One thing people may not realize about Ireland is how much it has to offer. The scenic beauty, natural wonders, and over 5000 km of coastline really lend themselves to making the country into a world class tourist destination. As you may have read, I am rather fond of touring this country, and there is good reason for it. Let’s take a look just some of the attractions that keep people coming back year after year.

Golf
Pack your clubs and drive to some of the Irelands finest golf courses! Did you know that there are over 50 golf courses within 30 kilometers of Dublin? It’s true, and that’s just a small portion of the country. Some of the world’s most beautiful golfing can be found in Ireland. With courses set up on the coastal cliffs, forests, and rolling hills, golfers of all skills will be stunned by the beauty of the region. Here at Auto Europe, we get many requests from golfers, so if you do rent a car in Ireland for this purpose, opt for a wagon or a minivan to ensure you have enough space!

Fishing
As you know Ireland has many miles of coastline. This makes it a perfect destination for anglers to get away in search of the perfect catch. Some public transportation can get you to the coast, or a car rental in Ireland will allow you to fish beaches, lakes and rivers at your own pace. The Irish oceans are home to a wide range of fish, including bass, cod, pollock, turbot, ling, skate, and many sharks. Like most ocean fishing, you can have luck off shore casting, trolling, or out in a deep sea charter. For fresh water specimens you will find fantastic pike, salmon and trout fishing in Ireland’s many lakes and rivers. Anglers will get hooked on Irelands fishing with just a small taste of what the country has to offer.

Castles
When you think of Ireland, some things come to mind. Guinness, leprechauns, and castles are the first things that I think of. As Guinness is available everywhere, and leprechauns are very hard to find, some time should be given to exploring Irelands many castles. They decorate the landscape, and every region boasts them for your medieval needs. We all know about the famous Blarney Castle however here are some more that Ireland has to offer.

The Trim Castle in County Meath is one of the largest, most important castles in all of Ireland. Famous for its role in the movie Braveheart, The Trim castle was noted for its extreme use of force to keep out unwanted visitors, including arrows, scalding water and tar, rocks, and all other kinds of nasty falling (or thrown) objects. Apparently they don’t do this anymore unless you are wearing armor, so leave it at home.

Head over to Clareen where you will find the Leap Castle. This chilling location is rumored to be the most haunted castled in all of Ireland. The reason for this is that many people have died in this castle by murder or execution. One apparition is said to bring with him the rotting smell of decay with him when he appears, so bring your nose plugs!

Carrickfergus Castle in Northern Ireland was built in 1177 and was an active military stronghold until 1928, when it was turned into a museum. The castle is mostly surrounded by water, and its impressive look turned away people for years, but you don’t need to be intimidated by it anymore! Now you can visit the restored castle and take a tour, which will show you what life was like in the dark ages.

Newgrange, while not technically a castle, is over five thousand years old. This prehistoric passage tomb was discovered in the late 17th century, however was not fully excavated until 1975. Although the main purpose is not quite known at this time, it is believed to be the location of some kind of ceremonious activity. It is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, decorated with carved artwork containing a spiral motif. On the day of the winter solstice at sunrise, the sun shines directly into the chamber, lighting the floor of the passage. If you want to witness this event first hand there is a lottery to get a ticket. There is only enough room for 50 people to view this event and this year there were over 28,000 lottery tickets given out. Fortunately for the rest of us, there is a light bulb installed so that you can see what it is like.

O’Brien’s Tower was built in 1835 as an observation post. It still stands today, and is a popular destination for anyone visiting the Cliffs of Moher. Resting along just over 6 miles of coastline, there have been many efforts made to preserve the land, as well as the tower. Even the tourist center is cleverly built hidden into a nearby hillside. At this center, you can find all the information needed for a fantastic historical experience. The tourist center is also very earth friendly using thermal heat and solar power to power the building.

There are many ways to get around and see more of Ireland. Most major cities have efficient rail or bus systems, while car rentals in Ireland are very affordable during the off season winter months. Whatever you decide to use your feet, or rent a car in Ireland, you can bet your lucky charms you will want to come back for more.
Do you have a travel tip or two for tourists?  Leave a comment!

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Congratulations go out to Damien, Joy and Ryan, who guessed correctly on last week’s rather difficult travel trivia.  The correct answer was Edinburgh Castle, in the UK.  Joy even knew the name of the Ross Fountain, which was not part of the question, but is still a very important piece of architecture.

The answer to this weeks travel trivia is not mentioned in either of this weeks blog entries.  Here it is:

What is the name of this European theater?

Hint: Three operas by an English composer premiered at this theater.

