Hi! 2 adults and 3 kids budgeting for 3 week trip to Ireland. Looking for ideas on what things will cost. Leaving from Toronto Canada.
I've checked on flights and it appears costs are between $750-900 pp.
We want to stay in cottages, apartments etc...not motels...we want the true Ireland experience. What should we estimate per night for accommodations? Is food expensive? Budget ideas for 5 ppl for 3 weeks? What would it cost to rent a van for 3 weeks...must accommodate 5 ppl and a motorized scooter.
Anything else we should budget for?
Posted by
Granite Bay, CA
1914 posts
Everyone has their own ideas about what kind of accommodations they prefer, as well as food/restaurants.
I budget quite accurately. You already have determined an estimate for your airfare. Now, go to VRBO or Homeaway, or Airbnb and find some cottages or apartments that look good for your family. You can see what they cost upfront - make sure you include the number of people staying in the cottage, what looks like one price can go up if you don't have all the people included for the estimate.
Next, look up tripadvisor. Find the area you plan to stay and look up restaurants in the area. You can go directly to a restaurants web page and see a menu. Choose what you think each family member might like. If you do this at a few restaurants then you will get an idea of general restaurants in the area.
Next, look up Autoeurope. Choose where you might pick up and drop off and choose the van that would work best for your family. Again, you will get a price. You might want full insurance coverage. Make sure you get an international drivers permit from AAA.
I'm not sure if or where you can rent a motorized scooter. You may have to bring that from home. You can call someone at AutoEurope to get the best idea of what van will accommodate your family and scooter.
Budget for gas, parking, sites you want to see, any shopping. You should be able to check the sites online and find what entrance fees are, or anything else you plan on doing.
Check ViaMichelin for driving times and estimated gas costs.
I usually do all of the above and then throw in a few hundred bucks more just so I have wiggle room. Don't forget groceries if you have an apartment. Many things that cost, (parking at airport, etc) but you can get a pretty good idea of expenses ahead of time.
I think I'm probably more of a fanatic, but we always have the money upfront before we travel, so it is important for us to get it right. I always budget high, and we always come home with money for our next trip.
Have a great trip!
Edit: I just saw on your other post you don't go util 2020. You have lots of time to research. Start watching airfare and track what the common prices are. If a deal comes up, you will know it and can grab it!!
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you so much for the amazing advice and ideas.....we are really looking forward to this trip and I'm trying to minimize the surprises.
Posted by
Salinas, CA, United States
53 posts
Hi kimandjim-- I just read a response from Susan and Monty (I think) that said to get an international driver's license from AAA. It is my understanding that this is not necessary for US citizens staying in Ireland for less than 12 months (ref: US Embassy in Ireland website). Canadian residents might have a different requirement (though I doubt it), so you might want to check. A small thing, but maybe worth noting.
Have fun! We are going next month and plan to post a trip report on that portion of the Rick Steves site when we return.