The UK has many iconic road trips that are enjoyed each year. Northern Ireland, alongside Scotland, arguably has some of the best sights to be seen. You should consider Northern Ireland your next holiday of choice, especially for a road trip. Here are four tips to consider when driving around Northern Ireland.
Plan Your Stops
Northern Ireland has a lot of places to see. From the inner city of Belfast to the winding roads around the country, you will have plenty of choices. For example, many people travel to Northern Ireland to enjoy a Game of Thrones road trip, as many filming locations around the country can be seen.
It would help if you planned all these stops early, so that you can optimise your route. This will allow you to see more and avoid being in a rush, as you will have time to see everything you need. This research also allows you to find out what you even want to see in the first place.
It will also allow you to scout out the places you’ll be stopping to check for any specific requirements or restrictions, such as parking availability, hours of operation for tourist attractions, if foreign currency is accepted or not and if you’ll be able to fill up with fuel. If you are unable to use foreign currency, consider using a service for your euro to pound transfer to get the best exchange rates. Planning your stops in advance will ensure you’re not blindsided by unexpected challenges and help maintain a smooth journey.
Take Out Insurance Early
Insurance will be your best friend on a road trip. Forget about your friends or family that you’ll be travelling with. Insurance will give you that reassurance that allows you to have a road trip around Northern Ireland easily.
The type of insurance you take out could depend on a few factors. For example, your age may come into play, as will the type of vehicle you’re driving. How long you’ve been driving, and previous claims will also be relevant. You can find car insurance with points for those who have run into issues previously. Comparing quotes from experts such as Quotezone.co.uk can help you save time and money and find more relevant policies.
Practice Countryside Driving
Before heading to Northern Ireland, practising driving on countryside roads will be in your best interest. This will be especially helpful if you plan to drive around the country, rather than just to Belfast or other cities.
Northern Ireland has many narrow winding roads that go across beautiful coastal stretches. There are specific
Northern Irish scenic drives that you should seriously consider looking into. Once you have practised driving around countryside roads, you will be more confident to take on the coastal roads of Northern Ireland.
Prep Your Car
You should ensure you have everything you need in your car for a road trip. There will be essentials that you need to have on you, with a lot of them coming in the form of documents. You will need to hold a valid driver’s license, and you will need to ensure you have it on you. You may need your passport if you’re coming to Northern Ireland from outside of the United Kingdom.
It may also be a good idea to bring a spare key to the car in case you accidentally lock yourself out. The last thing you want is to be locked outside your car in the middle of the countryside and stranded. You should also ensure you have your breakdown coverage and car manual on you, just in case.
Ensure you have portable chargers and working GPS systems to optimise your route and not get lost. You want to ensure your phone or GPS device can be charged to avoid being stranded without getting help.