Thought it might be interesting to start a travel thread. This has been a passion of mine for the last 4 years and thought it might be beneficial to offer any types of tips or tricks. In 2017 I went to England on a Beatles tour that consisted of London and Liverpool. 2018 I went I went to Vegas for a weekend (first time going). Would have rather gone to Europe again but it's expensive so I had to save for last year when I went to Poland (Auschwitz) and then Germany for Oktoberfest! I'm hoping to go to Ireland and then back to Germany next year for Oktoberfest (Oktoberfest is canceled for this year. First time that's happened since World War II).

However, since I go to New York every year for the holidays, I'm planning on going to Times Square for New Year's. Yes, I'm well aware of how crazy/stupid it is, but it actually works out well with my schedule (New Year's is on a Thursday, making New Year's Day a Friday and I'll have the day off from work so I don't have to use a vacation day). I just want to do it once to have the experience and to cross it off my list. I actually booked a room last year through AirBnB for $80 for the night but the host canceled it, saying the room had already sold and they forgot to take the listing down. So now I'm looking at other AirBnB rooms/hotels. Any ever done New Year's Eve in Times Square? If so, any advice you can give? I heard you need to get there early so I would plan on lining up anywhere from noon-1pm. Any suggestions would be welcomed. Thank you!

Hey Irish, have you ever thought about going to Australia.I went twice in 05-06. You'd love it.

Not really. I know it's on a lot of people's list, just not very high on mine. I don't have anything against it, there's just other countries I have more interest in visiting first (namely Ireland, Italy, Japan, Israel, Egypt, Greece).

I am not interested in traveling outside of the US; maybe Italy. However, starting in May I'll visit AZ, Fla, PA, and maybe NY. all by car.

Ireland is Beautiful....if possible, make it a bucket list destination.

Any places you recommend? My list includes Dingle, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, the Blarney Stone, Dublin (of course), Guinness brewery, Jameson and Bushmills Distilleries and any others brewery or distillery I can find while there.

I toured Israel training Krav Maga a few times...Masada is worth a visit, big ancient hilltop fortress...the IDF patrol the streets in all major towns/cities and the female soldiers look amazing...! Every one in beautiful, well, nearly every one! There’s obviously all the religious sites which look fairly impressive.

They are a hardy bunch of people and take no shit basically...as they kept saying, we’re surrounded by countries that want to wipe us off the face of the earth. It’s a bit sad because they also explained most of the countries finances go towards defence which does leave a fair level of hardship/poverty.

Entering/leaving is a bit of a hassle, they open everyone’s case and inspect literally everything. I had a hard time explain resistance bands to them..!

Avoid the Titanic museum in Northern Ireland, total waste of time. There’s nothing there from the titanic, just pictures of it and stories/replica items....

Forget the booze joints...Cliffs is a def...never anything more so beautiful than standing on the edges watching the waves crash 300 yrds. below...U need a good stomach 4 it as I am also afraid of heights...but if u r a REAL Irishman , ur heart will take u 2 fish 4 pickerel in 1 of many loughs in the west (co. Mayo in particular).of Ire....look up the little town of "Partry" north of Ballinrobe...there is a lot of cheap & clean B&Bs joints to rest ur weary head while u reel in the huge trout & salmon & pike..there is a big pub/shopping /b&b on the main N/road..cant remember the names,,it's been a while since I've been , but google Partry Co.Mayo & ul c what i'm talking about....My pop was born there & I've stayed many, many times.At least look in to it..

Expect long lines @ the "stone"...if in Dublin,,go visit Trinity College , last time I was there, the students were enjoying 6 inch " ciggs" of hash & tobacco mix......they r not shy about sharing....& as far as the booze joints..visit Guinness 1rst..WARNING..Blarney Stone is a tourist trap..fuckin' Mayhem.

Did you ever feel unsafe there at any time? My main reason for going would be to visit the religious sites of Jesus.

Why do you say to forget the booze joints!?

I'm sure it is, but when in Rome...

Cause it is what it is...I dont like my heritage 2 b steriotyped into a certain catagory. dirty lace curtains and such..certain ppls. in my family have had problems...but that does not merit all of the rest of what's left of me or my family..I am hard working man as was my old man..I dont tolerate bullshit like other groups..

I'm sorry you feel that way hoodlum. Well, when I go I'm definitely hitting them up. I've heard nothing but good things about the Guinness Brewery and my father even said it was the best Guinness he's ever had in his life.

I understand sir...I'm just sayin' that there is alot more than the booze joints..u seem & I know that u r a intelligent man ..get your pour..then get fishing!..I hope the best 4 ur biggest salmon..& def eat what u catch!! luv u dude.

Thanks for the feedback sir. My parents also said have the lamb as it's the best they had over there. One of the things I love most about Europe is how fresh the food is and unprocessed it is compared to the States. You can DEFINITELY taste the difference. I'm not planning on Ireland/Germany until September 2021, so I've got plenty of time to plan and save. Hopefully I can make the finances work out!

Wife and I tapped out on travel , we were headed for Europe right before 2001 and passed.

We did do many trips after that but Carribien cruises only.


Maybe one day we will venture out again but after this new threat probably not for a long time.

Travel SAFE i12
We dont even go into Manhattan any longer unless its a business meeting and now with current conditions its non existent.

Lived jut outside of NYC our entire lives and never once been in Times Square for the Ball Drop, its a tourist / wild child young ones game... all good fun and safe... just not for us.
We went to Black tie events and House Parties for years but for the last 20 years its become a ...early dinner we are home for the evening thing. Armature Night for Us.

DO IT!.... iF this is something you have a plan to do you should do it....

I think if you hunt early , you will find rooms in local Hotels in NYC for New Years since the numbers may be low this year.
If I see or hear of anything for a good deal , we will let you know.

Thanks DP on the well wishes and for keeping an eye out. I know it’s a crazy/nutty thing to do but it’s on my list and as I said, I want to do it at least once for the experience (and to say that I did it). Want to enjoy the atmosphere and the craziness.