Britain & Ireland Experience
15 Days from $2,015 per person
Travel through landscapes that have inspired world-famous writers and poets. See medieval castles and cathedrals, the famous Chester Rows and Anne Hathaway's cottage. You'll also kiss the Blarney Stone, enjoy a ‘wee dram' and visit the birthplace of the Beatles.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Overview
Travel through landscapes that have inspired world-famous writers and poets. See medieval castles and cathedrals, the famous Chester Rows and Anne Hathaway's cottage. You'll also kiss the Blarney Stone, enjoy a ‘wee dram' and visit the birthplace of the Beatles.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
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Day 1: Arrive London
Relax after check-in or stroll through London and soak up the unique atmosphere.
*Local Host is with you during your stay in London. Your Travel Director will join you on Day 3.
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Day 2: London Free Time
Spend the day exploring Londons sights.
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Day 3: London – Windsor – Bath – Cardiff
This morning meet your Travel Director and traveling companions as you set off from London. Visit Windsor and view the impressive castle. See elegant Georgian architecture in the spa town of Bath. Cross the vast Severn Estuary to Cardiff, capital of Wales, where you dine tonight.
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Day 4: Cardiff – Pembroke – Waterford
Admire Cardiff Castle then journey through beautiful countryside via Carmarthen. See Pembroke Castle which is the birthplace of Henry VII, founder of the Tudor Dynasty. Board your ferry from Pembroke to Rosslare, Ireland. Journey west to Waterford and dine tonight at your hotel.
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Day 5: Waterford – Blarney – Tralee
Visit the Waterford Crystal Showroom. Continue along the splendid southern coast through the picturesque fishing port of Youghal. Explore Blarney Castle – kiss the stone and acquire the ‘gift of the gab'. Cross over the Cork and the Kerry Mountains, then travel via Killarney to your hotel in Tralee.
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Day 6: Tralee – Dingle Peninsula – Limerick - Co. Tipperary
This morning, enjoy a scenic drive along the Dingle Peninsula. See the unspoilt and colorful villages and fishing harbors of Ireland's most westerly point. Travel north to County Limerick through Adare, the prettiest village in Ireland, before arriving at your hotel in County Tipperary.
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Day 7: Co. Tipperary – Galway – Dublin
This morning, stop in Limerick to visit St. Mary's Cathedral and King John's Castle. There is time to visit Bunratty Castle and folk park, where 19th-century life is vividly recreated. Drive through beautiful County Clare to Galway. View the cathedral before heading across the lush countryside to Dublin, Ireland's capital. Tonight why not join your traveling companions for an Irish Cabaret?
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Day 8: Dublin Sightseeing and Free Time
Your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour of Dublin with views of Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral and Dublin Castle. Spend the rest of your day as you choose.
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Day 9: Dublin – Chester – Liverpool – Manchester
Cross the Irish Sea with magnificent views of Dublin Bay and arrive at Holyhead on the Welsh Island of Anglesey. Cameras at the ready as you view the station with one of the longest names in the world, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwll llantysiliogogogoch. Enjoy the scenery of the north coast of Wales on the way to Chester, where you have time to walk along the medieval walls and appreciate the famous ‘Chester Rows'. Carry on to Liverpool for an orientation and a chance to see where the Beatles had their start before arriving later in Manchester.
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Day 10: Manchester – Lake District – Edinburgh (Peebles)
Stop in the picturesque Lake District where the poet William Wordsworth lived. Continue across the Scottish border and stop at Gretna Green, where eloping couples could marry against their parents' wishes. Your day ends at your hotel near Edinburgh. Tonight why not attend a lively Scottish banquet with traditional haggis and bagpipes?
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Day 11: Edinburgh Sightseeing and Free Time
This morning's sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist includes views of the Georgian New Town, Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Spend free time exploring on your own or join your Travel Director on an Optional Experience to the Royal Yacht Britannia in nearby Leith. During the Festival, tickets to the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included.
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Day 12: Edinburgh (Peebles) – York – Leeds
This morning, travel south through the Scottish Borderlands and stop to view the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey. Enjoy the views across the Cheviot Hills at Carter Bar and continue into Northumberland National Park where you view Hadrian's Wall at Heddon. Cross the River Tyne at Newcastle and stop at York for an orientation tour including the Gothic Minster and the narrow cobbled street known as the Shambles. Then continue to your hotel in Leeds. Dine tonight at your hotel.
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Day 13: Leeds – Stratford-upon-Avon – Cheltenham
This morning, visit Stratford-upon-Avon where you have time to see the sights, including Anne Hathaway's cottage, and shop for souvenirs. In your free time, why not visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Center for an in-depth look at the great man's life?
