With summer well and truly upon us, many families will be heading off for a relaxing week in the sun or enjoying a break closer to home. Enjoying a European beach holiday is favoured by many families but financial difficulties can often prevent this from happening. Going on holiday can be a costly occasion but this doesn’t mean you and your family have to miss out on some much needed relaxing time together. There are plenty of holiday parks, cottages and hotels across the UK and Ireland which can provide the perfect holiday closer to home.
If your ideal holiday consists of exploring new places, enjoying the open air and travelling at your own leisure; then a road trip may be the perfect solution. One of the best places to create your own road trip is around the pristine country of Ireland. Home to some of the most picturesque destinations within Europe, Ireland offers both a lively and tranquil vibe which is sure to appeal to the whole family.
If the idea of an Irish road trip sounds like the perfect solution for your next family holiday, then we’ve put together a few points you may want to consider before setting off.
- Car & Insurance
Without a reliable car your road trip isn’t going to be successful. Depending on the places you want to visit, it’s more than likely you’ll be travelling for long periods of time and your vehicle needs to be able to withstand this. Making sure your car is up to date with its service and MOT is essential, as well as making sure the vehicle’s tyres are inflated correctly and you’ve also topped up the oil and screen wash before you set off. It’s also vital you have the correct cover in case of an accident or breakdown. Companies such as Chill Insurance can provide you with valid cover in plenty of time before setting off on your road trip, meaning there’s one less thing to worry about.
- Plan your trip
Now comes the most exciting part; planning where you want to go and what you want to see. Whether it’s strolling down the lively area of Temple Bar in Dublin or visiting the medieval Blarney Castle in Cork, Ireland really does have something for the whole family. There are many road trips on offer across Ireland but if you’re looking for both lively and relaxed at the same time, then Dublin to Portlaoise via the Wicklow Mountains might just be what you’re looking for. Your trip will start in the capital, where you can spend the day exploring the lively atmosphere and rich culture the city has to offer. After a busy day spent in Dublin, you can then head through the countryside and towards the majestic Wicklow Mountains. It’s at this point where you can enjoy a relaxing break with the sounds of the Powerscourt Waterfall in the backdrop, before continuing your trip on to Portlaoise.
- Be prepared
With long journey times meaning you’re likely to be spending long periods on the road, the younger members of the family will more than likely start to become bored and agitated. To keep them occupied on your travels, make sure you take things to keep them entertained. Whether it’s activity packs or using a portable DVD player, finding ways to minimise boredom will only work in your favour as the drive will be more relaxed and peaceful. It’s also worth bearing in mind that service stations will charge higher amounts for food and drink so be sure to stock up in local supermarkets on your travels. This will reduce the amount you’re spending and mean you won’t have to keep making unscheduled stops for refreshments.
Hopefully our tips will reduce any stress and potential issues before and during your road trip. From having the correct car insurance to keeping the kids entertained, the areas mentioned are just some of the ways in which you can make your road trip as enjoyable and successful as possible.