The British Isles

This page is partially therapeutic and partially a warning to others.

We did run across a few problem areas in the planning stages and on the actual trip. We used Brendan Tours, American Express Travel (Main Place Mall in Santa Ana) and Avis Car Rentals.

At American Express it took about two and a half months to get everything arranged. They kept requesting the wrong size car, or for the wrong days. For some reason, even though we were able to make reservations the same day while we were over there, Brendan and American Express took over a week to get pre-bookings for London, Edinburgh and Limerick. The travel agent we used, Veronica, knew very little about the British Isles so she had no suggestions on events or places to see. My friend and I did a lot of online researching and that is how we decided on and planned out our trip.  Since Veronica didn't seem to know how to do it, we even pre-booked special events, and our ferry crossings online. The people at American Express and Brendan also didn't believe in returning phone calls. It would take a couple calls and a few emails before someone would respond.

Because we were having so many difficulties in getting the arrangements made, Veronica told us that she wouldn't charge us a fee when it was time to exchange US dollars for UK pounds and punt. I  set up a time with Veronica when I would come in to do the exchange and when I went she wasn't there. She had gone home early that day and didn't bother to let me know. No one knew how to reach her so I then had to go through the hassle of convincing the others in the office that Veronica had indeed promised to waive the fee.

Now, regarding cars and Avis. A big shocker was the insurance and extra fees. American Express and Brendan had indicated that the Insurance cost was covered in the total package amount. It turned out that only collision coverage for one driver was included. Also the deductible was anywhere from 300 pounds to 600 pounds. At an extra cost, those amounts came down to 75 pounds and 300 pounds. Each car (three - one for Scotland, one for Ireland, and one for Wales/England) ended up costing us over a hundred more than what we were expecting.

Another big problem was the timing of picking up our cars. Brendan had supposedly gotten everything approved as far as dates and times that we would be picking up and dropping off cars. When we got to Belfast and took a taxi (8 pounds) to the city airport to pick up the car, we found out that the Avis office had already closed even though they knew when we would be arriving. After calling the 800 number, we were told, either stay in the airport until the following morning when the Avis office would open or we could go to the International Airport and go to the Avis office there because it stays open longer. We did end up taking a taxi to the international airport (another 25 pounds) to get a car. The car they gave us was a Renault. We didn't find out until later that this car had very unusual and expensive tires. After getting a flat and denting the rim, it ended up costing me over $450 to get them replaced. Tammy said since I was the one driving at the time that it was my expense alone. Whatever happened to "we'll share all expenses, right down the middle"? Practically everyone we talked to asked why we rented a car like that to travel through Ireland.

When we dropped off that car in Dublin so that we could take the ferry over to Wales, we had Avis call ahead to make sure our next car was waiting and that the office would be open. It wasn't on both counts.  It's a good thing we called. They hastily made plans to accommodate us. When we arrived in Holyhead, Wales to pick up the car, we were stunned to find out that we were getting a Fiat "boat". This thing sat 6 (in bucket seats) and there was only room for one persons luggage in the trunk. It was an ugly bubble shaped mini-van in disguise. And the gas mileage was pitiful. Avis has no clue as to what type of cars are good for touring on the back roads.

Now, as to lodging accommodations. Even though Brendan had supplied us with a book of B & B's to use, we found out that some of them didn't accept the vouchers supplied by Brendan. Sometimes we had to call a few places before getting a place to stay. Brendan had supposedly also pre-booked our stay in London. We were staying at the Strand Palace but when we arrived they had no knowledge of us, even when we showed them the Brendan voucher. Luckily they had room available and were able to put us up and they did accept the voucher as payment.

So, if you are planning a trip, I can't recommend Brendan, American Express or Avis. When I've traveled more I'll update this site.

I can recommend staying in Bed and Breakfasts and at farm houses instead of hotels though. Meeting the different families and other traveling guests was one of the highlights of the trip. Also, they tend to be off the beaten path, and the countryside is beautiful.