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My husband and I love going on road trips. There is something exciting about driving around a country, stopping where you want, seeing the places, the people, the cities, the towns and the tiny villages that you never knew were there.  You can really get under the skin of a place and discover a country you didn't know existed.

Of course, when you are planning a road trip you need to take into account the type of vehicle that will be perfect for your needs. You may be renting in a faraway place or buying a car for that classic road trip across Europe or the States.  Maybe your car is due to be replaced so you buying a car that can serve both your every day and road trip needs.  So here are some things that you really need to think about when choosing the right road trip vehicle for that awesome trip.

Size of car




The size of the car can be directly related to the size of your road trip party. Is it just you, you and your partner or your family too? You will need a car big enough to include your luggage too, so check the size of the boot/trunk. 

Often a smaller car can be more economical and easier to park but you also want to be comfortable driving as well. If you are driving long distances a large car like a family saloon or SUV is usually more comfortable in my experience and can feel safer than a small car too. So way up the size of the car carefully.

Features of the car




There are some features you may think you definitely need and some features that you would like but aren't essential. This isn't so important when buying or renting a new car, as most cars these days have features like air conditioning, but is more important if you are buying an older car. 

Some features to consider are below.

Air conditioning - very important in hot weather 
Sat Nav - useful if built in, but you could use Google maps on your phone 
Bluetooth connectivity - to play music in your car seamlessly
Back up cameras - to show what is behind you and help with reverse parking
Automatic stop and start engines - useful if you are driving in built-up areas to save petrol/gas

Type of car



There are certain types of car that people think of when they think 'road trip' and most of these are convertibles.  Driving a convertible across America is often a dream of road trippers but is it all it is cracked up to be? I know when we hired a Mustang in the States, the wind in our hair was great, but the sun beating down on us, not so much. If you have people in the back they will be windswept that's for sure and if you hire a convertible don't forget the sunscreen! A convertible often has a small boot/trunk too, so not ideal for a long road trip. 

A vintage or classic car could be another idea, such as an old Jaguar, Porsche or MG but there are particular problems here too. You will have to weigh up the cost of buying/renting a vintage car, and the excitement of driving one against the old-fashioned suspension which could affect the comfort and the lack of modern features.  Older cars are more likely to be gas guzzlers and air conditioning will be unlikely. These issues may not worry you if you want to go for the cool classic car experience but still need to be considered.

If you are driving off-road, or across difficult terrain, you may want to consider a 4 by 4, also called a 4 wheel drive. I know when we drove around Iceland on a road trip, we were really grateful for this type of car which can help driving on gravel roads, light snow, sand, mud and water. 

A luxury sports car is the top of the range option, however, the cost will be high and economy low. Still a fantastic experience if you can afford it. Luggage space is usually non-existent, so best to hire just for a day or two.

A mid-size or large saloon style car or SUV is often the choice for many road trippers, for the combination of comfort, leg space, features and room for your bags, all this especially important if you are driving a long distance.

So as you can see there are many things to consider with the type of car, at the end of the day, however, the choice is yours. 

Cost




When buying or hiring a cost there are obviously cost implications. A small car is generally more economical and cheaper, although there are exceptions, the bigger you go and the more features the car has, the more expensive it will be. If you are buying a car for a road trip, sites like Cars.com will help you find your perfect road trip vehicle and can be searched by car type, make, price, style and MPG. 

A sports car, convertible, classic or vintage car will be more expensive to buy/rent and to insure compared to a family saloon. Older cars are also more likely to break down and can be less reliable than a newer car, so this is something else to think about.

I hope you enjoyed my brief guide to choosing a road trip vehicle. Let me know, have you ever been on a road trip? What is your ideal road trip vehicle?

A more popular type of holiday in recent years is a road trip holiday. This type of holiday allows a holidaymaker to take control of their holiday and do whatever they want to do. Before you set off planning the holiday, there are some things that you will need. Let's take a look.

A Route

If you are planning a road trip to the USA there are many things you need to consider.

Some things are different in the US. You are allowed to turn right at a red light as there is no oncoming traffic. Undertaking is not illegal so be careful and watch out for cars undertaking you. When you come to a four-way intersection without lights, the car that arrived first has priority and then the next. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with some of the more popular road signs in the USA before you travel also.

