The price you see on the Brendan website is per person, based on two guests sharing a room. Solo pricing can be provided by one of our Celtic Travel Experts or within the first step of the booking process for Guided Vacations once you’ve selected your departure date.  

What’s included for Guided Vacations: 

• All hotels 
• Breakfast daily and some meals as described in the trip itinerary 
• Sightseeing and admission as shown in the trip itinerary 
• Transportation by luxury coach 
• Services of a professional Travel Director 
• All porterage and restaurant gratuities 
• Luggage handling, porterage and restaurant gratuities 
• All hotel tips, charges and local taxes 
• Airport transfers depend on your destination, please see the Trip Highlights section of your selected itinerary online for more details 

What’s included for Custom Vacations: 

• Your itinerary is fully customizable so will be tailored to include accommodations and activities to suit your preferences 
• Custom vacation packages require a minimum number of nights, transportation and activities; ask your Celtic Travel Expert for details by Travel Style 
• Transportation by rental car, private chauffeur or rail as outlined by your final itinerary  

What’s not included: 

• Prices online do not include flights, but these can be added by one of our Celtic Travel Experts or during the booking process online for Guided Vacations 
• Extra night hotels before or after your Guided Vacation. These can be added to your booking for an extra cost.  

• Optional Experiences offered on Guided Vacations can be booked and paid for directly with your Travel Director while on tour.  
• Travel insurance is highly recommended and can be added during the booking process. See our Travel Insurance page for more details. 

You can book our Guided Vacations online and for all of our vacations, including custom itineraries, you can contact your Travel Advisor or our Celtic Travel Experts at 800-687-1002 to make a booking.  

Yes. Flights are not included in the trip price you see online, but you can add flights directly with one of our Celtic Travel Experts or online during the booking process for Guided Vacations once you’ve selected a departure date for your trip. 

Yes, you can book extra hotel nights through Brendan Vacations for your Guided Vacation during the booking process online or with one of our Celtic Travel Experts. If you booked through a Travel Advisor and want to add additional hotel nights, please reach out to them directly to add the extra nights. If you booked directly through Brendan Vacations, you can add pre- or post-night accommodations (subject to availability) through the MyBrendan portal.  

For custom vacations, your personalized itinerary will include all accommodations for the duration of your stay in Ireland and Scotland.  

Brendan Vacations offers complimentary airport transfers for many guided vacations but inclusion depends on your destination. Check the trip page online or talk with one of our Celtic Experts for details on your selected vacation.  

We’ll be happy to arrange airport transfers for your booking. If you have booked through a Travel Advisor, reach out to them and they will contact us to add it to your booking. If you booked with us directly, our Celtic Travel Experts can assist you in booking transfer, or for Guided Vacations, you can add transfers once flight details have been added by going to the MyBrendan portal and clicking on the Extras tab. If you are a Travel Advisor, please visit TAP to add your guest’s details under the Extras tab. Some transfers cannot be booked online; contact us directly to add these.  

The prices displayed on our trip pages for Guided Vacations are per person, when sharing a twin room. To check the solo price for a trip, one of our Celtic Travel Experts can help, or you can select Continue on the departure date of your choice and view the price and availability of solo rooms in the second step of the booking process.  

For custom vacations, your personalized itinerary will be created and quoted specifically for you and will be based on solo rates.  

If you’d rather not incur the additional single room supplement on Guided Vacations, consider our solo room share option. We’ll accommodate you with a fellow guest of the same gender on a twin-bed basis.  

Triple room bookings are available on a majority of our Guided Vacations, suitable for two adults and one child. When booking your trip, we define a child as someone aged 5 to 17 years old. A triple room is not recommended for three adults as the third bed is often a rollaway, which may not be comfortable for an adult.  

If you’re on a trip as a family of five for example (two adults and three children), you would be required to book one triple room (for one adult and 2 children) and one double room (one adult and one child).  

For custom vacations, our Celtic Travel Experts will work to find the best accommodations to suit your travel party size.  

Our trip deposit amounts depend on the Travel Style you’ve selected, however all are covered by our Deposit Protection program, where you’ll receive a credit to use toward a future booking within 5 years.  

• For Guided Vacations, Self-Drive and Locally Hosted Rail vacations, a $200 per person deposit is due at time of booking.  
• For Private Chauffeur and Lux Self-Drive vacations, a $250 per person deposit is due at time of booking.  
• An additional deposit of $350 is required for flights booked through Brendan Vacations. 

