Tag: #travel

Dublin City launches ‘Data Insights for Active Travel’ Project to determine impact of Active Travel infrastructure as part of Global Network of Cities

Lord Mayor Daithí de Róiste has announced that Dublin City Council (DCC) has joined forces with the Partnership for Healthy Cities to pilot new cutting-edge technologies for evaluating and measuring the impact of the city’s active travel investments (walking and cycling). Other partners include the National Transport Authority (NTA), ADAPT, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology, and Trinity College Dublin (TCD).

This unique partnership is set to boost understanding on active travel patterns in the city. The project will generate new data, which will be used to inform future infrastructure planning and improve safe and active transit options for city residents.

“Over the coming years, Dublin is investing in a city-wide Active Travel Network to provide 310 km of safe, accessible, and convenient pathways for walking, cycling, and other forms of active transportation. While this capital investment will be transformative for the city we need to think beyond the physical infrastructure and ensure that we are investing in the right technologies to generate better data and actionable insights to help evaluate and justify these investments,” said Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste.

“The last three years have seen a significant ramping up of NTA investment in Active Travel projects across the country, with many large projects, such as Clontarf to City Centre, now coming to fruition. The monitoring and evaluation of these projects needs to keep pace through the deployment of detection and counting equipment. Smart detection technology may have an important role to play in understanding trends and patterns to inform decision-making and monitor the impact of schemes. The NTA recognises that new technology and data captured will greatly improve our ability to monitor and communicate the impacts of Active Travel schemes,” said Joe Seymour, Head of Active Travel Investment, NTA.

The project will fill a gap in current methodologies by developing an Active Travel Data Toolkit, replacing the ad-hoc approach of data collection with a systematic and integrated process that supports and guides future investments in active travel.

“This project stands as a testament to DCC’s commitment to active travel as a cornerstone of health and well-being. By integrating advanced monitoring technologies, and data visualization techniques, DCC aims to set a new standard for active travel infrastructure. The ultimate goal is to achieve a measurable positive impact on citizen behaviour, emissions reduction, and overall public health, while also influencing active travel policies to foster healthier urban spaces,” said Andy Walsh, Director of Active Travel Programme Office, DCC.

By establishing a robust framework for data gathering and analysis, DCC, in collaboration with the NTA will be able to measure the true value of active travel enhancements more accurately. The initiative will be working through DCC’s Smart City team, leveraging the existing partnerships with ADAPT and collaborating with Prof Brian Caulfield, TCD.

Phase 1 of this project will target two active travel schemes – the Clontarf to City Centre (C2CC) corridor and the Kilmainham to Thomas Street scheme and the surrounding areas. The initial steps will focus on sourcing, validating, and implementing the latest innovations in active travel monitoring. During Phase 2, the insights gained will inform the development of a toolkit to enhance policy-making and active travel project implementation citywide.

Through the Partnership for Healthy Cities, cities commit to one of 14 proven interventions, from improving safety for vulnerable road users to strengthening public health surveillance systems. The network is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the global health organization Vital Strategies.

“Sustained investment in a city’s safe and active transit infrastructure can reduce noncommunicable disease risks and health inequities,” said Ariella Rojhani, Director, Partnership for Healthy Cities at Vital Strategies. “Today, we congratulate Dublin on its commitment to the health and safety of its residents and look forward to seeing how this new data is used to improve their quality of life.”

The announcement comes as this week DCC presents its work to public health leaders from more than 50 cities at the Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit in Cape Town, South Africa. The annual event provides cities from around the world with the opportunity to advance solutions and exchange ideas on how to create healthier, safer and more equitable urban centres.

