Traveling Soon? How to Get Your Passport in One Day.

Need to get your passport in one day? Got a trip coming up… fast? I was in this position. Just a couple of years ago I was lucky enough to get a free trip to Israel. I packed, I learned some useful phrases in Hebrew (where is the bathroom, spare a smoke), I kept away from falafel for an entire month. And then, two nights before my flight as I lay in bed, I realized my passport had expired.

After peeling myself of the ceiling, doing some research and procuring a ride from a loyal friend - Thanks, Terry! - I was on my way to Philadelphia. A few very bureaucratic hours I was clutching a brand spanking new blue and gold symbol of my international autonomy… and you can too. Here’s how:

First, determine where you’re going to go. You can deal with the government itself, like I did, or you can go to an agency. Agencies will tell you they know the ins and outs, the finesse and that they make it easier. I say they exist to take your money and make you feel incompetent. You decide. The only real benefit to using an agency is that you don’t have to be there to do the work. Call 1-877-487-2778 to find the nearest office. You’ll get an appointment and confirmation number. Tattoo it somewhere visible.

Fill out the application clearly and completely. Government employees exist to see flawless forms. Give them that warm, fuzzy feeling to avoid missing your trip.

You’ll have to prove you’re leaving within two weeks. Not hard - have your e-ticket or paid itinerary. Simple.

You’ll have to prove you’re you. Not so simple. Just like Descartes couldn’t even prove to himself that he existed until he came up with ‘cogito ergo sum’ the government won’t believe you’re not an evil foreigner stealing state secrets until you bring them proof. What was suggested that I present? Birth certificate, old passport, driver’s license, social security card, elementary school records… I think that may be it. The first half of my day was spent trying to track down all the documents required. Seeing my old elementary school was bizarre.

Go to the bank. You’re going to need some cash. Whatever the cost of an expedited passport is, plus $60.

Be early. It’s good practice for the airport - security check, metal detector, bag search and tired officials. Then wait in line, give up your documents, wait some more and you’ll have your passport and the ability to leave the land of the free.

A Few Useful Phrases in Popular European Languages

Welcome to ITC’s third language information article on ITCLookForVacations.com. For this installment, I decided to go ultra useful. I want you to know all the phrases you may need, wherever you go in Europe.

I am very proud to know how to say “please” and “thank you” in more than a dozen languages. And though I’ll probably never find myself in Thailand (cop coom cop!) I am gratified that I can thank my waitress in her native tongue whenever I have some prad kha prong. Killing two birds with one stone – ensuring the affection of my dinner companion and those who handle my food – knowing some basic phrases is great diplomacy and even fun.

Now, don’t just look at this list and think you know it. Pronunciation is different in every language. Take the time and learn to speak a little bit and you’ll be happily enriched.

So, without further ado, here are some useful phrases in European languages!

1. The most important phrase for you to learn second nature is Where Is The Bathroom.

• Spanish: ¿Donde estas el sanitario? (proper) or ¿Donde baño? or even just ¿baño? is acceptable in casual, or emergency, situations.
• Italian: Dov’è il bagno?
• German: Koennen Sie mir sagen wo die toiletten sind?
• French: Excusez-moi, Où sont les toilettes?

2. A very useful phrase in any language is, “Do you speak English?”

• Spanish: ¿Tu hablamos englise?
• Italian: parlate inglese?
• German: Sprechen sie Englisch?
• French: Parlez-vous Anglais?

3. Just as useful is, “I do not speak [language].”

• Spanish: No habla espanol.
• Italian: Non parlo Italiano.
• German: Ich spreche nicht Deutsch.
• French: Je ne parle pas français.

4. Some phrases are more useful when vacationing alone, such as “I am rich and single.”

• Spanish: Soy rico y solo.
• Italian: Sono ricco e singolo.
• German: Ich bin wohlhabend und single.
• French: Je suis riche et célibataire.

