Having just returned from my first ever foreign touring holiday ( encouraged by forum members to take the plunge I add !) here are my observations.
I wouldn't attempt to go too far south if I only had a 2 week holiday. France is a big country and if you live in the north you need 3 days just to get anywhere in the south.
If you don't go too far south don't expect much diference in weather than Southern England.
The roads are no problem to drive on, why pay expensive toll fares on many routes.Use them just to avoid built up areas.
The north has many interesting attractions, and the shopping is as good as anywhere in the south. Self catering is a pleasure with so many goodies to sample and wine is so,so, cheap !
Diesel fuel is up to 20p a litre cheaper but petrol can be more expensive than home prices.
Using debit and credit cards is easy everywhere.
Continental campsites are generally cheaper than British equivalents.
Unless you know where you are going,buying camping cheques and the like could limit your choice of destination and not save you as much as you think.
For those of us who like to use our own bathroom and showers be prepared for poor or distant facilities for emptying loos and waste water.
For those who like privacy be prepared for mixed loo and shower blocks with urinals on view !
Be prepared to see hordes of people in various states of dress heading towards the toilet blocks clutching toilet bags, towels, toilet rolls et al.
In late or early season it can be very cold.Many shower blocks are unheated and open to the elements.
Would I go again ?
Yes
Is it better than Britain ?
Not necessarily, depends on your expectations and needs
Will it cost more ?
Almost certainly if you travel a good distance.The ferry fee alone covers a decent amount of mileage in the UK
Opinion based on a four week holiday from north to south and back, stopping at 6 sites of varying quality. Total mileage driven 2850 miles. Cost for four weeks mostly self catering and free attractions £2000 excluding alcohol imports which, if treated as a saving, could reduce the cost of the holiday !
I wouldn't attempt to go too far south if I only had a 2 week holiday. France is a big country and if you live in the north you need 3 days just to get anywhere in the south.
If you don't go too far south don't expect much diference in weather than Southern England.
The roads are no problem to drive on, why pay expensive toll fares on many routes.Use them just to avoid built up areas.
The north has many interesting attractions, and the shopping is as good as anywhere in the south. Self catering is a pleasure with so many goodies to sample and wine is so,so, cheap !
Diesel fuel is up to 20p a litre cheaper but petrol can be more expensive than home prices.
Using debit and credit cards is easy everywhere.
Continental campsites are generally cheaper than British equivalents.
Unless you know where you are going,buying camping cheques and the like could limit your choice of destination and not save you as much as you think.
For those of us who like to use our own bathroom and showers be prepared for poor or distant facilities for emptying loos and waste water.
For those who like privacy be prepared for mixed loo and shower blocks with urinals on view !
Be prepared to see hordes of people in various states of dress heading towards the toilet blocks clutching toilet bags, towels, toilet rolls et al.
In late or early season it can be very cold.Many shower blocks are unheated and open to the elements.
Would I go again ?
Yes
Is it better than Britain ?
Not necessarily, depends on your expectations and needs
Will it cost more ?
Almost certainly if you travel a good distance.The ferry fee alone covers a decent amount of mileage in the UK
Opinion based on a four week holiday from north to south and back, stopping at 6 sites of varying quality. Total mileage driven 2850 miles. Cost for four weeks mostly self catering and free attractions £2000 excluding alcohol imports which, if treated as a saving, could reduce the cost of the holiday !
)
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