Travellers nowadays look for practical tips and advice that’s more than just specific destination information. On this page you’ll find useful information applicable to all trips. But as I’m a destination expert on Ireland I’ll throw in a few tips specific to there as well.
GENERAL
EUROPE: I have a Europe Travel Essentials file, for all countries in Europe, that can be downloaded below.
My Schengen Tourist Visa post gives an overview of the visa required by non-EU citizens when visiting countries in Europe’s Schengen Area, a 26 country zone of EU and non-EU countries.
Consular Protection: EU citizens can get help from the embassy or consulate of any other EU Member State when travelling in a non-EU country where there is no embassy or consulate from their own Member State.
VISAS ETC: Travellers always need to check with their government’s Foreign Office/Ministry prior to international travel as advice can vary depending on nationality. Staff in embassies/consulates abroad are the best placed people to help if things go drastically wrong (e.g. natural disaster, terrorist attack).
ACCOMMODATION: Given that it caters for a wide range of budgets and has comprehensive search filters, Booking.com is my preferred choice when booking accommodation. Booking.com is currently offering Early 2023 Deals: Save at least 15% when you book before 31 March 2023. Early 2023 Deals conditions can be found on the disclaimer page.
FIRST TIME TRAVELLING ABROAD: For those who want to travel abroad for the first time, I have posts on Tips for First-Time Flyers and First Time Travelling Abroad: Planning Tips. Much of the advice in the latter post is geared towards solo female travellers but is applicable to general travellers as well.
FUNDING YOUR TRIP: Want to take that dream trip but struggling to find the funds. Here are 39 great tips on How to Afford to Travel. Let the world come to your home.
ORGANISING YOUR TRIP: In a panic trying to get ready for your trip? Don’t worry, print off my Pre-Travel Checklist and prep like a boss.
READING MATERIAL: Few things can match the frustration of a travel delay but beat the boredom with a good book. Here is my recommended fiction and non-fiction lists.
STAYING HEALTHY ABROAD: Mens sana in corpore sano is a Latin term which translates as A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body. How does one achieve or maintain this on the road? Eating healthy is key so have a look at my Eating Healthy While Travelling post for some essential tips.
ECO-TRAVEL: Do you love travel? Do you equally love the planet? Here are some Eco-Travel Tips to on how to reduce your carbon footprint when travelling.
OTHER TOPICS: Dark Tourism is the concept of visiting places associated with death, disaster and the macabre. I have a post specifically dedicated to dark tourism destinations and the ethics of such travel.
For those of you interested in what studying in another country is like, check out Sydney Richardson’s Study Abroad Stories from blogger’s around the world.
Those of you grappling with the complexities of travel insurance should check out this useful guide by the ConsumersAdvocate.org.
SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL
Check out my post on the 10 best solo female travel destinations. The post also includes popular destinations which I don’t think are solo female friendly. You’ll be surprised with my choices.
ARMCHAIR TRAVEL
If you can’t physically travel abroad for whatever reason, I have a number of Armchair Travel posts to keep your wanderlust satisfied. I have a general Armchair Travelling guide and a specific post on European TV series. I’ve also covered European cinema in 30 Movies about Europe to Watch Before Visiting.
For younger travellers, I have a guide on How Kids can Discover the World from Home.
IRELAND
Is Ireland on your wish list? Then check out my comprehensive Planning a Trip to Ireland post.
I have a number of posts on my beautiful home county of Kerry. Find them and other practical advice in my Kerry Travel Guide post.
Want to travel Ireland at your own pace but nervous about getting behind the wheel of a car? I’ve specifically written a guide on Tips for driving in Ireland for tourists and travellers.
You’re enjoying your holiday in Ireland but you’re not quite sure of the meaning of some phrases. Our pure form of English is interspersed with slang phrases so study my list of Slang in Ireland to see where exactly the conversation is going.
Arrivals Hall 