Welcome to Ireland & the UK!
Year-round rainfall gives these nations some of the greenest, most beautiful scenery you will ever see.
The Irish countryside is home to castles, majestic cliffs, rich culture, & lush green scenery. Enjoy live Irish music, have a pint of Guinness, and learn about Ireland's history as you visit the best places this small island country has to offer.
Scotland is the northernmost country in the United Kingdom, rich in history and tradition over the last 9,500 years. Hike through the mind-blowing landscapes of the Scottish highlands where films like Harry Potter & Braveheart were filmed.
London, the capital of the United Kingdom, offers something for everyone. With countless world-class attractions, you'll surely be planning your next visit before you leave.
Duration: 12 days, 11 nights
Start: Dublin International Airport (DUB) -- Dublin, Ireland
To ensure included transportation: plan to arrive before 7:00 am on Day 1.
Finish: London City Center (several airports to choose from)
Plan to depart at anytime on Day 12. Travelers are responsible for their own transportation to the airport of their choice.
Airfare booking details will be sent after registration-–please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.
Travelers are responsible for international airfare to Dublin and from London.
Cabs and other public transportation are not included unless specified in the itinerary.
Do you want a mix of small towns, big cities, and some of the most beautiful hikes you'll ever experience? Then this trip is for you!
Harry Potter fans are also in luck. Visit the inspiration for Hogwarts and the wizarding world as you get lost in knock-turn alleys and incredible landscapes.
This trip includes some visits of historical monuments but also active adventures such as cycling and hiking. The hikes are can be challenging and an active lifestyle would be helpful.
There are a few long drives on this trip but this will be the opportunity to enjoy the scenery and get to know your group.
Weather can be very rainy in Ireland, Scotland, and London. Please pack accordingly to stay dry and warm.
-Age requirements: 21+
-Group size: 16 max, average 12
-Physical rating: Moderate. The most active part of the trip will be in Scotland. In Ireland the most physical part is the biking tour. In Scotland, be prepared to hike approximately 3 hours round trip - much of it uphill.
Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.
Before your trip you'll have the opportunity to join a custom Facebook Group and connect with others members of your group. Many travelers meet in the airport, or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to stay in a country after their trip.
During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to foster an open, supportive environment, where people feel safe to truly be themselves.
After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni, and part of our larger online Travel Community where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We are constantly hosting meetups that range from simple happy hours, to hikes, to outdoor movie nights.
More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.
Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.
While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into it and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Breakfasts will be served at your hotel or guesthouse. Dinners will be enjoyed in local restaurants short walk away.
Sample Breakfast Menu:
Sample Dinner Menu:
We do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions. Many meals can be modified for special requests and food allergies.
You will be traveling by private ground transportation in Ireland and Scotland. Your trip also includes a domestic flight from Ireland to Scotland and a passenger train from Scotland to England.
There will be early departures on some days in order to optimize time.
Cabs and other public transportation are not included unless specified in the itinerary.
You will be staying in shared boutique hotel rooms and guesthouses for the duration of your trip. Please be aware that rooms in Europe can be smaller and don’t always provide a minibar, air-conditioning or a safe.
Laundry is available at some hotels or guesthouses for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details.
Accommodations may vary but will be the same quality.
Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender.
Private room options are available upon request subject to hotel availability (for an extra charge).
Travel insurance with at least $200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to participate on our trips. This must include coverage for repatriation.
Please note that travel insurance covers trip related issues such as trip interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers things like repatriation, medicine, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays.
We strongly suggest that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ensure that all of the activities you plan on participating in are covered by your travel insurance.
Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please make sure to read your plans coverage and make a selection based on your planned trip.
Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences.
We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
With the increased concern surrounding the spread of the coronavirus we've implemented a temporary cancellation policy that you can reference on our FAQs.
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Give us at least 30 days notice and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.
If you have an emergency cancellation that is less than 30 days before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company as they may cover you for some expenses. We are not able to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 30 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.
All Under30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.
The goal of the Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.
You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
Below includes our staff picks of the best items on the market that we travel with! All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and organically inspired when possible.
Do not forget: Bring a three prong power adaptor to charge your electronics.
For the Hikes:
Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you Under30Experiences will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.
We don’t recommend bringing a hair dryer since they usually don’t work very well due to the change in voltage. Most places will have hair dryers available.
Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders
Make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for 60 days after your trip. Under30Experiences recommends that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with any more questions.
Make sure there is no damage to your passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.
