Custom Ireland Vacation Coaching

Product Description

You want to plan your own Ireland vacation, but need guidance.

Perfect!  There is nothing quite like planning your dream vacation.  But I know just how overwhelming planning a vacation to Ireland, be it your first or fifteenth, can be.  There is so much to see and do!

This is where Ireland vacation coaching can help.

We work together to plan your trip.  Unlike a travel agent selling a package vacation, I don’t receive a commission for booking you into a specific hotel or with a specific car company. I make recommendations based on your group’s likes, interests, goals, and budget.

We can start from scratch, beginning with your family’s interests, working up to attractions to visit and places to stay.  Or, if you have a list of “must see” attractions, we can lay out a plan to see as many as possible without making you feel rushed.

Every question you send over the coaching period will be answered; and as I get to know your family, I’ll be able to recommend activities, accommodations or attractions you didn’t know existed.

I’ll coach you in everything from attractions your family will love and transportation options to budgeting and lodging. When you’re happy with the plans we’ve laid out you will receive a detailed itinerary, filled with helpful tips, links, and maps to guide you as you explore Ireland.

What Travelers are Saying:

Dear Jody,

We got back from Ireland yesterday, and through my jet lag, I wanted to write you. I don’t even know if I have the words for what a spectacular vacation it was. We loved it–so much history and natural beauty, and the people could not have been friendlier everywhere we went. I don’t even think I’ve processed it all yet.

I wanted to thank you so sincerely for all of your help planning this amazing trip. I never would have known, on my own, where to go or how long to spend at each stop. You listened to our interests and planned a trip that worked perfectly for us. I loved arriving at each place and having a carefully edited list of possibilities to choose from. It made our trip all the more fun and less stressful. I’m so, so glad I found you online! I would recommend your services strongly to anyone wanting to go to Ireland. (And feel free to quote me!)

Scroll down to read more kind words about Ireland Vacation Coaching!

How I Coach

Ireland trip coaching begins with a 15-30 minute phone call. I use this time to get to know you and your group, to understand your trip goals, Ireland dreams, and any concerns you may have.

I follow the phone call with a summary email.  From this point, travel coaching takes place via email. This way you have everything in writing- including website links, phone numbers and email addresses.

Each coaching session lasts until you leave for your trip.  Of course the majority of the work takes place over the first week or two, but I am available to you until your flight lifts off (and even during your trip if need be!) to answer your questions, calm your nerves, or assist with last minute changes.

Cost for a coaching session is $250.

When you Purchase a Coaching Session

Send an email introducing yourself.  Please tell me:

• Number of days you’ll be in Ireland
• Family information; how many people, ages, relationship
• The dates, or preferred dates, of travel
• Your interests, must see destinations, and goals for this trip.
• Describe an ideal travel day so I get an idea of your travel pace.
• View the coaching calendar and choose the date for your phone call, as well as preferred time (please note time zone).

Because I personally handle all travel coaching, I accept a limited number of clients per month. Please view available coaching dates on the calendar.
Green= available Red= not available Orange= Available but limited times

Kind Words About Custom Ireland Vacation Coaching

a most amazing family adventure to this magical and special land

Thank you to Jody Halsted of Ireland Family Vacations for helping to plan a most amazing family adventure to this magical and special land! Our first visit - just right and I could not have found the places where we stayed and the variety - all great and just right for our family. Much gratitude, and so glad to spend time in this blessed land - the land and the people ... amazing!

Melinda Alcosser (traveled August 2015)

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2017-01-07T19:34:55+00:00

Melinda Alcosser (traveled August 2015)

Our first visit all great and just right for our family.

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/a-most-amazing-family-adventure-to-this-magical-and-special-land/

We had a fantastic trip. Thank you!!

We had a fantastic trip.  Thank you!!  We so appreciate all your guidance and suggestions.  Everything went smoothly.  Your advice about the car rental was spot on.  We got full insurance coverage, and while we survived without any scrapes, we were so glad that we had it.  The driving (particularly through KNP) was hair-raising!

