Budget travelers to Ireland can take advantage of special backpacker tours and transportation again this year through Slow Coach, a backpacker transportation service that operates in Britain and Ireland.
For travelers to Ireland who have 12 days to explore, the Jump-on, Jump-off tour offers the most freedom and flexibility. The tour, which operates from April to October, enables travelers to cover a circular route at their own speed for 99 pounds (about $145 U.S.). After picking up passengers at seven hostels around Dublin, the buses stop at sites of interest en route, and guided tours and walks are provided. You choose your accommodation, but you can take advantage of door-to-door service; stops are made at more than 40 hostels in at least 20 destinations. A minimum of three coaches cover the route each week.
Slow Coach also offers backpacker six-day guided tours for 119 pounds (about $174) year round. The fare includes admission to places like Clonmacnoise Monastery, Blarney Castle, the Cliffs of Moher and the Rock of Cashel. Passengers are picked up between 9 and 10 a.m. every Monday at seven hostels around Dublin.
The six-day Irish tour is very popular and is nearly always full, so it’s smart to reserve in advance. The coaches hold up to 29 passengers, and the tour sometimes runs more than one coach. Overnight stops include Galway, Doolin (famous for its traditional music), Killarney and Cork.
Slow Coach is geared to travelers 18 to 35 but open to anyone over 14 with a young-thinking attitude. Many of the walks require some degree of fitness. You can book in advance using a credit card contacting Slow Coach at First Floor, 6 S. William St., Dublin 2. From the States, dial 011-353-1679-2684, fax 011-353-1670-7740, or e-mail slocoach@star.co.uk.
News for neophytes
Two free publications providing basic tips for young travelers are now available.
For the independent young traveler, Hostelling International-American Youth Hostels (HI-AYH) has just released its 1998 edition of its free 40-page Travelers Resource Guide. It’s geared toward those planning their first trip abroad, and includes advice on getting pre-trip health information; obtaining passports, visas, and student and youth (under 26) discount cards; traveling with your bicycle; sorting through the variety of European rail passes; buying a backpack (when loaded, it should equal 25 percent of your body weight); estimating your budget, etc. It won’t be easy, but it is still possible to spend $30 to $50 a day in Europe . Costs in Asia (except Japan), South America and Africa are lower. Costs in Canada, Australia and the Caribbean are close to Europe’s.
For a free copy, contact the HI-AYH Travel Centre at 2232 W. Roscoe Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60618. Call 773-327-8114 or e-mail at hiayhchigo@aol.com.
Travel Safety Tips for Youth and Student Travelers is a leaflet geared toward young people participating in student or group trips, and their parents. The advice was solicited from members of the Student Youth Travel Association of North America, which includes tour operators and retail travel organizations specializing in student and youth travel. Tips range from packing suggestions to pointers on what parents should ask the tour operator.
For example, the leaflet suggests: “Never leave valuables in your room (put them in the hotel safe upon check-in or keep them on you).” Although novice travelers might think their belongings are safe because they’ve locked the door and have the key, they could be enticing a low-paid hotel worker to help himself.
“Keep the door locked and chained at all times when you are in your room. Never open the door to strangers.” That’s good advice, and remember that if someone comes to your door claiming to be hotel staff and you aren’t expecting anyone, you can call the desk first and check that they are legitimate.
“Keep a few small bills ($1 and $5 bills) in your pocket to pay for a small purchases like a drink or snack so you don’t have to open your wallet in a busy place.” The rest of your money and valuables should be in a pouch under your clothing.
“Keep a photocopy of your passport on you, and lock your passport in the hotel safe (except in certain countries where tourists are required to keep passports on them at all times).” When you use a safe for valuables, such as extra money, put them in an envelope, then seal and sign the envelope so you can tell if it’s been tampered with.
“Wear a waterproof, inexpensive watch (an expensive watch can be lost, stolen, broken or damaged, or you may forget to take it off in a pool).” Forget fashion when it comes to your feet, too. Make sure you have at least one pair of comfortable, flat, broken-in shoes; it will add hours to your day.
“Bring disposable cameras. If you lose or break them, you’ve only lost a memory, not an expensive camera.” Not only are you minimizing damage if you lose or break them, but paper cameras also are unlikely to be targets for thieves.
“If you wear contact lenses, bring glasses for the airplane. The recycled air on planes can dry out your eyes and make you very uncomfortable.” You’ll also find it easier after you arrive if you’ve consumed lots of water and fruit juice and eaten lightly on the plane.
“Bring a photocopy of all current prescriptions (medication, eyeglass/contact lens prescription, etc.) so these items can be replaced if lost. Pack any prescription medication and other important toiletries in your carry-on bag (in case your luggage gets lost you won’t be without your medication). Keep prescription medication in its original package and keep a photocopy of the prescription handy (some customs officials may question the drugs and you may need proof that it is a prescription).”
For a free copy of Travel Safety Tips for Student and Youth Travelers write to SYTA, 1730 I Street, Suite 240, Sacramento, Calif. 95814. Telephone 916-443-0519; fax 916-443-0865; e-mail info@syta.com.