Last minute Christmas travel tech gifts – QDOS chargers and power

If you are travelling this Christmas check out these last minute Christmas travel tech gifts – QDOS chargers and power will keep you connected no matter where you are or where you go and are all portable and an ideal gift for you or that tech lover in your life,

PowerLink COMBI 8-in-1 USB-C Hub – £49.99

  • Space Grey, multi-port USB-C Hub with tuck in cable design
  • Charge your USB-C enabled MacBook/laptop with pass through PD charging at Max 100W
  • 3 x USB 3.1 (10Gb/s high speed transfer)
  • 1 x USB-C (PD 3.1, Max 100W)
  • 1 x HDMI (4K display)
  • 1 x Audio Jack (3.5m)
  • 1 x SD card reader (480Mbps)
  • 1 x Micro SD (TF) card reader (480Mbps)
  • 10cm built in cable
  • Slim and light 8 in 1 hub, easy to transport

  • PowerCube TRIO 45W Power Adapter, black – £69.99

45W European PowerCube (Dual Port USB-C power adapter)

  • Charge at 45W when charging 1 device with 1 port
  • Charge 2 devices simultaneously at 20W and 25W high speed charge
  • Charge your iPhone and iPad simultaneously, in one location
  • Programmable Power Supply (PPS) – Tailors the most efficient charge to the connected device
  • GaN technology – Improved energy efficiency, heat dissipation & compact housing
  • Optimised for Apple devices

USB-C to lightning (MFI) and USB-C to USB-C cable

  • 1.2m length cable
  • Supports Power Delivery (PD)- enabling high speed charging – Max 60W
  • Reinforced cable- reduces breakage and prolongs cable life
  • Something about be MFI certified
  • PowerMag 3-in-1 Wireless Charger – £69.99

3-in-1 wireless charger

  • Conveniently charge your everyday Apple accessories in one central location
  • Dedicated charging points for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods
  • Compatible with any MagSafe enabled iPhone
  • Snap your iPhone into place with optimal magnetic alignment
  • Foldable design, Ideal for carrying and transporting
  • Perfect viewing angle for watching videos
  • Pocket sized – easily carry in your pocket or bag
  • Seamless charging at home, at the office or on-the-go​
  • USB-C to USB-C cable (1.2m)

Tech Review – Mophie 3-in-1 travel charger with Magsafe

Convenience is king for most today and for someone who has a smartwatch smartphone and earbuds it can be a pain carrying around three seperate cables though you might be able to narrow it down to two depending on what devices you have but how about just one cable and one pack that covers the lot.

This is where the Mophie 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe comes onto play, now it will also charge other devices and limited but mainly targeted at Apple products but I have tested this with other products and it works on more than just Apple devices and as we know those MagSafe watch chargers are a nuisance and you get decent enough charging speed with this kit.

The package itself is neat clean and built well giving you three slots for the items inside being a decent plug a cable and the 3 point charging unit itself and works really well and keeps it all in one place, you could argue that three cables is less space however the point is one is all you need and wrapped up in a nice package.

You can flip the watch charger up or lay it flat the choice is yours and no matter what way you look at it the piece looks well and does not take up much space and keeps cable management to a minimum. Check out the video review below for more.

Mophie 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe – techbuzzireland

 

 

  • Charge Three Devices Simultaneously: With dedicated spots for your iPhone, Apple Watch, and Airpods (1st & 2nd Gen), you can easily charge all your everyday accessories in one central location.
  • 15W Fast Wireless Charging: Wirelessly charge your phone at the fastest speed possible.
  • Designed for Travel: Plug in the 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe and instantly turn any table-top into a charging hub.
  • Built-in Apple Watch Magnetic Charger: The built-in, magnetic charger flips up to hold the watch at the ideal angle to take advantage of Nightstand Mode.
  • Everything Is Included: Ditch your tangle of cables and consolidate your charging. The 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe includes a USB-C cable, carrying case, and wall adapter so you’re ready to charge it all out of the box.

BUY

Video Review

mophie introduces the 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe and 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe for fast, convenient charging

mophie, a leading brand in power, today announced the 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe and the 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe to help consumers stay powerful.