We loved every minute of the trip.  Thank you again for all your help.  My kids want to know if you've ever been to Italy.  We're planning a trip for next summer and need a coach . . .

Thanks again,

Janea G (traveled August 2015)

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2017-01-07T19:25:05+00:00

Janea G (traveled August 2015)

Your advice about the car rental was spot on.

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/we-had-a-fantastic-trip-thank-you/

You helped us to remain realistic about time and the demands of travel with children.

Dear Jody,

 I am so grateful for the help you provided in planning my family trip to Ireland.  You offered support, information, and clarity throughout the process and I couldn’t have properly prepared for this holiday without it.  You helped us to remain realistic about time and the demands of travel with children.  Because of your support, I feel confident that our trip will be the best experience possible.

 Thank you so very much

Amy  (February 3, 2013)

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2017-01-07T19:37:25+00:00

Amy  (February 3, 2013)

Because of your support, I feel confident that our trip will be the best experience possible.

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/you-helped-us-to-remain-realistic-about-time-and-the-demands-of-travel-with-children/

It was truly an amazing experience to have our own castle!!!

Hi Jody,

Just arrived back in the US and got the kids settled in school.

I wanted to thank you for helping us pick such great locations in Ireland. We had such a wonderful trip thanks to your help. Our favorites were visiting the Blarney Gardens, staying at Parknasilla, flying arrows and Falcons., the medieval night at the castle, and most of all we LOVED staying at Knappogue Castle. The ladies at the castle were so wonderful and it was truly an amazing experience to have our own castle!!!

Thanks for everything! I will recommend you to friends!!

Jennifer R. (traveled August 2016)

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2017-01-07T18:40:22+00:00

Jennifer R. (traveled August 2016)

We had such a wonderful trip thanks to your help.

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/it-was-truly-an-amazing-experience-to-have-our-own-castle/

I have really LOVED this whole process.

I have really LOVED this whole process. I told my husband this has been so much more fun planning with you than our other trips I’m planning on my own.

Amy Burk (traveled February 2015)

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2017-01-07T19:44:13+00:00

Amy Burk (traveled February 2015)

so much more fun planning with you than our other trips I’m planning on my own

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/i-have-really-loved-this-whole-process/

Fun instead of anxiety-producing

Thank you, Jody. Traveling stresses me out so much, and being able to ask you questions and get your help really makes this process fun instead of anxiety-producing.

Laine L (traveling April 2017)

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2017-03-21T14:18:58+00:00

Laine L (traveling April 2017)

being able to ask you questions and get your help really makes this process fun instead of anxiety-producing.

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/fun-instead-of-anxiety-producing/

I’d say it was a win and your help was immense!

Everything was pretty good!  The timing was good, the hubby wanted to squeeze more in, but I think kids considered it was plenty.

Irish breakfasts are not for the faint of heart 😉 I only made it 3 days and then had to go back to a regular one! Bunratty Castle was awesome! Way better than expected, we had a blast there! Sorry this is all over the place, typing as I’m thinking, car rental- totally worth it. We stopped at the beach in Inch- amazing! I’m totally in love with Dingle. And Murphy’s ice cream- whoa. I could hurt myself there.  I’d say it was a win and your help was immense!

Thanks for everything!

Susanna (Traveled April 2013)

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2017-01-07T19:39:38+00:00

Susanna (Traveled April 2013)

The timing was good, the hubby wanted to squeeze more in, but I think kids considered it was plenty.

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/id-say-it-was-a-win-and-your-help-was-immense/

We now have a better understanding of why people should take their time seeing an area

We had a wonderful time, wished we could have stayed longer. We really appreciate all of your help it really worked out and we now have a better understanding of why people should take their time seeing an area.  We met so many people that were trying to see the entire island in 1 week.  So much driving and I do not know how they would have had a chance to really see it.  We spent 3 days just doing different angles of Killarney National Park and Gap of Dunloe.