Another Hint: The theater is not located in the UK or Ireland.

Good luck to everyone!

-Hans Ericsson

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European composers have been writing and performing music for hundreds of years, so it would make sense that Europe is home to some of the world’s finest music halls. Located throughout the continent, these theaters are architectural masterpieces. Many theaters still function today. Seeing an opera performed in Europe is an experience to remember, and is no doubt one of the best ways to embrace the culture of any European country. Let’s take a closer look at some of the theaters that have endured for hundreds of years.

Semperoper, Dresden, Germany
The Semperoper in Dresden has a world wide reputation for being one of the finest opera houses ever built. The building itself is an absolute marvel, combining many European architectural styles. The Semperoper hosts performances every day during its peak season. While in Dresden this October, you can see many acts, including Don Giovanni, Hansel and Gretel, Macbeth, and Giselle. Ticket prices are affordable, but events held at the Semperoper are sure to sell out fast.

Wiener Staatsoper, Vienna, Austria
The Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) is one of the oldest indoor performance theaters in the world, dating back to the beginning of the 18th century. The history of the building is filled with mystery and tragedy, as two of the original architects were killed during construction. Guided tours of this masterful building are available for €8. This price also includes admission to the Opera Museum, as well as the Austrian Theatre Museum, all in Vienna. Catch one of the many works being performed this season which include Faust, La Traviata, The Barber of Seville, and the Marriage of Figaro.

Verona Arena, Verona, Italy
Built nearly two thousand years ago in the style of a traditional Roman coliseum, the Verona Arena is still in use today. This impressive arena holds fifteen thousand people, and hosts a wide variety of acts. While the bulk of the performances are symphonies and operas, a many modern artists have performed here including The Who, Pearl Jam, and Simply Red. The opera season generally peaks in summer; with symphony and other performances in the fall and winter months. The Arena is one of Verona’s most magnificent structures, and offers a truly unique opportunity to view performances in such a historic venue.

Estates Theater, Prague, Czech Republic
The Estates Theater is generally viewed as one of the most beautiful theaters in Europe. The impressive balconies and chandelier give this theater a historic feel. The Estates Theater is probably best known for its connection to the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It was at the Estates where Mozart first performed and conducted the opera Don Giovanni in 1787. This is a must see for fans of his work as it is the only theater still standing where he actually performed. This theater was even featured in the film about his life, Amadeus. Today, there are ballet, opera, and symphony performances at this historic venue. Truly a must see during your visit in Prague.

Royal Opera House, London, England
While many tourists head into London’s West End theater district for modern works, more traditional performances can be found at the Royal Opera House. Originally built as a playhouse in the early 1700’s, the theater was first rebuilt after fires in 1809, and in 1856. A complete renovation in the 1990’s has made this theater one of the more advanced theaters. The venue was improved with new office, backstage, and rehearsal space, as well as surtitles (projected translations) above the stage. The Royal Opera House currently hosts a wide variety of plays and operas, including Swan Lake, Don Goivanni, La Calisto, and Puccini’s La fanciulla del West.

Palais Garnier, Paris, France
While there is no shortage of theaters in this artful city, one of the more grandeur locations you can see a performance in Paris is the Palais Garnier. The massive stage can hold over 400 performers, and the chandelier in the center of the theater weighs over ten thousand pounds! Not bad for a theater that only seats 2,200. Many other theaters took the beautiful design as a blueprint once the impressive structure was completed in 1875. Greek mythological statues can be found on the outside of the theater, as well as the bronze busts of famous composers in between marble columns. This season check out one of the many performances, including Fidelio, Macbeth and The Magic Flute, while on vacation in Paris.

These beautiful halls are just a taste of what Europe has to offer.  If you have experience in any of these halls or one not mentioned, feel free to leave a comment with a review.

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One of the finest things to do is witness a live musical performance while on European vacation. For hundreds of years, Europe has carried the torch of innovation and creativity when it comes to music. From the Beethoven to the Beatles, Europe has given birth to many musical visionaries. Europe is home to hundreds of high quality, historic venues for musical performance. They range in size and host a wide variety of musical genre. Smaller clubs hold numbers in the hundreds, while many stadiums hold over a hundred thousand people. Musicians from all over the world play to European crowds, hoping to impress audiences like so many before them. Upcoming entries will focus on places to see symphonies and operas performed by world class orchestras, as well as the historic theaters, and venues themselves. Today, the focus will be on a few current touring acts in Europe.

