Travel with Style

TRAVEL

WITH

TRAVEL WITH STYLE

Summer Car Events

A round up of this years hottest events.

Cycling Routes

Plan your next bike ride with our top routes in Ireland.

Travelling in Europe We reveal Europe’s most interesting places for your next trip.

T R A V E L T I P S - S TAY I N G S A F E - U LT I M AT E D AY O U T - E L E C T R I C C A R S

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CONTENTS 5 SPELLBINDING SCENIC DRIVES

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SUMMER CAR EVENTS IN IRELAND FOR YOUR DIARY

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PLANNING THE ULTIMATE DAY OUT

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IRELAND’S BEST CYCLING ROUTES

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TOP 5 CYCLING ROUTES ABROAD

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HOW TO STAY SAFE ON YOUR IRISH ROAD TRIP

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TRAVELLING IN EUROPE: WHERE YOU SHOULD VISIT NEXT

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TOP TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR EUROPEAN GETAWAY

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5 spellbinding scenic drives

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Ireland’s known for its stunning scenery, and climbing into your car is one of the best ways to discover its unique landscapes.

While main roads and motorways link the major towns and cities, it’s well worth turning off the busiest thoroughfares to explore its more hidden and picturesque corners.

If you’re planning a road trip in Ireland, here are five routes that should give you all the inspiration you need.

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1.

2.

3.

WEXFORD TO WATERFORD, VIA THE RING OF HOOK ROAD

THE SKY ROAD, CONNEMARA

DUBLIN TO PORTLAOISE, THROUGH THE WICKLOW MOUNTAINS

Starting in the beautiful coastal town of

For tranquillity and charm, it’s hard to beat

The contrast from the busy Dublin streets

Wexford, this 95km route to Waterford

the Sky Road. This short 15km loop takes

to the remoteness and majesty of the

takes you via the rugged Hook Peninsula.

you on a journey along the sheltered

Wicklow Mountains is stark and only adds

Swept by wind and waves, this rocky

folds of the Connemara coast, offering

to the sense of wonder you feel as you

outcrop boasts dramatic views out to sea

sweeping vistas over the calm waters.

wind your way through this undulating

and at its tip, you’ll find the impressive

Look out for sights including Twelve Bens

terrain. It’s well worth taking a slight

Hook Lighthouse. Built in the 13th century,

inland and Inishturk.

detour to see Powerscourt Waterfall,

this black and white beacon is the world’s oldest working lighthouse.

which sits at the foot of the mountains Once you’ve completed the short drive,

and is the highest waterfall in the country.

you can carry on to Omey Island, which

This leafy, picture-perfect spot is the ideal

Once you reach Ballyhack on the western

is accessed by driving over a sandy

place to enjoy a pit stop and a picnic.

side of the peninsula, it’s a short hop

causeway from the Aughrus Peninsula.

across to Passage East by car ferry. If you

You’ll need to time your trip to coincide

On the road again, you’ll travel along

can, set aside some time to explore this

with low tide though if you want to take

the Sally Gap mountain pass, enjoying

small fishing village complete with its 15th-

this off-road adventure.

views over the surrounding valleys. At the

century castle.

village of Laragh, take the turning towards the Glendalough valley to discover one of Ireland’s best preserved monastic settlements. Founded in the sixth century, many of its buildings remain intact. You can then continue west to complete your journey in Portlaoise.

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4.

THE CAUSEWAY COAST

5.

FANAD PENINSULA

The Causeway Coastal Route is arguably one of the most

Donegal offers an array of beautiful drives, and one of the best

beautiful you’ll find anywhere in the world. Tracing the footsteps

provides spectacular vistas of the Fanad Peninsula and out to

of the mythical giant Finn McCool, it takes you past the famous

sea. Drive north from Letterkenny in a loop that takes you up

Giant’s Causeway. This Unesco World Heritage-listed wonder

to Fanad Head and back to Rathmullan via the Knockalla Coast

features 40,000 striking hexagonal columns formed from basalt.