5. Straight and to the point, “How much?” is a good one to know.

• Spanish: ¿Cuanto?
• Italian: Quanto?
• German: Wie viel?
• French: Combien?

You can see how learning a few key words in foreign languages can make any foreign trip go more smoothly, or just impress acquaintances. Any phrases you’d like to learn? Submit them to me, ezwillenberg@itcgo.com, and I’ll ask around the office. We’ve got most European languages covered here!

11 things you didn’t know you said in British

You’ve decided to take an international vacation. It’s time to see Europe, you say to yourself, and if not now, when? You’ve scheduled vacation time, set aside some dough and realized you don’t speak a foreign language. hmmm… Britain!

Maybe you’re not interested in stumbling through a French market with a phrasebook, mispronouncing vegetable names with disastrous consequences, or maybe you always wanted to see the isles. Whatever the reason, you choose Britain.

Hey, I won’t have to learn a new language! Wrong. Not only can a British accent be confusing enough when it’s not confined to Monty Python videos, even proper British English has its idiosyncrasies. Just consider your car for a moment. The hood, that’s a bonnet. The trunk? A boot. If it’s raining you’ll have to carry your brolly or bumbershoot and make sure you’re not skint if you’re low on petrol.

And that’s just common usage. Then there’s British slang which, at best, is just confusing. At its most convoluted it seems to make no sense whatsoever. Take, for example cockney rhyming slang.

Cockney Rhyming Slang is perhaps the most convoluted method of (mis)communication I’ve come across. A word is made to take the meaning of another word it rhymes with, or that a related word rhymes with. The simplest example is saying Barney to mean trouble because Barney Rubble rhymes with trouble. Why they don’t just say rubble is beyond me.

From there it gets even more far removed. If you’re strapped for cash you can say you’re brassik, i.e. “Can you pay for the petrol? I’m completely brassik.” Why is this? Because brassik sounds like boracic which is a shortened version of Boracic Lint, an ointment. Lint rhymes with skint which means having no money. Lost yet? Good. Despite the cultural exchange between the UK and the US, there’s still plenty of differences in language and custom.

I hope I’ve given you a little insight into how different the queen’s English is from Queens, NY English. Following are some expressions that have completely different meaning in American and British English. This is just A through C. Check in soon for D through F!

1. Apple – an example of Cockney rhyming slang (CRS from now on…), Apple is short for Apple Core which Rhymes with Score. Apple means 20. How old is she? Apple. Gimme apple pounds.

2. April – Another example of CRS. You might get giggles if you say you really like April. Why? Short for April in Paris which Rhymes with Arris, another way of saying buttocks. Ah, April in Paris is beautiful, after all.

3. AC/DC – This has come to be a euphemism for bisexuality. Well… if the current can go both ways, I guess it makes sense.

4. Article – Being a writer I take personal objection to the term Article being taken to mean a jerk. But it does.

5. Bubble – To rat out or snitch. CRS returns with this shortened version of bubble and squeak (mashed potatoes and vegetables) which rhymes with speak. e.g. Bubble on me to the bobbies and you’ll be pushing up daisies.

5. Balmy – If you say it’s balmy out your fellows might think you mean it’s insane out. Derivative of barmy.

6. Basket – Though I doubt anyone would use basket accidentally in a context where it could be mistaken for its slang meaning – bastard – it’s still something to be conscious of.

7. Blurt – For some reason the Brits have chosen this singularly unattractive word to refer to a woman’s treasure.

8. Cacky – Now here’s one you want to be very careful of. It means dirty and, by extension, crappy. Do not go into a clothing store and ask for a pair of Khakis.

9. Call – Do not tell your friend that someone called them. Say they rang. Call means insult.

10. Chore – From the Romany cor with means to steal. Go do your chores honey – but don’t get caught!

11. Coupon – Why this means face is completely and utterly beyond me.

So, watch your tongue, America. You never know if you’ve accidentally started an international incident until it’s too late.

