My husband, 3 kids (who will be 9, 14 & 16 by then) are planning our Trip of A Lifetime to Ireland in 2020. We are looking at taking 3 or 4 weeks for this trip. I know it seems like a long way off but I want to be sure I consider everything and get as much as I can out of this trip.
We'd like to rent a car/van to do our travelling. My husband is disabled and relies on a scooter to get around....he can do a few stairs if needed but we'd like to make this trip as easily accessible for him to minimize as much anxiety as possible. We'll need to rent a vehicle that will accommodate a scooter for him.
My kids decided on our destination so I want to plan things that they will enjoy as well. We'd like to stay in accomodations that are historic, charming, architecturally appealing (like a castle or stone cottage :)) prefer not to stay in hotels etc...we want to experience Ireland!
Anyone have any idea on what a trip like this may cost? We have started saving but not really sure what the costs may be. Is 3 weeks long enough? What are 'must see' destinations, tourist attractions etc? Keep in mind that we need places that are wheelchair accessible for the most part.
What is the best places to stay and where do I look for them.
Sorry...I know I'm all over the place but I am hoping for an idea on where to start and things to make sure I consider.
Thanks for any help you can offer.
Posted by
1172 posts
My family of 4 ( kids are 11 and 8 ) are going for 12 days this July. I am happy to come back to this thread after our trip and provide more insight. At first glance, based on my planning here is what I have found:
1) Ireland is not cheap. I am in Canada as well so when I see prices, I have to remember to go times 1.45! There is also definitely a premium in travelling over the summer which I assume you will be doing.
2) rooms that fit more than 2-3 people are not available everywhere and often come at quite a premium. I have yet to see rooms that would fit 5 people . Using VRBO or airbnb may be a better bet unless you are ok with springing for 2 rooms
3) Many attractions offer "family' tickets which are quite a bit cheaper than doing the 2 adult, 2 kids option. Some will allow 3 kids. You want to read closely though in some cases, children are defined as being 12 and under.
4) Book your car/van early especially if you need an automatic transmission as most available cars are standard. I have also been told to purchase the premium insurance coverage.
5) Flight wise, not sure where you are coming from in Canada and whether a direct flight matters to you or not but Air Canada and WestJet both have flights to Dublin.
Hope this helps a little....
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you Sharon...definitely helps! I'm from Ontario Canada. I've been looking at VRBO and a lot of the places seems to good to be true..... and I don't want to get stuck in a difficult situation because I misunderstood something or didn't ask the right questions. Because of my husbands disability he has some anxiety issues so I need to do my best to make sure this trip goes off without a hitch (wishful thinking I know, but I can try!)
I'd be grateful if you can provide feedback after your trip....that would be very helpful.
Direct flight would be nice but not mandatory, depending on price difference.
Are you staying in several different places? Some of the itineraries I've seen for 21 day trips have 9 stays.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
And I'm hoping to go in May/June 2020...highschool will be out by then and my youngest will still be in elementary so not so worried about him missing 3 weeks.
Posted by
Midwest
2768 posts
It is early, but that's good! With a family of 5, staying in apartments, vrbos, or air bnbs will be much easier and cheaper than hotels. Booking.com also lists apartment and houses as well as hotels. Look at these sights to get ideas, especially from properties with lots of reviews. Scams are possible, especially if something is significantly lower than all surrounding similar properties. More reviews = more security.
Flights for 5 people will be your biggest expense. Perhaps you could look now and see what airlines offer flights from your area, and then see if there is a way to get travel miles or points. For example, some airlines have credit cards that award points for purchases. In 3.5 years you could possibly have enough points for a free flight. Also, you will save a lot flying from a major city vs. a smaller airport. If you are anywhere near Toronto, for example, prices are excellent. You can buy airline tickets up to a year ahead, so keep an eye on it and buy early if the fares are right. CURRENTLY I've had luck buying very early, but these things change.
Get the current Rick Steves Ireland book - reading it now will help you figure out highlights and places you may be interested in. Also, I like the book Europe Through the Back Door - it helps with the practicalities of travel, things that will help you learn how to have a good trip.
You will want to set up a very basic itinerary, then as it gets closer get the details down. By basic I mean 4 nights here, roughly, 3 nights there, etc etc. Remember that moving from place to place takes time, so to really experience a place I like at least 3 nights, 4-5 if it's big or has a lot I want to do.
Good luck!
Posted by
1172 posts
We are moving around
3 nights in Dublin
1 night in Kilkenny
2 nights in Killarney
2 nights in Dingle
2 nights in Galway
1 night in Cong
1 night in Dublin
back home to Toronto
I also wanted to add that the price of flights seem to be the same whether direct or with stop overs
Posted by
Tigard, OR, USA
1068 posts
Early planning is not a bad thing and, when I do plan trips vs. taking tours, it is often lots of fun. A few thoughts. If you are calling this the trip of a lifetime I'm guessing you haven't traveled much before...... consider reading this as a way to get started. Next, I would buy a couple of guidebooks (I like DK/Insight guides and Rick Steves). Peruse them for ideas, pre-planned itineraries, sights, travel tips etc. Next, I'd scope out some travel tour sights like Rick Steves, Road Scholar and others to see what they offer and what they think is a good tour. Watching some of the Rick Steves (or other) travel shows on travel skills, or sights in Ireland can provide lots of information and inspiration. To find accommodations, look in the guidebooks, on the net, and then send e-mails to the various places finding out how (or if) they deal with disabilities. IMHO, in many places I have been in Europe they are tolerant and helpful with disabilities, but may not be set up to deal with them well. So check in with the various accommodations. You've got time and as you focus your questions more, this forum can be a great help. As to your question, is 3 weeks long enough....... yes and no! You will see a lot in 3 weeks and make memories for a lifetime, however, my guess is that you will want to return ASAP.. This sounds like a great experience for your family, enjoy the planning and the trip.