Road.

Starting in Belfast, follow the coast and look out for highlights

The views across Ballymastocker Bay are incredible and if you

along the way including Carrickfergus Castle and the Gobbins,

have time, this is the ideal place to stop for a dip in the water. It’s

which is a cliff-face footpath that offers unparalleled views over

also well worth exploring the pretty heritage town of Rathmullan

the Antrim shoreline. Look out for the Dark Hedges too. Planted

nestled on the shores of Lough Swilly.

by the Stuart family in the 18th century, this beech tree-lined road is famed for its appearance in the HBO series Games of Thrones, where it doubled as The King’s Road.

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SUMMER CAR EVENTS IN IRE FOR YOUR DIARY

Summer car events in Ireland for y

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ELAND

your diary

If you’re keen to get out and about this summer, why not check out one of Ireland’s motoring events? From exhilarating rallies, to classic car shows, to family-friendly picnics, there is something going on for everyone to enjoy.

Keep reading for a round-up of this year’s hottest events...

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DONEGAL INTERNATIONAL RALLY

IRISH CLASSIC & VINTAGE MOTOR SHOW

When? 15th - 17th June

When? 1st July

Where? Mondello Park, Caragh,

Where? County Donegal

Where? Terenure College, Dublin

County Kildare

‘SPEED FREAKS’ CAR TRACK DAY When? 29th July

What is it?

What is it?

What is it?

The Donegal International Rally is one

This summer, Ireland’s largest classic

If you have a need for speed, head down

of the most challenging of its kind. Made

car show comes to Dublin for its 27th

to Mondello Park this summer for the

up of 20 special stages across County

year. The event offers fun for the whole

‘Speed Freaks’ Car Track Day. You can

Donegal, the rules are simple - the fastest

family. Your little ones can enjoy a large

visit the track’s pit and paddock area and

driver wins. Taking place on the wild

children’s play area while you indulge in

the on-site museum in between laps,

roads of the Donegal countryside, the

a variety of delicious foods and admire

and you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy

rally is expected to attract over 70,000

an impressive array of stunning vintage

free track tuition and a ‘Cars and Coffee’

spectators and 20,000 TV viewers,

and classic cars, including vehicles

meetup. There will also be a range of

making it an event you won’t want to miss.

from prestigious brands such as Jaguar,

additional activities for you to get involved

Porsche and Ferrari.

in, including an exciting BMW Driving

Want to know more?

Experience and hot lapping around the

Head over to the Donegal International

Want to know more?

Rally website for more information about

Entry is €15 for adults and €5 for children

how you can get involved.

under the age of 12. To book your tickets

Want to know more?

and find out more about the show, you

For €130 you can enjoy a full day on the

can check out the official website.

track. You can find out more about ticket

track with a trained performance driver.

prices and how to book on the Mondello Park site.

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IRISH VETERAN & VINTAGE CAR CLUB PICNIC

CANNONBALL IRELAND 2018

When? 19th August

When? 7th - 9th September

Where? Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, County Wicklow

Where? Various locations across Ireland

What is it?

What is it?

Held within the beautiful walled gardens of the historic

Cannonball is Europe’s largest organised road trip featuring

Powerscourt Estate, the Irish Veteran & Vintage Car Club Picnic

around 190 cars from some of the world’s leading manufacturers,

returns for its 41st year. At the event, over 100 of Ireland’s finest

including Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, Bentley and

classic cars are put on proud display, including a number of

Maserati. This year, over 150,000 people are expected to line the

vintage Triumph TR models. What’s more, you can dine alfresco

streets of Ireland as Cannonball blazes across various towns and

with your family and friends while taking in the beauty of the

counties with festivals and events taking place along the way.

estate’s impressive grounds and gardens.

Want to know more?

Want to know more?

The Cannonball website has everything you need to know,

You can find out more about the Irish Veteran & Vintage Car Club

including how you can enter your own car into the race.

and its summer events online.

