Inspiration and Information for Your Perfect Journey

Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, is a destination worth exploring and offers plenty of options to enjoy during a layover at its bustling airport. So if you find yourself with some time in this lovely city, go on and hit two birds with one stone and explore it!

Arriving at Dublin Airport

Upon arrival at Dublin Airport, you’ll find yourself in one of Europe’s most modern and efficient air travel hubs. With three terminals catering to domestic and international flights, navigating the airport is straightforward. Terminal 1 primarily handles short-haul flights within Europe, while Terminal 2 serves long-haul flights and some European destinations. If you have a layover in Dublin, you’ll likely land at one of these terminals.

Exploring Dublin During Your Layover

If you have a few hours to spare during your layover in Dublin, consider leaving the airport to explore the city. Dublin Airport’s convenient location, just 10 kilometres north of the city centre, makes it easy to venture out and discover the charm of Ireland’s capital. With approximately four hours between flights, you can take a quick tour of Dublin’s highlights or take a stroll through its historic streets.

Things to Do Near Dublin Airport

Malahide Castle and Gardens: Located just a short drive from Dublin Airport, Malahide Castle is a magnificent medieval castle surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. Visitors can take guided tours of the castle, explore the gardens, and enjoy leisurely walks along the estate’s picturesque grounds.

Fingal Coastal Way: The natural beauty of the Fingal Coastal Way is unmissable. This scenic walking and cycling route stretches along the coastline from Sutton to Balbriggan. While exploring this picturesque coastal trail, you’ll have panoramic views of Dublin Bay, sandy beaches, and rugged cliffs.

Portmarnock Beach: Relax and unwind on Portmarnock Beach, one of Dublin’s finest sandy beaches, just a short drive from the airport. Soak up the sun or even try your hand at kite surfing or paddleboarding in the refreshing waters of the Irish Sea.

Portmarnock Village: The charming village of Portmarnock is known for its quaint shops, cafes, and traditional Irish pubs. Go on and get a Guinness, browse local boutiques, and sample delicious seafood dishes at waterfront restaurants overlooking the bay.

Howth Peninsula: Situated on the northern outskirts of Dublin, Howth Peninsula offers breathtaking coastal views, scenic hiking trails, and charming fishing villages. You can take a short train ride or taxi from the airport to Howth and enjoy activities such as cliff walks, seafood dining, and boat trips to Ireland’s Eye.

Swords Castle: Explore the historic town of Swords and visit Swords Castle, a well-preserved medieval castle dating back to the 13th century. The castle grounds offer guided tours, during which you can learn about its fascinating history and admire the architecture of this ancient landmark.

Skerries Mills: Step back in time at Skerries Mills, a restored windmill complex located in the seaside town of Skerries. Here, you can learn about the history of milling in Ireland, tour the working windmills, and explore interactive exhibits showcasing traditional crafts and agricultural practices. It’s a great way to learn a bit about Irish history in a short time.

Airfield Estate: Located in Dundrum, just a short drive from Dublin Airport, Airfield Estate is a working farm and heritage centre offering educational tours, gardens, and family-friendly activities. Go ahead and explore the farm, interact with animals, and learn about sustainable agriculture and rural life in Ireland. This is a great one for families.

Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk: A scenic coastal walk from Bray to Greystones is a prime example of Irish nature with incredible views of the Irish Sea and the Wicklow coastline. Here you can hike along rugged cliffs, pass by secluded coves, and enjoy the natural beauty of this coastal trail.

Newbridge House and Farm: Located in Donabate, Newbridge House and Farm is a Georgian mansion set amidst sprawling parklands and farmland. The historic house is open for guided tours, and if you have kids, you can explore the farmyard and playground. Weather permitting, why not enjoy picnics in the scenic gardens?

National Botanic Gardens: Stroll through the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, a short distance from Dublin Airport. The diverse collection of plants, trees, and flowers is amazing. Explore glasshouses and themed gardens and enjoy tranquil moments in this botanical oasis.

Shopping and Dining at Swords Pavilions: If you’re in the mood for shopping or dining, head to Swords Pavilions, a nearby shopping centre offering a wide range of retail outlets, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment options. Some retail therapy or a nice meal before the flight sounds quite tempting to us.

Golfing: For golf enthusiasts, there are several golf courses near Dublin Airport where you can enjoy a round of golf amidst scenic surroundings. Courses such as Portmarnock Golf Club, St. Margaret’s Golf and Country Club, and Forrest Little Golf Club offer challenging layouts and stunning views of the Irish countryside.