Robin H. (traveled March 2016)

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2017-01-07T19:14:51+00:00

Robin H. (traveled March 2016)

We really appreciate all of your help it really worked out

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/we-now-have-a-better-understanding-of-why-people-should-take-their-time-seeing-an-area/

Accurate, honest guidance every stretch of the trip

Jody, we can NEVER thank you enough for the accurate, honest guidance every stretch of the trip.

Including your final, never truer, well-wishes to "just have fun! Follow the road less traveled and any signs that might lead you to something that could be the most memorable part of your trip."

Michelle C. (traveled August 2015)

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2017-01-07T19:11:32+00:00

Michelle C. (traveled August 2015)

we can NEVER thank you enough

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/accurate-honest-guidance-every-stretch-of-the-trip/

Ireland Family Vacations coaching services were the best thing we could do!

I found Ireland Family Vacations while googling Ireland with kids and trying to figure out if I should travel with my one year old or put it off a couple of years.

Jody Halsted from Ireland Family Vacations quickly provided reassurance and guidance even before we decided to hire her coaching services and promptly responded to emails and enquiries then and therafter.

Her coaching services were the best thing we could do! Ireland is a must for fun not just for adults for kids too and maybe more than other European destinations. Jody provided useful references and to- dos which made us feel we had a guide "on- site". I was working in Dublin most of the time so I needed to feel sure that my husband and kid would be well and having fun.

She provided detailed itineraries for us to chose and contact info for services providers. Jody called on our behalf where needed.

There were many things to love from/ in Ireland just to name a few:

-Dublins overall friendliness, pubs and child friendly places(most) and willing to do a puree for my son( even if at a cost some wont in Paris or elsewhere ever!). The city is lovely!

-Galway indeed a walkable city, try a B&B with a lovely Irish host in Cork thanks to Jody all walking distance( we would have difficulties guaranteeing otherwise!).

- Cliffs of Moher though windy !

- Rock Museum in Dublin. My hub is a fan!!

- Leisureplex zoo in Dublin and Monkey Maze in Cork (baby loved it)  and Dublin Zoo.

- Jack Hayden Tours and The Malton Hotel in Killarney. Jack was responsive and our driver Eric a truly wonderful guide that took us through castles, sea and a chocolate factory. Best view of Skellig Michael! The Malton felt like a castle or old State House with a leisure pool that won our baby. Service wowed. Best place to end our short vacay after my work duties concluded!

Forever thankful Jody!

Diana F

Traveled November 2016

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2017-07-29T15:43:04+00:00

Diana F

Traveled November 2016

Jody provided useful references and to- dos which made us feel we had a guide "on- site".

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/ireland-family-vacations-coaching-services-were-the-best-thing-we-could-do/

Our trip was magical and perfect, thanks to Jody!

Jody's advice through IrelandFamilyVacations.com was so valuable for our trip in the summer of 2016.  Our trip was magical and perfect, thanks to Jody!  Not only is the website full of helpful information...Jody promptly responded to our specific questions via e-mail.  She even generously analyzed our proposed itinerary, saving us from making mistakes like trying to see too many things each day and driving too much (especially with kids)! We can't thank Jody enough for sharing her wisdom and passion about Ireland!  Trust me...use Jody's service and your family will have the trip of a lifetime!

Aimee M. (traveled July 2016)

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2017-01-07T18:38:12+00:00

Aimee M. (traveled July 2016)

Trust me... use Jody's service and your family will have the trip of a lifetime!

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/our-trip-was-magical-and-perfect-thanks-to-jody/

We could not have figured this out without you!

You have done an amazing job helping us plan. You have gone over and above anything I ever expected with helping us plan and we could not have figured this out without you!