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There might only be a relatively small number of electric cars on Ireland’s roads right now, but this mode of transport is definitely rising in popularity. If a prediction by Dutch bank ING is to be believed, all new cars sold in Europe will be electric by 2035 - so we can expect to see a lot more of these vehicles in action over the coming years.

If you’re keen to get ahead of the curve and enhance your green credentials by switching to electric, here are some tips you should bear in mind when you’re exploring Ireland.

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PLAN YOUR ROUTE Careful planning is the key to success in any road trip, but it’s especially important if you’re exploring the country by electric car. According to the Electricity Supply Board (ESB), there are currently approximately 1,200 public charging points available across the island of Ireland, so there’s no shortage of places where you can power up.

Before you set off, it’s a good idea to make a note of where you can find these charging stations, and to plan your route accordingly.

To see where you can find charging points, check out this interactive map from the ESB. You can also download the organisation’s ‘ecar connect’ app. A little forward planning doesn’t have to take much time or effort, and it can save you from disaster when you’re out and about on the roads.

UNDERSTAND YOUR CAR’S FEATURES Many electric cars come with features that are specifically designed to promote more efficient driving, so it’s well worth reading your vehicle manual so you’re up to speed on these functions. For example, you might have the option to switch on an eco mode, which can limit throttle and therefore lower the drawdown of energy used.

DON’T PUSH YOUR LUCK When you’re driving a conventional car, there’s usually a bit of flexibility when it comes to planning your refuelling stops. If the worst happens and you’re caught short, you can always get someone to come and top your tank up with petrol or diesel from a can. Of course, you can’t do this if you’re driving an electric car, so you’ll need to be more disciplined when it comes to scheduling stops. Always leave yourself a little leeway in case you need to re-route or you get stuck in traffic.

Whether you’re planning a holiday road trip or you simply fancy a day of driving, keeping these tips in mind should help you to make the most of your Irish adventure.

DRIVE EFFICIENTLY To help you get the maximum mileage from each charge, it pays to drive as efficiently as possible. For example, try to avoid hard braking and accelerating, and always read the road ahead to conserve momentum where you can. Avoid the temptation to drive fast too. High speeds raise the energy consumption in electric cars more than in conventional vehicles.

USE ACCESSORIES WITH CARE Think about how you use your accessories as well. Some ancillary features, like heating and air conditioning, can add 10 per cent or more onto the energy consumption of electric cars. As a general rule, if you want to cool down and you’re travelling below 45mph, it’s more efficient to open the window.

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Planning the ultimate day out

It has to be said that Ireland is one of the most interesting places in the world. It’s a country rich in art, history, music and much more, and there’s an endless list of things for you to do and see when you’re exploring the island.

To get the most out of your time spent in Ireland, why not check out one of its most popular attractions.

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IMMERSE YOURSELF IN IRISH HISTORY AT...

BLARNEY CASTLE AND THE BLARNEY STONE Known as one of Ireland’s greatest treasures, Blarney Castle is a sight to behold.

Built in 1446, the castle you see today is the third to have been erected on the site and it was constructed by Dermot McCarthy, the then King of Munster.

The castle boasts impressive ruins, a labyrinth of underground passages and of course, the famous Blarney Stone. Often referred to as the stone of eloquence, it’s thought that if you kiss the stone while hanging upside down, you’ll never be lost for words again, making it a must-do for the thousands of tourists who visit the castle each year.

How to get there Blarney Castle is located in Blarney Village, which is about five miles northwest of Cork city. If you’re travelling from Dublin, you’ll need to take the N8 motorway and follow the signs for Cork. From Shannon, follow the road to Limerick then signs for Mallow, turning off before Cork city.

GET LOST IN ART AT...

NATIONAL GALLERY OF IRELAND

CHANNEL YOUR INNER ROCK STAR AT...