Ten Tips for Americans in Europe

In Europe you are confronted - perhaps a better word would be “presented” - with cultures many times older than our own, with customs and traditions that will not change for a visitor. This can promote a feeling of being a stranger in a strange land. That’s exactly the feeling I pursue whenever I step out the door but not everyone is ready to be shocked by every new experience. Well, we at ITC are a wealth of information on what can surprise, confound and amaze a Yankee in King Arthur’s court (or a good ole boy in Charlemagne’s palais, or a golden stater in Ludwig’s castle or… oh, you get it) and we’re happy to share. We want you to enjoy Europe, so we want to expose some things that may surprise you. But we also want you to be surprised, so we won’t tell you everything, only

Ten Things Americans Should Keep In Mind In Europe

10) Chilled Red Wine - If red, red wine makes you feel so fine you might want to prepare for a trip to the south of France by putting some in the fridge. If you’re like me you probably drink your table wine at room temperature. The southern regions of France, however, with their keen knack for relaxation and leisure, prefer to chill out in every way possible. For the French, the way they drink their wine is the way they set the mood for everything so you can avoid a little culture shock by trying it before you depart. Of course, if you are even more like me than most you’ll enjoy trying it for the first time when you get down there.

9) The Concierge is Your Best Friend - You can get great information from your doorman or concierge without greasing their palm. Roy, the captain of our fair vessel, relates how on one trip to Paris he was tired of visiting the tourist traps. He asked the concierge for a genuine local restaurant. He was referred to a side-street restaurant populated entirely by locals with great food at half the price he was paying on previous nights. On another trip he made friends with the desk clerk at his hotel, tipping him on the way to his room with whatever change he had left over from the day’s adventures. One night a taxi driver tried to raise the fair on him at the last minute and Roy’s new friend not only chased the driver off but hailed another taxi. You can’t expect every concierge to treat you like a king, but if you take the time to make friends you’ll reap great benefits from European hospitality.

8). Tipping is Only Something a Canoe Does - Put away the little tip calculator card. Gratuity is included in every price at the restaurant. You can still tip if you want, but reserve that for exceptional service or if you have an especially large group or raucous children. For the record, when you’re in America, to calculate 15% just move the decimal point one space to the left so you get ten percent. Take that number ($10 for a $100 meal…) and half it, then add the two together. ($5 plus $100 = $15) and you’ve got standard American gratuity. In Europe you don’t worry about the percentage, you give what you feel is appropriate.

7) The Broom of The Stomach - That’s salad, folks. In French countries the salad always comes just before desert and your after dinner drink. Please, please do not ask the waiter where your salad is when your first course comes. The French have their roughage last to make room for desert and - you may be surprised - it works.

6) Reserve Your Train Seats - Believe it or not if you’re taking a long train trip or rail tour you’ll probably have to reserve a seat ahead of time or risk standing. Don’t take this lightly, the popular trains fill up and you’ll be left standing. Once you’ve got your ticket, reserve a seat at the counter or by calling the train station. If you’ve booked a train for a specific time, your seat is probably already reserved: just ask to make sure. One of the beautiful things about a European holiday is the freedom the trains give you to explore. A rental car is great if you want privacy, or if you book a vacation home in the country, but by and large the rail system throughout Europe is excellent. You can purchase a weekly or monthly Euro Pass that gets you on any train, any time. If there’s a little adventurer in you, that’s the way to go.

5) See a City on Your Terms - The train (or “rail”) is a beautiful way to get between cities and from spot to another within some cities. The Metro in Paris, the Tube in London and every other underground rail system is good for getting from point A to point B but if you want to really see a city you have to take advantage of something a little touristy - the Hop On Hop Off bus. You’ve seen them on TV or the streets of New York; those double decker red busses that London is famous for. Many cities offer them and they’re a great way to learn all about a city. Buy a ticket, get on and when you see somewhere you want to explore just get off. Walk around, have a snack or a drink and get back on.