The 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe delivers up to 15W of power to your phone, AirPods, and Apple Watch. The extendable stand with weighted base saves space on your work surface and lifts your phone up to your line of sight while it charges. So, you can video chat or make hands-free calls. The extendable stand and adjustable head let you find the perfect, flattering viewing angle. And the magnetic surface ensures precise alignment for charging that begins on contact.

The 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe features the following:

  • Fast Wireless Charging: This MFi-certified 3-in1 charger delivers up to 15W of fast-charging wireless power to your Apple devices.
  • Made for MagSafe: This 3-in-1 stand is MFi-certified so you know it’s safe to use with your Apple devices.
  • Accurate Alignment for a Full Charge: The magnetic charging pad ensures your phone snaps into the sweet spot for optimal charging that begins on contact.
  • Fast Apple Watch Charger: The 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe can charge your Apple Watch Ultra/8/7 from 0-80% in approximately 45 minutes.
  • Space-saving Design: The 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe takes up little surface area and holds your devices above the clutter of a desk or tabletop.
  • Extendable Stand: The charging stand extends from approximately 7.5” to 16” so you can set your phone screen in your line of sight.
  • Tilting Head: The phone charging pad can be tilted to a perfect viewing angle or a flattering angle for video chats.
  • AirPods Charging Spot: The 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe has a designated charging spot for AirPods that delivers up to 5W.
  • Portrait and Landscape Modes: The 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe can charge your phone in portrait or landscape mode.
  • Weighted Steel Base: The sturdy, weighted steel base keeps the 3-in-1 charging stand stable and secure while it’s in use.

The 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe features dedicated charging spots for all your main Apple devices. You’ll stay charged on vacation or during a business trip. And, when you’re ready to head back home, it all packs up into a convenient carrying case.

The 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe features the following:

  • Charge Three Devices Simultaneously: With dedicated spots for your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods/AirPods Pro, you can easily charge all your everyday accessories in one central location.
  • Compatible with MagSafe: The built-in Apple MagSafe charger for iPhone (MFi Certified) and charger for Apple Watch.
  • Fast Wireless Charging Up to 15W: Enjoy the fastest wireless charging speed for your iPhone.
  • Sleek, Compact Design: Tri-fold and fits perfectly into its designated space in the matted travel pouch.
  • Premium Materials: Textured outer fabric, with soft touch internals to match the beauty of your devices.
  • AirPods Charging Cradle: Dedicated wireless charging cradle for AirPods.
  • Travel Ready: Have everything you need to charge your most personal devices in a compact, matted travel pouch.

“We’re excited to introduce these products from mophie, and we invite users to experience charging accessories that are not just practical, but also versatile,” said Gavin Slevin, Managing Director for ZAGG International. “The 3-in-1 extendable stand levels up your desk or tabletop by freeing up space and keeping your phone line-of-site and the 3-in-1 travel charger allows you to stay powerful on the go!”

Availability:

The 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe and the 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe are available now for order on mophie.com and at well-known retailers worldwide. ZAGG warrants these products against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of two years, as applicable, from the date of retail purchase by the original end-user consumer.

Workhuman launches Experiences; More than 2M employees have access to thousands of travel and activity reward options

Workhuman, the company revolutionising how employees celebrate, connect with, and appreciate each other in the workplace, has added In-Store Booking functionality to its world-class Store. In-Store Booking is now available to more than 2 million users across 10 countries, including Ireland, the UK, the US, India, and Mexico. Employees now have access to hundreds of thousands of additional activity, travel, and accommodation options as part of the employee recognition industry’s most expansive catalogue of experiences, all bookable with points on its platform.