Full payment for all Travel Styles is due 60 days prior to your departure date. Some limited-time promotional offers require full payment at time of booking or sooner than the standard payment-in-full date and will be advised at time of booking.  

We highly recommend guests purchase travel insurance prior to your trip. Brendan Vacations offers a Travel Protection Plan for your convenience. See details of the plan here. Your insurance should cover trip interruption, personal injury, medical expenses and evacuation and repatriation coverage including during pandemic events. Your insurance plan details should be added to the MyBrendan portal for Guided Vacation bookings.  

Yes, we know plans change so your deposit is fully flexible. If you need to cancel your booking before your final payment is due, you’ll receive a credit of your initial deposit up to $200 per person (Guided, Self-Drive and Locally Hosted Rail bookings) or $250 per person (Private Chauffeur and Lux Self-Drive bookings) as a travel credit to use toward a future booking within 5 years.  

If you would like to transfer your travel credits to someone, submit a ‘Contact Us’ inquiry and include: 

• Your full name 
• Original booking number  
• Name of the new guest 
• New booking number 

Brendan Vacations will reach out to verify and apply the travel credit as requested.  

When viewing the Dates & Prices section for Guided Vacations, you’ll see some departure dates shown as “Definite Departure”. A Definite Departure has reached the required minimum number of guests to operate and therefore will run barring any extraordinary circumstances. Dates are regularly updated to show as Definite Departure throughout the year.  

Even if a date is not marked as a Definite Departure yet, you can still make a booking. If the departure fails to meet the minimum number of guests, you will be offered the best alternative dates or a full refund of any payment made on travel components booked through Brendan Vacations.  

All custom vacations will operate per the final itinerary barring any extraordinary circumstances. 

A Guided Vacation departure date listed on the website as “Call Us” means that the departure is almost full and availability will need to be confirmed by one of our Celtic Travel Experts.  

A departure date listed as “On Request” means availability is limited. You are still able to complete your Guided Vacation through one of our Celtic Travel Experts, but your spot will not be confirmed immediately. While “On Request” bookings take 24-72 hours to be confirmed, it is highly likely that your spot will be confirmed.  

If you’ve selected additional hotel nights and the hotel is listed “On Request”, the time to confirm availability varies. We aim to get requests answered in 24-72 hours. If your request is taking longer than expected, please know we will contact you as soon as we’ve received confirmation.  

Brendan Vacations offers travelers of all ages on our custom vacations. There may be certain age requirements for car rental on our Self-Drive and Lux Self-Drive vacations, or to participate in certain activities.  

On Guided Vacations, travelers must be at least 5 years of age. To receive a Young Travel discount, the child must be between 5 to 17 years old at time of travel.  

Brendan guests can book with confidence knowing you’re free to change your travel plans up until your final payment is due. With our Deposit Protection program, you will receive a travel credit up to $200 per person (Guided Vacations, Self-Drive and Locally Hosted Rail) or $250 per person (Private Chauffeur and Lux Self-Drive) to be used toward a future booking within 5 years. 

If you are within the cancellation penalty period, charges will apply. All changes are subject to differences in rates and availability. This policy only applies to your Brendan trip, airlines will have different policies and change fees/costs.  

Please note: additional amendment fees may be incurred.  

We understand plans change. If you made your booking through a Travel Advisor, please contact them to discuss your options. If you booked directly with Brendan Vacations, please contact one of our Celtic Travel Experts.  

If you are outside of the cancellation period, you may qualify for our Deposit Protection program, where you will receive a travel credit up to $200 per person (Guided Vacations, Self-Drive and Locally Hosted Rail) or $250 per person (Private Chauffeur and Lux Self-Drive) to be used toward a future booking within 5 years. This travel credit is also transferrable to another person.  

We offer enticing discounts when you travel with Brendan in a group. Secure a trip for nine or more people on a set Guided Vacation departure and enjoy great benefits. Find out more about our Group Travel Benefits.  

You can also choose to customize one of our Travel Styles for your group (excluding Locally Hosted Rail). Contact one of our custom group Celtic Travel Experts to explore your options.  