4) Keep an Eye on Your Pockets - Ok, not literally. That would just look silly. Instead, be aware of the people around you and conscious of your belongings. The tourist areas are not stuffed chock full of pickpockets and thieves, but there are enough confidence men and criminals to make it worthwhile not to look too much like a starry eyed yokel. If you’re from a city like New Orleans or New York City this will be easier - pickpockets are very much the same the world over. On a bus trip I once undertook the man beside me was from New Orleans. He leaned close to me and said, “I keep brushin’ these Spanish fellas’ hands from my pockets but that’s okay, Man. My money’s in my sock.” Keeping your money somewhere other than your back pocket or purse is a good precaution, but the best way is just to look like you know what you’re doing. Also remember that it’s unlikely for a criminal to look like Dastardly Dan from the silent westerns. In a tourist area they’ll usually be dressed as tourists. As a final note, check your travelers cheques every now and then. My father, on a trip to southern Italy found that several travelers cheques were missing from the middle of the book. A clever thief had lifted them from his jacket pocket, taken the center notes that wouldn’t be immediately missed and replaced the book to avoid the cheques being cancelled. What do I do? I have a hole in the bottom of the lining of my inside jacket pocket where I put very important things.

3) Keep Your Passport Handy - If you’re traveling between countries you should keep your ID close by. Traveling between European Union countries is painless and seamless - so make sure you ask what country you’re in from time to time - but if you go from Germany to Switzerland you’ll have to present proof of identity. Your passport is best. It should never be hard for you to make a border crossing, but make it as simple as possible by being prepared. This sometimes is lost on visitors from the states who are used to driving across an entire continent without crossing a guarded border.

2) The Language Barrier(s) - English is understood all over Europe. In theory. Most people you’ll meet on the other side of the Atlantic will have been forced to learn the Queens English from a textbook. Making yourself understood is not so hard as you might imagine. The first thing to know is to use British words. “Vacation” means nothing (literally, since it comes from the same root as Vacant) but “Holiday” is easily understood. Speak slowly, clearly and use one or two word sentences. “Where eat?” will get you some pointing fingers. “Excuse me, kind sir, where is the local restaurant?” will get funny looks. Rick Steves, the excellent travel writer, has another tip: keep useful phrases written in the local languages in a notebook. “Boiled water,” “I am a strict vegetarian,” “I need a doctor,” and “I am rich and single,” are phrases you will want to reference more than once, so have them ready.

1) Open Your Mind - Europe is a continent of diverse cultures and people. There are some commonalities between the differences between over there and over here, though. America, forgive me for saying so, is puritanical. We’re afraid of our bodies, and we cover them up. If you go to a beach, especially a French one, in Europe you may be a little surprised to see people of any age nude. Remember, it’s the difference in culture that you took this trip to discover. Open yourself up to new ideas and experiences and you’ll find yourself boundlessly enriched.

6 Ways to Drink Coffee Italian Style

As many coffee enthusiasts are aware, the first stop on the ancient bean’s European tour was Italy. Coffee’s spread across the world mimics humanity’s own to a great degree. Born in Africa, migrated to the middle east and then Europe, Coffee is the Ethiopian prince on parade of the beverage world, having adopted Italian style.

As with most things the Italians grow fond of, Italy adopted Coffee, nestled him lovingly to her bosom and taught him how to behave. Like that saucy plump American the Tomato, or that slippery Chinese noodle, Coffee was whipped into Italian shape and has never come back.

So, now Italy is the height of coffee culture. Whether you’re going to Italy and don’t want to be too obviously a Yankee or just want to be able to more authoritatively sneer with derision the next time you’re dragged into a Starbucks here are 6 ways to do coffee Italian style:

1. Caffè: Okay, You caught me. This just means ‘coffee’ in Italian, but they make it differently. Typical American mix? 1 tablespoon grinds, 2 cups water. Italian mix might just reverse that. They serve it in a smaller cup but it’ll still serve for two cups of my normal morning brew. Don’t even think about asking for vanilla, heathen.