The Irish-founded company has built an innovative team – based in Ireland – dedicated to sourcing merchandise and gift cards across the globe in more than 65 categories including electronics, fashion, house and home, garden and outdoor, travel, health and beauty, children, and more. Globally, the company maintains a catalogue of approximately 400,000 merchandise items across more than 60 countries. It also offers thousands of gift cards across more than 130 countries, with hundreds of thousands of options including merchandise brands, charities, and travel experiences. Workhuman has built its Store experience from the ground up and has scaled over the years to support orders placed every 3 seconds by approximately 7M employees across the globe.

Through the company’s Store, employees are able to book their activity, hotel, car rental and, when available, flights, all in the same order, therefore keeping their entire travel itinerary together and avoiding the hassle of tracking multiple confirmation emails from separate travel partners. From walking tours to national park passes to private yacht rentals, Workhuman’s full Experiences offering will cater to users globally and at virtually every point and desired activity level.

Leslie Schall, Director of Employee Engagement, Experience, and Purpose at Michelin, said:  “Workhuman’s Experiences offering provides an awesome new element to their already impressive Store, as it enables employees to easily book travel, adventures, tours, and activities using their recognition rewards through Michelin’s WeCare programme. By using points they earned here through their contributions to the organisation, our employees are able to redeem their points on engaging experiences for themselves, family or friends. Right after Experiences launched, I used it to book a ‘Harley electronic trike motorcycle’ tour during an upcoming family vacation in Prague. Now my entire family has this amazing memory we’re going to cherish forever, and it was because of recognition from my colleagues. Experiences is going to help our employees turn work achievements into these beautiful, exciting moments, and we’re very excited about the impact of this connection and the stories we’ll hear.”

Workhuman’s Store takes the same human-first approach as its Social Recognition® solution. The company understands that the reward redemption experience is critical for the success of any recognition programme as it reinforces the original recognition moment and amplifies the sense of engagement and goodwill that the employee feels toward their company. Workhuman has made significant investments over the years to launch the broadest offering of Travel and Experiences with gift card partners including Virgin Experiences, Global Experiences, Royal Caribbean, Hotels.com, and many more. The addition of In-Store Booking functionality takes this to the next level, ensuring every employee is able to redeem for an experience that feels exciting to them, and that makes them feel seen and recognised.

Sarah Whitman, SVP E-commerce, Workhuman: “Workhuman has always kept our ears close to the ground and driven our Store strategy based on the pulse of the marketplace. We know that people derive significant enjoyment from experiences and over the years we have evolved in the ways we bring this category to our platform. Our data has shown that people’s desire to travel and create memories has been reinvigorated as we’ve emerged from the global pandemic. Our expanded Experiences offering creates endless new opportunities for employees to travel and experience new things, driving personal growth and even greater and lasting connections to their colleagues that helped make those experiences and memories possible.”

In addition to English, the booking experience and customer service support is available in French, Latin American Spanish, European Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese and Japanese. Workhuman will continue to roll out to additional customers and markets with enhanced capabilities throughout the year. For more information about Workhuman’s Store, please visit: https://www.workhuman.com/reward/store/.

To learn more about how Workhuman’s employee recognition solution can help reduce turnover, improve engagement and productivity, and elevate DE&I efforts, please visit: www.workhuman.com/solutions/social-recognition/.

LAVOIE E-Scooter makes kickstands a thing of the past

LAVOIE, the new micro-mobility brand from McLaren Applied, has revealed further details on the transformative ‘FlowFold’ folding mechanism, the most defining feature of the high-performance, premium Series 1 e-scooter, which is now available for pre-order globally.

The patent pending FlowfoldTM system sets the Series 1 apart from the crowd – a transformative feature that brings with it a world of benefits. FlowfoldTM enables the Series 1 to fold down into one of the most compact e-scooters in its category. A single press of a button is all it takes to collapse the stem and move the front wheel back over the scooter deck – achieving the greatest possible reduction in size.

Taking its inspiration from motorsport automotive suspension systems, FlowfoldTM enables the Series 1 to fold down into an impossibly compact form, enabling it to fit seamlessly into day-to-day life. Delivering the ultimate in portability and convenience, the FlowfoldTM equipped Series 1 unfolds a world of possibilities.

