Space-A Air Travel Dan & Judy Dunn Travel Space-A to Great Britain and Ireland

	Space-A Air Travel Dan & Judy Dunn Travel Space-A to Great Britain and Ireland

Friday, 9/16/05—Left our home in Flovilla, GA, for a trip to Great Britain and Ireland. Our plans were to fly on the Patriot Express out of BWI (Baltimore-Washington International) to RAF Mildenhall, Great Britain. I had booked two one-way tickets from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport about six weeks prior on Delta Airlines for $240. I had decided if we did not get out on the Patriot Express we would just tour Baltimore and return home later and not even try for the next flight which would be on the following Friday. Always have another plan in the back of your pocket if Space-A does not work out. This Patriot Express was to terminate on Oct. 1, 2005. We left our car at Fort McPherson Army Base just south of downtown Atlanta. This base is on the closure list. We understand that they have six years to make the transition. Picked up a pass from the MP and left the car in long-term parking (can park up to three weeks) and made a short walk, luggage in tow, to the Fort McPherson MARTA Station and caught the train (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority www.itsmarta.com). The MARTA train is super-convenient to the Atlanta Airport ($1.75 one-way each). Arrived at the Atlanta Airport for the 0815 flight to arrive at BWI at 1000. Arrived in Baltimore on time. Last call for the Space-A Patriot Express was 1545. Checked in and the ticket agent stated that there would be no problem for a seat. Paid our contract air fee of $12.10 (airport departure tax, etc.) each and all is well. (Pay with cash—they may take checks, I did not ask.) We had a couple of hours to spare so we went over to the USO. This USO has all the bells and whistles. Time has now arrived to board the spacious L1011, which holds 300, they say. Each passenger had a row to themselves, if desired. Slight snafu at take-off. Computer navigational equipment out of whack—replaced it and reprogrammed—this took over two hours but finally we are off. I found an entire row of five seats available—pulled up those arm rests, put down some pillows in the seat cracks, put on the seat belt as required even while reclining and had a nice nap. A number of hours later (I do not keep exact times) we arrived in Lajes Field Air Base, Azores, for refueling. Forty-five minutes later we're back on the plane and our journey continues. Two or three movies were shown (I lost count) and a pretty good meal was served. The contract airline was super. And all this for $12.10 each. What a bargain! Around 0800 we were in RAF Mildenhall, Great Britain. (Note on money—ATM is available on base. An ATM with a debit card is the way to go. This is the time to get your EURO's. On the base we always use U.S. dollars for all our needs, except for the taxi on-base which is from town and he wants EURO's. I don't even take travelers' checks anymore, as merchants think they are counterfeit. I have two credit cards that I take. One credit card has rewards so I use it for purchases using U.S. dollars, the other card I use for Euros and pounds because it does not charge a conversion fee.) We left the passenger terminal, walking toward billeting, when a nice young couple picked us up and drove us over. Billeting is located on the opposite side of the base from the PAX Terminal. The shuttle bus runs only certain hours and we always seem to arrive at the wrong times for the base shuttle buses. Taxis are available on base for about £5-6. You can walk to everything on base, but from our lodging location to the PAX terminal was a stretch. We secured a super nice room with kitchenette for $32 per night. No charge washers/dryers in our building. They have a great chow hall with a salad bar that is hard to beat. Had a super dinner at the NCO Club that evening. (Retirees are not permitted to make purchases at the BX or Commissary.) We planned to use public transportation in both Great Britain and Ireland instead of renting a car. We had so much trouble driving in Spain, our first Space-A trip in May 2005, and we could not imagine how the "round abouts" and driving on the opposite side of the road would work. Using public transportation exclusively was not a problem as the trains and buses are super. The trains were on time, clean and modern. The buses were luxury motor coaches. The only requirement for this type of travel is "pack light." We carry only one 22-inch rolling case each and one carry-on bag between us. Versatile, lightweight, wrinkle resistant slacks and jackets are a must. Waterproof, packable and breathable rainwear is always included in our luggage. Stores specializing in travel clothes are available online. Sunday, 9/18/05—going to visit the City of Mildenhall. Just outside the gate we caught the city bus into Mildenhall. We enjoyed visiting a 16th century church and all the sights of the small village. We returned to the base that evening and went to the theatre. Monday, 9/19/05—Went to London today. Took motor coach from the city of Mildenhall to Victoria Station, London. Bus company: www.nationalexpress.com. This is a two-hour trip on a nice large roomy coach. Cost for two adults round trip is £43.00, 60 years old and up, half fare. You may purchase National Express Bus tickets cash or credit card from the ITT office on base, from the driver (not sure he