Welcome to the Spirits Guest Portal!
June 9 - 19 trip
Here you'll find all the info you need about our travels through Edinburgh, Belfast, and Dublin! Please read through it all, even if it's a topic you're already familiar with--and of course, let us know if you have any questions!
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Health-related travel policies: We will keep you up to date (both here and via email) on the policies and procedures regarding health-related travel policies in the UK and Ireland at the time of our trip. Currently (as of April 21, 2024), there are no testing or vaccination requirements (for Covid or anything else) for entry to either country. Regardless, the CDC recommends making sure you are up to date on all routine vaccines, including Covid, before international travel.
Where and When:
A quick primer on Britain, the United Kingdom (UK), Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, etc., in case you feel uncertain about what each of those terms designates (and if so, you're not alone, so no worries!).
Edinburgh is in Scotland, and Belfast is in Northern Ireland; both Scotland and Northern Ireland are two of the four territories that make up the UK (along with England and Wales). The term Britain technically refers strictly to the island on which England, Scotland, and Wales are located, but in practice "Britain" is often used interchangeably with "UK" in common parlance.
Dublin is in the Republic of Ireland (more commonly just referred to as "Ireland"). Even though Northern Ireland (part of the UK, remember) and the Republic of Ireland share an island, they are part of separate nation-states. The Republic of Ireland is a sovereign territory unto itself, not part of the UK. (The Republic of Ireland is also a member state of the European Union, whereas the UK left the EU following the so-called "Brexit" vote of 2016.)
Edinburgh is in Scotland, and Belfast is in Northern Ireland; both Scotland and Northern Ireland are two of the four territories that make up the UK (along with England and Wales). The term Britain technically refers strictly to the island on which England, Scotland, and Wales are located, but in practice "Britain" is often used interchangeably with "UK" in common parlance.
Dublin is in the Republic of Ireland (more commonly just referred to as "Ireland"). Even though Northern Ireland (part of the UK, remember) and the Republic of Ireland share an island, they are part of separate nation-states. The Republic of Ireland is a sovereign territory unto itself, not part of the UK. (The Republic of Ireland is also a member state of the European Union, whereas the UK left the EU following the so-called "Brexit" vote of 2016.)
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Click the dropdown menu to learn more about each hotel!
4 nights in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh (June 9 - 13)
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Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Address: 1, India Buildings, Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2EX, United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0)131 526 4810 Website: virginhotels.com/edinburgh Our room type: Chamber King/Twin Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is a stylish five-star hotel with a chic bar, charming library, and well-designed rooms, plus a great location just a few minutes' walk from Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
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3 nights in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK, at Maldron Hotel Belfast City (June 13 - 16)
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Maldron Hotel Belfast City
Address: 20 Brunswick St, Belfast BT2 7GE, United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0)28 9600 1680 Website: maldronhotelbelfastcity.com Our room type: Deluxe Maldron Hotel is a lovely four-star hotel in the heart of Belfast. Just steps away from shopping, restaurants, and other sights, Maldron Hotel is a comfortable, stylish, and spacious place to call home while we are in Belfast.
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3 nights in Dublin, Ireland, at Brooks Hotel (June 16 - 19)
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Brooks Hotel
Address: 62 Drury St, Dublin, D02 TV06, Ireland Phone: +353 1 6704000 Website: brookshotel.ie Our room type: Deluxe Brooks Hotel is a sophisticated four-star boutique hotel located just off Dublin's bustling Grafton Street. The Brooks has an impressive bar, a cozy drawing room, and a cheery, welcoming personality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Packing Advice
What are typical airline luggage rules?
- Airlines typically allow one checked bag of up to 50 lbs.
- Additionally, airlines typically allow one small carry-on bag and one personal item such as a purse or backpack (these have their own weight and size limits, depending on the airline).
- That said, please check the rules for whichever airline you’re flying.
- The 3-1-1 liquid rule: In your carry-on, you will only be allowed to bring ONE baggie that is ONE quart (or liter) or smaller in size, containing liquid containers each no bigger than THREE ounces. (There is no liquid restriction for your checked bag.)