The Series 1 also delivers best in class safety and comfort. FlowfoldTM technology means LAVOIE can use a longer, wider deck than other e-scooter manufacturers – while still folding down to a handily portable size. The wider deck and longer wheelbase ensure the Series 1 delivers a safe, smooth automotive-like ride, with a choice of foot positions and transformed bump and vibration absorption. With FlowfoldTM, comfort and handling are elevated to a whole new level.

Thanks to FlowfoldTM, the Series 1 can also accommodate taller handlebars, with a higher-stem angle – more akin to that of a motorbike. McLaren Applied engineers have leveraged their motorsport and automotive expertise to deliver smooth, predictable, easy to modulate steering, which, teamed with the scooter’s exactingly honed ergonomics, offers unrivalled rider comfort and total control.

FlowfoldTM also enables the Series 1 to drop into the game-changing ‘Park Mode’- further elevating convenience for the user. At the push of a button the Series 1 can drop into its intermediate stance: a perfectly stable, padded resting position, for seamless storage wherever you go. The era of the kickstand is officially over.

LAVOIE CEO, Eliott Wertheimer, said: “As a team, we’re really proud of the FlowfoldTM system – it’s the piece of engineering that sets our Series 1 e-scooter apart from the competition. By approaching the premium e-mobility sector from a new perspective – leveraging our experience in motorsport and automotive – we’ve been able to develop a transformative piece of technology that opens up a world of possibilities.

“FlowfoldTM has given us the freedom to innovate and lead the market, creating a premium e-scooter that sets new standards for the micro-mobility sector. The Series 1 is a user centric product that delivers best in class safety, convenience and performance – one that’s set to change the landscape of urban mobility.”

The Series 1 is available to pre-order now with a fully-refundable deposit of £500 via the LAVOIE website, with confirmed production slots being allocated to customers upon order. The option to pre-order with a full payment deposit and a 5% discount is also available.

GoMoWorld Adds 10 more Destination Plans, Connecting Irish Travellers to the World

GoMoWorld, a mobile app that provides international data through eSIMs, revolutionising the way Irish travellers stay connected abroad abroad, adds ten more destination plans, including Belize, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Pakistan, Puerto Rico, French Antilles, French Polynesia, further expanding its global coverage.

According to the GoMoWorld team, the United States of America remains the most favoured destination for Irish GoMoWorld customers, constituting a staggering 45% of plans. This is followed by European destinations at 27% where ‘roam like home’ may not be available or if customers need a top up on their own roaming allowance.

With its value, coverage and simple setup GoMoWorld has become a go-to solution for data access while travelling overseas. Other top destinations include Canada and Australia, where soccer fans travelled to support the Irish soccer team in the World Cup. Irish globetrotters are also embracing the app in other locations like Korea, Israel, Mexico, and Serbia.

Travellers are using GoMoWorld to travel and work abroad and also to represent Ireland on a global stage. Irish international footballer Amber Barrett, used GoMoWorld while playing in Australia, and shares her experience, stating, “The GoMoWorld app has been so useful and easy to use abroad. It’s so beneficial to be able to use data with no worries about heavy bills when you come home. It is very accessible and easy to add on data whenever it’s needed.”

Heloise Abraham, Director GoMoWorld: “At the heart of GoMoWorld’s success lie its remarkable features, which we believe is what sets it apart from traditional roaming options. Not only is it great value and easy to use but unlike traditional plans it doesn’t tie users down with contracts. The feedback we’re getting from our customers is that it’s so easy that you almost forget about it, meaning you can stay connected, wherever you are in the world.”

