Easter holiday suggestions

[magie73]

So far the idea is to go to Europe for a week/10 day road trip.

Participants:

• 1 x 14 year old girl
• 2 x male adults
• 1 x 6mth pregnant female
• 1 x 8mth old

Given that flying is probably a no no due to pregnant female we thought of hiring a motorhome.

Any suggestions as to:

• where to hire a van?
• type of van to hire?
• any issues we should be aware of when hiring a van?
• costs? e.g. van hire, petrol, food, etc.
• where to go?
• what to see which should entertain a 14 year old?
• where to avoid?
• anything else you can think of which we should be aware of?

Thanks

Make sure when you hire the van you get unlimited mileage as sometimes you don't.

How many drivers will there be? I would consider taking it in turns to drive and doing a lot of driving during the night.

I did fly shorthaul when I was 6 months pregnant without any problems. If the pregnant female is happy to fly I would fly to Italy and hire a van there and plan a holiday mainly based there.

Where do you live? You could drive through Wales and then get the ferry over to Ireland, beautiful scenery but depends what you are looking for.

Why not drive to a static van on a site with activities for the Teenager, and places to drive to & visit? Probably cheaper than a Motorhome.

Petrol is a little cheaper in France (better in Spain) but Motorhomes are not economic and you will need to avoid the Toll roads as Tolls more for vans etc.

That being said, DH wants a Motorhome (serious research done here) and we go to France every year, and there are some fab regions to tour.

Oh, and don't let them use the loo on board unless they want to empty it . The French Aires are cheap to stop at for one night at a time.

I guess the on board toilet defeats the purpose if you mentioned it's not a good idea. :) It was a plus as some laybys aren't pretty.

The reason we thought of a van was that hiring a car to carry us and our luggage would be just as expensive/more difficult. Also, thought the van would be roomier.

Definately confused as to the best option.

They can be great fun (DH has convinced me ) Lots of them sleep 6, but you will need to fold up beds sometimes to travel again, depending on layout.

If your Teen is the sort who enjoys travelling then it would be a great holiday. I don't know the hire costs though, just that you can get some cheap deals over Easter on Mobile Homes.

For the loo, have a "liquids only" policy!

Have you considered Holland/Amsterdam and the Duinrell site? That has had loads of good reviews here (for Teens) as it has it's own Theme park & waterpark onsite here, and you can camp / take your own van, then use the onsite bathroom facilities

Alan Rogers is a great website for planning self drive holidays to Europe.