Bursch Travel Blog

Ireland - final days of our trip

submitted by Gretchen Bursch Travel St. Cloud
We spent the night in Waterford and had a very interesting walking tour of the city in the morning and what a beautiful sunny morning it was. The walking tour was included in our Brendan Tour and was an added treat. We met the local tour guide - jack Burtchaell for a stroll around Ireland's oldest city. He really made it interesting and fun to learn about the history of this area....from when the Vikings were there up to the time of "Strongbow". Parts of the Viking wall around the city still are standing today. Then it was back to Dublin where we spent the afternoon exploring more of Dublin. We visited the Temple Bar area and had lunch at the Temple Bar. That evening we had out Farewell Dinner at the fun restaurant called Taylor's Three Rock Restaurant where we were treated to great Irish music and traditional Irish dancing. Sunday morning we were on our transfer back to the Dublin airport for our flight home. I will never forget what a great trip this was and what an outstanding tour Brendan Vacations offered. It was a busy schedule but we saw and learned so much. The bus rides were never more than 2 hours before a stop at another amazing place. Our driver/guide Martin was fantastic so knowledgeable....I learned so much about Ireland and it's history from the time of the Celtics up to the "troubles' in Northern Ireland. The people of Ireland and the beauty of this country will be in my heart forever. I recommend everyone visit Ireland at least once if not more in their lifetime.

More from Killarney on to Blarney and Waterford

Submitted by Gretchen at Bursch Travel St Cloud
This morning we started off with a Jaunting Car ride thru Bourne- Vincent national park. What a fun tour....Mike was our driver and Sally our horse. Weather was perfect.. We had a stop at the lake and castle very interesting and I would recommend everyone do this in Killarney. Then on to Blarney where we visited Blarney Castle and kissed the stone... A must do when you are there...the climb is very interesting and kissing the stone gets your heart pounding for sure. Then it was off to Waterford where we visited ...what else but a couple of fun pubs....Gingerman where we discussed old American western movies with a local then on to Murphy's where we tried very hard to understand one of the locals with all his slang. We asked him to talk slower and still didn't understand him. Staying at the Dooley Hotel which is very nice and full of amazing history. Also had a great dinner here tonight. I recommend everyone come to Ireland for a visit.

Killarney Ireland

Submitted by Gretchen Bursch Travel St Cloud
Finished up our night in Limerick at a very fun pub called Mickey Martins with a bunch of local and Emma the very fun and friendly bartender. Then we enjoyed a great huge pot of steamed mussels at a very affordable price at a restaurant called The Oyster Bar at the Locke Bar on the Abbey River. Today was spectacular with temps in the low 60s and sun all day. We drove around the Ring of Kerry which was so beautiful. Tonight we are in Killarney at the Killarney Avenue Hotel which is the most perfect location and is a beautiful hotel. Went out for a pint and ended up at a great pub called Murphy's where we had a blast with some of the locals Aiden and Pat. Then we enjoyed a delicious dinner of fish and chips at Scots Restuarant and pub. And cant forget about the great rhubarb pie we had for lunch today at the Thatched Roof Cafe while we were on the Ring of Kerry. Martin our driver guide with Brendan Vacations has been so full of great info about the area and Ireland...that is what makes an escorted tour so special is all the added info you get as you drive around the country. Going for a Jaunting Car ride tomorrow around Killarney....which by the way is one of my favorite cities in Ireland.

Galway and Limerick Ireland

Submitted by Gretchen Bursch Travel St Cloud
Two great days visiting the west coast of Ireland. The weather has been perfect with high 50s in to the 60s and sunny. Yesterday we visited the beautiful Kylemore Abbey....truly amazing ...even the gardens were nice to see without being in bloom. One of the best things to buy there is the chocolate made by the nuns. We then made our way to Galway for the evening. We stayed at the Jurys Inn great location because the pedestrian walking street with the pubs and shops was just out our door. Today we visited Rathbaun Farm where we learned so much about running the farm raising sheep even got to see Ted the border collie herd some of the sheep. Then it was in for some fresh homemade scones. The afternoon was spent at the Cliffs of Moher... What a spectacular place the cliffs looming 700 feet high with the Atlantic ocean crashing below was breathtaking. In Limerick tonight and had a pint in a really fun pub called Michael Martins... Had fun visiting with the locals