GoMoWorld offers data roaming plans starting at just €3.99 per month. The app connects users to local partner networks in over 160 countries, granting them easy access to the internet through reliable local mobile networks. With no physical SIM card required, GoMoWorld offers a hassle-free experience and GoMoWorld lets travellers roam with no long-term contracts. Users can download the app from the App Store or Google Play, select their destination, and install their eSIM.

easySim Launches Affordable eSIM Data Roaming for Travellers Worldwide

easySim.global, part of the easy® family of companies, has launched a new data roaming service for over 150 countries worldwide, offering users huge savings when using their smartphones abroad.

Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, the cost of using your mobile overseas can be shocking. Most of the UK mobile networks such as EE, Sky, Three and Vodafone no longer allow their users to “roam like at home” in the EU, and data charges in the rest of the world are almost always outside your standard mobile bundle.

The answer to extortionately high data costs abroad is a prepaid eSIM from easySim.global, the new international roaming service from the easy family of brands. easySim.global provides travellers with reliable internet for smartphones and tablets around the globe, meaning you stay connected using your favourite apps at low fixed prices.

 

The quick and easy way to get cheaper roaming data abroad
eSIMs are a great way to change your mobile data provider when travelling to give you access to much better rates than your standard contract, without removing the primary SIM card from your phone.

Martin Lewis of Money Saving Expert recently used an eSIM on holiday and commented: ‘The whole experience was easier and simpler than expected’.

How it works
Simply choose your destination country and data bundle at www.easySim.global, then load the eSIM from the QR code in your welcome email. Set your new eSIM as the default for data roaming as you land in your destination and you are good to go!

eSIMs are compatible with the majority of 4G/5G Apple and Android smartphones, there are no apps to load or tricky SIM cards to install. Customer service is provided online 24/7 via the easySim.global website.

Who can benefit from the new service?
easySim can save international travellers money, whenever they use mobile data outside their standard coverage zone, regardless of their country of origin or mobile operator.

For example, UK visitors to popular destinations like Turkey, USA, Morocco or Thailand can achieve great savings on data roaming compared to their standard mobile contracts. Likewise, Americans arriving in Austria; Aussies attending the Ashes; Indians interested in Iceland or Spaniards sightseeing Singapore could all save money on mobile data compared to their deals at home.

Who is behind easySim.global?
easySim.global is a new business formed by Portsmouth based telecoms entrepreneurs Jim Guest and Richard Gwilliam, with the support of easyGroup Chairman Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou. The company seeks to challenge the punitive international data roaming charges imposed by many mobile operators, by offering low-cost data with no catches from a convenient digital platform.

Co-founder Jim Guest says of the venture: “Summer is here but business travellers and holiday makers have had enough of the cost of roaming when they use their smartphones or tablets abroad. We’re proud to be working with Sir Stelios to take on the big boys of the mobile market and protect consumers against bill shock.”

Sir Stelios had this to say about the launch of easySim.global: “easySim.global is a new way for travellers to get low-cost mobile data worldwide. It’s simple to use and great value, so the company is perfectly aligned with easy® brand values and I’m delighted to be working with the directors to get new customers onboard.”

How much can you save?
Using a 14 day stay in Turkey as an example, easySim.global offers 3GB of data for only £7, saving a minimum of £63 against the major UK network operators’ bolt-on tariffs. But many situations are much worse: Ian from Portsmouth recently had to pay £416 for only using 69MB in a single day in Turkey!

How to get started
Check your phone is eSIM compatible and it’s not locked to a network, register for the service at www.easySim.global and purchase the right data bundle for your destination. You will receive a QR code by email which you use to activate your eSIM. 

  • easySim.global provides prepaid data eSIMs giving access to local Tier 1 mobile network operators worldwide.
  • easySim.global’s roaming service is data only and does not provide voice calls or SMS, but voice calling and messaging through popular apps such as WhatsApp, Facetime, Messenger etc.
  • The full list of supported countries can be found here.
  • The full list of eSIM compatible phones can be found here.
  • Users will be required to change their phone settings to set the eSIM as the default data service while abroad.
  • Customer support is provided online 24/7 using the contact form on the easySim.global website here.

