Custom Ireland Vacation Coaching

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 $300.

After Purchasing a Coaching Session you will be taken to the order confirmation page. Under Order Details is the link to book your phone consultation.  Please do book your consultation as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

The link will also be in your email receipt.

Because I personally handle all travel coaching, I accept a limited number of clients per month. Be sure to book your consultation as soon as possible.

Kind Words About Custom Ireland Vacation Coaching

Best vacation ever!

Dear Jody, I want to tell you how thankful I am to you for your itinerary. This trip was a dream come true. We saw everything we wanted to see and then some. We were never over whelmed. We embraced every moment. Every day was an adventure. Found a beautiful chocolate shop going up to Galway going through the Burren, wonderful meals in Killarney. The hotels were all 5*. All the castles, Gap of Dunloe, the ring of Kerry, torc waterfalls, so so many place. No regrets,and so definitely going back again.  Thank you so much, and my husband drove like he was born there, he even drive on roads they call the Virge, with the grass in the middle. Best vacation ever!

Thank you for all you do, you are priceless.

Cindy S. (traveled August 2018)

Ireland Vacation Coaching

5.0

2018-12-22T16:45:41+00:00

Cindy S. (traveled August 2018)

This trip was a dream come true. We saw everything we wanted to see and then some.

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/best-vacation-ever/

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/

Your help was so important in getting our plans off the ground.

Our trip was wonderful. We were able to see the sites and places we wanted to and enjoyed the different places we stayed and people we met. We visited Killarney's Gap of Dunloe, Inis Mor, Dun Aegnus, Hill of Tara, Newgrange and went on a walking tour of Dublin. I also set danced at the Killarney Grand, and walked to and found the church my great grandfather was baptized.
Your help was so important in getting our plans off the ground. We learned quite a bit from you in terms of deciding and focusing on what we wanted to see, in the time we had. You also answered nuts and bolts questions which was terrific assistance for us.
Thanks for your insights and suggestions as we planned our memorable trip.

Kelly L (traveled May 2018)

Ireland Vacation Coaching

5.0

2018-12-22T10:04:49+00:00

Kelly L (traveled May 2018)

Our trip was wonderful. We were able to see the sites and places we wanted to and enjoyed the different places we stayed and people we met.

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/your-help-was-so-important-in-getting-our-plans-off-the-ground/

(Our trip) never could have been so successful without all of your generous advice and helpful planning.

We DID have an amazing trip!!!  We can't thank you enough for all of your hard work helping us make it a reality. It never could have been so successful without all of your generous advice and helpful planning. We're SO SO grateful to you for all of your help and we can't wait to go back to Ireland!!

Elisa U

Traveled July 2017

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2017-11-12T08:07:44+00:00

Elisa U

Traveled July 2017

We're SO SO grateful to you for all of your help and we can't wait to go back to Ireland!!

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/our-trip-never-could-have-been-so-successful-without-all-of-your-generous-advice-and-helpful-planning/

Lifetime memories made, and the kids enjoyed it as much as we did.

[Ireland] was absolutely amazing and I cannot thank you enough for all you did to help steer us in the right direction!  Lifetime memories made, and the kids enjoyed it as much as we did.  My 7 year old says he wants to move to Ireland!

Madeline S

Traveled August 2017

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2017-11-12T08:10:02+00:00

Madeline S

Traveled August 2017

I cannot thank you enough for all you did to help steer us in the right direction

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/lifetime-memories-made-and-the-kids-enjoyed-it-as-much-as-we-did/

We absolutely Loved it all!!!

My kids loved it and so did we-  we did so many fun things, but the trip was paced out perfectly for us, so we never felt like we tried to do too much.

Thank you again for helping to plan the perfect kid friendly vacation. I have been tauting your services as the best decision we made when planning our trip to Ireland!

Many thanks!!!