More on Ireland

Submitted by Gretchen St Cloud office
More from Ireland. Another great day. We visited a manor house today that houses the famine museum very interesting. Also went to Knock to visit the shrine and tried to get coffee but the town was all closed up because one of the locals had died and the whole town had gone to the funeral... That really gives you the insight to Ireland. At the Downhill Manor in Ballina beautiful hotel and had great dinner tonight. This is the first day of the Brendan Tour and our driver guide Martin is the best so friendly and very knowledgeable. Really love Ireland anxious to see more tomorrow.

Navan Ireland

Submitted by Gretchen Bursch Travel St. Cloud
We arrived in Ireland yesterday to a beautiful sunny morning. We picked up our rental car and the first day of driving on the left side of the road with jet-lag was a bit tricky. We drove about 40 minutes north to County Meath to a town called Navan. We decided on the place because it had a good choice for a B & B which is located in town so an easy walk to the pubs, shops and restaurants. The B & B we are staying at is called Athlumney Manor and is great! Very nice owner with some great suggestions on local restaurants and things in the area. Plus the beds are comfortable and the shower is the best...lots of hot water. There is some interesting sights in County Meath. We went to a town called Trim and visited the ruins of the Trim Castle which was first built in 433AD.... Truly amazing history. Drove north to County Monaghan today in search of family ancestors... Didn't have much luck with that but did meet some great locals in Jimmy's Pub. As everyone who has visited Ireland said the people are all so friendly and that Irish sense of humor keeps us laughing. Tomorrow we meet up with the Brendan Vacations tour group and will leave the driving to the professionals.

San Antonio

submitted by Carrie Bursch Travel Fargo
I stayed at: Hyatt Regency on the Riverwalk
Great location, 2 blocks to the Alamo. I felt very safe as I was traveling alone. You can get a room with a view of the Alamo. The hotel was very clean. The staff was very friendly. There was a CVS store located ½ blocks away for those items you forget, and the prices are very reasonable. You can also purchase alcoholic beverages there for reasonable prices too!
Things to do - Shopping, golf (although the golf courses I went by were tan, not the pretty green). Love the food!
I really enjoyed the sights! I took a river cruise that was about $8 and the tour guide was very knowledgeable on the destination. I have never completely traveled alone like this so it was a great city to try it out! I never felt unsafe, or scared.
The first night I didn’t arrive until around 6 pm so by the time I got settled it was dark out but I still walked along the river walk and enjoyed the sights! The next morning I went to the Alamo, The Tower of America’s, The Menger Bar (Teddy Roosevelt used to recruit men for the Texas Rangers here!) I did the river walk boat tour, went to the river center mall, I also walked along the river walk and went to the San Fernando Cathedral where a mass in Spanish was going on.
I had lunch at this cute little café next to the church, where they have outdoor seating in the courtyard!
I had my valentine’s steak dinner at The Republic of Texas, a restaurant right on the river walk by myself and didn’t feel out of place at all!!
That night I went to a fun Irish pub called Durty Nellies, they have a piano and the singer encourages the crowd to sing along and sing parts with him.
There is a lot of walking!
I think anyone would like it! Couples, families and singles!
I took a taxi to and from the airport and it was about $23-25 each way. You can take a shuttle but I wanted the non stop option.
Here is some trivia for you! When an armadillo gives birth they have a litter and they are all the same sex!