WINDMILL LANE RECORDING STUDIOS

Since it was founded in 1854, the National Gallery of Ireland has been home to

Since it opened in 1978, Windmill Lane Recording Studios has welcomed a host of

the country’s national collection of Irish and European art. The gallery boasts

artists through its doors, from Irish talent including Sinéad O’Connor, The Script and

an impressive selection of paintings, with its Italian Baroque and Dutch masters

Van Morrison, to international stars such as Ellie Goulding, Ed Sheeran and Lady

artwork being among some of its most notable pieces.

Gaga. The studio is best known for being where famous Irish band U2 recorded a number of its most successful albums, such as ‘The Joshua Tree’ and ‘All That You

Entry into the gallery is free, and you can learn about a plethora of different artists

Can’t Leave Behind’.

and movements. You’ll also have chance to participate in a variety of tours, lectures and workshops, and you can checkout the Fine Art Library.

Today, it’s possible to arrange a guided tour of the studios. Simply make sure you book your space in advance and you can enjoy a free walkthrough of each of the

How to get there

three studios.

You can find the National Gallery of Ireland near Merrion Square in the heart of Dublin. There are a number of major roads running into the city centre, and the

How to get there

attraction is well signposted.

The original recording studio was demolished in 2015. You can now find the new building at 20 Ringsend Road in the heart of Dublin city centre. Follow the R140 on the south side of the River Liffey and you’ll find the studio near the Grand Canal.

RELISH A MOMENT OF RELAXATION AT...

MUCKROSS HOUSE Set against the stunning backdrop of Killarney National Park, Muckross House is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for the chance to relax and unwind. The nineteenth century Victorian mansion is open to the public throughout the year, offering guided tours of the grounds and gardens.

The house also has a restaurant, offering you the chance to enjoy the beautiful views across the Victorian walled gardens while having a bite to eat. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the Muckross traditional farms, which are situated within the grounds.

How to get there Muckross House can be found just over three miles from Killarney. From Dublin, you’ll need to take the M7 and follow signs for the town centre.

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ENJOY TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY AT...

DUBLIN ZOO Dublin Zoo welcomes arounds one million visitors through its gates each year. The zoo is made up of 28 hectares of gardens, lakes and natural habitats for over 400 animals, and it prides itself on its efforts to help protect many endangered and rare species.

Dublin Zoo offers an exciting, fun-filled day out for the whole family to enjoy. Aside from visiting the enclosures, there are a variety of events, talks and animal feeds happening on a daily basis that you can get involved in.

How to get there The zoo can be found in Phoenix Park near Dublin city centre. There are a number of major roads running into the city, and the attraction is well signposted.

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Ireland’s best cycling routes

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While the car provides you with a great way of taking in all that Ireland has to offer, a bike allows you to really appreciate the country’s beauty. However, before you get into the saddle, it’s worth knowing where you should head for.

For some inspiration on where your next bike ride should take you, keep reading...

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There is a huge network of waterways throughout Ireland, and if you’re keen to explore the countryside along the water’s edge on your bike, you should definitely head over to the Royal and the Grand the two canals that connect Dublin and Shannon. Even to the avid cyclist, the 120km route is a challenge, and the quality of the path along the canals varies along the way. However, this trail allows you to get away from the roads and traffic, making it a must do if you’re keen to rack up the miles during your ride while admiring the stunning scenery and calmness of the water.

How to get there The two canals can be found just outside of Dublin city centre by following the R148.

THE ROYAL AND GRAND CANAL

This trail is ideal if… you’re keen to pedal for miles and miles.

Known as the Inishowen 100, there is a superb 100 mile signposted tourist route around the entire Inishowen Peninsula.

While some choose to drive, this route is perfect for cyclists. The path passes most of the peninsula’s top attractions, including Fahan beach and golf course, Buncrana Town and the military museum of Dunree Fort. The Inishowen 100 can be completed in a single day if you really want, but it’s one that you could go back to time and time again - there’s just that much to see.

How to get there The route officially start at Bridgend, but you can join it any point. The peninsula can be found north of Londonderry.

INISHOWEN PENINSULA

Head here if… you want to take in stunning views while you ride.