2. Caffè e Latte: Literally Coffee and Milk. It’s almost like what you’ll get at the corner chain but made Italian style: strong and hot. The secret you need to know to avoid being the subject of the model in the corner’s giggling? Don’t order it after 10 AM. This is a breakfast drink. It’s got milk in it? Welcome to breakfast. In Italy this is most often prepared at home by pouring the coffee into a glass with heated milk. This makes it much smoother than pouring cool milk into hot coffee.

3. Cappuccino: For the Italian, Cappucino (literally Little Hood) is a way to get even less milk in their espresso drink. Think concentrated Caffe e Latte. In America we get double brewed coffee with milk and a something frothy on top and call it a cappuccino. Practice this maneuver: take a sip, scowl, put the cup down and say, “No, I ordered a cap-puc-ci-no,” slowly as if talking to a child. Then leave. Again, this is a breakfast drink. It’s best served in a porcelain glass which retains heat quite well and made with real espresso, very little milk and powder de cacao on top. Civilized.

4. Espresso: An after meal drink. If you want milk or cream in your espresso, order a Cappuccino, and wait til breakfast time to do it. As you may be aware, espresso has about three times the caffeine as a regular cup of coffee. This is accomplished by forcing extremely hot water through very finely ground coffee. Now, the Italians make it stronger than we do. They use less water, just like in their regular Caffè. The two things to remember with espresso are first, make sure you really want an espresso. If your eyelids are staying open of their own accord you might want to reconsider. Second, when it arrives drink it at a good pace. Due to its complex chemistry good espresso’s flavor degrades when it gets cool. As long as the crema - the reddish brown foam on top - remains liquid it’s good espresso. So, why is Espresso the basis of so many coffee drinks? Despite its size, a typical espresso has the concentrated flavor of several cups of regular coffee. Traveling in Italy and drinking an Espresso you should take Mark Twain’s gunfight advice: Take your time… and hurry up.

5. Ristretto: Ristretto isn’t so easy to define. It’s the espresso lover’s espresso. In a world of sports cars it’s the formula one racer in Honda’s clothing. Originally making a ristretto meant using the same amount of water as a regular espresso but forcing it through the grinds more quickly, resulting in a bolder, more exaggerated espresso flavor. This was accomplished with a hand pump. Hand pumps have fallen out of favor and automatic machines aren’t as controllable, so a modern ristretto is often made by simply using half the water and just as much coffee while grinding the beans much more finely. What’s the result? After drinking a ristretto you find yourself clinging to the ceiling, tonguing the coffee mud residue from the inside of your mouth fondly recollecting the time, not so long ago, you were a mere mortal unable to count the hairs on top of the caffé patrons’ heads. I would not be at all surprised to find that there was a ristretto in the first paragraph of ninety percent of the police reports regarding American tourists. Be careful. If you leave a ristretto alone next to a red bull the ristretto actually climbs out of the cup and holds up the red bull for its lunch money.

6. Coretto Grappa: Espresso with grappa. This is a digestivo, an after dinner drink. So, what’s grappa? Grappa is a brandy traditionally made from the leftovers of the wine making process. Original grappa was a waste reduction liquor, not valued for its flavor but for its potency. Nowadays grappa has been elevated to the same status of traditional fine drinks sort of in the same spirit as bourbon. Grappa is bold and powerful and the perfect compliment to a good espresso. Think Irish coffee but more compact, more complex and with a little more oomph. Cognac, sambuca or other spirits are sometimes added but Grappa is just right. How right? Correto is Italian for ‘corrected.’ By adding the grappa the coffee has been shown the proper path. The Spanish do this too, but they call it carachillo.