- Our itinerary will share the specific baggage rules of our group's Aer Lingus Regional flight from Edinburgh to Belfast.
I take medication. How should I pack it?
Keep your medications in your carry-on bag, just in case something were to happen to your checked bag on the flight. Also be sure to know the generic name of your medications, in case you were to lose your medication and need to get more in Europe, where the brand names might differ.
If you take a medication that is a liquid in an amount greater than three ounces, this can be exempt from the 3-1-1 liquid rule mentioned above. Read more about that exemption process here.
If you take a medication that is a liquid in an amount greater than three ounces, this can be exempt from the 3-1-1 liquid rule mentioned above. Read more about that exemption process here.
What kind of weather should I pack for?
The high temperature in Edinburgh, Belfast, and Dublin is typically in the mid 60’s in June, with lows in the upper 40’s. All these cities do get a fair amount of rain, so it's likely that we'll see at least some rain during our 10-day trip.
What should I consider when packing clothing?
- Dress in layers for maximum temperature flexibility.
- Be prepared for rain. Bring a rain jacket or umbrella, and remember to check the forecast each morning.
- Wear comfortable shoes! We will be walking a lot (by design; these are beautiful cities to walk through!) and you don’t want your enjoyment marred by blisters or aching arches.
Are there any special events I should pack special clothing for?
- No special clothing is required!
- We will be going to a few fancy cocktail bars where you may want to dress a little nicer than usual, but it isn't required.
- If you plan to visit a church or other religious building during your free time, plan to bring something that will fully cover your shoulders and knees.
Is there anything else I should know about packing?
Pack light, pack light, pack light. Your bag will be easier to maneuver, plus you'll have room to bring souvenirs home!
Traveling to Europe
Important flight scheduling notes
- Our activities begin on the evening of June 9, 2024. If you’re flying to Europe from North America, your flight will arrive the day after you leave, due to the distance and time zone changes, so you’ll need a flight departing on June 8 (what we call “Day Zero” on our itinerary).
- Please let us know your flight information, so we can keep track of everyone’s arrival, and adjust in the event your flight is delayed.
What should I expect on my transatlantic flight?
Arrive at the airport early! Plan to get to the airport a minimum of 2 hours before scheduled take-off, though arriving even 3 hours prior to an international departure is a good idea.
- Most transatlantic flights from the U.S. to Europe will be slated to depart in late afternoon or early evening (U.S. time), with arrival in Europe the following morning (European time).
- Since transatlantic flights are lengthy, most will have comforts and amenities including:
- An entertainment screen is on the back of every seat, from which you can watch a selection of TV shows and movies, play video games, and engage in similar activities.
- Dinner is provided on the flight, typically not long after take-off; after dinner, the cabin lights are dimmed to allow passengers to get some sleep.
- Blankets, pillows, and sleep masks are available.
- Toward the end of the flight, as you are approaching your destination and it is morning in Europe, a light breakfast is served.
- Be sure to get up and move around at least a couple of times during the flight.
- Throughout the flight, if you need a glass of water or something similar, just ask! One of the keys to long-distance travel is to avoid dehydration.
I have a disability or condition that may make getting through airport security more difficult. What should I do?
Consider reaching out in advance to TSA Cares. TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process. You can call (855) 787-2227 when you are 72 hours from your flight, or fill out this form in advance. Read more about it here.
How does the Passport Control process work?
Upon your arrival in Europe, you'll go through Passport Control. Procedures and security rules change frequently, but generally the pattern is something like this:
- After you exit your plane, follow the signs (and your fellow passengers) toward Passport Control.
- The Passport Control lines can be lengthy, but usually move quickly. The Passport Control officer will typically ask a question or two about the reason for, and length of, your visit, then stamp your passport and allow you through.
- If you have a layover, depending on the country of your layover, you may need to go through Passport Control on your layover, and/or upon arrival in Edinburgh.
What should I expect on my layover?