can do credit card). We purchased tickets a couple of times from the driver but used cash inside the bus station or online. We took the all-day city sightseeing tour of London on the Hop On, Hop Off Original Bus Tour www.theoriginaltour.com. Fee for two was £30 cash or credit. This was a super tour on an open-air double decker red bus that included a cruise on the Thames River. Returned to Mildenhall at 2200. Tuesday, 9/20/05—Today we will prepare to make our move to Ireland on Thursday. Went to the base library, got online, booked two tickets on Ryan Air (ryanair.com) £96 for two (about $177 U.S.) round trip from Stansted Airport, London to Shannon, Ireland for Thursday. The ITT office was not permitted to book Ryan Air as they are a discount airline. Booked coach tickets with ITT to Stansted Airport £40 for two. Also booked tickets for a Garden Tour from ITT for the next day. Wednesday, 9/21/05—Enjoyed this all day Garden Tour just outside of London. Thursday, 9/22/05—Arranged taxi to pick us up on base for £8 (taxis can come on base) and take us to downtown Mildenhall for the motor coach to Stansted Airport (most Ryan Air flights go out of Stansted). Money now has changed to Euros. In Great Britain funds were in British pounds. Took a local bus from Shannon Airport to Ennis, Ireland and to a bed and breakfast that I had arranged by phone the evening before. Each night in Ireland we stayed in B&B's. We made no reservations for B&B's from this point forward, as we discovered they were plentiful. Prices ranged from 60 to 80 for two. We really liked the B&B's. I located the B&B's from Rick Steve's books when we arrived. If none seem to be close by the train/bus station, we just got a taxi driver to take us to a B&B he recommended. We were never disappointed. A full Irish breakfast was served each morning consisting of eggs, bacon they called rashers (did not look like our bacon–more like Canadian bacon but larger) cereal, fruit, sausage, OJ, strong coffee and lots of toast, Irish soda bread, jams & jellies. Breakfast was so heavy that we usually skipped lunch and had an early dinner. We love to eat the local food and try not to eat in restaurants that we have back home. Friday, 9/23/05 to 9/30/05—we stayed in the towns of Ennis, Galway, Limerick, Killarney and Dublin and either took motor coach or the train from city to city, stayed in B&B's and took local tours from each city. In each city the bus station and the train station were within walking distance of each other. At the same locations, tour buses go out each morning around 1000, for around 30 each and returned in the evening around 1800. We used Lally Tours, www.lallytours.com. We had the pleasure of seeing so many sights I will just highlight a few: The Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, Connemara, Bunratty Castle, Cork, Waterford, Dingle Peninsula and Dublin. On one of the tours there was a demonstration of Border Collies herding sheep. We really enjoyed this. By far our favorite for beautiful scenery was the Dingle Peninsula. Our favorite mode of transportation was the train. www.irishrail.ie The motor coaches were great also. They were roomy, modern and super clean. www.buseireann.ie. Friday 9/30/05—we returned on a late afternoon flight from Shannon Airport, Ireland to Stansted Airport, London and a bus trip again back to RAF Mildenhall. We were able to get a room at billeting and would try for the last flight on the Patriot Express to BWI on Saturday, 10/1/05. Arrived at the PAX terminal for show time at Mildenhall and it looks good. I want to say that all the personnel who work at the PAX terminal are so nice. They have the patience of Job. We paid the contract air fee of $48 for two and turned in our luggage and boarded the L1011. Stopped again at Lajes AB, Azores, for refueling and continued on. I made a reservation with Avis Car Rental while at Mildenhall in the PAX terminal (they have multiple computers for our use) for a one-way from Baltimore to Atlanta for $69. Arrived BWI Baltimore at 1930. Picked up rental car and took off for Atlanta, GA. I like to depend on rental cars for getting us back home as you have to be careful of booking some mode of transportation and due to major delays you don't make your connections. Rental cars can be changed or cancelled with a simple phone call. I had rather fly any day but booking commercial flights ahead can make you anxious. Drove through the night taking two-to-three driving shifts. Arrived at ATL Airport, we turned in the rental car and took the train to Fort McPherson to pick up our car. This was a great trip. I kept a daily journal including expenses. This trip cost $2,100 with the exception of souvenirs. That comes to an average of $65 a day each which included lodging, meals, transportation and tours. And of course, it also included the airline tickets to Baltimore/Atlanta and London to Shannon, Ireland and the rental car from Baltimore to Atlanta. Now that is "traveling on less per day...the military way!"™ MSGT Dan L. Dunn, (Ret.) USAF & Judy Dunn Flovilla, GA danjudy@bellsouth.net

Friday, 9/16/05—Left our home in Flovilla, GA, for a trip to Great Britain and Ireland. Our plans were to fly on the Patriot Express out of BWI (Baltimore-Washington International) to RAF Mildenhall, Great Britain. I had booked two one-way tickets from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport about six weeks prior on Delta Airlines for $240.