Enjoying Your Layover at Dublin Airport

If leaving the airport isn’t an option, or if you prefer to stay close by, Dublin Airport offers a range of amenities to keep you entertained during your layover. Browse the duty-free shops for souvenirs or indulge in a meal at one of the airport’s many restaurants and cafes. For those needing relaxation, unwind in one of the airport lounges or catch up on work with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminals.

Making the Most of Your Time

Whether you explore Dublin or stay within the confines of the airport, making the most of your layover is essential. With efficient transportation options, including buses and taxis, getting to and from the airport is hassle-free. Just be sure to allow ample time to clear security and passport control before your next flight. With careful planning and a sense of adventure, your layover in Dublin can be a memorable part of your journey.

Travelling is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Everybody deserves to see what the world has to offer, and it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. The air travel industry is a dynamic and intricate system of airlines, routes, pricing strategies, and constantly shifting demand. But have no fear; within this complexity lies a treasure trove of opportunities to explore new places without breaking the bank. With good planning and some savvy strategies, you can make that dream trip more affordable. Wondering how to find cheap flights? Follow these tried and tested cheap flight hacks to save a pretty penny.

Book in advance

Though last-minute deals can occasionally bag you a bargain, the general rule of thumb is that the earlier you book, the more money you save; this is how to book cheap flights. The early bird gets the worm really applies when it comes to buying flight tickets. Most airlines release their flights a year in advance; this is usually when tickets are at their cheapest, and prices increase as the departure date approaches. If this is too early for you, the sweet spot is to get your tickets at least three to six months before your travel date. By following this approach, you’ll position yourself to access some of the most competitive prices available. This early booking strategy becomes much more vital when travelling during the busiest holiday seasons, like Christmas or New Year’s. It’s also not uncommon for these flights to sell out quickly. So, as soon as you’ve confirmed your travels, don’t delay booking your flights. You’ll save money and get peace of mind.

Cheapest days to fly

Travelling off-season won’t only save you on flights, but accommodation and activities are usually cheaper, too. You can also enjoy fewer tourists and less crowded attractions during low and shoulder seasons. The low season usually falls during autumn time but can vary for each destination and usually depends on factors such as the weather as well as major events in both your place of departure and arrival. Summertime is usually more expensive, and travelling during holidays like Christmas and New Year won’t be cheap either. Going even further, travelling mid-week or early morning isn’t favoured by those who can afford to be choosy, which means these times are often more affordable for everyone else. We know that getting up at 6am isn’t the ideal scenario, but if it means saving a buck, then why not? There’s also something super satisfying about arriving at your destination and still having the whole day to explore. That’s a win if you ask us! The cheapest days to fly are usually Wednesdays. Sundays also have the tendency to be cheaper in comparison to other weekend days. Do flights get cheaper closer to the date? Not always! So don’t rely on this technique, if you find a price you’re happy with, book it ASAP to secure it. Once you’ve roughly decided on the period of time you wish to travel, we recommend checking our website and comparing different dates and times to make sure you get the best deal. Our platform is easy to navigate, so go ahead and give it a go!

Go incognito

Staying anonymous while searching for flights is one of the key ways to get cheap flights. Airlines use data on how many people search for and buy flights to determine how to price them. You may find that if you search for a flight one day, the airline may have raised the price a few days later. Here’s how this works:

Dynamic Pricing: Airlines employ dynamic pricing strategies, which means ticket prices are subject to sudden and frequent changes. If an airline detects high demand for a particular route or flight, it may respond by raising prices to maximise profits.

User Data: Airlines use cookies and other tracking technologies to monitor your online activity. If you repeatedly search for the same flight or route, the airline may interpret this as a strong intent to purchase. As a result, it might increase the ticket price in an attempt to capitalise on your perceived urgency.

Personalised Pricing: Airlines also employ personalised pricing, which involves creating rates specifically for each user based on their browsing interests and history. This may cause different people to see different flight fares.

The best way to avoid these pricing strategies is to clear your search cookies between searches, disable location tracking, use different devices and browse in private or incognito mode.