Coldplay
Formed in 1998, Coldplay is alternative rock band from London that puts on an epic live show experience. They have been compared to many artists, from Radiohead to Johnny Cash, and their vast influence can be heard in the studio albums they have released. The band is very active in charities all over the world, and refuses to sell any of its music for advertising. This energetic show is currently on the road through October 2nd with shows in Budapest, Vienna, Munich, Zurich, Bologna, Milan, Rotterdam and Antwerp. An additional UK tour begins December 1st and covers 11 shows in 18 days.

Ani Difranco
Folk, jazz and rock inspired songwriter Ani Difranco embarks on a European tour this October. Simply put, Ani commands the audience’s attention with her intimate shows, well planned sets, and impressive musical talent. She is sure to impress fans with her energetic, emotional, and inspiring performances all over Europe beginning on October 17th in Gerona, Spain. The tour covers 9 shows in just 13 days in Spain, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands and England.

Kanye West
Kayne West will be crossing the Atlantic to play shows in Ireland, England and France beginning on November 8th. Mr. West is known for his dramatic, high energy performances, and is sure to be well received by fans in Europe. Award winning production and brilliant lyrical work fuel record sales all over the world. Shows include a performance at London’s massive O2 arena. The final show of the tour in Paris on November 20th is the only stop scheduled for mainland Europe.

The Pogues
Somewhere between pints, the Pogues have managed to throw together a December tour of the UK and Ireland. Acclaimed by critics and fans alike, the Pogues have been performing their unique blend of traditional Irish music, rock and punk for over 25 years. Sticking mainly to college halls, this tour is sure to fuel the bands creative energy. Fans are hoping that these early Christmas gifts may lead to more shows in 2009. The tour kicks off on December 6th in Belfast, and ends just in time for Christmas on the 22nd in Dublin.

Elton John
Beginning the 19th of Noveber, Sir Elton John rockets through Europe with his extensive catalogue of classic songs. Always entertaining, fans are flocking to his shows from all over the world to see Elton on his “Red Piano” tour. This was originally a series of 200 shows in Las Vegas so well received it was decided to take it on the road. Seven shows take place in the UK, four in Germany, with additional shows in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway and France.

Barry Manilow
Hear the energetic entertainment of Barry Manilow for just 4 special nights in the UK. Demand is sure to be very high for these tickets, as the fan base in the England is just as dedicated, as his American fans. A true showman in every sense of the world, Barry Manilow is sure to leave fans smiling on December 4th, 6th and 7th in London, and December 8th in Manchester, UK.

Of course this is just a small example of bands on tour. There are hundreds of amazing local bands and musicians playing in clubs and bars every night. Each city has its own amazing venues and halls that warrant their own post, so look for that in the future. A great way to follow your favorite band is in a rental car from Auto Europe. With ticket prices so high, you will be glad you saved so much money on your car rental.

More European music information to come…

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Congratulations are in order for Ryan, who guessed correctly, twice, for last weeks trivia.  The correct answer was Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France.

For this weeks travel trivia, see the photo below.

What is the name of this famous location, and where is it located?

Hint: This photograph was taken from a public park.

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Like it or not, winter is just around the corner. It’s also considered slow season in the travel industry, and that can mean savings for you. For those of us who are into mountain sports, this is a great time to visit Europe and ski or snowboard the world famous Alps! I thought I would put together a list of some of the most important things to remember when renting a vehicle while on your ski vacation.

1. Decide what you need to bring

Unless you are a professional, you most likely do not need to bring more than one pair of skis. I often hear from people who think it is necessary to bring multiple pairs of skis on vacation. Can you imagine trying to get through customs with 2 or 3 pairs of skis after an 8 hour flight? To me, it’s simply not worth the hassle. Another option for those inclined is to rent skis locally. The shops around the mountain normally offer discounted rental rates for long term ski rentals, and usually they are top of the line demo skis. They are almost always new that year, so you may end up getting something nicer than you are used to!

2. Tune-up

Picture this; you and your friends are at the mountain about to lay tracks on some groomers. On your first run you realize that you have no edge, no wax and can’t turn. This is not a pleasant experience. Make sure to have your skis tuned and checked out by a professional before you leave. In the event that a ski does break, many European ski mountains have pro shops that are highly qualified to work on your skis.

3. Lock ‘em up

To avoid theft bring a ski lock with a combination you won’t forget. This will deter most ski thieves. Never leave your skis unattended for too long if you can help it. In the event your skis do get stolen its best to fall into a state of panic, and run about with arms flailing. Okay, maybe don’t do that, but do try to keep your cool and report it to ski patrol immediately. A good lock is a worthy investment to avoid this experience.