PayPal study: 79% of people in Ireland are making daily cutbacks to prioritise travel

PayPal’s new Travel Check-in report* reveals the latest trends in the world of travel, as 85 per cent of Irish consumers either have or are planning to book a holiday for 2023 and almost a third (29%) are set to go on more than two holidays this year.

The research, carried out by Censuswide and involving more than 1,000 consumers across Ireland, found travel remains a priority for 62 per cent of people. While 64 per cent are looking to make up for lost travel time over the last couple of years, the high cost-of-living isn’t going unnoticed, with eight in ten (83%) being willing to adapt travel plans to be more cost-effective rather than cancel and more than three quarters (79%) looking to save money in their daily lives to prioritise travel/holidays.

Where are people headed for their vacations? Eight out of ten (81%) are planning to leave the Emerald Isles for their holidays. The most popular international destination picked was Spain (including Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza) (30%), followed by the UK (20%), Italy (16%) and France (16%). For those planning to stay closer to home, the top destinations within Ireland were Galway (22%), Cork (20%), Donegal (20%) and Dublin (20%).

Trips involving quality time with loved ones are high on the agenda for 71 per cent, with other popular trip types including enjoying the outdoors (40%), experiencing a different culture (29%) and focusing on health and wellness (20%) – this was important for almost a quarter of millennials (23% vs 20% general population). Gen Z were most open to ‘bleisure trips’ (mixing work and leisure) to enjoy more flexibility during their time off (12% vs 6% general population).

The average estimated spend on holidays for the year (including booking and all in travel costs) came in at approximately €2,320. The biggest spenders were from Clare (approx. €2,834), Cork (approx. €2,579) and Donegal (approx. €2,577).

“At PayPal, we’re seeing a surge in travel bookings and it’s encouraging to see that Irish people are being mindful of their budgets when it comes to being able to better afford that long-awaited trip,” said Maeve Dorman, Senior Vice President, PayPal. “We’re here to help Irish holiday goers make the most of their trip by providing peace of mind and simplicity for a seamless checkout from the moment they book flights, trains and accommodation all the way to after they’ve checked-in and are looking for local experiences and ticking off bucket lists.”

Check-out five tactics Irish holidaymakers are utilising to better afford travel this year:

  • Daily changes for weeks away: More than three quarters (79%) of consumers in Ireland are looking to save money in their daily lives to prioritise travel/holidays this year. The top cutbacks are cooking at home instead of getting a takeaway or eating out (58%), cutting back on nights out (50%), and making their own coffee at home instead of going to a coffee shop (42%).

  • Being savvy for sun, sea and… savings: The money-saving mindset doesn’t stop when it comes to booking with many using money-saving techniques to get the best price, including looking for discounts (53%), travelling on days when costs are cheaper (38%) and signing up for offers (26%).

 

  • Adapting for adventures: Some 83 per cent of people are willing to adapt their travel plans to be more cost-effective rather than cancel completely, be that looking for budget accommodation (29%), having just one main holiday (23%) or going on shorter trips (22%).

 

  • Planning perfection:  Eight in ten (78%) would rather book in advance to guarantee a price than take a risk on getting a better price closer to the time. Those from Leitrim are the most organised, booking nine months before their break, while those from Clare tend to book three months ahead of time.

 

  • Smart budgeting in the sun: Almost three quarters (73%) of consumers plan to adopt a saving approach on holidays, as opposed to splurging. In terms of other budgeting behaviours, over half (52%) will go cashless and 67 per cent of people will book everything in advance, instead of going with the flow. The most cited challenges/concerns for people when managing their budget on holiday, being able to track their spending ranks highest (46%), followed by fears of being scammed (37%) and security of funds (25%).

To learn more about how PayPal can be the perfect travel companion, visit paypal.com/ie.