The tap water in Ireland, Scotland, and England is safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep these countries beautiful.
Please consult with your doctor before traveling in regards to physical activity and vaccinations.
There are no required vaccinations needed to enter into Europe however the CDC recommends routine inoculations.
More specific Health information for Travelers to Europe can be found at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.
The official currency in Ireland is the Euro (EUR). The official currency in the UK is the Pound Sterling (GBP).
We suggest bringing GBP £150 and EU €150 (~USD $390) in cash to be used at establishments that do not accept credit card.”
This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.
ATMs are available in the cities and towns we visit. Although you can withdraw Euros from any ATM in Ireland and Pounds from any ATM in Scotland/England, it's a good idea to come with some local currency just in case.
We recommend exchanging from USD to EUR and GBP at your local bank before arriving in Europe to make sure you have some local currency in case you have issues with your card when you arrive.
Remember to call your bank and credit card company and let them know you'll be traveling overseas.
For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the app XE.
Please be advised that US Dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than $100USD.
Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.
Keep your passport and any valuables locked in your hotel room.
Don’t leave valuables unattended.
US Citizens please consider registering with US State Department's “SMART Traveler Program” who can contact your family in case of emergency.
Weather in Ireland & Scotland can be unpredictable. The average temperature is a mild 50°F. While the weather can vary, it’s rarely extreme.
The Emerald Isle lives up to its nickname and you should expect plenty of rain but long bouts are rare.
Scotland has the coolest weather of any country in the United Kingdom throughout the year.
Generally, Scotland is cloudier than England. Over Scotland the mean annual temperature varies from 44 °F to 48 °F. Over England the mean annual temperature varies from about 47°F to 51 °F
Spring Months of March to May
Summer Months of June to September
Ireland or “Eire” in Irish is an island in the North Atlantic. The island is now divided between Northern Ireland which belongs to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland in the south.
Ireland has a strong pub culture. Pubs are not only places where people drink but also places where people gather and meet friends, co-workers, neighbors.
Irish people are known for being very friendly and for loving their country.
Scottish culture is typically separated by the highlands and the lowlands of Scotland. Gaelic traditions are strongest in the north and premier urban cities embody the south.
Scotland's national dish is Haggis which contains sheep heart, liver and lungs.
Key Phrases in Irish
Key Phrases in Scotland
While tipping isn’t customary, it is certainly appreciated especially when you have received great service. Be sure to tip in the local currency (Pound sterling) to ensure the recipient does not have to pay additional fees when exchanging. Here are some common guidelines to follow:
The activities below will be paid in Euros and Pounds. All amounts are approximate prices in US dollars.
While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of the activity.
Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.
Do your best to keep yourself and fellow travelers out of harm’s way.
It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes, but is not limited to wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself, or ask.
Travel involves contact with new cultures. When confronted with a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.
Know your limits! This applies to physical ability, emotional space, social situations, and alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.
Trip Leaders are working in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something it’s not because they’re tyrants, but because they want you to have a good time!
Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any of the activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.
Recommended Hotels & Hostels in Dublin (for those arriving early!)
Recommended Hotels & Hostels in London (for those staying later!)
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U30X is such an amazing travel community. Once your trip is over, the experience is not. They keep in touch with their alumni & provide platforms for travel questions, personal development, & community connections in your own backyard! If you're a young person looking to travel I highly recommend U30X!
There are not enough ways for me to describe how amazing this company is. After my first trip I always told people, it wasn't about the location, but the experience that u30x gave me. I have some of the best experiences of my life with u30x, and now a passion for travel. Also, their alumni community and groups are awesome too!
Traveling with U30X has been life changing for me. I've made lifelong friends with both travelers and staff. I can't come up with enough good things to say about the company, the people, and the experiences I've had!
Just returned from my second trip with Under30Experiences. My first trip was to the Costa Rica rainforest. My most recent trip was to Iceland. Both trips were such an amazing experience. I loved learning about Iceland and its origins. I enjoy the small groups and I made some great new friends! Recommend them for anyone wanting to travel alone or with a couple of friends.
I was so scared to travel abroad alone and then I came across their website and they made international travel so easy! And the people I’ve met on the trips are some amazing individuals! I’ve done 6 of their trips and plan on continuing to do even more!!
My Hike the Inca Trail trip was beyond amazing, and I couldn't have asked for anything more from a trip. Our leaders made us all feel instantly comfortable, and the group was fantastic. The trip was well planned and the hike was unforgettable. Memories to last a lifetime.
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