When you sign up to the newsletter, you’ll receive a special code to claim your travel credit. This travel credit can be applied at the time of your first Brendan Vacations booking. This travel credit is not combinable with other discounts and our Celtic Travel Experts will always ensure you’re getting the best value on your Brendan vacation.  

How you make your payments depends on how you booked your trip.  

If you booked through a Travel Advisor, you will need to contact your Travel Advisor and make payments through them. If you are a Travel Advisor, you can view invoices and make payments for Guided Vacation bookings directly into our system using TAP; for Private Chauffeur, Lux Self-Drive, Locally Hosted Rail and Self-Drive vacation bookings, you will need to contact our Celtic Travel Experts. 

If you booked directly with Brendan Vacations, you can pay via a one-time secure payment link by contacting our Celtic Travel Experts, over the phone, or for Guided Vacations, you can also make a payment online the MyBrendan portal. You’ll just need your name and booking reference number (for example B123456). 

We accept credit and debit card payments (Visa, MasterCard); and for online Guided Vacation bookings, we also accept PayPal.  

We require all our guests to register their emergency contact details before they travel. Every travel moment counts so we do this ahead of your travels to ensure your trip runs seamlessly, and it also means we can contact you in the unlikely event of an emergency. Registration only takes a few minutes and you will be asked to provide your contact details such as an email address, a cell phone number and the contact details of a nominated person we can call in the event of an emergency.  

For Guided Vacation bookings, you will complete your pre-registration via the MyBrendan portal.  

 
For custom vacation bookings, you will provide the details to our Celtic Travel Experts at time of booking.  

Registration is required for Travel Documents to be released.  

Once you’ve pre-registered for your trip and made final payment on your booking, we will send your Travel Documents to you electronically approximately three weeks prior to your departure. For Guided Vacations, these documents will also be available to download on the MyBrendan portal.  

Your departure 

Generally, check-in times require guests to arrive at the airport a minimum of two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Please allow for enough time to get to your flight – be aware that during busy travel periods or at airports with heightened security, you may experience longer lines.  

Airport check-in 

All guests including children must have a machine-readable passport valid for six months after your trip return date along with any applicable visas for international travel. You are responsible for ensuring you have the correct documents to enter and pass through any countries during your trip, and then make your way back home.  

Airport security 

Before flying, you will go through airport security. Restrictions on what you can take on board and in hand luggage vary from time to time and from country to country. We recommend you read the latest security advice from your airline and airport before traveling. Please remember that although all airports must adhere to relevant aviation security requirements, security procedures may vary from airport to airport. More information can be found on the website of the airport you are flying from.  

No. If your flights were booked through Brendan, we will notify you or your Travel Advisor of any schedule changes. Sometimes the airline will notify you at the same time they notify us. Rest assured, we will contact you if required.  

If you’ve booked your flights independently and provided flight details for a Brendan airport transfers, then please contact our Celtic Travel Experts to let us know about the change. We will send you a confirmation reconfirming your transfers.  

The ability to amend transfers will vary by destination. We will do our best to make adjustments, however if we are unable to confirm, please make your own way to the start hotel.  

Brendan guests traveling on Guided Vacations can each travel with one suitcase not exceeding 50lbs in weight, with the dimensions of 30” x 18” x 10”. Carry-on/hand luggage is restricted to one piece per person, not exceeding 12”x11”x6” to fit under your coach seat or in the small overhead compartment. 
 
So your driver and the hotel porters can safely lift and transport your suitcase throughout your vacation, we strongly recommend that you test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances. 
 
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel. 

For custom vacations, please ask our Celtic Travel Experts for guidance on luggage allowances as they will be able to advise based on the Travel Style and vehicle size you have selected for your itinerary.  

For safety reasons, small rolling suitcases that are permitted to bring on airplanes are not permitted inside the coach on Guided Vacations. As our coaches have large, panoramic windows, there is minimal space to store them securely overhead or under the seat. We suggest bringing a carry-on that is soft-sided similar to a backpack, tote bag, etc. Our Celtic Travel Experts will advise on carry-on luggage restrictions when booking other travel styles.  

The weather in Ireland and Scotland varies depending on the time of year you visit. We would suggest that you pack clothing to layer, a waterproof jacket (there’s a reason our islands are so green!) and a comfortable pair of shoes/sneakers. Apps such as Packr and PackPoint can provide great packing tips based on your destination and the forecasted weather.  