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Day 14: Cheltenham – Oxford – London
Enjoy a scenic drive through the glorious Cotswolds to the little churchyard in Bladon, where Sir Winston Churchill is buried. See the sights of Oxford, the oldest university city in England, before continuing to London where you can say farewell to your Travel Director and traveling companions at the end of your memorable vacation.
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Day 15: Depart London
Today say goodbye to London as you return home with magical memories.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Definite Departure
- Edinburgh Tattoo
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 May 19 | 17 May 19 |
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$2,245pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Call 1-877-622-9109 | ||
| 17 May 19 | 31 May 19 |
|
$2,245pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 24 May 19 | 7 Jun 19 |
|
$2,245pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 31 May 19 | 14 Jun 19 |
|
$2,245pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 21 Jun 19 | 5 Jul 19 |
|
$2,245pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 28 Jun 19 | 12 Jul 19 |
|
$2,245pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 5 Jul 19 | 19 Jul 19 |
|
$2,245pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 12 Jul 19 | 26 Jul 19 |
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$2,015pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 26 Jul 19 | 9 Aug 19 |
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$2,395pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Edinburgh Tattoo
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2 Aug 19 | 16 Aug 19 | $2,395pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Edinburgh Tattoo
|
16 Aug 19 | 30 Aug 19 | $2,295pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 23 Aug 19 | 6 Sep 19 | $2,245pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 30 Aug 19 | 13 Sep 19 |
|
$2,245pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 6 Sep 19 | 20 Sep 19 |
|
$2,245pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 20 Sep 19 | 4 Oct 19 |
|
$2,245pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 27 Sep 19 | 11 Oct 19 |
|
$2,245pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 4 Oct 19 | 18 Oct 19 |
|
$2,245pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now |
- Edinburgh Tattoo: This departure includes the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo event.
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $620 per person
Triple Room Discount: $10 per person
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $115 per person.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Professional Travel Director
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Personal Flight Options
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Breakfast Daily
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
Meal Summary
18 meals: 14 Full breakfasts, 4 Three-course dinners.
Sightseeing Experiences
- Windsor View the castle
- Bath Visit the Georgian spa city
- Cardiff See the Principality Stadium and view Cardiff Castle
- Waterford Visit the Crystal Showroom
- Youghal Visit this picturesque fishing port
- Blarney Kiss the Blarney Stone during your visit of Blarney Castle and acquire the ‘gift of the gab'
- Adare View the prettiest village in Ireland
- Limerick View St. Mary's Cathedral and King John's Castle
- Galway View Galway Cathedral
- Dublin With your Local Specialist, see St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Christchurch Cathedral, the glorious Georgian Squares, and Trinity College on your panoramic sightseeing tour
- Chester View the Tudor architecture and the timbered buildings known as the ‘Rows'
- Liverpool Visit the hometown of the Beatles
- Lake District Visit this picturesque region
- Gretna Green Visit Gretna Green, popular with eloping couples since 1754
- Edinburgh Sightseeing with your Local Specialist includes the famous Princes Street, the Royal Mile and the new Parliament Building as well as views of the Castle
- Jedburgh View the Abbey ruins
- Hadrian’s Wall View the remains of the Roman wall
- York View York Minster and stroll along the Shambles
- Stratford-upon-Avon Visit the town of Shakespeare's birth and see Anne Hathaway's cottage
- Bladon View Sir Winston Churchill's grave
- Oxford View the Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera
First Class Highlights
- Return ferry across the Irish Sea from Wales to Ireland
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Passports and Visas
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Currency
The currency in the UK is the Pound (£) and in Ireland is the Euro (€). While it’s a good idea to bring some money for when you first arrive, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in the UK and Ireland. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
English specialties include fish and chips, Yorkshire pudding, sausages, stilton cheese, and scones with clotted cream. Culinary experiences to not to miss include a traditional pub meal, afternoon tea, and full English breakfast. In larger cities like London you’ll also find restaurants serving a variety of international cuisine.
Irish national specialties including Irish stew, coddle, potato bread, corned beef and whiskey cake. Be sure to try an Irish breakfast, visit a chip shop for fresh fish and chips, and enjoy hearty lunch at a good local pub.
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Packing
The climate in the UK and Ireland is temperate, with regular rainfall throughout the year. We suggest packing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. A few important items to bring include sturdy walking shoes and a waterproof jacket with a hood. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
Tipping in Britain and Ireland is less common than in the U.S. When dining out, some restaurants will add a service charge of 12.5 percent to your bill, especially for groups. If a service hasn’t been added, it’s appropriate to leave 10 – 15 percent gratuity.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Cardiff
Cardiff Castle Tour
You’ll explore this unique castle on a private tour and hear tales about the eclectic refurbishments. Finished in the 1800s by architect William Burgess, his influences included Islamic art, Hans Christian Anderson's fairy tales and even Aesop's fables. You’ll also walk on the battlements and climb the 1,000-year-old Norman keep for superb views over Cardiff.
