Road trips - Travel Vixta

13 Day UK to Spain & Portugal Family Road Trip Costs

UK to Spain and Portugal Family Road Trip Cost Breakdown (13 Days)

Published on April 30, 2026April 30, 2026 by VictoriaLeave a comment

13 days.
1982 miles.
48 hours of driving.
42 hours on a ferry.
5 beautiful locations.

We recently returned from a UK to Spain and Portugal road trip, travelling by ferry with our own car and staying in a mix of coastal and rural locations.

One of the biggest questions when planning a trip like this is simple: how much does it actually cost?

So here’s our full, honest breakdown.

This isn’t a stripped-back budget or a luxury getaway. It’s what we really spent as a family of four, balancing comfort, convenience and cost while travelling and working remotely.

This UK to Spain and Portugal family road trip cost breakdown includes ferry, accommodation, food, fuel and tolls over 13 days.

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13 Day European Family Road Trip Diary Overnight Ferry Portugal Spain

13 Day European Family Road Trip Diary: Overnight Ferry, Portugal and Spain

Published on April 30, 2026April 30, 2026 by VictoriaLeave a comment

13 days.
1982 miles.
48 hours of driving.
42 hours on a ferry.
5 very different locations.

This trip was a mix of everything, long travel days, quiet coastal villages, mountain stays, and one standout city stop.

We travelled from the UK to Spain by ferry, drove through Portugal and back across Spain, and returned the same way.

Here’s how it all played out, day by day.

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13 Day Europe Family Road Trip Planner: UK to Spain and Portugal

Published on April 30, 2026April 30, 2026 by VictoriaLeave a comment

If you’re thinking about driving from the UK to Spain and Portugal, it can feel like a big trip to plan.

Where do you stop?
How long should you allow?
And is it actually doable as a family?

We recently did this exact route over 13 days, combining an overnight ferry with a mix of coastal and mountain destinations.

We’re a family of four, and on this trip, our daughter was 13 (almost 14), and our son had recently turned 11.

Most of the trip worked out well, but there are definitely things we’d do differently next time.

Here’s the full itinerary, plus what to expect along the way.

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What to Keep in Your Glovebox: My UK Glovebox Organisation & Essential Checklist for Travellers

Published on September 15, 2025September 15, 2025 by Victoria1 Comment

Keeping your car’s glove box neat and well-stocked can make every journey smoother. From unexpected emergencies to everyday conveniences, knowing what to keep in your glovebox ensures you’re always prepared.

A few simple essentials can save you time, reduce stress, and even help in tricky situations on the road. Read on to see how I organised my glovebox here in the UK and discover a handy checklist of essential items you may want to include in yours.

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How To Make a Road Trip With the Whole Family Stress Free

Published on September 17, 2024June 30, 2025 by Victoria1 Comment

Planning a family road trip can be exciting but also challenging. Travelling with friends might be spontaneous and carefree, but family trips require careful planning to cater to different ages, preferences, and needs. From choosing the right accommodation and transport to managing everyone’s expectations, a well-planned trip can make the journey enjoyable for all.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how to make a family road trip less stressful. With tips on selecting the best accommodation, organising the journey, keeping everyone entertained, and preparing for emergencies, you’ll be well-equipped to create a smooth and memorable experience for the whole family.

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Europe family road trip day 4 – Soltau, Germany

Best Vegan Road Trip Food Ideas (with No Fridge)

Published on September 17, 2022March 30, 2026 by Victoria4 Comments

If you need vegan road trip food ideas that don’t need a fridge, then we have been there, and I have so many suggestions for you!

On our family European road trip, we travelled 1700 miles across Europe in our Mazda Bongo. The longest nonstop drive was 10 hours! As a family of vegans (2 adults and 2 young kids), we had to come up with lots of vegan road trip snacks, main meal vegan food ideas and packed lunchboxes that didn’t need refrigeration.

Our Bongo is not a converted campervan and still a multi-person vehicle, so we only had a cool box at the time, which wouldn’t keep food cold for long after we set off from our home in the UK. We have since installed a solar panel and purchased a camping fridge which we can put in the boot, but on this road trip we didn’t have this so we had to be inventive with our food choices.

So, what food could we take to make meals on the go that didn’t need to stay cold for long?! And, for young kids as well as adults?

If you’re looking for vegan road trip food ideas that don’t need a fridge, read on as I share a huge list of road trip food ideas based on what we took with us!

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What are the pros and cons of a campervan honeymoon?

Published on August 26, 2022February 26, 2026 by BenLeave a comment

Have you finally decided to tie the knot with that special someone? If so, it’s always important to plan an unforgettable honeymoon. While some couples prefer traditional honeymoons, others may instead think outside the box. Why not instead take a road trip to far-off lands with the help of a campervan?

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Buying a campervan or campervan rental: which is better?

Published on June 27, 2022September 5, 2025 by BenLeave a comment

Is it worth investing in a campervan? With the summer months upon us, you might have the campervan bug and be itching to explore coastal routes or mountainous landscapes whilst experiencing #vanlife, but is it worth the investment?

Should you opt for a campervan rental for the summer season instead? Which is better?

Let’s consider whether the commitment to buying a campervan is right for you.

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