Kim S (traveling in April 2016)

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2017-01-07T19:29:08+00:00

Kim S (traveling in April 2016)

You have gone over and above anything I ever expected

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/we-could-not-have-figured-this-out-without-you/

having you as a sounding board helps me “herd the cats”

... one of the things I like about your service is having you as a sounding board helps me "herd the cats" as it were. The ideas and options are swirling around and I can type it out, get your feedback, and then the random ideas and options can be better corralled into a reasonable plan...so {the suggestion that came out of left field} was just an escaping cat thing (hope that makes sense!)

Nicole M.

Traveling June 2017

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2017-04-21T20:53:40+00:00

Nicole M.

Traveling June 2017

one of the things I like about your service is having you as a sounding board helps me "herd the cats" as it were

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/having-you-as-a-sounding-board-helps-me-herd-the-cats/

Having someone who knows the ins and outs of the place we are visiting is invaluable.

I finally have read the entire itinerary for our Ireland trip.  It has so much information.  I am so glad I used your service, as I know I have saved time and money.  Having someone who knows the ins and outs of the place we are visiting is invaluable.

Our trip has been planned for Ireland and I have you to thank.  It has been a great experience working with you.  I will let you know all about our trip after we arrive home.  The hard part is having to wait seven more weeks until we leave for our trip.

Nancy M (Traveled March, 2014)

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2017-01-07T19:41:16+00:00

Nancy M (Traveled March, 2014)

I am so glad I used your service, as I know I have saved time and money.

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/having-someone-who-knows-the-ins-and-outs-of-the-place-we-are-visiting-is-invaluable/

This made our experience in Ireland the most amazing, least stressful, and awesome vacation ever!

Before embarking on our vacation to Ireland I spent hours and hours looking into places to stay and places to visit.  There were so many options that it overwhelmed and stressed me out because I didn't know which ones were best and different sites recommended different places.  So I decided to do something I've never done before and hired a travel coach, Jody Halsted.  I didn't know her and had no idea what to expect; I just knew I needed help to make the most out of this once in a lifetime vacation opportunity.

Jody was amazing!!!  She has been to this country herself so has first hand knowledge on top places to visit and out of the way, not as well known gems to visit.  She knew people personally who ran expeditions and ran bed and breakfasts so we knew we were in good hands from her firsthand knowledge.  This made our experience in Ireland the most amazing, least stressful, and awesome vacation ever!  I HIGHLY recommend her to anyone looking for help in finding the best places to visit while on your trip.

Thanks so much Jody.  You are a gem!

Helena H. Traveled June 2014

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2017-01-07T19:22:27+00:00

Helena H. Traveled June 2014

Thanks so much Jody. You are a gem!

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/this-made-our-experience-in-ireland-the-most-amazing-least-stressful-and-awesome-vacation-ever/

Thanks again for all your assistance and great advice. It really made the vacation.

The trip was fantastic even with the luggage delay for three days (was delivered to our first B&B) {after flight to Ireland was cancelled}. Everything went as planned and we saw all that we had scheduled. Had a great first taste of the country, stout, whiskey, cuisine and culture and will do it again in the future. Thanks again for all your assistance and great advice. It really made the vacation.

Ian & Tara T. (Traveled August 2016

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2017-01-07T19:08:16+00:00

Ian & Tara T. (Traveled August 2016

Everything went as planned and we saw all that we had scheduled.

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/thanks-again-for-all-your-assistance-and-great-advice-it-really-made-the-vacation/

how wonderful our trip was thanks especially to your excellent advice and help

Hi Jody,
Just wanted to say how wonderful our trip was when we finally got to Ireland [after a flight cancellation], thanks especially to your excellent advice and help.

My husband has gotten so interested in my stories that he suggested we go there ourselves next year for our 40th wedding anniversary. This is really a big deal for him since he hates to fly. So I'm already checking flight deals. This time I want to take your original advice to fly to Shannon...

Janet H (traveled in June 2015)

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2017-01-07T19:33:04+00:00

Janet H (traveled in June 2015)

My husband has gotten so interested in my stories that he suggested we go there ourselves

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/how-wonderful-our-trip-was-thanks-especially-to-your-excellent-advice-and-help/