Other useful items we suggest you pack include: 

• Phone charger 
• Adaptor/converter plug 
• Medication 
• Travel iron 
• Carry/day bag 
• Reusable water bottle 
• Travel pillow 
• Photocopies of your passport, hotel list, travel document and luggage contents for reference 

When planning how much money to bring, we suggest you consider things such as money for meals that are not included (i.e. lunches, beverages, etc.), Optional Experiences on Guided Vacations that you may wish to purchase, shopping, gratuities for your Travel Director, Private Chauffeur, etc., and any incidentals like laundry, dry cleaning and so on.  

If you plan to purchase local currency before you travel, we suggest you request notes of smaller denominations as many local stores and restaurants may not be willing to accept the higher ones.  

While most major credit cards are generally accepted by shops and hotels worldwide, you may find that there is a minimum charge for using them. It is also becoming more common for identification to be requested when making payments by credit card, so remember to carry your passport or driver’s license with you. Visa, American Express and MasterCard are widely accepted.  

No. Pre-paying for your gratuities is not required. We offer this option on Guided Vacations because many guests like to budget for all elements of their vacation ahead of time. Gratuities can be pre-paid during the booking process. The pre-paid gratuity option is not available on Custom Vacations.  

Electrical plus and outlets differ and we recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor that’s suitable for the countries you are traveling to.  

Packr and PackPoint will give you great packing tips based on forecasted weather. Weather Channel or Accuweather are the most popular weather apps to keep up to date with the local weather of the places you go. 

At Brendan Vacations, our younger guests are just as important as our older ones, so we’ve taken care to craft action-packed itineraries that’ll impress children. To travel on a Guided Vacation, children must be aged five years or older; on other travel styles, young children are permitted.  All children and young people under eighteen years old must however be accompanied by an adult who will be responsible for their supervision and welfare. Some countries have established practices to prevent international abductions of children and because of this, it is recommended that you secure a “Child Travel Consent” prior to departure if you are traveling with a minor who is under eighteen years of age. This documents that a minor has permission from his or her parent(s) or guardian(s) to travel and may be requested by authorities and officials when a child is traveling internationally: With one parent or guardian; Without a parent; Alone; With an adult who is not a parent or guardian. If the traveling parent has sole custody, he or she will require a notarized true copy of a court order or equivalent proving custody. If both parents have custody, or the non-traveling parent has custody, the traveling parent will need notarized consent from the non-traveling parent. We recommend that you contact relevant consulates and airlines for additional information and guidance. 

If traveling with a child under 40 pounds, you must bring your own child seat. 

Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your vacation. Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Rembmer that requirements vary based on passport’s place of issue and that the process can take time.  

Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country.  

Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process. Be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.  

Visit the VisaCentral website for more information.  

To ensure a healthy and enjoyable trip, we strongly suggest that you pack a plentiful supply of any medication that you may need while on vacation. All prescriptions should be filled, up-to-date and in their original packaging. Always pack prescriptions in your carry-on bag with copies of your prescription paperwork as your checked luggage may not always be easily accessible, particularly in the event of delays, lost luggage etc. 
 
You might be concerned about enhanced airport security measures and the quantities of liquids that you can carry aboard a plane preventing you from taking your medication on flights. However, as long as your medication is accompanied by the relevant documentation from your doctor (a doctor’s note or letter should be fine), you're entitled to take it with you on board your flight. 
 
We would always advise you to research the rules around taking your medication to your destination country and what proof of treatment you’re expected to bring with you. For example, you can avoid any issues at airport customs by having your prescription drugs and doctor’s letter readily available.  

 
Everyday over-the-counter medicines are not carried on the coach, private chauffeur, rail cars or rental cars. Your Travel Director, Private Chauffeur, Local Host or Local Specialists will be able to advise you where to purchase items if needed. 
 
Please contact your doctor or health care provider before traveling to determine which vaccinations or other health precautions are recommended for your travels. Most countries in which we travel do not need any special vaccinations, but requirements can change at any time and we strongly recommend that you check for more detailed and current information before you travel. Each guest must follow entry, health and other requirements of the countries visited during your trip. 
 
You can keep informed of current health news by visiting the Travel Health Pro website. 
 