Try alternative routes

When searching for cheap flights, it’s essential to take a thorough approach and consider a variety of options. Try including nearby locations to widen your search results and get more search results. Make full use of the filters on our website and search city to city rather than airport to airport to include all airports in the area. And if you’re super flexible, you can check which destinations are on offer and consider travelling somewhere cheaper. Think beyond the flight ticket when evaluating the cost of your trip. Remember to factor in the total cost of your travel, which should include accommodation, activities, local transportation, and living expenses. Sometimes, taking a somewhat more expensive flight to a place with a lower cost of living may be more cost-effective.

Our current favourite cheap destination is Prague.

Pack light

Trust us when we say you probably don’t need as much as you think when travelling. Especially clothes, pack a few versatile outfits, and you’re good to go. Save yourself the hassle of dragging several bags around and stick to a carry-on to avoid additional luggage fees. Make sure your bag is the correct size and weight to avoid nasty surprises at the airport. Give layering clothes a go, too. Wear your thickest and heaviest clothing and shoes to optimise the space in your bag.

Of course, we have an article on how to efficiently pack a suitcase.

Book with wowtickets.com

We can’t talk about cheap flights without mentioning our own search service! It’s important to have a reliable ally when looking for affordable flights, and wowtickets.com is here to be your go-to travel partner. We aim to make your trip as easy, cost-effective, and enjoyable as possible. Providing perfect flights is our mission, after all. There are no hidden fees with us – what you see is what you pay. Navigating our platform is a breeze. We’ve prioritised user-friendliness so you can effortlessly find the information you need and efficiently complete your bookings without any complications. Our goal is to simplify the process and make planning your travels a stress-free experience. Beyond just searching for flights, we’re committed to keeping you in the loop and inspired by the world of travel. Wowtickets.com is not just a flight search engine; we’re a hub of travel knowledge to assist you every step of the way. We also share promo codes with our customers, so follow our social media and sign up for our newsletter to stay updated with the latest travel news. Visit Wowtickets for more savvy travel advice and exclusive deals.

Good luck and happy travels!

When thinking how to pack for a flight, this can undoubtedly be an overwhelming task. You spend all your effort ensuring you have everything you could possibly need, only to get to the airport and stress about whether you locked the front door and worry you’ve forgotten something important. Look no further than this list right here to ease your travel worries and help with all your packing needs. We’ve collated an airplane packing list with essentials for travelling and added tips on how to pack your bag in the most efficient way possible. 

Let’s start with the essentials checklist; these are the things that, as long as you have them, you’ll be alright. The items on this list will be able to fit into a small check-in bag. Check with your airline for any restrictions on things like liquids, sharp objects and electronics before you begin packing.

The Basics:

Passport

Bonus points if it’s valid for your destination and not expired! Please check any entry and visa requirements in advance of your flight, too. 

Boarding pass

Whether it’s printed or on your phone, you can’t board without it! Don’t forget to check in for your flight ahead of time.

Wallet

Take your bank cards, ID, important documents and currency of the place you’re going to. It’s always good to carry some cash just in case you find yourself in a situation where you need it.

Gadgets, chargers and adapters

Take all the electronics you use and need, such as laptops, travel cameras and chargers. Again, be wise here. Will you really need both a laptop and a tablet? If two things can do the same thing, prioritise. It’ll be less to worry about, and you don’t want to lose or break anything. A portable charger will come in handy, too, and it’s a good idea to get an adapter for your plugs. Accommodation places usually have hair dryers, so you can skip out on those.

Electronics need to be taken out of your bag when you go through airport security, so be mindful of this when packing your bag. You may also want to keep things like headphones or your tablet in an accessible part of your bag so you can easily take it out to use during your flight.

Pants, socks, and a couple of outfits

This is where you need to be strategic. Clothes will probably be the thing that takes up the most space in your bag. You should be attentive to how dense a piece of clothing is and how much you should pack in the first place. A hoodie, for example, is super thick, so either wear it during your flight or leave it out. If you’re flying with just a carry-on bag, give your clothes extra thought and take a more humble approach to choosing what you need. You don’t need as many clothes as you think, and you can still be versatile in how you dress; just mix and match. 

Appropriate shoes 

You’ll need a good pair of shoes that’ll be comfortable enough for exploring and walking around during your trip. This pair of shoes is the number one priority. If you’re travelling with just a carry-on, then ideally, these shoes would also serve you for any occasion, so you don’t need to pack any more. If you have to bring more shoes, pack the lightest ones in your bag and wear the chunkiest whilst you travel. Some other types of shoes you may need could be hiking boots, winter boots, waterproof shoes, and flip-flops.

