Ireland is currently one of the most popular travel destinations. Keeping in touch with loved ones or employers while in Ireland is often a concern. Depending on hotel Wi-Fi isn’t the best plan as it can be weak or spotty.

On a recent trip to Ireland I rented a device called WiFicandy.  It is a portable modem that you can rent so you have Wi-Fi wherever you are in Ireland.  UPDATE: WiFicandy now also provides Unlimited High-Speed data in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, entire UK. Overall the group I was with was very pleased with our experience using WiFicandy.  Here are what I see as the pros and cons of WiFicandy.

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Pros:

•  You can have Wi-Fi 24/7.  This was extremely helpful when we were using Google Maps to help us navigate around new towns.  We also loved being able to facetime with our loved ones whenever we wanted to.  We were able to share with them the Cliffs of Moher and other iconic Ireland sites! During down time on a tour bus we could use this time to download photos on social media.
• You can have up to 8 people on one modem.  This made it very cost effective for our group of 8.  Even with adding on extra insurance it was less than $20 each for 2 weeks of unlimited Wi-Fi!
• The device is small and lightweight. It easily fit in the small pocket of my backpack or in my purse.
• Very Convenient. You can have it delivered to the airport or your hotel.  We chose to pick it up at the airport so we could have it right away.  I will give directions on how to find it at the airport below.
• Very easy to use and set up!

Cons:

•  The battery did not last all day with 8 people using it.  We solved this problem by connecting it to a battery pack.  This increased the weight a bit, but it made sure we always had Wi-Fi.
• One person in our group had connecting issues at times (maybe 3 times in the 14 day period).  We fixed this by shutting off the unit and restarting it. 
•  
• Overall we loved the convenience of WiFi Candy.  We would definitely recommend it to our family and friends!!!

The other thing you should know if you are getting your WiFicandy at the Dublin airport is where to find it.  I had the directions that were given to me but was still a little confused as to where to go.  I asked two different airport employees.  Neither of them had any idea what I was talking about when I asked them where to find my WiFicandy!  So here is where you go:

You will need to go to Terminal one.  After you exit the baggage claim area, the area where you will meet your driver if you have hired one, you will turn to your left and follow the signs for Terminal One.

You will go through a tunnel.

When you exit the tunnel go to your right and take the escalator down a level.

At the end of the escalator it will be on your left by the Excess Baggage Storage.

Give your code that was sent to you and they will give you your WiFicandy, instructions, charging cord, bag for returning it and two pieces of candy!

Make sure you keep the bag to return it.  When you are done you will place the modem with the charging cord into the bag, seal it and drop it in the green container at the airport.  You can also put it in a mailbox.  Make sure you take a picture of the bag before you return it.

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I still get anxious before trips, but it’s nothing that keeps me up at night.  The key is doing research about where you are going and the things you want to do.  Part of your trip preparation is making sure that you do the things that you need to do before your trip, whether that is as big as making sure that you have a valid passport or as small as purchasing tickets to an attraction like the Anne Frank house which usually sell out the day they become available.

As a first-time traveler, there are a few key things you should keep in mind to make your trip go smoothly:

1. Passport and visas: Make sure you have a valid passport and any necessary visas before you travel. Check the expiration date of your passport and make sure it will be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. If you need to apply for a new passport, don’t wait until the last minute as it may take several months for you to receive your new passport.  Starting in 2024, many of the popular European destinations like Italy, France and Spain will require travelers to register with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

2. Travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in case of lost or stolen luggage, trip cancellations, or medical emergencies. There are different levels of coverage available. Although it is more expensive, we always get the plan that allows us to cancel for any reason. Consider the activities that you are going to participate in, you may want to use a specialty insurance.  If you are planning a scuba diving trip, you might want a policy with a company like DAN which has doctors familiar with the unique medical needs of divers and covers hyperbaric chambers if needed.

3. Budgeting: Set a budget for your trip and stick to it as much as possible. Consider the cost of transportation, accommodations, food, activities, and any other expenses you may incur. A little research before you go will give you an idea of what you need.  Some countries like Egypt have a cash based economy and you may not be able to use your credit card in some places. Egypt also has a developed tipping culture called Backsheesh so you will need to carry smaller denominations.

4. Packing: Make a list of what you need to pack and stick to it. Make sure you have all necessary travel documents, such as your passport, boarding pass, and travel insurance information. Be sure to research what weather to expect and bring appropriate clothing.  A coworker’s daughter planned a wedding on a mountain in Colorado and wore her heels only to discover that the mountain was snow covered and she had to wear snowshoes to reach the spot where the ceremony was performed.

Related: 15 Things You Should Have in Your Carry On, 15 things I have in my purse/travel bag when I’m traveling

5. Safety: Research the safety and security situation of your destination and take the necessary precautions. For US residents traveling abroad, be sure to register your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  You can receive alerts about any safety concerns that arise. We received text warnings about protests in Lima, Peru and strikes in Brazil. You also need to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas, and keep your valuables safe. I wear a money belt, keep my money and credit cards in my front pocket and carry a ”dummy wallet” with a few small bills in case I get pickpocketed. Don’t put valuables in the cargo pockets of your pants. I had a friend have his passport pickpocketed during a trip. Women should use a cross strap style purse.

6. Communication: Make sure you have a way to communicate with family and friends back home, such as a phone plan that works overseas or a messaging app like WhatsApp. Verizon has an international plan called Travel Pass and AT&T has one called International Day Pass; both allow unlimited talk, text and data for $10 per day.

7. Culture: Research the cultural norms and customs of your destination and make an effort to respect them. There are often dress codes for religious settings such as head coverings for women or removing your shoes.  Try to learn a few basic phrases in the local language to help you navigate and communicate with locals.  At a very minimum, learn please, thank you and bathroom.  Google Translate is a huge help and you may want to try a language app like Duolingo.

8. Patience: Travel can be stressful, and things don’t always go as planned. Try to stay calm and patient and remember to take breaks and enjoy the experience. Be prepared with a plan B in case things don’t work out.  We once had the opportunity to spend a night in Zurich because our flight out of Lisbon was delayed and we missed our connection to Chicago.  After checking into a hotel, we hopped a train to the downtown and walked along the river, did some sightseeing, marveled at the Christmas lights and decorations and enjoyed a mug of gluhwein.  What many would find exasperating, became a great experience because we were prepared to take advantage of the opportunity when it occurred.

It’s natural to worry about upcoming travel, especially if it is your first major travel experience, but with some preparations you can ease your mind about the major concerns.  The key is to do some research on your destination as soon as you decide where you want to go.  If this seems overwhelming to you, you may want to consult a travel advisor who can help you through these steps and take care of the details of your trip.

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