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Neighboured by the more well known mountainous areas of Mweelrea and Croagh Patrick, the Sheeffry Hills are a hidden gem, offering cyclists an interesting and varied ride. This route allows you to take in some breathtaking mountain scenery without having to deal with too much of a climb. In fact, the first section of the path is relatively flat, giving you chance to warm up before taking on a slight incline at the Sheeffry Pass. From the top of the hills, you can take in the stunning views of the Ben Gorm and Partry mountains before heading back down the valleys.

How to get there The Sheeffry Hills are nestled deep in the County Mayo countryside, so it’s likely you’ll need a sat nav to get you where you

THE SHEEFFRY HILLS

need to be. The nearest main road is the N9.

The perfect route if… you don’t want too much of a climb.

Situated on the northern shore of Lough Derg in County Galway, Portumna Forest offers 450 hectares of beautiful terrain, which is perfect if you have a mountain bike. The park has multiple cycling trails for you to choose from, along which you can admire its various meadows, marshlands and ponds. You can take your pick from trails with wide, tarmacked paths for a smoother ride, as well as narrow, winding routes for something a little more challenging.

How to get there From Dublin, you’ll need to take the M4, then follow signs for the M6 and R355 to Galway. The park is well signposted.

PORTUMNA FOREST PARK A superb trail if… you have a mountain bike.

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TOP 5

Keen to take your cycling across the pond? Here’s where you’ll find some of best biking routes in the world...

CYCLE ROUTES ABROAD

s

1.

THE FRIENDSHIP HIGHWAY, CHINA

Taking you over the Gyatso La mountain pass, you m

lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Everest in the di weather is clear.

3.

4.

Riding the length of the Apennines in Italy is a challenge,

Cycling through the 3,000km

but well worth it. Starting off in Etna, the route sees you

views. This route takes you to

climb through Tuscany and Monte Cassino, finishing at the

the only place in the world wh

THE APENNINES, ITALY

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This 500 mile cycle route offers one of the most bea

Great St. Bernard path.

PAMPAS, ARGENTINA

autiful rides.

might be

istance if the

m grasslands of Pampas offers magnificent

2.

In the Noongar Aboriginal language, Munda Biddi

MUNDA BIDDI TRAIL, AUSTRALIA

literally means “path through the forest” - and it is just that. This 596 mile off-road route takes you through the wilderness from Perth to Albany.

5.

ALPE D’HUEZ, FRANCE Famous for its corkscrew climb and smooth bends, this route

o Ushuaia across the island Tierra del Fuego -

provides gorgeous views of the Oisans valley below. It’s just

here glaciers come down to sea level.

over 13.5km in distance with plenty of eateries to be found in the summit town if you fancy taking a pit stop before the descent.

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how to stay safe on your irish road trip

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To help you stay out of harm’s way when you’re travelling around Ireland, here are some simple but effective safety tips for your next road trip. We also reveal the results of a survey we conducted of 600 Irish motorists looking at people’s attitudes towards risk on the roads.

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DO SOME CAR SAFETY CHECKS BEFORE YOU SET OFF

TAKE PLENTY OF BREAKS

Before you embark on your adventure, it’s worth

it’s essential that you take plenty of rest breaks.

doing some basic safety checks on your car. Pay

Even if you’re trying to cover a lot of ground, According to figures cited by the Road Safety

particular attention to:

Authority, driver fatigue is a contributory factor in up

•

Tyre pressure

related accidents are three times more likely than

•

Tyre tread depth

•

Oil levels

•

Windscreen washer fluid levels

•

Wiper blades

•

Lights

to one in five driver deaths in Ireland, and tirednessother types of accident to be fatal or lead to serious injury.

Shockingly, nearly 18% of the people we polled said they’ve fallen asleep at the wheel.

So, don’t set off on a long journey if you’re feeling drowsy, and allow yourself plenty of stops along the way to get some fresh air and stretch your legs.

Where possible, stop when you want to eat rather than tucking into snacks en route. Although it’s not illegal to eat at the wheel, it could distract you and put you at greater risk of an accident. If you’re involved in an incident and you’re found to have been driving without due care and attention, you could land yourself in serious trouble.

