Last year we were struggling to decide on where to go for our summer holiday and so started a list that grew and grew into what has now turned out to be our first month long road trip around Europe.

We are starting by driving our car via the Eurotunnel to Mannheim in Germany to pick up our VW campervan from McRent then staying at Europa theme park for a couple of days. From there for spanning over 30 days we are visiting Munich, Salzberg, Vienna, Venice, Verona, Imola, Florence, Siena, Pisa, Rome, Lake Garda, Lauterbrunnen, Stasbourg and then the final weekend at the Spa Grand Prix in Belgium before heading home via Tyne Cot and the Menin Gate.

Its not just about the places either as we have several things to tick off our bucket lists. So I’ve planned surprises for Tonya, Robert and Hannah as mine was to return to Spa. I last went with Tonya in 2010 and promised I would be back with the kids. After sitting at Eau Rouge last time I’ve plumped for Gold 8 seats  which allows us to see the first corner and the cars heading up Eau Rouge in the distance. There is something quite magical about seeing an F1 car buzzing through the Ardennes forest. I’ve put Imola in on the schedule when travelling from Verona to Florence as I want to visit Senna’s memorial after seeing the tribute to him at Spa.

I am especially looking forward to Switzerland after remembering a brief camping trip there as a child on our way to the south of France. I decided on Lauterbrunnen as its perfectly located for Jungfraujoch and the campsite has absolutely stunning views.

The best thing about this road trip is that its not just where you are but who you travel with. I couldn’t pick a better set of travel companions than my wife Tonya and kids Robert (age 10) and Hannah (age 9). I know Robert’s inquisitive mind will ask the tour guides a million questions while Hannah has absolutely no fear and will throw herself into the whole trip whilst doing a cartwheel wherever she can.

A big thanks to my Mum and Dad who are house and dog sitting Cassie for the first couple of weeks before Phil takes over for the last two. I know they will completely spoil our little Westie.

So much to see that we cannot wait to get started!

Simon