Shoulder Season...the best deal in travel

Vacationing in "prime time" or high season might offer the best chance for ideal weather, but it is also the most expensive. Often aligned with festivals and school vacations, it is also the most crowded. I find shoulder season travel is the best value. Usually the weather is not much different than the beginning or end of high season, yet there are fewer crowds, and most of all, it's often a great bargain. Along with significant discounts on lodging, attractions and even transportation, I find shoulder season travel to be more relaxing and offer more opportunity to meet locals and explore a new place. 

High seasons vary depending on location and are usually outlined in guidebooks and destination websites. Pick from the weeks right before and after and you can land a great deal. 

A note about low season: while deeply discounted, off-season rates can be tempting, there are usually good reasons these times are less desirable. Even a cheap vacation can be ruined if the weather is horrible or attractions closed.

5 ideas for one day in Dublin

A recent business trip provided me with my first taste of Ireland. But it was a very short trip and I had only a little time to explore the capital city of Dublin. My challenge was to find a good mix of activities and experiences that would leave me with a rich cultural recollection despite the short time frame.

While museum visits and tours of the countryside would have no doubt played prominently in a longer stay, I concentrated my limited time on exploring the urban center of this fascinating city. I knew I couldn't see it all, but traveling exclusively on foot, I discovered wonderfully warm people, charming neighborhoods and interesting sights, steeped in history.

Temple Bar: Running along the south bank of the Liffey (river) in the central part of Dublin feels like stepping back in time. Narrow cobblestone streets are lined with tiny shops and eateries. It's decidedly bohemian flavor combines with historic structures, and a dose of urban grunge, to create a unique artistic feel. A highlight for me was the Wall of Fame; a giant photo gallery of Ireland's top musical artists covering the exterior wall of the Temple Bar Music Centre on Temple Lane. Overall, this cultural center of Dublin is popular with tourists. The living-dublin website has more good info about Temple Bar.

Irish Film Institute: I was fortunate to have my brief work in Dublin take place at the Film Institute and nearby center for filmmakers Filmbase. Both located in Temple Bar, their presence makes this area a magnet for media arts practitioners and aficionados. Check out the daily screenings of at the institute or browse the library. 

Bookstores: There were so many bookstores in central Dublin. From fancy shops with the latest titles, to academic bookstores, to my favorite, the used bookstores. Look for "Bygone Days", a kiosk in the bustling Market Arcade on South Great Georges St. that is absolutely stuffed with literary finds and old Irish texts. With camera in hand, I set out to create a photo essay of Dublin bookstores and made many discoveries along the way.

Irish Pubs: I don't think anyone can truly appreciate Dublin without at least one visit to a real Irish Pub. The fresh Guinness is delicious, but more impressive to me was the atmosphere. Crowded and festive, even on a weeknight in early December, everyone treated everyone else like family. People were warm and friendly and everyone, young and old, socialized together. And as a visiting American, I felt truly welcomed.

Architectural Delights: While wandering around on a crisp morning, I really enjoyed looking at the buildings. Christ Church Cathedral is an awe-inspiring landmark dating back to the 11th century. It is located on the edge of Temple Bar at what was the mediaeval center of Dublin. For a modest fee you can tour the inside. Walking the outside perimeter and taking in the amazing detail, well, that's totally free!

I would never recommend having only a day or two in Ireland, but I am delighted that I had a chance to spend even a little time in this fascinating city. I can't wait to go back and explore the rest!