Disney Cruise Line - Disney Dream

submitted by Krisha Bursch Travel Monticello
What an awesome experience! I took my mom and my 2 kids who are ages 11 & 9 on the Disney Dream! We were one of the first to sail on the beautiful ship. We stayed 1 night at the Contemporary before getting on the ship and I was really impressed with the updates they have done on their rooms. Now they are I guess you could say very contemporary again!
We took the Disney Cruise Line bus from the resort to the port and boarded the ship. The sheer size of this ship made your mouth drop! As we walked on board the ship the grand entrance of them announcing your family name as you entered the ship. We could still smell the fresh paint. The innovations that this ship has is truly amazing! Disney’s dinning is different than other ships you have a rotational dinning and you will eat in 3 different dinner locations. Each restaurant has it’s own unique features and characteristics. One of my favorites is Animators Palate with Crush from finding Nemo that interacts with you while you dine. The Dream has pictures that can tell a story. This ship is the only ship to have a 3-D movie theater and the Aqua Duck, the water roller coaster that goes out over the ocean. What an awesome ride!
The cabins are state of the art with very little detail taken care of. The innovations of each of the kids clubs are so unique. The kids club still has its favorites from the computers to making flubber. They have a nice sports area on the top deck along with a mini golf course. With all of this who would want to leave the ship? We stopped in the Bahamas and went and did a little shopping and than we got right back on the boat to enjoy everything. Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island and there has been a lot of great updates including brand new waterslides that are right in the ocean. They have added another Cookies BBQ giving another place to eat on the island. They have added private beach cabanas some on the adult only side and some on the family beach side. Lots of new games and a splash park for the young kids.
We had award winning Broadway shows at night with an true Disney pirate party! So much to see and do on this cruise! I don’t want to give away all the secrets to this amazing adventure and that is truly what this ship is an adventure!
I would love to help you plan your next family adventure!

Las Vegas Jan 2011

submitted by Audrey Pegasus Travel Omaha
Let me start with, I haven’t been to Las Vegas since 2002 – so there’s been a whole lot of shakin goin on in the real estate and ownership of the resorts since then. One needs a scorecard to keep track of who owns what. That said, I was looking at resorts from the perspective of what people would find enticing (as well as personal preference)...

The new City Center complex – Aria, Vdara, Mandarin Oriental and retail shops – is spectacular.

Aria – loved it
Cosmopolitan – very interesting. Unusual registration desk – a veritable light show going on. Restaurants – think upscale food court ..ate at Comme Ca (comme ci comme ca)- French (surprise) – and very good. Ate at American Fish (Michael Mina) at Aria – very good. There must be every celebrity chef represented somewhere in Las Vegas and some more than one place. Not sure I really embrace that – the exclusivity is somewhat compromised. But you can eat very well and very expensively at any of the resorts.
The days of the 50cent shrimp cocktail are probably gone.

I stayed at my favorite hotel chain – Hyatt Place – LOVE LOVE LOVE this chain...parking right outside the door, checkin right inside the door, all suite rooms, refrigerator, coffee maker, big couch, desk, huge TV, GREAT lighting, GREAT breakfast, and food available to purchase is very tasty, small bar, free wi-fi. Las Vegas location is across the street from Hard Rock and UNLV...

Visited – Venetian/Palazzo (saw Jersey Boys..excellent even the second time)Also had lunch at the fabulous Canyon Ranch Spa facility. Looks like everything is moving to the Palazzo side treatment wise. – Wynn/Encor (could have shot a cannon off in Encor and not hit a thing, plus the blood red chandeliers are a bit overwhelming) – Wynn looks good. Bellagio – (still my favorite, the gardens were full of a China exhibit Year of the Rabbit, Terra Cotta warriors and more) The Chihuly ceiling is probably one of his best works and there were lots of people there. Caesars – still very dark and looks a little tired. Saw Elvis Cirque du Soleil at Aria – enjoyed it but my favorite Cirque is still Mystere.

Also – visited Hoover Dam and the new spectacular bridge (opened oct 2010) – drove across it – but to get the proper perspective, you need to drive down to the dam and look from that angle – quite a structure.

Rented a car from Enterprise – i do like them most of the time (course I like whoever has the best rate really) ...had a gps that wasn’t programmed with new builds and they graciously deducted the cost when I returned the car. The car rental center is wonderful, no matter who you’re renting all go to the same place.