Guests should advise of any dietary or health-related issues that might affect them during their travels. For example, if a guest carries an auto-injector for nuts or other allergies etc. or has a condition requiring special attention. 
 
Please notify Brendan Vacations of any disability requiring special assistance prior to traveling. This enables us to make reasonable adjustments in order to accommodate the specific requirements of those traveling with a disability. A companion should always accompany those guests who require individual assistance to walk, get on and off the motorcoach and other vehicles and for personal needs such as dining, dressing etc. 

Travel vaccinations 
This will depend on the destinations you are traveling and your personal health circumstances. Be sure to speak to your Travel Advisor or doctor to find out if vaccinations are required. If you are taking medication or suffer from any form of illness, ensure you have an adequate supply of medication before departing for your vacation. 
 
Vaccination against Covid-19 
Covid-19 vaccination is not mandatory to travel with Brendan Vacations however we strongly advise that guests are vaccinated against Covid-19 before your trip. 

Yes, in most circumstances you’re able to travel with a wheelchair on your trip, as long as you’re traveling with someone who is willing to provide personal assistance. Motorized scooters are not allowed on all itineraries. It is important that we look at all elements of the vacation and our guests needs.  

For specific requirements, including requests such as this, please tell us at time of booking if you plan to bring a wheelchair or motorized scooter to ensure we can meet your needs.  

We can accommodate vegetarian guests and can assist with diabetic, gluten-free and other medically-recommended diets. Please advise us at time of booking or for Guided Vacations, by adding your dietary request by logging into your MyBrendan profile and selecting ‘Personalize Your Trip’ on the right-hand side.  

 
Unfortunately, we are unable to supply meals in accordance with strict religious requirements. We can’t provide salt-free, Kosher, Halal, requests for specific dietary supplements such as soya milk and high-protein or low-carb meals.  

In addition to meeting minimum age requirements as advised by our Celtic Travel Experts at time of booking, if you are aged 75-79 our car rental partner requires: 

1) Provide a letter from your doctor stating you have been in good health for at least 12 months. 

2) Provide a letter from your car insurance provider to state that you have not been involved in any incidents in the last 5 years.  

We pride ourselves on having the finest fleet of fuel-efficient, fully air-conditioned coaches for our Guided Vacations – all with reclining seats and on-board restrooms. We also have onboard Wi-Fi.

In addition to your suitcase, which gets stored separately on the coach, you can bring one piece of carry-on luggage onto the coach with you for your Guided Vacation. The carry-on must be small enough to fit under  your seat or in a small overhead compartment. The dimensions are 12” x 11” x6”. Please note that for safety reasons, small rolling suitcases are not permitted inside the coach.  

There are a number of things you may wish to bring on the coach with you, including a travel pillow, something to read, sunglasses, your phone, headphones if you’d like to listen to music, etc.  

For custom vacations, you will be traveling with your group only. You may join other travelers for activities and experiences.  

For Guided Vacations, you will be traveling with an average of 40 guests.  

The beauty of taking a Guided Vacation with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people all over the globe.  

For custom vacations, you will be traveling with your group only, but may join other travelers for some activities and experiences.  

You will find all inclusions, including meals, outlined in your day-by-day itinerary. If you have specific questions, our Celtic Travel Experts can help.  

Tipping etiquette varies by country and is a gesture that shows appreciation for the quality of service that you received.  

When traveling with Brendan Vacations on a Guided Vacation, you can choose to pre-pay for tips and gratuities for your Travel Director and Driver. For custom vacations and for a few other instances individual tipping is welcome.  

In general, if you’re unsure on tipping, don’t go any higher than 10% (unless of course the service was so fantastic you feel you want to do so). Servers may not receive tips when left on a credit card, so always try to tip in cash whenever possible.  

Hotel Service 

It is customary to tip hotel staff for room service delivery if the charge has not already been added to the bill. Where ice machines are not available, and you receive ice from the bar, a small tip to the bartender is always appreciated.  

Local Specialists 

It is customary to show appreciation for the insights, stories and know-how shared with you by the Local Specialists. 

Eating and Drinking 

Tips and gratuities will be taken care of by your Travel Director (on Guided Vacations) for all meals included in your itinerary. When you are exploring on your own, it’s helpful to know regional norms around tipping.  

At Brendan, we strive to make the most of your Celtic vacation. In order to make that possible, we thank you in advance for your punctuality, which affords guests the opportunity to enjoy their time with us to the fullest.  

