There’s a new travel hot spot to watch — Ireland.
In years past, airfare from the states to the Emerald Isle were often hundreds of dollars higher than the rest of the EU. But that pattern is changing with Ireland now being the budget travel destination — or at least a destination where round-trip airfare rates are below the $800 mark.
Through Aug. 8, United Airlines offers deep discounts for off-peak travel to Ireland.
For instance, round-trip rates to Shannon are $727 and $782 to Dublin. Rates are based on departures from Nov. 1-Dec. 15 or Jan. 9-March 27. Weekend travel is $25 more, each way. Stays must include at least on Saturday night. Return within a month of departure.
United serves these two destinations with one flight connection in Newark, N.J.
Delta Air Lines matches this rate, but requires a 7-night minimum stay.
The best place to start planning your visit is at Discover Ireland, the official website of Tourism Ireland, http://www.discoverireland.com/us.
Sale airfares are always subject to change. Every seat on every flight is not offered at the lowest rate. Since only a limited supply of seats is available, act quickly to make your purchase. I recommend starting the search for available seats at Kayak.com vs. calling an airline directly. You can also search for the sale at travel websites such as Expedia, Orbitz or Travelocity, etc.
Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
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