Despite this, 43% of motorists we asked said they eat or drink behind the wheel.

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WATCH YOUR SPEED ON COUNTRY ROADS Lots of Ireland’s most scenic and interesting drives take you off the main highways and along country roads - so it’s important that you know how to stay safe on these winding lanes. The key to avoiding accidents on country roads is to watch your speed.

Bear in mind that the speed limit is there as a maximum, not a target.

You should be able to stop in the distance you can see ahead of you to be clear. So, even if you’re being tailgated by an impatient driver, resist the temptation to speed up.

Also, never overtake unless you’re completely sure it’s safe to do so, and avoid overtaking if you’re coming up to blind summits, bends, dips or junctions.

When you’re passing walkers, horse riders or cyclists, always reduce your speed and make sure you give them plenty of room.

KNOW THE RULES

PACK THE RIGHT GEAR

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

If you’re new to driving in Ireland, make sure you’re up

Before a long journey, it’s always worth making sure

The signs on Ireland’s roads have improved a lot over

to speed when it comes to the rules. Here are a few

you pack some essentials. For example, it’s useful

recent years, but some of the less travelled routes

you should be aware of:

to have drinks and snacks in your car in case of

are still not very well marked. This means it’s useful

a breakdown. Water’s especially important in hot

to plan your route in advance, making a note of any

weather.

towns or villages you need to pass through or near.

•

For fully licensed drivers, the drink drive limit is now 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

•

The speed limit is 120kph on motorways. This drops to 100kph on national roads, 80kph on regional and local roads and 50kph in built-up areas.

•

Make sure you have either an up-to-date map or If you have a spare tyre, make sure it’s pumped up

access to a sat nav too.

and you have the tools you need to change a tyre if necessary. Other handy items can include a torch,

As long as you bear suggestions like these in mind,

basic first aid kit and reflective vest and triangle.

you should be able to enjoy a safe and stress-free road trip.

You have to pay a toll to use some motorways.

In case the sun comes out, it’s important to have

Make sure you have some cash with you if you’re

sunglasses on standby so that your vision isn’t

travelling on these roads as cards aren’t always

affected by glare.

accepted.

21% of respondents said they don’t wear sunglasses while driving during the summertime - potentially putting themselves

Despite the fact it’s against the law not to

Reassuringly, only 2% of respondents said

wear a seatbelt in Ireland, 8% of the people

they would drink alcohol and drive, while

we polled revealed they only belt up on

34% stated they would drink alcohol as a

long journeys, while 2% said they don’t wear

passenger but never as a driver.

at a higher risk of suffering an accident on the roads.

seatbelts at all.

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WHERE YOU SHOULD VISIT NEXT

travelling in europe: where you should visit next

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It’s no secret that Europe is a huge continent, so knowing where you should jet off to next can be tricky. Here, we have the lowdown on some of the beautiful and interesting places you definitely won’t regret visiting... The below video provides some inspiration for the ultimate European road trip, take a look and see some of Europe’s most beautiful drives.

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Stretching along 50km of the southern Italian coastline, the Amalfi Coast boasts beauty around every twist and turn. The landscape is dotted with small, pastelcoloured towns and villages dramatically perched on rugged mountains above the azure sea.

The towns, which are some of Italy’s most picturesque, include Sorrento, Ravello, Positano and Amalfi itself, all of which are undeniably unique in their own right.

The Amalfi Coast is the perfect base for visiting a number of Italy’s most popular attractions. From the impressive Mount Vesuvius to Capri’s stunning Blue Grotto sea caves, there’s plenty to do and see when you’re not indulging in the local delicacies, which include the famous limoncello and

AMALFI COAST, ITALY

fresh seafood dishes.

While many tourists flock to the popular islands of Santorini and Mykonos, there’s something alluring about Greece’s mainland - particularly Athens. The country’s capital city offers plenty of things to see and do.