Departure Time – is the time when everyone is seated comfortably and the coach or your private chauffeur vehicle is pulling away from the hotel or rest stop. The savvy traveler will always allow themselves enough time for bathroom visits, settling bills and slow elevators.  

Sightseeing – as included in your itinerary, will generally involve a fair amount of walking and standing (as well as sitting). There are a number of terms used to describe sightseeing activities within our Guided Vacation itineraries and there are slight differences in their meaning: 

• A Day/Time To Relax – no planned activities; time for Optional Experiences or other independent activities. Your Travel Director will be able to assist you with providing ideas and suggestions to match your interests and get the most out of the day.  
• Orientation Tour – places of interest are pointed out, allowing you to go and explore them on your own.  
• See – observe sights while passing by on your coach, cruise or train. 
• Sightseeing Trip – a Local Specialist will accompany you on a trip of a city or site. 
• View – a brief stop to enjoy the sights and take some photos.  
• Visit – a stop with time to enjoy a specific site.  

• Why Not See or Perhaps Enjoy – refer to Optional Experiences not included in the trip package but which are available for additional fee. Your Travel Director will be happy to provide you with information regarding these, or other ways in which to spend your free time.  

Brendan’s Guided Vacations include plenty of free time for you to explore destinations in your own way. Optional Experiences are a great way to make the most of your time and tailor your trip to your interests.  

Available Optional Experiences are listed on the trip itinerary. No need to book or prepay, you can do this with your Travel Director on trip and payment can be made by credit card or cash.  

On custom vacations, we will work with you on including all your desired activities and experiences during the booking process.  

To enable you to personalize your Brendan Guided Vacation experience, you will find a number of Optional Experiences designed to complement the itinerary. These are offer a deeper insight into the culture and character of the areas to be visited and provide some wonderful highlights to your travels. The optional program is designed to let you experience more of what interests you and to get the most from your vacation without replacing or overlapping with anything included in an itinerary. 
 
The majority of Optional Experiences will be offered to you by your Travel Director at the beginning of your trip. Our Optional Experiences cannot be pre-booked. Some may be subject to change, depending on the time you are traveling or local circumstances including weather and days of the week. Further information will be provided by your Travel Director. 
 
If you would like to see what is available, along with pricing for our optionals please look at the day-to-day itinerary of your trip on our website. 

Yes. For custom vacations, you’re in full control of what we include and how much time you have to explore on your own. 

Each Guided Vacation itinerary offers the perfect balance of downtime and discoveries. We also give you the opportunity to tailor your trip with Optional Experiences. Some of our trips offer a more relaxed pace, with later starts and longer stays in each place. If you would like to exclude yourself from an included experience, please ensure you speak with your Travel Director, so they are aware of your plans. They will make sure you are aware of any necessary times or meeting points. Please note, we cannot provide any compensation or refunds, if you decide to not take part in an included activity or meal. 

You have full control of your itinerary on our custom vacations, and when working with our Celtic Travel Experts, you can decide the types of activities to include based on your desired level of walking.  

For Guided Vacations, we offer a well-balanced mix of walking and enjoying sites for the comfort of your coach. The activity level and amount of walking can vary, so it is important that you bring adequate footwear to ensure your comfort and safety. When walking there can be some uneven terrain, or times when more walking is required than others.   

How much coach travel there is depends on the Guided Vacation itinerary, but we rarely spend longer than a couple hours on the coach without a photo stop or visit.  

To ensure fairness and to enhance your coach experience, Brendan Vacations operates a daily seat rotation system on our Guided Vacations. This enables guests to enjoy the panoramic views from a different seat and provides opportunities to get to know your fellow travelers and make new friends each day.  

There is a no smoking policy across all of the modes of transportation offered by Brendan Vacations. We do, however, make plenty of comfort stops along the way.  

Brendan Vacations’ hotels are handpicked to ensure they meet our high standards. On custom vacations, you can choose where you stay from Catherine’s Collection – properties personally vetted by Catherine Reilly based on the long-standing relationships she’s built in Ireland and Scotland during her 40-plus years as Brendan Vacations’ Managing Director.  

