Taking the car with us

The big headache at the moment is the difficulties we've encountered with deciding to take the car with us for our trip.  A couple of months ago we spent several weekends trying to decide whether to take the Prius or swap it for another car with more space.   The Prius is restricted in space as the boot has the battery in it, and we can't tow anything as the hybrid engine might overheat.  After much research and test driving ........ we decided that financially it was better to keep the Prius and we know, although it is not that new, that it is reliable. 
So, to increase the space we bought roof bars and a roof box - not the largest one, as the funny shape of the roof meant it was too big.  We got Halfords to fit it as I wasn't sure we'd manage on our own! 
Then I contacted the insurance people who said they would only cover abroad for a maximum of 90 days, after speaking to an insurance broker, it was clear we'd have to get Slovenian car insurance once we got there - that will be fun with our Slovenian!
Now I've started worrying about the car tax, which is due at the end of October.  After a discussion with the DVLA, they suggested we get car tax now, and get a refund on the previous disc  (not really worth it on £15).  Also, the MOT runs out at the end of next April, so we won't be legal driving back into the country next May.  So we'll have to sort out another MOT in June to last until next year!  Plus, I've contacted the AA about european breakdown insurance which is expensive for the long trip we want to do, but at least we can put our British AA cover on hold while we are away.
Also, I've discovered there are all sorts of issues driving the car in europe - compulsory items that we have to carry such as breathylsers in France, first aid kit, warning triangle etc - so I've ordered a european travel kit from amazon.   Plus, in certain countries you have to have a vignette before driving on the motorways.  Switzerland is expensive, so we'll avoid going there.  Austria and Slovenia you have to buy one as you cross into the country.  France is just paying the tolls and Germany is free.
What a lot of hassle for taking our car abroad!