Garson Loc: Tampa, FL

Beware, many airlines will not give you an actual refund. Sometimes, they allow you to rebook without fees. Sometimes, you can "bank" the amount of the ticket ((or frequent flyer miles) for a specific period of time. Check the policy of the specific airline(s) issuing the ticket. I had to cancel two international trips last year because of the pandemic.

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

I can apply for a voucher if the trip is cancelled. I was able to get my money refunded on my credit card last year from Air France for my flight to Madrid. I haven't seen an actual cash refund offer on Aer Lingus unless you bought a mega-expensive ticket. I guess a voucher wouldn't be too bad as long as there's enough time to use it. There was something on the website mentioned about COVID-cancelled travel and I think it said you could request a refund instead of a voucher. I still haven't been able to find anything cheaper non-stop and with my credit card miles, if I use them all at once would knock the price down to about one paycheck (and school bus monitors aren't well paid). I forgot the town I was going to spend my birthday in this year, but I'd be spending the evening of it this year in Waterford - in 2017 I was on the shore of the Sea of Galilee...I like to do big birthday trips, when I can afford to. I should be able to get my COVID shots within the next month or two and hopefully some positive news will come from the EU before June.

repleo Loc: Boston

Check the Irish Government regulations before you go at
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/b4020-travelling-to-ireland-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/

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

Hopefully things will get better in the coming months. I'm concerned that the longer I wait to buy airfare that the prices will skyrocket. Last thing I read from the tour company's website (updated a couple days ago) was the same as before...Europe, Britain and select worldwide trips are cancelled through February and AU/NZ trip through June. One can only cross their fingers. If the trip is a go, I will need to get a new passport - depressing..I think the only stamp/coupon in it was from Israel. Not an effective use of a 10-year-good document. current lead times are just under 3 months last I checked.

TonyF Loc: Bradenton, FL

Remember, you will need a new passport if it is 6 months before expiration date from your return date.

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

I know. My trip to Spain last year (If it wasn't cancelled) was going to be the last one possible on my current passport.

worldcycle Loc: Stateline, Nevada

One word........ TRAVELZOO ..... Sign up for their top 20 list. Every Wednesday you get the top 20 travel deals going that week. Airfare alone does not happen too much but if you are a package tour kind of person their deals cannot be beat. Most the fares listed are limited come ons so you have to act fast to get the bargain. I do most of my travel from it. Example, Singapore Airlines (the absolute best) anywhere they flew round trip from Los Angeles for $649. That included connecting out of Singapore on affiliate airlines to places such as Bali, Luang Prabang, Bangkok, Calcutta. I got an open jaw ticket LA to Phnom Penh, then returning Luang Prabang to Los Angeles for $642!

For travel insurance check out the site ... SQUAREMOUTH ...... they compare all of travel insurance companies for the coverage you want. I mainly buy it for the medical part. Get a policy that is primary coverage. Pays everything, look for a high limit and also look at medical evacuation limits. Everything else is pretty much the same for coverage across the board. You would be amazed how much you can get for a nominal cost if you look. DO NOT BUY COVERAGE from the tour company or the airline. They only cover "their part" and you could be left hanging for something in the end.

Lastly (and maybe most importantly) A LOW COST AIRLINE IS SOMETIMES MORE EXPENSIVE. This is because they are only flying YOU. Not your check in, not your carry on and sometimes not even your purse. Everything is charged by the piece with very limited weight restrictions. The only onboard amenity is water. Everything else if you did not bring it comes at a cost. (And yes it counts as your limited carry on) No movies. Make sure you read ALL the fine print on their webpage and call to confirm before buying your discounted ticket. I have ended up paying the price more than once. Budget airlines to Europe are notorious for it.

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

I looked at travel Zoo. I didn't see any deals to Dublin. As far as travel insurance, my credit card, I think, includes travel insurance when I buy the trip with the card. My mom always buys travel insurance and it got her a trip home on a Lear jet from Costa Rica after an accident left her with a broken back and leg - saved $$$'s. I've never taken a bargain airline, but my sister used one out of a local airport and they nickel-and-dimed her to death!

TonyF Loc: Bradenton, FL

Do not rely on your cc travel insurance, unless you have something like the Amex Black card. Especially for overseas travel.