You might have a layover at a European airport on your way to Edinburgh. Here are some points and tips to keep in mind for your layover:
- Get a sense of how far it is to the gate for your connecting flight. Depending on the airport’s layout, you might need to go through a Passport Control check to get to your connecting flight’s gate, for example; be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get there for boarding. (If you have a long layover, the gate for your connecting flight may not be assigned right away, so check back every half hour or so on the Departures screens located around the terminal.)
- You’ll feel strange as a result of jet lag, but if you have a long layover of a few hours or more, having something to eat and drink (stay hydrated!) can help.
Once my flight arrives in Edinburgh, what are my next steps?
- Follow the signs to the Baggage Claim area. As you reach the Baggage Claim area, you should see signs or screens at each carousel announcing which flight’s checked baggage will be arriving at that carousel.
- You may also want to stop at the ATM in this area, to get some pounds. (More on money below.)
- Once you have picked up your checked baggage, proceed to the exit toward the “unsecured” area of the airport. You may find separate doors or lanes for those who do or don’t have items to declare. You won’t have anything to declare upon arrival, so feel free to exit through the “nothing to declare” lane/door (past any security officers -- you’re not required to stop to check in with them, but they can stop folks for spot checks).
How do I get to the hotel in Edinburgh?
- A private driver to the hotel is included in the trip package (this is why it's especially important to tell us your flight information, so we can get this scheduled for you).
- At least two weeks before our trip begins, you'll be sent a confirmation with your private driver information. This will include a voucher for the service, as well as contact information in case you can't find your driver upon arrival.
- Once you get your bags at the Edinburgh airport and proceed to the exit, you'll find your driver waiting for you with a sign with your name on it. You'll check in with them (you may be asked to show your voucher) and follow them to their car. They'll drive you the approximately 30 minutes to our hotel. Gratuity is included in the price.
Getting Acclimated
What's happening on Day 1? The Welcome Reception!
- If you’ve gotten checked into the hotel by early evening, join us for the Welcome Reception at Eve, one of our hotel's dining spaces, taking place from 6-8 p.m. Have a glass of wine, a cocktail, or a fun and refreshing nonalcoholic drink, enjoy some hors d'oeuvres, and begin getting to know your fellow travelers. We’d love to see you there!
- If a flight delay prevents you from getting to the hotel before 8 p.m., not to worry -- we’ll save your welcome gift bag for you! More vitally, since you’ll have given us your flight information, we’ll keep track of your flight’s updated status, and will be able to touch base with you upon your arrival.
What time zones will we be in, and what's the best way to deal with jet lag?
All three cities will be operating on British Summer Time/Irish Standard Time, which are both 5 hours ahead of US Eastern time, 6 hours ahead of US Central time, and so on. (For example, if it’s 8:00 a.m. in New York and 7:00 a.m. in Chicago, then it’s 1:00 p.m. in Edinburgh, Belfast, and Dublin.) That time-zone difference brings with it considerable jet lag upon arrival. Consider the following tips to help yourself adjust as smoothly and quickly as possible to the time change:
- Try to sleep on your transatlantic flight; this can be easier said than done, but the more rest you get on your flight, the more your body will already be partially adjusted to your new time zone when you arrive.
- Upon arrival, avoid the temptation to compare the current time in Europe to the time “back home.” Embrace your new European time zone to help your mind and body acclimate to it!
- Perhaps most important, once you arrive in Edinburgh on June 9 and check into the hotel, stay awake! Avoid the siren song of your hotel bed! If you attempt to take a “short” nap, the next thing you know, you will likely have slept for several hours, throwing your sleep cycle out of sync with local time. On the day of arrival, once you’ve reached the hotel, stay awake until at least the evening hours (aim for 8:00 p.m. or later before retiring), when you can sleep overnight, rather than attempting an afternoon nap.
What should I be prepared for, in terms of a language barrier?
This is an easy one for this trip: no new vocab! English is the primary language used in all three cities (though you will see plenty of Irish when we're in Dublin).
Money
What currency is used in Edinburgh and Belfast?