Toiletries and medication

This includes your toothbrush, skincare routine, makeup, sunscreen, perfume, etc. Don’t go too crazy here, either. Take the essentials, and if you end up needing something you didn’t bring, you can always buy it once you arrive at your destination. A good tip to save space here is to take sample-size products.

Bonus tip: If you’re travelling with both a carry-on and a checked-in bag, pack everything you may need during your flight in the carry-on! This includes your passport, boarding pass, and wallet. You’d be surprised how common it is to be in a situation where you need something important that’s in the checked-in bag, especially a passport. Don’t make this mistake! Additionally, if you find yourself separated from your checked-in bag for whatever reason or it goes missing, you want to at least have your essentials with you.

How To Save Space In Your Carry-On:

Before you start packing, make sure to double-check with your airline what their measurements for a cabin bag are. Choose a bag that’s fit for purpose, comfortable, and easy to carry.

Less is more

Leave out the ‘what if’ items. “What if I’ll need more shoes?” “What if I’ll need three different jackets?”. As long as you at least have what you can’t live without, you’ll be fine. Besides, no one will notice if you end up repeating outfits or have a new pair of shoes on every day. Take your favourite, most versatile things, and you’re good to go.

Get packing cubes

Packing cubes provide that extra bit of compression so you can maximise the space in your carry-on bag. They come in packs of multiple, so you can categorise the cubes in terms of contents to further organise your bag. 

Fill every nook and cranny

Waste no space. Every corner of your bag can be used to store something. Be smart with the little items, too; they can be put in pockets or in excess spaces throughout the bag.

Roll your clothes

Rolling clothes has proven to be more effective in comparison to folding when it comes to optimising space in your bag. Not only does rolling your clothes save space, but it prevents them from getting wrinkled too. You can then put the rolls into packing cubes and you’re on the right track.

Buy when you land

In order to save space, sometimes it’s best to buy things like toothpaste, deodorant, umbrella, etc, at your destination. This is especially useful when it comes to liquids due to the restrictions around them. Things like body wash, body lotion, and contact solution are worth picking up when you land.

Packing for an flight doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these tips on packing for a flight, you can ensure a smooth and relaxing journey. From tips on packing for air travel to knowing what to pack for a flight, the key is to be prepared and informed.

Now that you have the packing tips for air travel, search the top destinations on Wowtickets.

Discover the Caribbean’s safest islands for a serene holiday experience. From St. Barts to Anguilla, find out where you can enjoy tropical beauty with peace of mind. Tips on crime prevention and weather precautions are included for a secure, sun-filled vacation.

The Safest Caribbean Islands to Visit

Searching for the safest Caribbean islands to visit? It’s good to be informed about all things, from harsh weather to volcanos to crime. However, the fear of crime in the Caribbean is generally exaggerated – it’s a favourite destination of many due to its warm culture and welcoming people. Even the countries on the “dangerous” list still have safe places to visit amidst the ones to avoid. 

If crime is of concern to you, there are a few common-sense ways you can be proactive in crime prevention. Don’t flaunt your cash or leave your bag unattended. Stay with your fellow travellers, and don’t venture around late at night. Be respectful to the land and the locals. If you’re staying in a hotel or resort, you will have access to assistance from the staff should you need it. Take note of the ambulance/police/fire department phone numbers. These are good travel tips for any destination in general. 

Hurricane season in the Caribbean usually runs from the middle of summer to the beginning of winter. This time of year is notoriously unpredictable. The severity of a hurricane can range from light rain to harsh storms such as those that have pounded the Haitian islands over the years. Researching the weather ahead of time is helpful, but nature can be unpredictable. Be sure to pack sunscreen to prevent sunburn, and getting some mosquito repellent is a good idea too. 

Which Caribbean island is the safest?

The Caribbean is a tapestry of vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes, each island offering its own slice of paradise. For those seeking peace of mind on their sun-soaked adventures, safety is a paramount concern. Fortunately, many Caribbean destinations combine the allure of tropical beauty with the reassurance of security, allowing travellers to relax and enjoy the serenity of the islands.

St. Barthelemy

St. Barts is tourism-driven and pretty much exclusively designed for wealthy tourists, resulting in low crime. Visitors are more at risk from the sun and mosquitoes than local criminals, with a 0% murder rate and a below-average crime rate, making it one of the safest Caribbean islands to visit.