It’s packed full of ancient Greek monuments, with one of the most recognised being the Acropolis. Across the city, you’ll find a number of historic temples, libraries and bridges, as well as the National Archaeological Museum and the Acropolis Museum.

Athens is also known for its fantastic nightlife. You can take your pick from an array of restaurants and bars where you can drink Greek wine and enjoy lively music into the night.

ATHENS, GREECE 30

With its breathtaking beauty, Seville is an enticing holiday destination. The Spanish city is manageable in size, making it the perfect destination for a short getaway.

Seville is old and rich in history, yet modern and vibrant at the same time, offering you the best of both worlds.

The city boasts impressive historical monuments, including the Cathedral and Real Alcazar, while the futuristic Metropol Parasol landmark shows how this part of Spain is always moving forward.

You can explore the city at your own pace, discovering its charm around every corner. You could take yourself through the narrow alleyways of the Santa Cruz quarter, stumbling upon tapas bars as you go, or you could head down to Tablao Flamenco Los

SEVILLE, SPAIN

Gallos to watch authentic flamenco dancing.

Lisbon is overflowing with history, culture and fine foods. The Portuguese capital is a popular hotspot for tourists, especially since it offers a little bit of everything. The city itself is charming and interesting, and it’s situated a short distance from a plethora of beautiful sandy beaches.

Lisbon boasts stunning architecture, and you can take your pick from an array of museums, cathedrals and churches to visit.

You could also fit in a spot of shopping. The city is renowned for its leather products, ceramics and soaps.

Of an evening, you can relax at one of Lisbon’s many rooftop restaurants, giving you the perfect way to survey the city in all its glory. Check out Sky Bar at the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade for a view you won’t forget in a hurry.

LISBON, PORTUGAL 31

top travel tips for your european getaway

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If you’re heading off to an exciting European destination, there are a few travel tips you might want to bear in mind before and during your travels...

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DON’T FORGET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE While you might hope that your trip is perfect from start to finish, you never know what might happen. From lost luggage at the airport, to becoming ill while you’re away, to having your holiday cancelled altogether, there are a number of unfortunate situations that you could find yourself in.

Being caught out like this can be stressful enough without thinking about how much it might cost you to pick up the pieces. So, if you want to be able to enjoy your trip without having to worry about what may or may not happen, it’s essential that you purchase travel insurance. Having a policy in place can help absorb any unexpected costs during your holiday, meaning you’re not left out of pocket.

BE AWARE OF DAYTIME CLOSURES It could be said that the European lifestyle is relaxed. In fact, the pace is so laid back in certain countries that some businesses actually choose to close for a couple of hours during the day, whether it’s to take a much needed siesta or to enjoy a long lunch with family and friends.

As a result, you may find that a number of local restaurants, shops and attractions are not open in the early afternoon - usually between noon and 2pm - so bear this in mind when you’re planning your itinerary. Why not use this as a chance to take a moment and relax yourself?

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THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT WHEN YOU’RE GOING TO VISIT It’s no secret that there are certain months of year in which more people choose to travel. A lot of tourists prefer to get away during June, July and August as these months guarantee good weather, while families with children are often tied to this time of year due to school commitments. All of this means that places are generally busier.

If you’re able to, you might want to be more savvy in organising your trip and schedule to go away during the off-peak season. For example, many destinations are warm in early spring, such as April and May, and you could find that some places offer good weather in September and October. Aside from it being less busy, you should find that you’re able to save money too. More often than not, flights and accommodation are much cheaper when you book outside of the high season.

MAKE AN EFFORT WITH THE LOCAL LANGUAGE By no means are you expected to be fluent, but you might find it useful to brush up on the local language before you arrive at your destination. Simply knowing a few basic phrases could really help, and there’s no doubt that the locals will appreciate your efforts.

To get to grips with the lingo, you could invest in a phrase book or you could download language apps and podcasts to your phone or tablet.

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We hope it’s provided you with the inspiration you need to get the most out of your next travel adventure.

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