So those are six of the most popular ways for Italians to enjoy their coffee, or for you to enjoy your coffee while traveling in Italy. Don’t despair though, there’s a coffee drink for you if you miss your breakfast blend. It’s called an Americano. What is it? Espresso - with water added.

VIKING RIVER CRUISES WINS 2008 WAVE AWARD

Named Best Overall River Cruise Line by Agents and Editors – Third Year Running

LOS ANGELES, (June 6, 2008) — Viking River Cruises was again honored this month with the 2008 WAVE Award and “Editor’s Choice” Award for Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising at the third annual TravelAge West Western Agents’ Votes of Excellence (WAVE) Awards.

WAVE Awards are awarded on the basis of votes by the trade. Travel agent professionals throughout the 14 Western states and readers of TravelAge West were invited to vote on the “best of the best” from a list of Editor’s Pick award recipients chosen by Editor-in-Chief Ken Shapiro and the editorial team of TravelAge West. Review methods included product analysis, site visits, a survey of a select group of travel agents and online research.

“The WAVE Awards are a celebration of excellence in travel products, services and destinations,” said Michelle Rosenberg, publisher of TravelAge West. “This year’s WAVE winners have consistently demonstrated excellence within the travel marketplace.” TravelAge West will also feature Viking River Cruises in a special WAVE Awards Spotlight Issue due out in August 2008.

-more-

“We’re very proud to be named Best Overall River Cruise Line for the third year in a row,” enthused Mike Wiersema, Vice President, Sales, Viking River Cruises. “We value our travel agent partners so highly, and it is gratifying to realize that this dedication has helped us serve travel professionals and their clients effectively. Given today’s exchange rates and fuel costs, there has never been a better time to sell all-inclusive, dollar-priced vacation packages, and we look forward to continuing to provide high-quality, affordable and memorable travel experiences to our clientele.”

More than 136 companies, individuals and destinations were celebrated by the readers of TravelAge West at the WAVE Awards ceremony. Honorees were recognized in 48 categories spanning the cruise, tour operator, airline, hotel and resort, and destination travel fields. The awards gave travel agents in the Western United States the opportunity to recognize outstanding travel supplier partners.

About Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises, the world’s largest river cruise company, offers quality service, gourmet cuisine and comfortable scenic cruising along the majestic rivers of Europe, Russia and China. The company has been honored multiple times as the top river cruise line on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Gold List” and Travel & Leisure’s “World’s Best” Awards. Travel agents have also recognized Viking River Cruises in 2006 as “Best Cruise Line: River Cruise” by Recommend and Travel Agent magazines, and in 2006, 2007 and 2008 as “Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising” by TravelAge West. Since its 1997 inception, the company has grown to a fleet of 21 vessels (will be 22 in 2009), and provides unique, deluxe vacations to experienced travelers with an interest in geography, culture and history. For additional information, contact Viking River Cruises at 1-877-66VIKING (1-877-668-4546) toll-free or visit the company online at vikingrivercruises.com.

# # #

For more information, contact Richard Marnell
USMedia@vikingrivercruises.co

Staying in Germany? Break the Language Barrier.

One of the primary concerns when visiting a foreign country is communication. Every well prepared traveler deals with this concern, and each one does so in a different way. There are the old standbys: learning a few key phrases, carrying an inter-language phrase book or dictionary or perhaps one of those nifty electronic translators. Then there’s the real traveler’s method: taking a language course.

For the person who wants to really get into the spirit of travel and immerse themselves in a foreign culture–and there is no way to get more out of your vacation than by becoming part of the area you visit–learning to speak the language is the way to go. You don’t have to become fluent, but learning how to say more than, “Where is the bathroom?” will make your stay easier, more enjoyable and impress your friends more than a tan and some souvenirs. Even better, you can carry that knowledge with you wherever you go. If you’re considering alternate accommodations–and you ought to be–learning a bit of German will make your stay many times more relaxing.