Checking in to your arrival hotel 
Official check-in times vary from hotel to hotel. Should your flight arrive in the early morning into the city where your trip begins, you may find yourself arriving at the hotel before noon, and it could be early afternoon before your room is ready (2pm/3pm). Hotels try to prevent this from happening, but check-in times cannot be guaranteed. The hotel will be able to suggest how any spare time could be used to sightsee, relax or enjoy local restaurants while your room is being prepared. 
 
When arriving at your first hotel, check in at the main reception desk. The reception staff will need to know your name and that you are traveling with Brendan Vacations; we recommend having your Brendan Vacations booking reference number and hotel confirmation on hand (these will be provided in your final travel documents). . 
 
For Guided Vacations, check-ins will be managed by the Travel Director after the first day, who will advise you on procedures and hotel features before arrival. They will secure keys and oversee the delivery of your luggage to your room. 
 
Photocopies of documents 
Some hotels are required to keep your passport at reception throughout your stay owing to government, country or local laws. You are therefore recommended to bring a photocopy of your passport and any visas with you when you travel. 
 
A useful tip is to photocopy your airline tickets, credit cards and your driver’s license etc. as this can speed up replacements on those rare occasions that the originals are lost. Even easier is to scan your documents and send them to yourself as attachments to your email so that you have access to them if needed. 
 
Keys 
Many hotels use magnetic key cards. These may be required to use the elevator. In many hotels, key cards also operate the lighting and air-conditioning. The card is usually inserted into a slot or box located just inside the room in order for the electricity to function and it is a great way to save energy. 
 
Checking out of your hotel 
Always make a last-minute check of safe deposit boxes, drawers, wardrobe and bathroom before departing each hotel. If you've consumed any items from the mini bar or accessed pay-TV, etc., then you are responsible for paying incidental expenses before departure. We recommend settling any bills in the evening to ensure a smooth departure the following morning. 

Our hotels are personally selected by Catherine Reilly, Brendan’s Managing Director for over 40 years. They are known for their quality, impeccable service and comfort, with the majority of them having air conditioning. A few hotels may not have air conditioning due to the colder climate and historic buildings.

Most hotels offer a laundry service; in some cities, laundromats are also available. However, it’s sensible to try and pack enough clothing to avoid having to do laundry, as it can sometimes be costly or inconvenient.  

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in most hotel guestrooms and/or communal areas. On some occasions, the Wi-Fi may need an access code from the property staff and will be provided upon arrival at the property.  

Sharing your experiences with friends and family back home is an important part of your trip. If you choose to bring a smart phone with you, ensure you contact your service provider to find out how much it will cost you to use your phone internationally. You might consider disability data roaming or purchasing a prepaid service or SIM to keep control of costs. Be mindful of other guests if you take a cell phone call on the coach.  

Making telephone calls from your hotel room can be very expensive. A pre-paid calling card is an easy way to save money when making telephone calls. Calling cards are readily available in most stores.  

Complimentary Wi-Fi is usually available on our coaches and your hotel will also provide complimentary Wi-Fi access. 

Yes, hotels can change from those listed on the website or in your travel documents. This might be due to a variety of reasons and is often out of Brendan’s control. If this does happen, we will ensure the new hotel is in a similar location and meets our high standards.  

Food and drink is at the heart of every destination. Your trip itinerary contains information on included meals and your Travel Director, Private Chauffeur, Local Host or Local Specialist can provide recommendations for places to eat in each new place.  

Specific Dietary Requirements 

We encourage guests to advise us of any specific dietary requirements during registration on the MyBrendan portal for Guided Vacations or directly to our Celtic Travel Experts for custom vacations. Hotels and restaurants will be told in advance and suppliers will do their utmost to provide alternative options, although this cannot be guaranteed. 

Drinking Water 

We care about the planet. With that in mind, we recommend you pack a reusable water bottle for your trip to reduce your plastic waste.  

There will be multiple rest stops throughout the day where you can refill your bottle with water or purchase a drink.  

All the information you need for your vacation, such as your first hotel and what time to be there, will be provided in your trip documentation. You will receive your trip documentation electronically approximately 3 weeks prior to your departure.

We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a trip, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing. If you are running late to an included activity, we recommend you contact Brendan or the activity supplier to advise you will be arriving late.  

Guided Vacations 

All of our guests will have access to the personal service of a dedicated and knowledgeable Travel Director. They will be on hand to help guide and support you throughout your trip and are able to offer a true insider’s perspective of each destination. 