I had decided if we did not get out on the Patriot Express we would just tour Baltimore and return home later and not even try for the next flight which would be on the following Friday. Always have another plan in the back of your pocket if Space-A does not work out. This Patriot Express was to terminate on Oct. 1, 2005.

We left our car at Fort McPherson Army Base just south of downtown Atlanta. This base is on the closure list. We understand that they have six years to make the transition. Picked up a pass from the MP and left the car in long-term parking (can park up to three weeks) and made a short walk, luggage in tow, to the Fort McPherson MARTA Station and caught the train (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority www.itsmarta.com). The MARTA train is super-convenient to the Atlanta Airport ($1.75 one-way each).

Arrived at the Atlanta Airport for the 0815 flight to arrive at BWI at 1000. Arrived in Baltimore on time. Last call for the Space-A Patriot Express was 1545. Checked in and the ticket agent stated that there would be no problem for a seat. Paid our contract air fee of $12.10 (airport departure tax, etc.) each and all is well. (Pay with cash—they may take checks, I did not ask.) We had a couple of hours to spare so we went over to the USO. This USO has all the bells and whistles. Time has now arrived to board the spacious L1011, which holds 300, they say. Each passenger had a row to themselves, if desired. Slight snafu at take-off. Computer navigational equipment out of whack—replaced it and reprogrammed—this took over two hours but finally we are off.

I found an entire row of five seats available—pulled up those arm rests, put down some pillows in the seat cracks, put on the seat belt as required even while reclining and had a nice nap. A number of hours later (I do not keep exact times) we arrived in Lajes Field Air Base, Azores, for refueling. Forty-five minutes later we're back on the plane and our journey continues. Two or three movies were shown (I lost count) and a pretty good meal was served. The contract airline was super. And all this for $12.10 each. What a bargain!

Around 0800 we were in RAF Mildenhall, Great Britain. (Note on money—ATM is available on base. An ATM with a debit card is the way to go. This is the time to get your EURO's. On the base we always use U.S. dollars for all our needs, except for the taxi on-base which is from town and he wants EURO's. I don't even take travelers' checks anymore, as merchants think they are counterfeit. I have two credit cards that I take. One credit card has rewards so I use it for purchases using U.S. dollars, the other card I use for Euros and pounds because it does not charge a conversion fee.)

We left the passenger terminal, walking toward billeting, when a nice young couple picked us up and drove us over. Billeting is located on the opposite side of the base from the PAX Terminal. The shuttle bus runs only certain hours and we always seem to arrive at the wrong times for the base shuttle buses. Taxis are available on base for about £5-6. You can walk to everything on base, but from our lodging location to the PAX terminal was a stretch. We secured a super nice room with kitchenette for $32 per night. No charge washers/dryers in our building. They have a great chow hall with a salad bar that is hard to beat. Had a super dinner at the NCO Club that evening. (Retirees are not permitted to make purchases at the BX or Commissary.)

We planned to use public transportation in both Great Britain and Ireland instead of renting a car. We had so much trouble driving in Spain, our first Space-A trip in May 2005, and we could not imagine how the "round abouts" and driving on the opposite side of the road would work. Using public transportation exclusively was not a problem as the trains and buses are super. The trains were on time, clean and modern. The buses were luxury motor coaches.

The only requirement for this type of travel is "pack light." We carry only one 22-inch rolling case each and one carry-on bag between us. Versatile, lightweight, wrinkle resistant slacks and jackets are a must. Waterproof, packable and breathable rainwear is always included in our luggage. Stores specializing in travel clothes are available online.

Sunday, 9/18/05—going to visit the City of Mildenhall. Just outside the gate we caught the city bus into Mildenhall. We enjoyed visiting a 16th century church and all the sights of the small village. We returned to the base that evening and went to the theatre.

Monday, 9/19/05—Went to London today. Took motor coach from the city of Mildenhall to Victoria Station, London. Bus company: www.nationalexpress.com. This is a two-hour trip on a nice large roomy coach. Cost for two adults round trip is £43.00, 60 years old and up, half fare. You may purchase National Express Bus tickets cash or credit card from the ITT office on base, from the driver (not sure he can do credit card). We purchased tickets a couple of times from the driver but used cash inside the bus station or online. We took the all-day city sightseeing tour of London on the Hop On, Hop Off Original Bus Tour www.theoriginaltour.com. Fee for two was £30 cash or credit. This was a super tour on an open-air double decker red bus that included a cruise on the Thames River. Returned to Mildenhall at 2200.