St. Patrick's Day road trips are the ideal way for visitors to Ireland to explore its scenic routes and uncover its hidden gems. They're also a great way for those looking to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and charm of the Emerald Isle during this festive season. In this article, we'll give you advice on how to organize a memorable road trip for St. Patrick's Day and take you on a virtual tour of some of Ireland's most stunning landscapes.

Choose Your Route Wisely

Ireland has been blessed with a wealth of picturesque roads that highlight the nation's scenic splendour and rich cultural legacy. Every traveller's interests and preferences can be catered to with a road trip route that takes them from the dramatic cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way to the rolling hills of the Ancient East. When selecting your route, consider variables like the driving distance, the state of the roads, and the locations of nearby attractions.

Pack Essentials For The Journey

As you prepare to drive, make sure your car is well-maintained and equipped with everything you'll need for the trip. Carry a road map or GPS device to guide you through uncharted territory, as well as water, snacks, and a picnic lunch to enjoy along the way. If you really want to be in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, you need to get something green or meaningful, presents for your friends and family, you can find it right on this online store https://www.shamrockgift.com/st-patricks-day-gifts before you start the adventure. Remember to pack rain gear and several layers of clothing because Ireland's weather can be unpredictable, particularly in March.

Discover Hidden Gems Off The Beaten Path

Finding off-the-beaten-path attractions and hidden gems that aren't listed in guidebooks is one of the pleasures of taking a road trip in Ireland. Look out for signs directing you to picturesque views, historic sites, and charming villages nestled in the countryside. Take breaks along meandering country lanes to discover peaceful lakeshores, secret coves, and secluded beaches that provide peaceful moments of solitude.

Visit Iconic Landmarks And Historic Sites

Many of you will be off on a Summer road trip soon and will be looking forward to some time away. If you haven't been on a road trip before or for a long while you may be wondering the best way to get you and your car ready. Here are some tips which I hope are helpful.

An Irish road trip has to be one of the best road trips. It won’t be on the sheer length of Route 66 or have the majesty of the Oregon trail or the trail followed by the Pony Express in the US. However. it arguably has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. It also has some of the best roads - the winding countryside roads are like no other.

And then there's the beautiful, quintessential Irish villages, the beautiful people, and, well… just...everything.

Below, I will inspire you for the perfect Irish road trip from coast to city.

The Wild Atlantic Way



It's one of the best drives if you have the time, although stretching over 1,600 miles, you do need the time. It's perfect if you're planning to spend longer than one week in Ireland, but it's well worth it.

You can start at different points, but I'd recommend the wind-swept cliffs of Donegal - it's beautiful. You'll then drive through Sligo and Mayo - the scenery is incredible here. Then you'll pass near the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare – they're iconic areas and well worth a visit.

That's just a fraction of the trip. Google the Wild Atlantic Way road trip, and you'll find the exact routes.

The Ancient East



Now to Ireland's Ancient East, another great route.

It's perfect if you love the historical and mediaeval side of Ireland - the towns and ancient ruins are hundreds of years old. There are places where the local history can be traced back thousands of years.

The historic Boyne Valley in County Meath is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Newgrange. Or you can stop off for a walk through the charming streets of Kilkenny and see the castle. We'd also recommend the Wicklow Mountains, known as the 'Garden of Ireland'. They're breathtaking.

The Southern Trail

Considering alternatives to a big flight across the world for your next holiday? As more and more Brits change their holiday plans due to the cost-of-living crisis, there are still plenty of options for an unforgettable break.

If you’ve never treated yourself to a luxurious road trip, 2024 could be the perfect time to try one. Here’s how to plan a tour of the sights in the UK and even beyond while treating yourself like royalty.

Choosing Your Vehicle

There is something special about a road trip. The excitement of visiting a number of places on your trip, the freedom of doing what you want and when and the little undiscovered gems you find along the way make it a real adventure. We really enjoy this aspect of travelling and travelling as a couple can be really romantic, there is something special about watching the sunrise and the sunset in a new place together. So here are our top 5 romantic road trips.