4. Figure out transportation ahead of time

Many people on ski trips rent vehicles to get back and forth from the mountain. In most cases, it is less expensive to rent two compact sized vehicles instead of a full size minivan. As most companies rent ski racks, this can work out very well if you have a group of 6 passengers. You will want to be sure to check to see how many pairs of skis each rack will hold. Often times its only two pairs per rack, but you can usually get two racks per rental, which means holding a total of 4 pairs of skis. Book your car well in advance if you need a ski rack. I can not stress this enough. There is no solution when you get a last minute rental and the supplier is out of ski racks. Most locations sell out of these racks, so you absolutely must ask for them in advance. Otherwise, you will be forced to upgrade to a larger car that will hold your equipment, at a higher cost.

5. Be prepared for snow

It is important to check to local weather as there may be unfavorable conditions in the forecast. Often times there will be cloud cover that clears once the sun comes out, so check to see the mountains conditions. Unless there is precipitation, the cloud cover is unimportant! However any amount of moisture in the air will affect the driving conditions. Make sure your car rental has the proper snow equipment needed to reach your destination. I once rented a beautiful Mercedes-Benz in Vienna on a trip to Austria, however when I got to the mountain, I couldn’t make it to the parking area as the car did not have snow chains.

6. Ask around

When you pick up your car, tell the clerk at the counter what mountain you are going to. More often than not, they are familiar with the local mountains and they can offer priceless advice, like where to eat, and ways to avoid busy lift lines. Do the same at your hotel. I would avoid asking vagrants and the homeless for advice on skiing, unless you are looking to learn new curse words in a foreign language.

7. Plan your day trips

Use one of the many mapping systems on the internet to figure out how to get to the mountain from your hotel if you are not sure. It can be frustrating trying to find a location with no directions in inclement weather. Renting a hand held GPS unit from Auto Europe is a fantastic way to alleviate this problem.

8. Ski Safe

You are in Europe, and the mountains are most likely bigger than what you are used to. Familiarize yourself with the locations of ski patrol stations and make sure you have a meeting point if someone gets separated. Wear a helmet; it’s kind of like a seat belt, but for your head. Don’t show off for locals. No one is impressed when the American tourist has to get airlifted out by helicopter because they are skiing out of bounds, or comes down on the gurney after attempting something they shouldn’t. It won’t be fun in the lodge wearing a cast while your friends are out on the slopes.

9. Have fun!

That is after all, why you are there in the first place, right? Get out there and enjoy the snow this winter in Europe!

Feel like sharing a ski travel experience? Leave a comment or send me an email, I would love to hear from you!

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Insurance is one of the things that we get asked about here at Auto Europe almost more than anything else. I’ve thrown together a quick guide to help you when planning your trip. This may seem confusing, but being informed about insurance can save you a lot of time, energy and money when traveling abroad.

Some terms that you should know:
CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) this insurance covers lawful damage to the vehicle.
TP (Theft Protection) covers the car in the event of theft and is usually grouped and sold together with CDW.
Liability covers any damage to persons or property outside of the rental vehicle.  This is always included in Auto Europe rates.
Fire Insurance covers the car in case of fire damage. This is also always included in Auto Europe rates.
PAI (Personal Accident Insurance) covers the hospital bills of people inside the car in the event of accident while driving. This is generally not available until you are at the rental counter.

There are two options for providing the CDW/TP insurance while on vacation in Europe. The first would be to check with your major credit card company to see if they will cover your car if you use that particular card to pay for the entire cost of the rental. Be sure to mention the countries you plan on traveling to, as there are some locations where this will not apply. It’s also important to note that usually the drivers name needs to match the name on the credit card for this coverage to apply. There is generally a 14 or 30 day maximum rental limit with credit cards. Four wheel drive cars, motorcycles, trucks, camper vans or cargo vans are usually not covered and there is usually a maximum value of the car covered. If at all possible, get a copy of the policy from the credit card to bring with you to the counter.

In most cases, there is still a deductible of some sort when collision and theft are purchased. Usually there is insurance offered locally which can reduce the collision and theft deductible if it is something you want to do. It is important to know this amount as they can be as low as zero, or thousands of dollars in some cases.

In Ireland, you will most likely need to purchase the CDW/TP on your rental, as very few credit cards will cover you there. In Italy the CDW/TP is mandatory and is included in our rates.

