The following select list of Ballybunion hotels are rightly popular for their combination of comfortable rooms, excellent dining options, unique/impressive buildings and picturesque views.

The Bellbridge House Hotel is one of the more modern hotels in County Clare which is within walking distance of some wonderful sandy beaches. The majority of rooms have great sea views and the hotel’s bistro restaurant has a wonderful food lovers menu with an emphasis on using the excellent seafood & meat sourced in the region. Golfers love the hotel as it is within a short drive of two of the greatest links golf courses in Ireland - Ballybunion Golf Club and Lahinch Golf Club.

One of the larger hotels in the area that retains its welcoming atmosphere is the Glin Castle hotel. It is an actual castle renovated throughout with lavish decor that matches the grandeur of the building and the impressive lawns & gardens. Rooms are spacious and inviting and the formal dining room has superb views across the lawns. After enjoying the wonderful menu, it can be very pleasant to take a relaxing walk through the estate’s walled gardens.

Anyone wishing to combine a spa break and great food will enjoy the Ballygarry House Hotel. The hotel itself has been open since the fifties and the country manor style rooms and furnishings make for a leisurely laid-back atmosphere. The recent addition of the spa has provided something very unique to hotels in this part of Ireland. After enjoying a mud/seaweed bath and a spell in a thermal suite, you could then treat yourself to some contemporary Irish cuisine in the in-house restaurant.

Last, but certainly not least. Glin Castle can offer a truly once in a lifetime experience. This 15th century castle hotel only has a dozen rooms, but the rooms are elegant and luxurious beyond belief. The touch of class rolls over into every part of the hotel. The ornamentation and marble fireplaces are completely bespoke and the restaurants classic cuisine is sumptuous and perfectly offset by the dining rooms romantic views across the lawns and ancient oaks that surround the castle.

This part of Ireland is memorable for so many things – the scenery, the warm welcome and the great food. Staying at one of the four special hotels above will add one more memorable item to any visit to the region.

The wheels are the basis of the rolling luggage sets so make sure they are sturdy and good quality. The best ones are like those on inline skates; they have ball bearings that make for smooth movement. Try to avoid the cheaper plastic wheels. If you can buy a spare set of wheels that fit your luggage, get them at the same time, so you have them on hand if needed.

Try out the luggage before you buy it. Open and close all fasteners on the luggage, making sure they operate smoothly. Straps need to be firmly attached and adjustable for individual fit. Check out the stitching for breaks or areas of weakness; test the wheels for security and strength. Wheel it around and make sure it is balanced, maneuverable and runs straight.