Jonathan & Katie S.

traveled April 2018

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2018-04-16T08:07:40+00:00

Jonathan & Katie S.

traveled April 2018

My kids loved it and so did we-  we did so many fun things, but the trip was paced out perfectly for us

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/we-absolutely-loved-it-all/

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/

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/

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/

The trip exceeded our expectations

I'm back at work after an amazing trip, but I think my mind is still in Ireland. The trip exceeded our expectations and I'll have to go back and take my husband some day.

Thanks so much for helping me plan the trip. It was so nice to have a plan, which made the trip go more smoothly. You gave me some great tips. I see why you are so passionate about Ireland.

Laura G

Traveled June 2017

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2017-11-12T07:57:09+00:00

Laura G

Traveled June 2017

The trip exceeded our expectations and I'll have to go back and take my husband some day.

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/the-trip-exceeded-our-expectations/

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/

We are back from Ireland, and it was – truthfully – the best trip we have yet taken as a family!

We are back from Ireland, and it was - truthfully - the best trip we have yet taken as a family! For the type of trip where you can comfortably bring the kids along and know that they will have things they like to do and food that's appealing to them, Ireland was fantastic! We really managed to do so much, and I was so impressed at how well the kids handled everything and how engaged they were the whole time. There was zero whining about wanting to go home or missing their ipads or toys. In fact, my son says he wants to move there someday!

Tara L (traveled May 2018)

Ireland Vacation Coaching

5.0

2018-12-22T10:48:34+00:00

Tara L (traveled May 2018)

For the type of trip where you can comfortably bring the kids along and know that they will have things they like to do and food that's appealing to them, Ireland was fantastic!

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/we-are-back-from-ireland-and-it-was-truthfully-the-best-trip-we-have-yet-taken-as-a-family/

We knew we must get in touch with her to help plan our first trip to Ireland

After finding Jody Halsted’s website and Facebook page “Ireland Family
Vacations,” we knew we must get in touch with her to help plan our first
trip to Ireland. We based our trip on one of Jody’s itineraries, and had
her customize it for us. We had a zillion questions, and Jody was able to
give us great, practical advice via phone and email. As parents of young
children, we trusted Jody’s recommendations, as she has travelled with
her own children in Ireland for years. We had an amazing trip this
spring, and have already discussed what we want to do next time. Not
only did Jody get in touch a few weeks before our departure to answer
any last minute questions, but she also followed up after our return
home. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Jody, and will be in touch
with her the next time we plan to visit a different region of Ireland.

Anna & Ryan W (traveled spring 2018)

Ireland Vacation Coaching

5.0

2018-12-22T09:59:41+00:00

Anna & Ryan W (traveled spring 2018)

We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Jody, and will be in touch with her the next time we plan to visit a different region of Ireland.

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/we-knew-we-must-get-in-touch-with-her-to-help-plan-our-first-trip-to-ireland/

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/

It almost seems kind of surreal that we were there.

Thank you for all the advice, tidbits, and cautions!   It was a wonderful vacation!   Our weather was fabulous -- we'll have a skewed view of Irish weather norms.

Thank you for all your advice and tips.  It was really helpful and made the trip easier and less stressful!

Mary M

Traveled June 2017

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2017-11-12T07:44:05+00:00

Mary M

Traveled June 2017

Thank you for all the advice, tidbits, and cautions!   It was a wonderful vacation!   Our weather was fabulous -- we'll have a skewed view of Irish weather norms. Thank you for all your advice and tips.  It was really helpful and made the trip easier and less stressful!

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/it-almost-seems-kind-of-surreal-that-we-were-there/

We thoroughly enjoyed all of the places and activities that you suggested

Hi Jody,

I just wanted to let you know that we had a great time in Ireland! Most everything worked out perfectly, and we thoroughly enjoyed all of the places and activities that you suggested. We followed much of what you included in our itinerary - it was a great help.

Our older daughter's favorites were the falconry and sheep dog demonstrations, and our younger daughter loved the Tera Nova fairy garden. But the highlight was definitely our stay at Knappogue Castle.

Thanks again for all of your help!