Cancun Mexico - Iberostar Paraiso Del Mar

submitted by Sarah - Bursch Travel Fargo
The resort is very handicapped accessible, with 2 platforms on the beach for wheelchairs. You can drink all of the water at the resort besides from the sink or bath tub. Each room has a mini fridge stocked every other day with bottled water, beer and soda. The staff was very helpful and friendly. There is a free safe in your room which I recommend to use! You will see every sort of Mexican wildlife you can imagine at this resort such as wild turkeys, Mexican Raccoons, Pink Flamingos, Geese, Lizards, Iguanas, and turtles. The pool is huge and is a lazy river as well. You can stay and one Iberostar and play at them all.
Gift shop is VERY expensive! A 4oz bottle of sun block was $15.00 USD and an 8oz was $25.00 USD! The property is huge, so don’t plan on just running somewhere really quick to get something. The resort faces open water so the ocean was very wavy every day. The mosquitoes were HORRIBLE! Depending on the number of nights you stay you get to eat in the restaurants, so for our 4 night stay we got to eat at 2 of the restaurants. I suggest right when you arrive to make your dinner reservations, we ate at the Italian and Japanese Restaurants which were very good. We did not get the night or times that we wanted but it ended up being fine. Do NOT use the ATMS when you are in Mexico! I took out $100.00 and I ended up paying $115.50! They charge you a $6.00 processing fee and $9.50 Mexican tax fee!!!
There is one entrance to all of the Iberostars, and there is a shopping mall that is in the middle of all of them, and trolleys that will take you from place to place.
We enjoyed taking the day tours to other islands
Keep EVERYTHING of value in the safe! We heard a lot of complaints about people missing things. We locked everything up so we were fine.
All travelers would enjoy this resort with the varieties of activities to offer. It would be difficult for elders just because of all the walking, and time consuming waiting for the trolley to come around, which is about every 20 minutes.
Exchange your money in the US before you leave, you will get a better exchange rate. Look at all tour options the Tour Operator offers and the hotel offers-they are in competition with each other and will not tell you what other companies have to offer as we unfortunately found out.
I would strongly recommend taking a day trip to Isla Mujeras! We took a day trip to Garrafon Park and it was very enjoyable. For about $80.00 USD it included: Roundtrip car, taxi, and ferry transfers, full buffet breakfast, full buffet lunch, all drinks, unlimited snacks, reef snorkeling, kayaking, and a climbing tower. Included in this price you could also take a Isla Mujeras Downtown tour, Bicycle tour, fantasy snorkel with sharks and stingrays. Dolphin Discovery is an additional cost, and you can zip line for $5.00 USD per person.
We also went to Cozumel for a day which was a great time! I would love to go back and stay there, it was hard to leave. We left our hotel about 1130am and took a cab to Playa Del Carmen for $22.00 USD, then the Cozumel Ferry which leaves every hour on the hour for $14.00 USD per person each way. When we arrived in Cozumel we took cab from the port to the Iberostar Cozumel were we ate the buffet lunch and snorkeled for a couple hours right in front of the hotel for $2.00 USD per person which is a Mexican non-refundable tax.
I went to Mexico with my boyfriend Jeff, and he really enjoyed it! Cozumel as a whole was defiantly his favorite and he really liked the Dreams Cancun.
Dreams Cancun
The hotel is AMAZING! They have 2 private beaches, and one of the beaches only goes up to 3 feet , so it is great for kids! The property is very clean and no wrist bands are required. They do have dolphins, but what you see in pictures is the only room that they get, which was disappointing to see since there are 4 dolphins in that little area. The view is spectacular from the resort as well since you are at the tip of the “7” you can see the whole line of hotels each way.
Iberostar Cozumel
Divers Haven! This property is very large as well but the building are little huts which were very neat. There are a lot of American and Canadians workers at this resort so it was kind of nice to hear clear English when talking about activities and tours. We snorkeled right in front of the hotel, and were really impressed with the fish we saw and even a stingray.
Riu Palace Las Americas
Beautiful property but we did not like the beach and pool area just because it is the only location everyone can go. So it was very crowded, and looked like you might have to get up at 8am for a chair.