Tuesday, 9/20/05—Today we will prepare to make our move to Ireland on Thursday. Went to the base library, got online, booked two tickets on Ryan Air (ryanair.com) £96 for two (about $177 U.S.) round trip from Stansted Airport, London to Shannon, Ireland for Thursday. The ITT office was not permitted to book Ryan Air as they are a discount airline. Booked coach tickets with ITT to Stansted Airport £40 for two. Also booked tickets for a Garden Tour from ITT for the next day.

Wednesday, 9/21/05—Enjoyed this all day Garden Tour just outside of London.

Thursday, 9/22/05—Arranged taxi to pick us up on base for £8 (taxis can come on base) and take us to downtown Mildenhall for the motor coach to Stansted Airport (most Ryan Air flights go out of Stansted). Money now has changed to Euros. In Great Britain funds were in British pounds. Took a local bus from Shannon Airport to Ennis, Ireland and to a bed and breakfast that I had arranged by phone the evening before. Each night in Ireland we stayed in B&B's. We made no reservations for B&B's from this point forward, as we discovered they were plentiful. Prices ranged from 60 to 80 for two. We really liked the B&B's. I located the B&B's from Rick Steve's books when we arrived. If none seem to be close by the train/bus station, we just got a taxi driver to take us to a B&B he recommended. We were never disappointed. A full Irish breakfast was served each morning consisting of eggs, bacon they called rashers (did not look like our bacon–more like Canadian bacon but larger) cereal, fruit, sausage, OJ, strong coffee and lots of toast, Irish soda bread, jams & jellies. Breakfast was so heavy that we usually skipped lunch and had an early dinner. We love to eat the local food and try not to eat in restaurants that we have back home.

Friday, 9/23/05 to 9/30/05—we stayed in the towns of Ennis, Galway, Limerick, Killarney and Dublin and either took motor coach or the train from city to city, stayed in B&B's and took local tours from each city. In each city the bus station and the train station were within walking distance of each other. At the same locations, tour buses go out each morning around 1000, for around 30 each and returned in the evening around 1800. We used Lally Tours, www.lallytours.com. We had the pleasure of seeing so many sights I will just highlight a few: The Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, Connemara, Bunratty Castle, Cork, Waterford, Dingle Peninsula and Dublin. On one of the tours there was a demonstration of Border Collies herding sheep. We really enjoyed this. By far our favorite for beautiful scenery was the Dingle Peninsula. Our favorite mode of transportation was the train. www.irishrail.ie The motor coaches were great also. They were roomy, modern and super clean. www.buseireann.ie.

Friday 9/30/05—we returned on a late afternoon flight from Shannon Airport, Ireland to Stansted Airport, London and a bus trip again back to RAF Mildenhall. We were able to get a room at billeting and would try for the last flight on the Patriot Express to BWI on Saturday, 10/1/05. Arrived at the PAX terminal for show time at Mildenhall and it looks good. I want to say that all the personnel who work at the PAX terminal are so nice. They have the patience of Job. We paid the contract air fee of $48 for two and turned in our luggage and boarded the L1011. Stopped again at Lajes AB, Azores, for refueling and continued on.

I made a reservation with Avis Car Rental while at Mildenhall in the PAX terminal (they have multiple computers for our use) for a one-way from Baltimore to Atlanta for $69. Arrived BWI Baltimore at 1930. Picked up rental car and took off for Atlanta, GA. I like to depend on rental cars for getting us back home as you have to be careful of booking some mode of transportation and due to major delays you don't make your connections. Rental cars can be changed or cancelled with a simple phone call. I had rather fly any day but booking commercial flights ahead can make you anxious. Drove through the night taking two-to-three driving shifts. Arrived at ATL Airport, we turned in the rental car and took the train to Fort McPherson to pick up our car.

This was a great trip. I kept a daily journal including expenses. This trip cost $2,100 with the exception of souvenirs. That comes to an average of $65 a day each which included lodging, meals, transportation and tours. And of course, it also included the airline tickets to Baltimore/Atlanta and London to Shannon, Ireland and the rental car from Baltimore to Atlanta. Now that is "traveling on less per day...the military way!"™

MSGT Dan L. Dunn, (Ret.) USAF
& Judy Dunn
Flovilla, GA
danjudy@bellsouth.net