planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

I have a trip planned for this summer and am wondering what a good fare would be from the east-coast area (I have credits for another cancelled trip I can use to get out there). So far, the best I've seen about $670 R/T from (I forgot...BOS maybe) on Aer Lingus. Should I wait to see if any sales pop up in another few months? I go in June.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Call a travel agent. They get great deals.

repleo Loc: Boston

$670 R/T BOS-DUB in June on Aer Lingus isin't bad. I wouldn't count on a price drop for June. You might find a slightly lower fare on TAP (Portugal), Icelandic or Turkish but you will be flying all over the place. However, I think Icelandic and TAP both give you the option to take a 2-3 day stopover in Iceland / Portugal if that interests you. Check the Aer Lingus package deals. They often have good deals for Fly-Drive-Stay packages.

Bear in mind that Ireland is currently going through a real crisis with Covit. They have had more cases in the last two weeks than they had in the 9 months since last March. They had been doing great, but now they have the highest rate in the world thanks to the English variant. They are pretty well in total lock down right now. Travel from county to county is prohibited - even going for a walk is restricted. Pubs are shut!!!! Who knows what conditions will be like by June.

If you are planning on driving, note that the cost of '0' deductible insurance may be more than the car rental. CDW insurance is not CDW as we know it. There will be a deductible of over 1000 euros and they really inspect the cars afterwards to find anything they can. You need to get '0' deductible insurance. Your credit card insurance won't work either. The rental companies won't accept it and if you decline insurance, the rental company will put a 'hold' of the full value of the car on your card until you return it. Some of the cards exclude rentals in Ireland, Italy and Israel. The rental car will be manual shift unless you specifically order an automatic (at triple the rate for manual). Launching into traffic in a stick shift on the left side of the road at 7:00 in the morning after an all-night flight can be a challenge if you are not used to it. I am used to it, but it is still a challenge.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

I have been going to Ireland every year for the last 20-25 years. We have family in Ireland. I and my wife have dual citizenship. We did not go last year and will not go this year. Whatever you want to see or do there will be there when this is over.

planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

I would be going on an organized bus tour if I got to go. I was supposed to spend my birthday last year in Spain, but as IT got cancelled due to COVID I had transferred my credits to Ireland this summer (thinking it would be in control within a year). As of the most recent update from the tour company Europe trips have been suspended through February and AU/NZ through June. If my 2nd trip in a row goes under I might choose a different continent for next time.

TonyF Loc: Bradenton, FL

Make sure you check the new Covid rules for re-entering the US. You might have to extend your overseas trip unexpectedly at your additional cost!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

It's a shame that the airlines are allowed to play games with airfares. I through flying, but I used to use online services to find the best rate. Very often, the lower the price, the more times you have to take off and land. Waiting too long can have you paying much more than you have to.

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

If you are a member, I use AAA Travel.
Great service.

planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

I'm not a member. My parents either are or were. Because of their age and condition, they don't get out much anymore. They may have gone ahead and cancelled. I think I'll wait another month or so to see if the trip is cancelled anyways. I could always start emptying my bucket list next year if this doesn't happen. I picked Ireland because on my first overseas trip, Ireland was an optional after-trip excursion. I had neither the money or time off from work to go...I was the ONLY person on the tour that went back to London from Wales to return to the States. If the pandemic lessens in the next year or so I'd love to go to either to either Africa (Kenya?), Thailand, or Peru.

JFCoupe Loc: Kent, Washington

I had a Ireland trip planned for May 2020 that I cancelled after Covid-19 appeared. My airfare on Aer Lingus from Seattle (Non-stop) to Dublin was about $900. So $700 from the east coast seems like a reasonable amount.

If you do book a trip, I would highly recommend trip insurance. Be sure what the details are, but it would be a good safe guard against cancellations and illness.

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

I speak from experience when I say:

Garson Loc: Tampa, FL

Try checking on Kayak.com If the lowest fare is your top priority, Norwegian often has great deals, but it is bare bones - everything is extra (meals, etc.). I suspect you may have to fly through London.

repleo Loc: Boston

Norwegian just announced earlier this week that they are cancelling all of their long haul services with a loss of 1200 jobs. Great pity. They were a great service at very reasonable prices. In flight meals were a bit too 'Norwegion' for my taste though - fishy things.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

Demand is likely to soar as vaccinations get done. Seniors up soon in most States. Prices follow demand.

planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

I'm supposed to be in 1B, I think (diabetic, school bus monitor). I supposed I could always just go ahead and buy a ticket and get a refund if the trip is cancelled. My county is supposed to start on 1B in another couple weeks or so. I'd be tempted to take a connecting flight in another country if the layover isn't excessive or the price makes it untouchable, but I think I'd rather pay a little more and go non-stop.