Private Chauffeur Vacations 

You will be driven by a chauffeur in a private car. These professionals are your personal storytellers, savvy locals and someone who takes care of knowing the road and it’s legends.  

Self-Drive and Locally Hosted Rail Vacations 

When you travel with Brendan on a Self-Drive or Locally Hosted Rail vacation, you’ll have peace of mind knowing there is a team of local experts on hand to ensure your vacation exceeds your expectations. Go on journeys with Local Specialists who will provide the stories behind the places you visit, and on Lux Self-Drive and Locally Hosted Rail vacations, we’ll even connect you with a Local Hosts when you arrive for tips, recommendations and insights for a true local experience. 

Your Travel Director or our team of local experts in Dublin will assist you with a doctor’s visit or hospitalization should you require. Brendan has a dedicated team in Merrion Square in Dublin who will contact you to offer assistance and advice, coordinate with your travel insurance company and keep in touch with you until you are able to re-join your trip or return home. This service is included in the cost of your trip; however it is not a replacement for travel insurance.  

Relaxing and switching off from everyday concerns is all part of the vacation experience. Our local experts will ensure that things run seamlessly on your trip, however, it is a good idea to be aware of issues that might affect your enjoyment and to take precautions to avoid undesirable situations. 
 
Personal Belongings 
Many of us carry expensive equipment such as mobile phones and cameras to capture our travel memories and keep in touch with loved ones. Be wary of showing them off in crowded places and never leave them on the table in restaurants, bars, hotel lobbies and public places (breakfast rooms). 
 
Bags 
Keep your bag with you at all times. Wear it across your chest and ensure the bag is on the front of the body when you walk through crowded places. 
 
Passport and Documents 
Make sure your passport is always safe. Keep it on your person on travel days. A money belt worn under your clothing is the safest place to carry your passport, as well as other important documents, a spare credit or debit card, larger cash amounts and any emergency contact lists for any credit/ bank cards that you use. Many hotels provide safety deposit boxes for your use on longer stays, but be sure to reclaim them before checking out. Make a photocopy of your passport and important documents and keep them separate from the originals. 
 
Cash 
Only carry as much cash as you need at any time and avoid displaying large numbers of notes when paying for anything. 
 
Hotels 
When leaving your room, securely shut all windows and close the door to your room as you exit, with enough force to ensure it properly locks. Remember to keep your room key safely on you. On arrival at a new hotel, familiarize yourself with escape routes and locate the nearest fire exit to your room. Always know how to raise the alarm. 
 
Situational Awareness 
Avoid confrontational situations and large gatherings and if at any time a situation doesn’t feel right, walk away. 
 
Hostile Situations 
In the very unlikely situation you find yourself in the vicinity of a hostile incident, leave immediately and contact the police. If you are unable to leave, find somewhere to hide, lock the door and keep as quiet as possible. Remember to turn your phone to silent and contact the police. 

It is a culturally sensitive approach to travel, defined by a deep respect for the environment and the communities you encounter. You foster relationships that contribute positively to the socioeconomic fabric and environmental preservation of the places you visit. Your travel experiences are educational, teaching you about environmental sustainability, diverse local cultures and empowers both you and the local community to thrive together.  

According to the UNWTO, ‘sustainable tourism should make optimal use of environmental resources that constitute a key element in tourism development, maintaining essential ecological process and helping to conserve heritage and biodiversity’. 

With Brendan Vacations, you can be sure you’ll be contributing to local sustainability through our collaborations with tourism boards like Tourism Scotland, and our initiatives that safeguard natural heritage, preserve biodiversity and protect sites of architectural significance.  

Find out more about how we MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®.  

From educating you, the traveler, to supporting local and remove communities, funding environmental conservation and providing income for millions globally, sustainable travel not only protects the people and finite resources of our planet, it also safeguards travel for future generations to come.  

An easy win to be more conscious of your waste: always use refillable drinking bottles, bring your own shopping bags and compost your food scraps. You could also choose to spend your money on travel operators and establishments with good sustainability track records, or use more sustainable transport options like coach or train.  

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are included on each of our Guided Vacations and available on all custom itineraries. These carefully curated experiences ensure your travels have a tangible and positive impact on the people you connect with, the planet you walk on and the nature you encounter.