Adam J. (traveled July 2018)

Ireland Vacation Coaching

5.0

2018-12-22T16:52:10+00:00

Adam J. (traveled July 2018)

The highlight was definitely our stay at Knappogue Castle.

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/we-thoroughly-enjoyed-all-of-the-places-and-activities-that-you-suggested/

I can’t recommend enough about the trip and your service!

Our trip was fabulous. It was extremely easy to use trains and buses and you made it quite simple by laying it all out on our itinerary. Everyone at train and bus stations were remarkably helpful and the online tool was super simple to use.

I can't recommend enough about the trip and your service! I would recommend you to anyone and I definitely think you should charge more 🙂

Linda M.

Traveled June 2017

Ireland Vacation Coaching

2017-11-12T07:47:16+00:00

Linda M.

Traveled June 2017

Our trip was fabulous. It was extremely easy to use trains and buses and you made it quite simple by laying it all out on our itinerary. Everyone at train and bus stations were remarkably helpful and the online tool was super simple to use. I can't recommend enough about the trip and your service! I would recommend you to anyone and I definitely think you should charge more 🙂

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/i-cant-recommend-enough-about-the-trip-and-your-service/

Jody helped us find some great kid friendly spots that we likely would have missed on our own.

My family & I recently returned from a magical trip to Ireland. We spent several months planning the trip with Jody as our “coach”. The whole process was so much fun! Jody was always very quick to respond to our emails, and she offered quite a few tips that made the trip easier & often more affordable. We found the lodging recommendations were perfect for our family of five. With 3 kids aged 10 & under, she helped us find some great kid friendly spots that we likely would have missed on our own. She gave some wonderful advice regarding restaurants, too! I would highly recommend working with Jody in planning a trip to Ireland. I also highly recommend her website and the podcasts. I was only able to listen to a few of the podcasts, but Jody’s enthusiasm for Ireland becomes contagious! Ireland is a great place to take young children. We found plenty of beautiful beaches and fantastic playgrounds. My kids especially enjoyed meeting children from all over the world. Jody, thank you again.

Scott S (traveled June 2018)

Ireland Vacation Coaching

5.0

2018-12-22T10:14:35+00:00

Scott S (traveled June 2018)

Ireland is a great place to take young children. We found plenty of beautiful beaches and fantastic playgrounds. My kids especially enjoyed meeting children from all over the world.

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/jody-helped-us-find-some-great-kid-friendly-spots-that-we-likely-would-have-missed-on-our-own/

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/

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/

Our trip was amazing!

Hi Jody! Our trip was amazing!  Thank you so much for your help and guidance.

We LOVED LOVED LOVED the glamping…all the other places were great too, but the glamping was our favorite and the couple who run the spot were so lovely.  It was such a treat.

Shannon L. (traveled June 2018)

Ireland Vacation Coaching

5.0

2018-12-22T16:54:06+00:00

Shannon L. (traveled June 2018)

Hi Jody! Our trip was amazing!  Thank you so much for your help and guidance. We LOVED LOVED LOVED the glamping…all the other places were great too, but the glamping was our favorite and the couple who run the spot were so lovely.  It was such a treat.

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/our-trip-was-amazing/

Ireland is the first travel that I want to go back to because you offered just exactly the right options.

From the first hour-long phone chat with you, asking about out style of traveling, to the last day we were reluctant to leave… Ireland is the first travel that I want to go back to because you offered just exactly the right options. We could not hit all but you gave us the best non-touristy+MUST-SEE-TOURISTY-sights along with hidden gems made for a spectacular trip. Thank you very much for making our trip so very special!

Beverly P., Carol T. and Patrick W. (traveled September 2018)

Ireland Vacation Coaching

5.0

2018-12-22T16:39:00+00:00

Beverly P., Carol T. and Patrick W. (traveled September 2018)

Thank you very much for making our trip so very special!

https://store.irelandfamilyvacations.com/testimonials/ireland-is-the-first-travel-that-i-want-to-go-back-to-because-you-offered-just-exactly-the-right-options/

5

8