Hi am looking to use channel ferry to travel to Sourhern Spain crossing early Nov coming back late Dec. Ferry times n prices are not out yet. Am trying to decide whether to use ferry to Santander or Caen depending on price etc. Advice please n last years prices if poss. Fred
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Even if it's just to get the 'Blue face' off this post, this is my take on it.
£ for £ you would be wise to consider not using the long ferries to Spain but the shorter hops to the coast of northern France.
Noting that you live in Gods County, you are a comfy drive to Portsmouth. You can cross from there to France for about £160. You are then a two day drive with one overnight on an Aire on your route to northern Spain.
The journey from say St Malo to the french/spanish border is just over 500 miles and, at 25mpg to the gallon that works out at 93lt's or about €93 euros or about £70
So, so far, you've got yourself to Spain for about £240, you've had a nice drive instead of 24hrs crossing the Bay of Biscay and you're in a chilled state to enjoy your break.
If you only buy a single ticket as opposed to a return, you can judge whether to make the journey back via that Bay again once you're there or whether to pootle back through France.
Oh, and by then I'll be a member of Brittanies 'Friends and Family' discount scheme and I will get you 10% off your fare
Send me an email at dbooth899 at hotmail.com
Regards
------------- How come when some people visit the fountain of knowledge, they only gargle!!!
We drove through France to get to Spain for the winter but have decided to ferry back in April staying in Spain a bit longer to soak up the warmth. Traveling back through France in the winter was not my choice to get to the uk in April.price was not much difference taking in fuel, fares and time spent driving. I'll sleep though the bay of biscay! !
Hi, thanks for the advice and the offer of a discount, I was thinking of doing what you have suggested and its reassuring to get your opinion. Also as we are thinking of taking the dog the shorter ferry crossing would suit him and my pocket better. Thanks again for yourl advice. Fred
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Hi, much appreciate your advice n the logic sounds good, we will probably take the dog n as I understand you have to book a dog friendly cabin ie. a 4 berth cabin which appears to be significantly more expensive. If you are in Spain at the moment are there any dog friendly sitrs you would recomend. Thanks again. Fred
On the subject of cabin, could I point out that if you do the shorter (UK/France) there is no need for a cabin. You can get a day sailing and put the dog in the on board kennel. Much cheaper.
It's mainly a question of looking on line at sites in the area you want to stay.
Over the last couple of years there has been an expansion in Spain in the 'Camperstop' type of operation. Mainly on the coast, these places deal almost exclusively with motorhomes. They can be found in most of the big cities and towns. They offer a pitch, admittedly smaller than a campsite but have facilities like showers, toilets, emptying points, EHU and some have bars.
They offer discounted prices compared to camp sites (think 10€ rather than 16€.
Every one I've been to accepts dogs.
I would also recommend that you have a look at internet sites such as Campercontact and Park4night. These sites will give you an idea of 'other' places you can stop, perfectly legally without resorting to campsites.
Having said that, most camp sites in Spain do accept dogs but they are very keen to impose sanctions on owners who do not have either a well behaved dog or an owner that does not appreciate his/her neighbours. I'm sure you understand.
------------- How come when some people visit the fountain of knowledge, they only gargle!!!
Thanks, thats really great advice n will certainly help with my forward planning, fortunately the dog is well behaved n sociable. I've heard that most vets in ferry ports are well set up regarding the required injections for the dogs return to UK. Thanks for taking the time to pass on info. Fred
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
I don't have a pooch myself but the bes piece of advice I've seen with regard to sorting out the dogs medication and visit to the vet is to NOT wait until last minute before doing the necessary visit. You have 120hrs before your arrival` back in a UK port
The further you are from the port, it would seem that the cheaper the service is.
------------- How come when some people visit the fountain of knowledge, they only gargle!!!
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
Topic: winter ferries
