As a frequent yet somewhat anxious air traveler, every time the plane takes off, I experience a wave of nervousness despite taking multiple flights annually. This feeling is shared by many, with statistics from TUI indicating that one in 10 individuals suffer from aerophobia, the fear of flying. Consequently, there has been a notable increase in interest in road trips as an alternative travel option. Following a turbulent flight earlier this year, I suggested to my partner John the idea of embarking on a road trip for our next family holiday.
With our two children, five-year-old Molly and one-year-old Poppy, John initially hesitated at the proposal, given our reliance on our well-worn 4×4 vehicle. However, when Skoda offered to lend us the ideal road trip vehicle, the Kodiaq vRS, his enthusiasm quickly grew. The spacious Kodiaq effortlessly accommodated our luggage, including a pram, two suitcases, numerous teddy bears, and countless nappies, with room to spare for our wine supplies for the French destination we were heading to.
Setting off from our residence in Manchester, our journey took us to Devon for an overnight stay at Boringdon Hall hotel before boarding a ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff, en route to Benodet, a charming seaside town in northwestern France. As we traveled south in the comfortable Kodiaq, with John driving and me attending to our children’s needs, the car’s thoughtful design features, such as the backseat phone holder and snack tray, kept our little ones content throughout the journey.
After a six-hour drive, with a brief stop for a diaper change, we arrived at Boringdon Hall for our overnight stay. Situated near Plymouth in Plympton, this 16th-century Grade 1 listed manor house offered picturesque courtyard family rooms and a luxurious GAIA spa with a range of spa treatments. The expansive lawn with recreational games like badminton and croquet, coupled with the delightful Teddy Bear’s Picnic afternoon tea, made our stay enjoyable for both adults and children alike.
Leaving the following day to catch the ferry, we transitioned smoothly from the road to the sea with the Skoda’s versatile features, including a convenient front screen that doubled as entertainment for our youngest. Arriving in Benodet after a scenic drive, we settled in at Le Port de Plaisance, a Five Star Village Plus Eurocamp site, which evoked nostalgic memories for many, including myself, of past vacations spent at similar sites across France.
Our time at Eurocamp was filled with seaside adventures, visits to local amenities, and leisurely pool days, making it unnecessary to use the car for local travel. The revamped pool area, diverse dining options, and engaging activities on-site provided ample entertainment for all family members. A quick detour in the Skoda allowed us to explore nearby antique shops and bring back a treasured painting, a luxury afforded by traveling with our own vehicle.
Reflecting on our journey, filled with memorable experiences and newfound treasures, I expressed to John my newfound appreciation for road trips over air travel. While air travel may not be completely off the table, the flexibility and convenience of having a car opened up a myriad of possibilities for our family’s future travel adventures. Our road trip was a resounding success, and we eagerly anticipate embarking on similar journeys in the future, albeit perhaps not in our trusty 4×4.
Parenting expert Kirsty Ketley offers valuable tips for families embarking on road trips, emphasizing the importance of planning, entertainment, safety measures, and preparedness to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. The Skoda Kodiaq vRS, starting at £53,690, and Eurocamp accommodations like Le Port de Plaisance offer affordable and family-friendly options for memorable vacations.