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Edinburgh and Belfast are both in the United Kingdom, which uses pounds sterling (GBP) as its currency. The pound's value relative to the US dollar fluctuates, of course, but the rate is approximately 1 GBP to 1.20-1.50 USD (meaning that if you spend £1, you’ll have spent the equivalent of $1.20-$1.50).
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What currency is used in Dublin?
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Ireland is in the European Union, and the currency used in Dublin is the euro. The euro's value relative to the US dollar fluctuates, of course, but the rate is approximately 1 euro to 1-1.15 USD (meaning that if you spend €1, you’ll have spent the equivalent of $1.00-$1.15).
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What's the best way to get my money exchanged?
Generally, a better exchange rate is obtained through bank-owned ATMs in Europe rather than a currency-exchange office. While it’s reasonable to bring a modest quantity of US currency with you (to exchange in the event of a bank card problem arising that requires a day or two to resolve), we do NOT recommend carrying large amounts of US cash in Europe. Also note that most places take cards, so you likely will not need much cash.
What else should I know about getting and spending money?
- Before departure, notify your bank(s) that you may be using their debit/credit cards in the U.K. and Ireland (and any other countries in which you might use a card at an airport layover) in order to help avoid having your cards being locked for fraud alerts when you start using them in Europe. (Nowadays a few major banks do not ask you to notify them of travel plans, but many still do.)
- Your debit and/or credit cards may charge a Foreign Transaction Fee; check with your bank(s) before departure to learn of their policies and fees for foreign transactions.
- ATMs can be found in airport terminals upon arrival in Edinburgh, and are plentiful in Edinburgh, Belfast, and Dublin.
- Credit cards are accepted at most businesses. You may encounter businesses that do not accept cash, but only card payments. Visa and Mastercard are reliable forms of payment, but fewer places accept American Express or Discover.
- In almost all cases, the price you see listed for purchase (clothes in shops, food in restaurants, etc) includes all taxes; the price listed will be exactly the price you pay!
Electronics
Will I be able to use my cell phone while abroad?
- Most likely, your cell phone will not simply work as normal upon your arrival in Europe. Check with your cell phone provider in advance about their international use, as cost and the amount of data provided varies wildly amongst providers.
- If your provider makes it prohibitively expensive to use your phone abroad, one option is to buy a European SIM card to use in your phone when you arrive. These can be bought when you arrive, but we find it’s easier to purchase them in advance. You can find them for purchase on Amazon and other places—just search “European SIM.” In order to use a European SIM, your phone must be unlocked. (Not sure? Ask your provider.)
- Another increasingly popular option is purchasing an e-SIM such as Airalo. Though we haven't personally used them, we have heard good things about their services.
- Do you even want data? It may not be necessary. You could put your phone in airplane mode and use wi-fi for the duration of the trip. With services like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, you can make calls easily. Wi-fi will be available in the hotels, and in some restaurants and museums, though by no means all. (We find that wi-fi availability is a little more limited in Europe than in the U.S.)
What sort of outlets are used in Edinburgh, Belfast, and Dublin? Do I need adapters?
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Type G plug and outlet.
Image credit to www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk
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Safety
How safe are the cities we're visiting?
Violent crime rates are significantly lower in Europe, even in big cities, than they are in the U.S. This holds true in Edinburgh, Belfast, and Dublin. While it is always advisable to be aware of your surroundings when traveling in a territory that is foreign to you, typically the main concerns for a traveler will be petty crimes--namely, pickpocketing and scams.
What security measures should I take before leaving the U.S.?
Before departure, duplicate important documents--such as all bank cards you are bringing and your passport photo page--by emailing yourself photos of these items or by making photocopies to bring with you (to make it easier to cancel or replace items if any are lost).
You may also enroll in the STEP Program. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
You may also enroll in the STEP Program. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
What can I do to protect myself from pickpockets or scams while traveling?
- Do what you can to avoid making yourself a target. Petty criminals look for people who stand out as inattentive to, or overwhelmed by, their surroundings or situation. Maintaining an outward appearance of calm and confidence can help you evade the notice of anyone with dishonest intentions.