Adult Price: £21
Killarney
Experience a Jaunting Cart Ride
Enjoy a traditional pony and trap ride through the beautiful Bourn-Vincent National Park. During your journey, your Local Specialist will share fascinating anecdotes about the area and Ireland.
Adult Price: €21
Tipperary
Irish Night in Cashel
Join us for a unique Irish cultural experience nestled in the shadow of the ancient Rock of Cashel. A warm Céad Míle Fáilte will greet you before this unique show, that combines the best aspects of Irish music and dance, will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Adult Price: €55
Limerick
Bunratty Castle And Folk Park
Come on a visit to the 15th-century Bunratty Castle and admire its fine furnishings, antiques and paintings. With your local specialist, you’ll experience an Ireland of the past, as you wander through the folk park with its thatched cottages and smoky turf fires. In the village, we'll have free time to explore the quaint shops and relax in the local tea room.
Adult Price: €22
Dublin
Dublin Dinner and Cabaret
Enjoy an evening of fine food and non-stop fun as Ireland’s history unfolds in a cabaret of comedy, song and dance. The cast will have you tapping your toes and joining in the show, all in the spirit of Irish humor. And you’ll even be served an Irish coffee to round off your dinner.
Adult Price: €71
Dinner in Dublin City
Come to one of Dublin's most locally-loved restaurant-pubs. You'll enjoy dinner and charming hospitality that this part of the world is renowned for.
Adult Price: €45
Experience the Ancient Monastic Site of Glendalough
Enjoy a visit to one of the most important monastic sites in Europe, which dates back to the 6th century. Your Local Specialist will tell tales and show you around this sacred area, famous for its tranquil beauty amidst the rolling countryside of County Wicklow, the garden of Ireland.
Adult Price: €24
Liverpool
Famous Sights and the Fab Four
Come along on a guided tour of Liverpool. From its glorious maritime past to its famous cultural present, you’ll discover the two magnificently different cathedrals, see Mathew Street, birthplace of The Beatles, and admire the Mersey Sound.
Adult Price: £16.50
Windermere
Private Cruise On Lake Windermere
Enjoy an exclusive cruise on a private boat on England's most beautiful and largest lake, taking in the northern coastline, beautiful houses, gardens and Wray Castle. You’ll see deserted islands, boats and birdlife as you explore the area loved by Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.
Adult Price: £17
Windermere Cruise And Steam Train Ride
A chance to view the glorious scenery of the Lake District as we cruise across England’s largest lake. Then step back in time as we board the steam train for a short journey from Lakeside to Haverthwaite.
Adult Price: £19
Edinburgh
Local Dinner Evening
Join us and your traveling companions for a delicious traditional dinner and drink at a local restaurant.
Adult Price: £38
Dinner And Drive To Historic Torphichen
Enjoy a scenic drive to the ancient village of Torphichen, associated with Scottish kings and Knights Templar. At the haunted Torphichen Inn, your arrival will be toasted by our gracious host before enjoying an excellent dinner of local specialties and entertainment.
Adult Price: £46
Royal Yacht Britannia
You’ll explore this magnificent ship, which has played host to some of the most famous people in the world. Now berthed in Leith, you’ll be welcomed on board to discover the heart and soul of this most special of royal residences—the former honeymoon sanctuary for four royal couples.
Adult Price: £23
Edinburgh Castle Experience
Dominating the skyline of the city, Edinburgh Castle has been on Castle Rock in one form or another since the 12th century. The site was a royal residence until 1633 and was then used mostly for military purposes. Famous for being the most besieged place in Great Britain and one of the most attacked in the world, historians have identified 26 sieges in its 1100-year-old history. We’ll also see the Scottish regalia, known as the Honours of Scotland and the National War Museum of Scotland.
Adult Price: £25
Stratford-Upon-Avon
Warwick Castle
You’ll visit the magnificent State Apartments, see the wax-works, explore the exhibitions and climb Guy and Caesar’s Towers for panoramic views—before visiting the Gaol. You may even get to see the firing of the greatest of medieval siege weapons, the Trebuchet. 'The Castle Dungeon' is a separate experience and not included.
Adult Price: £25
Cheltenham
Scottish Show With Dinner
Tonight is your chance to put on that tartan and join us for an evening of singing, dancing and bagpipe playing at an internationally famous venue. You’ll enjoy delicious food and wine, join in the singing and watch a Highland dance or two. There's even a chance to sample Scotland’s national dish—haggis.
Adult Price: £60
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