Having a credit card is very important for several reasons when renting a car in Europe. The suppliers are going to need to block of a set amount for gas, key and insurance deposit. This amount varies by supplier. It will be important to ask at the counter how much they plan on blocking, as the funds are usually tied up for a few days after you have returned your vehicle. If you do not have a credit card, the rental company can ask you for a cash deposit, which will usually mean leaving approximately $750-$2000 (US) dollars at the rental counter, which gets sent back to you about a month after you return the car, in the form of a check.

It’s also important to keep in mind that no insurance is going to cover negligence on your part, so drive safely by obeying all traffic laws. If there is a collision a valid police report is mandatory. You document any kind of damage with photos if you have the ability to do so.

Take these factors into consideration when renting a vehicle and you will be sure to have a pleasant rental experience! If you can think of any other helpful advice, please feel free to leave a comment!

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Congratulations to Emilie for getting last weeks Travel Trivia question right! The image contained The Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. The performance at the grand opening was Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.

For this weeks travel trivia, this image contains a building over 600 years old, that has survived at least two major political uprisings.

Can you name this building and the city in which it is located?

Good luck!

Hans Ericsson

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Each year millions of people from all walks of life travel to see festivals throughout the world. Many of us are familiar with these unique opportunities for tradesman, artists, actors and musicians to showcase talents, and offer hand made products and demonstrations. Of course we all know about Oktoberfest, but here are some of the upcoming festivals you might find of interest, and can be driven to easily while on vacation in Europe.

Libro Balloon Cup September- 19th-26th
The skies above the town of Kirchberg, Austria fill with color during this European Festival. Learn about the history of ballooning or take a ride in one if you have the courage! Be check out the Night Glow when hundreds of balloons take off in the evening, and illuminate the Austrian skyline.

Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival October 4th
This large annual wine celebration showcases wine from the grapes grown in Paris. Local and national musicians frequent this festival, performing in the evening. Local produce and craft tables are also available for shopping and there will be short film screenings all day long. It all leads up to the fireworks display from the Sacre-Coeur Gardens, in Paris France.

British National Ploughing Championships- October 11th & 12th
Watch as over 150 of the United Kingdom’s toughest ploughmen leave it all out on the field (literally) using everything from horses to modern equipment. This festival will offer a variety of crafts, displays and shopping. Bring the kids and head out to Marden, near Tonbridge in Kent, England.

Slieve Bloom Storytelling Festival- October 16th- 18th
Storytelling is alive and well at the Slieve Bloom Storytelling Festival, This Irish festival is a fun chance for adults and children alike to hear some of Ireland’s best story tellers passing on tall tales and legends passed on for generations. The storytellers of the region manage to keep history alive with their entertaining renditions of ancient events, local haunting tales and comedic adventures.

Berlin Tattoo Convention- December 1st- 30th
Tattoo enthusiasts of all shapes and sizes gather at the Berlin Arena in Germany to celebrate tattoo culture of the world. Tattoo competitions draw in a large crowd here in Berlin. Get inked or just watch the tattooing and art exhibits set up by vendors and artists from all over the world.

These are just a few of the upcoming festivals in Europe. I would love to hear about your festival experiences, so please leave a comment!

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Greetings from Portland, Maine! My name is Hans Ericsson and I will be sharing ideas, travel tips and stories for your information and enjoyment. Having family all over Europe, travel is a large part of my life, and I look forward to writing more on the blog here at Auto Europe.

Don’t Fear the Locals

A couple years ago I took a solo tour of Ireland. A scary idea at first, it ended up being one of the best possible travel experiences. Basically, I landed in Dublin, picked up my rental car, practiced driving it around the airport for an hour (right side drive) and hit the road. I soon found a safe place to park my car overnight, locked my belongings in the trunk and took off on foot.

After visiting the Guinness brewery and taking a city bus tour, I stepped into the nearest pub for a two Euro ale and some local Irish craic (light hearted conversation). I enjoyed the company of locals all afternoon. I asked many people what they recommended I do, and was mostly told to visit Cork, Kerry and Galway.

It was soon eight in the evening and I mentioned I needed a place to stay. Within minutes I had several people offer me their couch. Then one gentleman came over and said he owned a motel two blocks down, and would give me a room for €20 euro if I would buy the next round. Needless to say I did, and drifted off in a cozy bed around eleven. The rest of the trip was just as fun, as I met many more friendly people, all of whom had excellent advice on where to go, places to see, and what to drink.

To me this was the perfect balance of seeing the main attractions, and experiencing the local culture. If you speak the language and feel comfortable, talk to as many people as you can, you will be glad you did. Locals can provide insightful information that no guide book will ever have. Use your better judgment when approaching people and you will be sure to see some things you otherwise never would have heard about.

Feel free to comment about your experience with locals while traveling abroad!

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