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Tips and what to watch out for when buying a cross channel ferry ticket to France and Spain. Day-tripper.net

Cross channel ferries - tips and what to watch out for

Taking a ferry remains the most cost effective way to get to France and the continent. There are for a start no charges for baggage, and the fare structures are simple in comparison to the budget airlines sites. Prices charges are normally per car, but the number of people this covers may vary from two to nine.

Pre-planning is essential, but this involves expected travel dates rather than research. Most ferry companies have sales and offers on from time to time, but for a limited period only. Start planning over Xmas for your summer holiday as most of the good deals are available in the early part of the year. With a bit of pre-planning considerable savings can be made.

Car hire companies (France) - Car hire in Spain - Camping car hire - Car hire tips and advice - Insurance for car hire

 

Book a ferry to France

OFFER 1 - Cheapest ferry fares Dover to Calais with P O Ferry. Daytrips only £25 on Day-tripper.net. Car and up to 9 people. £2 foot passenger offer.

OFFER 2 - Brittany Ferries Offer. Daytrip from £65 (£25 a car plus £25 per passenger, minimum two people)

OFFER 3 - DFDS Seaways Ferries. Mini cruise breaks to Amsterdam from Newcastle. Great deals available.

Direct Booking links

Transmanche Ferries DieppeLD Lines Ferry BoulogneTranseuropa Ferries
Norfolkline Dover to DunkirkCondor Ferries
Brittany ferriesDFDS Ferries Newcastle
Eurostar to Paris

Eurotunnel

Rail Europe

Book a Hotel in France, Belgium and Europe

Useful outside links

ferry sail drive - Discover Ferries (formerly Sail and Drive), news from the ferry companies. www.discoverferries.co.uk

Protect my holiday - Protect my Holiday. This company offers insolvency cover. www.protectmyholiday.com

say no to 0870 - Say NO to 0870. www.saynoto0870.com

Ferry company to France

Ferries to Belgium

Ferry to Spain

United Kingdom Ferries

1 - Getting the best value or cheapest price when buying a ferry ticket

Avoid using holiday, ferry and airline web sites for the extra's, whether its a hotel, car hire, airport parking or travel insurance. They usually have exclusive arrangements with a particular company, and do not always offer best value.

If buying accommodation yourself independently, make sure your travel insurance covers this. Many do not.

Don't fall for marketing terms such as "best value" fantastic deal", superb offer" etc. from agencies offering ferry tickets. Consumer law is vague regarding web site promotions and allows scope for considerable dishonesty by unscrupulous traders.

2 - What to consider when buying a ferry ticket

How many people per car. Usually this is nine on the short sea channel routes. However if sailing further afield the fare is noirmally car plus two.

Administration charges. Even when a quote says that cancellation and amendment are free, there may be administration charges especially for use of credit cards.

Fuel surcharges. These often get added in at the last moment, especially when the oil price is high.

Tall vehicles. Many ferries have set aside specific areas for taller vehicles. It is essential you make the company aware of this before arrival.

Passports - if you are travelling with people who do not have European Union member state passports, you may need a visa for them. Make sure your own group's are up to date at the time of travel.

Insurance. Despite their expense, in house policies are rarely comprehensive and exclude many of the things you assume are covered. Amongst items generally not covered are: damage to windows, wheels, tyres, the roof, the underside & interior of the vehicle. You may be offered a Super Collision Damage Waiver policy but we strongly advise people to take one out separately with an independent insurance company as it will be cheaper and offer more.

3 - What to look out for and do when you have bought a ferry ticket - tips

Disabled drivers or passengers. Notify the carrier as you will be allowed on first and shown the lifts you may need.

Avoid carrying fuel cannisters or gas cylinders. If you must, always check with the operator before you set off.

Arrange your own travel insurance, before starting your holiday, its much cheaper.