Gewher

Okay, first off, I'm new here... So hi!

And now to the heart of the matter. I have just started planning a trip to the United Kingdom and Ireland. The trip is for 3-5 people. We're not sure if a few of us can go yet. And around the dates of 12-21 of March, with possible extension to that if budget and school constraints allow, depending. Also, destinations are kind of flexible as well, we don't know if money and time will allow us to go everywhere. It may end up being just Ireland. Tell me what you think, would we be able to make it to Wales, England, and Scotland? I don't want to rush through places as Europe seems best experienced at a meandering pace, but we would love to see everything.

I personally am a slightly experienced traveler, mostly through Italy, though every time before I have been accompanied by my mother. This would be my first time both planning and traveling unaccompanied. My cousins aren't as experienced as me, with only one trip to Italy under their belts and not overly savvy with international ways (not saying I'm a pro at all, just a tad better than them). We are all between the ages of 17-19, so fairly young as far as traveling alone goes. And we are all girls of a slight build, though I've been taking self-defense courses this year, for what it's worth.

The other thing is transportation and accommodation. I was thinking rail, as trains are both enjoyable and easier than anything else it seems. But I would also consider other ways of travel (cheaper, better). And what I'm looking at (BritRail + Ireland pass) is fairly expensive. We're coming from Atlantic Canada, so flights are also to be considered. As for accommodation, well, my mother doesn't like the idea of us being alone to begin with, couch surfing is definitely out, and hosteling is a viable option though not popular with my mother. Ideally we would love to stay at convents, as we are all practicing Catholic Christians and would feel safe (as well as please our mothers). I don't know if there are any convents to stay at in other places in Europe, but I've had very good experiences in Rome. Would also consider small B&Bs if the price was right.

Yeah, did I mention budget is really limited? Some of us don't have regular jobs, and we are all students, either in high school, or entering university next fall. But that's what this site is for right?

Oh and what should we see while we are there? Anything that is a must-see?