1. The Pacific Coast Highway USA

The Great Ocean Road in Australia is one of the most scenic and unforgettable road trips in the world. The beautiful coastline is just breathtaking and this is what makes the Great Ocean Road a memorable experience. In this post, I will talk about driving the Great Ocean Road in Australia and the must-see stops along the way. 

First a little about why we love road trips.

We adore road trips. Exploring the wide open spaces, seeing the beauty of the coastline, stopping in little towns and exploring and going off the beaten path are some of the reasons we love it so much. The world is a huge place and a road trip is a great way of seeing more of it. You also have an amount of freedom on a road trip, things aren't generally so scheduled, so if you see that instagrammable spot or that idyllic beachside cafe, you can stop and take it all in.



We've driven around the American Deep South from Memphis to Nashville, along the Pacific Coast Highway in California and around the Golden Circle, the south and north of Iceland. So when Mr W suggested we travel to Australia and drive around the country then, of course, I said yes.

Australia is a huge country and there are some great road trips to take, but we decided to focus on the Great Ocean Road,  as one of the most scenic drives in the whole of Australia.  





The Great Ocean Road is a 151 mile (243 kilometres) stretch of road along the south-east coast of Australia between Torquay and Allansford. Built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and dedicated to soldiers killed during World War I, the road is the world's largest war memorial.

Firstly preparation is key for a road trip. Choose your car or motorhome well.

A car should be comfortable to drive and have air conditioning, a convertible may seem glamorous but you need to weigh up the pros and cons such as where will you put your bags and don't forget your sunscreen if you hire a convertible. Some towns may be small and not have a lot of accommodation so it's always worth booking ahead especially in peak season.

With a motorhome you will have your place to stay with you at all times, however, you may not be able to park anywhere you like, so plan out the campsites in advance. You can buy a used motorhome here which may be worth it if you are travelling across Australia for a few months.

So you have got your wheels sorted, packed your swimsuit and your sunscreen and now it's time to plan the stops along the way of the Great Ocean Road in Australia. Here are some of the key towns to visit along the drive.

Torquay




The Great Ocean Road officially starts in Torquay (not the British one), a town famous for its surfing culture. The brands Rip Curl and Quiksilver were founded here and it has a surfing museum called Surf World, about surfing culture.

It's also close to Bell's Beach made famous by the film Point Break and every year Rip Curl hold their pro surfing competition here.

Lorne



Lorne is a picturesque town known for its arts community. While you are here stop by at Qdos ARTS with its gallery and sculpture park. Mountjoy Parade has many shops and cafes so why not stop for coffee and cake and watch the world go by.

Drive to Teddy's Lookout for a spectacular view of the Great Ocean Road over St George River and the coast. Close by are Angahook-Lorne State Park and the gorgeous Erskine Falls set among ferns.

Kennett River



Kennett River is a small seaside town 17 miles from Lorne. It is famous as it's one of the best places in Austrailia to see koala bears in the wild. Turn into Grey River Road, off the Great Ocean Road, and along the first two kilometres of the road, look up and you should be able to spot koalas in the eucalyptus. Also look out for king parrots, rosellas - a type of parrot and kookaburras. 

Watch out for dolphins and seals along the coast and magnificent whales from May to September. 

Apollo Bay



Apollo Bay is a small seaside town known for the Apollo Bay Music Festival every April as well as the Great Ocean Sports Festival. It has shops, cafes and restaurants and is a great place to stop along the way.

Close by is Cape Otway with Australia's oldest lighthouse as well as rainforests, streams, rocky cliffs and sandy beaches. Cape Otway was originally inhabited by the Gadubanud people, indigenous Australian people from Victoria and evidence of their campsites is contained in the middens throughout the region.

Port Campbell




Port Cambell is a small town known for the Twelve Apostles. These huge limestone structures tower up into the sky with a backdrop of limestone cliffs.

Whilst in town take a walk on the Port Campbell jetty and then head inland to the Kanawinka Geotrail comprising of volcanic lakes and craters. This volcanic plain is the largest in Austrailia and the third largest in the world.



As you can see there are lots to see and do along the Great Ocean Drive, some amazing wildlife to encounter and beautiful coastal points. 

For more about the Great Ocean Road check out the official Great Ocean Road website and for more information about the best places to visit in Australia check out this guide.

Let me know, do you like road trips? Would you drive the Great Ocean Road in Australia?

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