- Be particularly vigilant in locations that are crowded and busy, where petty criminals are apt to operate. (Pickpocketing, for example, more frequently occurs in crowded public squares and large train stations.)
- For security, wear purses crossbody-style, closed and zippered or latched. Never keep wallets, phones, or any other important or valuable items in a back pocket.
- You may leave your passport secured in your hotel room safe when going out for the day, and instead bring with you a physical copy of your passport photo page.
- We recommend not carrying all of your cash and cards in one place while you’re out and about; you may choose to leave a debit or credit card secured in your hotel room, for example, in case your wallet or purse is lost.
- Monitor your open drinks in bars/restaurants, and do not accept open drinks from strangers.
- Street vendors may apply high-pressure tactics (especially in crowded and heavily touristed spots), but remember: you are always in control of whether, or what, to buy from them. If, for example, a vendor approaches you, hands you something, and says you now owe him for it and he will not take it back, simply put the item on the ground and walk away.
Culture
How is the customer service model different in Europe than it is in the U.S.?
The American construct that “the customer is always right” does not apply in the European customer service model. While most employees you’ll encounter at restaurants, shops, and elsewhere will be perfectly polite, it may not be the effusive friendliness to which you may be accustomed, and an employee may well say no to a customer request (e.g., a substitution in a dish at a restaurant).
What sorts of differences might I notice while dining in a restaurant?
Dining out in a new locale is one of the fundamental experiences of an international trip, but visiting a restaurant in Europe is different than in the U.S., of course. Key points to know:
- Upon entering a restaurant, the process is pretty familiar up to the time you get your meal.
- Once your meal has been brought to your table, waitstaff will leave you alone. Americans often see this as “inattentive,” but it’s not -- it’s simply the model in much of Europe, where the expectation is that diners will be left in peace. So, don’t hesitate to get the waitstaff’s attention by raising a hand, or with a polite “Excuse me?"
- It's often not possible to split the check for multiple people dining together. (Instead, consider having one person pay and then use either cash or an app such as Venmo to transfer money between dining companions.)
- If paying your bill in cash, it is generally preferable to hand your waitstaff your payment before leaving. However, you can leave a cash tip at the table.
What should I leave as a tip?
- Restaurants and pubs: Waitstaff are paid a living wage, so tips in Europe are a smaller affair, akin to “rounding up” the bill. For example, if you're buying a drink at a pub, leave the change after you pay. If it helps, think of 10-12% as a fair tipping range. A tip may also be automatically be included on your bill as a "service" charge, particularly if you are in a larger group.
- Taxi drivers: Generally not expected, but it's fine to round up or leave change.
- Hotel housekeeping: Typically the local-currency equivalent of about $1 per day (can be left daily or all at once).
- Tips for all on-site tour guides, shuttle drivers, and waitstaff that are part of our Spirits group events are part of your trip package, so Adam and Liz will take care of tipping them. While you are welcome to tip over and above this, it is not required.
What unexpected costs might I encounter?
- Water. If you order water to drink at a bar or restaurant, it almost always arrives as bottled water, which must be purchased. If you request tap water (also sometimes referred to as “table water”), it may not be provided, or if it is, you may still be charged even for that.
- Restroom use. In certain cases, you may have to pay a small fee (from the local-currency equivalent of 20 cents to as much as 1-2 dollars) to use restrooms in public places, particularly train stations and bars. The fee helps to fund on-site restroom cleaning staff, so in exchange for the minor aggravation of paying to use the restroom, the facilities are generally well maintained.
- This usually does NOT apply in a formal restaurant, where paying customers can use the restroom for free, but fast-food establishments may charge for restroom use.
- Street performances. Well, no, not exactly -- street performances are not ticketed events, and you are welcome to enjoy a song, dance, or other performance in a public square, etc. However, the unwritten convention is that if you take a photo or video, it is common courtesy to give something; it doesn’t have to be much -- a coin or two is sufficient.
