is anybody else, on the fence wether or not too book a french holiday because of the never ending rule changes re covid etc,
just want to get on the tunnel and go where we want when we want,
we did manage a couple of weeks in august 2020 but it didnt feel the same vibe, brexit followed by covid has really scuppered our plans,
last year we had every campsite booked for our 3,5 week holiday firt time ever, only to have to contact them all to cancel and try to get some money back only one campsite gave us a refund
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We've got ferries booked because we've kicked them down the road for the last couple of years. Brittany ferries are currently offering flexible bookings for the same price as standard fares.
I've never really booked campsites except for when our son was young and we wanted to stay in one place for a fortnight.
Not camping, but I've got the offer of a free holiday (including flights being paid for me) staying at a mate's villa in southern Spain, and to be honest all the faff around Covid paperwork, testing and isolation pending results etc., and ever changing rules is putting me off going. I've no great love for the region so it's not as if I'm motivated to go there anyway, but the Covid measures really kill my desire to go.
Hoping to go this year probably June and early July,missed it! We have had plenty of UK holidays last 2 years, joy of having the van.
We had a fortnight in Spain in November which was great.
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
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We went in both 2020 and 2021. In 2020 we were in France between July and October, and in 2021 despite Brexit rules we had 89 wonderful days in France, shared with friends and family both years. Despite all the restrictions we shared two really great holidays. At the moment nothing would stop us going back as soon as we are able.
On 9th June 2021 we heard that the French were allowing us in if we were double vaccinated, and in just four days we were able to organise a crossing, insurance, breakdown insurance, an animal health certificate, and our Covid testing, and we crossed on the 13th June, along with a friend we picked up in Worcester on our way south.
In fact we found the 'chat' about the 'rules' was more worrying that the actual trip, and everything could be organised easily. We weren't asked for anything more than passports in 2020, and in 2021 just passports and proof of vaccination.
It all sounds much more worrying on forums than it is actually 'on the ground'. The thing is, if you can, is not to book in advance, but when you get an opportunity just 'go for it'.
We didn't go abroad in 2020 for OH's health reasons, but we went to France in Aug/Sept 2021, just for 2 weeks, and only as far as the Channel coast, but it was wonderful. As Val said, the worry was worse than the actuality, though we had to plan the red tape carefully.
We are planning to go this year too, maybe May and Sept, but will see how things progress and maybe make a last minute trip.
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I hope the restrictions will be reduced again, the extra paperwork for our Spanish break was no problem, just extra time at airport check in and tests when we got home.
We have to life with the virus. Not getting any younger and that sparkling wine in France needs our attention again!
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
We’ve had our usual holidays in France in July/August 2020 & 2021 & October 2021. Had a great time, minimal bother. All booked for this year, looking forward to it,
Had a few holidays in France since retirement and thoroughly enjoyed them. However, the way things are now, I have no plans to go back. Plenty of lovely places to go in this country.
Jumped through all the hoops last year, and Eurotunnel and main site booked for this year.
Some parts of the procedure were inconvenient, but we managed and wouldn't be put off this year. As it seems to change day by day, hopefully by this summer it will have levelled out.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
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Yes we have had our summer trips as normal both last yr & yr before. Last yr restricted to 90 days unfortunately due to loss off free movement rights. We shall certainly be going again this yr June 9th until Sept 6th. Nothing booked ever. Sort out crossings nearer time. Probably be Harwich Hook day crossings which nowadays are considerably cheaper than Dover crossings for car/caravan & suits us as only 20mins drive to Harwich.
Apart from loss of free travel rights & tests last yr that were easy enough to organise online no difference really. Our regular sites in Dordogne & south west coast were busy as normal. Brexit makes no difference to vibe. Why should ordinary European campers even have a view of it ? Do we have a view of French or German politics ? Not me anyway.
Just get out there & enjoy it but make sure you return after 90days. Reading expat French forums does mention over stayers by just a few days are getting fined.
We haven't taken the caravan since 2018. Initially we were unsure about animal regulations and when the decision finally came we had already booked various UK trips for 2019. We all know what happened in 2020, although we did manage a week at a relative's holiday home in Burgundy in October. Again, UK in 2021, but another October trip to Burgundy in October, but the house is now sold.
We had a booking with Eurotunnel for 2020 which had been extended a couple of times, but we have now booked to travel in June this year. We never book campsites in advance, but I have done one this year as we want to stay in Versailles.
Fingers crossed!
------------- Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.
We missed 2020 but went to France for 4 weeks in late August/September last year.
We were were a bit apprehensive about the rules changing etc but in the end it was a doddle.
Have already booked the ferry for 6 weeks in June/July this year and have no real worries. We've booked only one campsite for 4 days up to now as we are visiting for an event and know the local accommodation all gets booked up early. Apart from that we're hoping to wing it as we usually do but will see nearer the time how things look and book other sites as and when if need be.
I suppose we could go, but the long drive through boring countryside to get anywhere half decent (apart from Normandy, which we have done) puts us off.
Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 07/1/2022
I suppose we could go, but the long drive through boring countryside to get anywhere half decent (apart from Normandy, which we have done) puts us off.
I am lucky. Every moment in the car with my wife is a delight. The miles just fly by.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets