My long-planned solo birthday trip to Ireland this September hit a small snag a few days ago. I got an email from AARP/Expedia letting me know the property I’d booked at had permanently closed.
Crap. I’m kind of upset. I’m a very picky person when it comes to accommodation, both budget conscious and unwilling to stay in places that are uncomfortable. It’s part of the reason I book everything like 6-12 months in advance. It’s also like the only thing I *must* have preplanned for my sanity. Luckily, I’d booked through AARP and they offered to book me a new room at no extra cost.
Initially they offered me a mediocre looking guesthouse in Clifden, it was fine but not as nice as what I’d booked originally. I’m not one to make a fuss to an underpaid call center employee, but I asked for other options and was offered the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel for no extra cost. The room I’d booked was €95/night, the rooms at Abbeyglen are €300+/night. I jumped at the chance because I’ve driven by this hotel three other times in different trips and it’s just the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen but it’s so far out of my budget it’s just never been possible. A €700 stay for just €200 AND on my birthday trip? I’m floating. Probably won’t get the chance to stay somewhere this nice for another 5-10 years.
Anyway, all this to say that I am constantly reminded that flexibility is the most important skill to cultivate when learning to travel. I have a tendency to panic when things change at short notice, but sometimes you end up with something better than you originally had. Strive for adaptability in your life.
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