HOW DO YOU DETERMINE VALUE IN A TOUR?

The ultimate buying experience is getting the BEST QUALITY for the LOWEST price. If your focus is only on lowest price, you are not an intelligent traveler as the dollar is more important to you than the experience. If this is for you, I suggest you read no further. If this is not you & you wish to take a tour, the first question is whether it is to be escorted or independent. The descriptions of independent tours are straightforward consisting of airfare, hotel & transportation combined. But in an escorted tour you have higher prices due to the hiring of a guide full time & the cost of a full time motorcoach & driver. In short, you have a more intense, well organized and thoroughly thought out itinerary giving you the maximum experience. However not all tours do this. If you look closely at most tours, they are routine, boring, poorly thought out & inflexible. When making such a decision, you should compare at least 3-4 tours to insure that you are getting a broad perspective of choices.

The following are steps to take.

1. Calculate the cost of the trip per day by taking the total price and dividing it by the number of days. Doing this will allow you to compare the overall costs of the trips in general. However since price should not be the only consideration, continue with the following items. Since most tour rates are PER PERSON, to get the TOTAL cost of the trip for you, multiply the figure from #1 times the number of people traveling with you to get YOUR TOTAL rate.

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Cork is located in the South West of Ireland. It is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland after Dublin. Cork which is one of the 32 counties of Ireland as well as a city covers almost one sixteenth of the entire island of Ireland. It has its’ own airport and is also a busy ferry port. The main towns within County Cork are Cork City, Kinsale, Cobh, Bandon, Middleton and Youghal.

In 2005 Cork was designated as the European Capital of Culture-an honour that led to numerous cultural and musical events being staged. It is home to Roy Keane the famous footballer, Murphy’s stout, The River Lee and perhaps one of Europe’s best known culinary towns Kinsale.

Cork people are proud of their heritage and have a passion for Gaelic football and hurling. Hurling is the fastest field game in the world and a true joy to watch. Be sure to take in a match if visiting the area. The city itself, whilst small by European or world standards has lots to do and see. It has gained an International reputation for music with the famous Jazz festival being hosted in the city each year.

The Blarney Woolen Mills, Fota Wildlife Park and the Titanic Exhibition in Cobh are all a must for anyone visiting the region. Be sure to sample some of the best cuisine anywhere in Kinsale with everything from fresh locally caught salmon to crocodile on the menu. Cork is also an ideal venue from which to explore nearby Kerry and Waterford, home to the famous crystal factory. Be prepared to take a little time to get used to the local accent as local Corkonians speak very fast and at times almost appear to sing their words.

Dara Ward is the Managing Director of Hotels in Cork He also operates Cork Accommodation which offers all types of accommodation in Cork Ireland. Dara has extensive experience within the travel industry in Ireland.

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Staying at a Bed and Breakfast is a fantastic experience. You get great food, friendly hosts and an atmosphere you can’t find in a traditional hotel. Our top 5 reasons to stay at a Bed and Breakfast are:

1. Exceptionally prepared home cooked breakfasts
Like the name suggests a bed and breakfast will serve you breakfast! Most bed and breakfast owners take great pride in their breakfasts offering a wide variety of dishes to fit your needs or requirements. This may include fresh fruit, hot meals, cereal or other delicious foods. Make sure you let you host know about any special dietary requirements.

2. Free extras (Internet, DVD, jacuzzi)
No more paying for movies! Many B&B’s offer DVD players, free Internet access or if you’re really lucky a jacuzzi. Most hotels would require you to pay for each of these separately. A bed and breakfast includes them as part of the experience. What a great way to relax after a long day of sight seeing!

3. Bed and Breakfasts are friendlier
Why stay in a hotel room where you are just another customer? Bed and breakfast owners appreciate you. They want you to have a good time and will make your stay an enjoyable one. Bed and breakfast owners offer you a unique insight into the local community. They can tell you about places to visit, special events, or just offer you the chance to make a new friend.

4. Unique Experiences
The bed and breakfast experience is unique. The exist in different locations, and offer different services. For example, some bed and breakfasts offer packages that are not available through a standard hotel chain. Bed and breakfast inns located on a ranch or lake may offer horseback riding or fishing as part of your visit. Staying at a bed and breakfast may also give you discounts on a round of golf, dinner at restaurant, or nature trips.

5. Comfort and quiet
Last but not least a bed and breakfast offers you peace and quiet. No noisy neighbors in the next room, no sounds of water running through the pipes at odd hours, just peace and quiet. If you can, find one that is located in a quiet neighborhood with a garden or a nice view. You can then spend your days just relaxing and staring out at the ocean or something similar.

On your next vacation stay at a bed and breakfast. They offer far more services than a traditional hotel chain, higher quality food and a personal touch that cannot be beat!

Shawn is the owner of The Bed and Breakfast Connector directory. North America’s newest travel resource.

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