Anguilla

Anguilla is rated as one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean. It has a low threat level, but petty theft does occur. Visitors who keep their valuables safe aren’t likely to fall victim to this crime.

The Cayman Islands

Some travellers may find reassurance in the fact that the Cayman Islands have some of the strictest gun laws of any Caribbean territory. While petty theft is possible due to the high number of international visitors, violent crimes and drug-related crimes are far less common, positioning it as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean.

The Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands are very small and one of the safest in the Caribbean. Petty theft is the most common crime. As a result, staying safe during your visit is often as simple as leaving expensive things at home and zipping your bag closed. In terms of sexual harassment, most women report no problem, and many women take solo trips here, but it’s wise to take extra care due to assault cases in the past.

St. Lucia

The biggest safety threat to visitors is St. Lucia’s harsh weather. For this reason, it’s best to avoid visiting from August to November, although it remains one of the safest tropical places to travel outside of the hurricane season. 

It’s also important to mention that St. Lucia is among several Caribbean nations that outlawed same-sex relationships. LGBTQ+ travellers to St. Lucia should consider taking extra caution and refrain from showing displays of physical affection in public places.

Martinique

Martinique is another destination with low violent crime rates. However pickpockets and petty theft is common, especially in Fort-de-France. ATM fraud is also a fairly common problem. It’s recommended to pay for your hotel online before arrival and have cash ready for food and activities, yet it remains one of the safest tropical places to travel with due caution.

Montserrat

Montserrat is much safer than other popular destinations because it’s so small and less crowded. Violent crimes are comparatively low, with theft being the most common crime, contributing to its reputation as one of the safest places in the Caribbean.

This island is also home to an active volcano called Soufrière Hills. As a result, tourists should be ready to get out of Montserrat if an eruption occurs.

Grenada

Like most Caribbean countries, petty theft poses the biggest risk to travellers staying in Grenada. Be diligent with items like phones, wallets, and passports. Major crime is rare here, making it a relatively safe Caribbean island to visit.

Turks and Caicos

Providenciales, the central hub island, has the most significant petty crime rate because it’s where most people visiting Turks and Caicos arrive.

Moreover, due to its dispersed layout, access to medical care and police services can be difficult in this region. It’s a good idea to stay at a popular hotel so you can get help if needed.

Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is a pretty safe place to travel in the Caribbean, with petty theft as the primary source of crime. Some locals aren’t keen on tourists hanging around residential areas though, so respecting the people and minimising disruption is good custom.

St. Maarten

St. Maarten does have drug trades that tend to be violent towards each other. This issue won’t affect most travellers, especially those staying at reputable hotels and avoiding venturing around at nighttime. Still, petty theft and drug dealing can be potential issues for tourists, so it’s good to stay alert and avoid remote residential areas. In comparison to other countries, St. Maarten has a low crime rate, and visitors tend to be safer than residents.

St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis offer a laid-back atmosphere and are typically seen as safe Caribbean islands for tourists. The predominant issue is petty theft, but with common sense, visitors can have a secure and enjoyable experience.

LGBTQ+ visitors may want to avoid public displays of affection as St. Kitts and Nevis are part of the Caribbean territories that outlawed homosexual relationships. Although visitors are unlikely to be arrested by police, residents may harass or violently assault homosexual couples.

Barbados

Barbados is a great family-friendly destination in the Caribbean that offers excellent security in its busiest areas. However, there is some criminal activity there, particularly in and around Crab Hill, Nelson Street, and Wellington Street.

The most frequent crime that tourists experience is petty theft, while drug dealers have also been known to bother people.

It’s also important to remember that since homosexuality is prohibited in Barbados, LGBTQ+ travellers may want to take extra security measures or stay away entirely.

Roatán

Roatán is a peaceful and virtually unspoiled island, and like many other Caribbean islands, it is a comparatively safe destination for visitors. Petty theft is the most common type of crime in Roatán. The island’s low crime rate makes it a strong candidate for those seeking the safest Caribbean vacations.

Bonaire

Bonaire is an island so geographically tiny that there are no traffic lights; people are simply respectful and careful when driving. The island’s community-driven approach to life emphasizes mutual respect and care, which naturally extends to visitors, making it a top pick for those looking for safe Caribbean destinations. Petty crime on this island is little to none, but be aware that hurricane season can cause bad weather during that time of year.