Staying in a rented home or apartment affords the same kind of cultural immersion that learning the language does. The two really go hand in hand: knowing what to ask for at the grocery store, or how to read a label, makes the ability to cook in your rental’s kitchen that much easier. Interacting with the locals is obviously enhanced as well, and that is the best way to appreciate a locality: making friends. German isn’t a hard language to learn, either. English is a Germanic language and so much of it will seem familiar to the novice speaker. You have to learn a few new letters, but it’s spelled phonetically. If you’ve got a couple of months before you are traveling I suggest enrolling in your local university’s language course. In addition to learning enough German to get by you’ll have conversation practice partners and, most likely, a native German to tell you all about where you’ll be visiting.

Driving In Paris? Here’s What You’ll Need to Know

Paris, like any major metropolitan city, is reliant on its transportation. The French do take their driving rules and customs quite seriously, and if you think Jersey drivers are bad or that New Yorkers can be rude, well, get ready to meet the Parisians.

First, Traffic merging from the right has the right of way and you had better yield, because they won’t, and you will get in trouble. This can be counter-intuitive o be careful! Second, crossing a solid line in the road is much more serious in France than in America. Be very aware of this, and if you do get pulled over make sure your seat belt is buckled, you do not want the 90 Euro fine.

Have I scared you? Here’s the good news: Paris is not hard to find your way around by car and all you need is a valid US driver’s license. If you don’t feel like driving in a foreign land there are plenty of taxis ready to take you around and most are very eager to chat up a tourist and recommend their favorite sites and restaurants.

Air Berlin Announces Summer Fare Sale

Air Berlin, Germany’s second largest airline, announced its summer sale available for booking as of April 24 through June 13, 2008. Air Berlin offers the only nonstop service to Düsseldorf from Los Angeles, New York, Miami and Ft Myers. Fares are based on roundtrip travel and start as low as $448* from New York, $698* from Los Angeles, $558* from Miami and $548* from Ft Myers for travel from May 19 through June 30. These fares are also valid to most of Germany’s premier cities such as Munich, Berlin, Stuttgart and Nuremberg. (*Taxes and fees from $346 are not included and total depends on final destination. Check your CRS for other rules and restrictions.)

You will also enjoy convenient connections from this centrally located airport to numerous European cities. Air Berlin’s new business class features, enhanced seat comfort, courteous and efficient service, selection of multi-course gourmet meals specially created in one of Germany’s exclusive restaurants on the Island of Sylt, individual entertainment systems and much more.

Air Berlin has consistently been recognized world-wide for its excellent service, friendliness and safety standards receiving numerous awards from industry experts such as Business Travel World and Skytrax. Air Berlin can be booked through your travel agent or for more information you can contact our service center at 866-266-5588.

Renting a Car in Ireland

The first thing you need to know about renting a car in Ireland is that it’s called hiring not renting. A rental car is a car hire, a rented car is a hired car, etc. It might not seem like a big difference but if you imagine how your local Hertz representative would look at you if you told them you wanted to hire a car, you understand how an Irish Hertz clerk would look at you for asking to rent one. The second thing you need to understand is that it’s just a really good idea to rent, I mean hire, a car if you plan on seeing Ireland.

Ireland is a modern country in every meaningful respect, but it was only a few years ago that it was predominately agricultural and that heritage is evident in the countryside. The green hills, plains and medieval remains are some of the best reasons to see Ireland and if you like the idea of seeing them at your own pace hiring a car is the only real option.

Ireland is modern in every sense of the word–riding the Euro’s rise to a booming economy–but to describe even the largest cities as cosmopolitan is being a little overgenerous. It’s just that old-fashioned sensibility and hospitality that makes visiting Ireland such an enjoyable experience, however, and you’ll find a welcoming pub and friendly strangers waiting wherever you might steer your hired car.