How to Keep Your Connecting Flight On Schedule

We plan these trips for weeks, months, and even years, in some cases, but 

what we never plan for are interruptions with our flights.  However, in 

today's world of full flights and weather delays, there is a good chance 

that you will encounter a hitch with connecting flights.  Naturally, 

you should try to avoid connections all together when booking 

flights but that is not possible with many destinations.  

So, what can you do to ensure you get the most out of your vacation? Well, 

take these tips and pack them in your memory bank...it could mean the

difference between a trip to Capri and a trip to hell...

Always try to book your group within the same ticket reservation.

That way if something happens, it is much easier for the reservation

agent to locate all of the people with whom you are traveling.

If you are delayed or canceled on your flight and that airline

does not have a good option, ask the airline to check with 

other airlines for their availability.  

Avoid booking tickets on separate airlines for one flight itinerary if you

can.  Exceptions would be when your airline choices are limited for one 

 region and the city you ultimately are trying to get to does not offer airline

partnerships with your regional airlines.  Reason being is that airlines

are only responsible for getting you from point A to point B on their

flight.  If your first flight causes you to miss your connecting flight, then 

the second airline is not responsible for accommodating you to your final 

destination. You may end up having to purchase a brand new ticket at a

much higher price.  The exception to this would be if you purchase 

refundable tickets.

Allow 45 minutes for connecting times if you are traveling domestically.

Although the domestic to international flight connecting recommendation

is 90 minutes, if you are flying on two separate airlines, you need to 

increase that time to two hours to allow time for possibly changing

terminals.  And, if you have to clear customs before connecting to 

your next flight, you need to increase that to three hours.

Allow extra time on all connections if it is a high traveling time like

holidays and during school breaks.  

Allow extra time if you are connecting through a particularly large

or busy airport.

Always carry on your valuables such jewelry, and especially medicine.

If your first flight does not get your bags onto your connecting flight,

you want to be sure to have your medicine and anything that you

find irreplaceable.

Try booking your flights for first thing in the morning.  The later

the day gets the more chance there is that there will be a flight delay.

After all, your best connection is the one you
make with the people and places on your trip....

TRAVEL M GIRL

The Many Colors of Dublin

No, it's not double vision you are seeing.  It is just me 

sitting in my driver's car trying to capture what I am 

seeing on my arrival in Dublin.  The colorful walls were

a welcome sight on this dreary and cold day.  

Despite the cold on this day, I found that my arrival to
 The Shelbourne Hotel quickly warmed my heart
and soul.

This grand dame 5-star hotel is located within

walking distance to most of Dublin's famous

historic landmarks and it overlooks the

beautiful St. Stephen's Green which is 

Europe's largest garden square.  The hotel

was founded in 1824 and is rich in history.
Many of the rich and famous along with world
leaders that have stayed at The Shelbourne
throughout the years are proudly displayed
on the walls by the lobby.

Located just off of the lobby of the hotel

is The Horseshoe Bar which is one of

Dublin's finest city bars.

Just outside of The Shelbourne is an 

abundance of restaurants, shops and 

historical sights.  I found Dublin to 

be very colorful in many ways. The

skies may be dreary but the city and 

its people are far from dreary!

A must-see opportunity is at Trinity College Dublin where

inside the Old Library building sits the Book of Kells --

a 9th-century gospel manuscript that is simply magnificent.

And, no visit is complete without a stop at the world

famous Guinness Storehouse where you will become

totally immersed in the history and making of this

beer that started in 1759.  Not only will you learn

the art of pouring a Guinness, you can enjoy a free

pint of Guinness on the 7th floor at their Gravity Bar

 where you will find spectacular views over Dublin!

Night time can be just as colorful in Dublin.  Especially

if you wander over to the historic cobbled quarter called Temple Bar
that sits on the south side of the Liffey River.  There you will find
music along with pubs, shops and restaurants for the many patrons
 who wander the pedestrian-only streets.

Places to dine in Dublin include:

Chapter One

Elegant yet comfortable serving innovative Irish

cuisine with an international flair

Considered one of the best restaurants in Dublin

Located in Central Dublin's Panell Square

Pichet

A lively international-style bistro

Located at 14-15 Trinity Street

Irish O'Connell

A pub-turned restaurant serving Modern Irish cooking

Located on Morehampton Road, Donnybrook

One Pico

Serves modern classic and seasonal cuisine

Located at 5/6 Molesworth Street off St. Stephens

Green Schoolhouse Lane

Bewley's Cafe

Great place to get coffee and dessert or 

a casual dinner

Located at 78-79 Grafton Street

Cake Cafe

Yummy place to get lunch, coffee, wine, dessert, 

order a cake or take a cooking class

Located at Pleasants Place off Camden Street

Closed on Sundays

Cafe en Seine

Popular restaurant and pub with a good music venue

Located close to Trinity College on Dawson Street

Shack Restaurant

Wide variety of Irish and European food makes for a great dining 

Located in the heart of Temple Bar

Il Baccaro

Housed in an 18th-century wine merchants cellar

 serving delicious Northern Italian

Located in Meeting House Square by Temple Bar

Lilliput Stores

A coffee shop and gourmet grocery store

Located at 5 Rosemount Terrace

Tea Room at The Clarence Hotel

Enjoy afternoon tea in the prettiest room in Dublin

Located at 608 Wellington

Temple Bar Food Market

Foodie's paradise selling locally produced and baked goods

Open on Saturdays from 10:00a.m until 4:30p.m.

Located at Meeting House Square

The Winding Stair 

Housed in a former bookshop and cafe and 

serves Irish home cooking and great steaks from

the Aberdeen Angus with an extensive wine list

Located just across the Ha' Penny Bridge from

the Temple Bar neighborhood with huge windows

looking onto the River Liffey

Palace Bar

One of Dublin's most beloved original Victorian pubs

Established in 1823

 It is a lively place to be at on rugby game days

Located at 12 Fleet Street

Lord Edward

Simple restaurant serving incredible seafood

and traditional Irish dishes with beautiful views

of Christchurch Cathedral

Located at 23 Christchurch

The Old Stand 

A 300-year old pub where you will find lecturers from 

Trinity College mingling with actors which serves

traditional Irish food

Another place to be on rugby game days

Located at 37 Exchequer Street

Other noteworthy hotels include:

Clarence House

Beautiful modern hotel overlooking the Liffey River

InterContinental Dublin

Located in a beautiful residential neighborhood with

just a short stroll to Trinity College and Grafton Street

Merrion Hotel

Luxury hotel with stunning Irish Art and

impeccable service

Located on Upper Merrion right across the

road from the prime minister's offices 

Morrison Hotel DoubleTree

Boutique hotel located on the banks of the Liffey River

within walking distance to Temple Bar

The Dylan

Funky and posh boutique hotel with two great 

outdoor terraces

Located in the heart of Dublin and within walking 

distance to the top restaurants in Dublin

The Fitzwilliam Hotel

A modern gem in the heart of Dublin

Located on St. Stephens Green right where Grafton Street begins

"Love is never defeated, and I could add, the

history of Ireland proves it."  -- Pope John Paul II

TRAVEL M GIRL