Posts Tagged ‘added bonus’

Although family holidays are intended to provide an enjoying and relaxing time for all, that’s rarely the case 100% of the time, and while families have been enjoying self-drive holidays to France for decades, there’s nothing quite as stressful as a car full of hot, restless kids who can’t wait to get down to the business of having fun!

When planning a self drive holiday to the European continent the first ferry route that springs to mind is Dover to Calais, and while this is the shortest (and often cheapest) option, it’s not always the best or most economical.

Firstly it’s worth noting that unless you’re starting off from the South-East of England then a Dover to Calais crossing is probably going to require you to negotiate the roads around London, including the notorious M25 – a less than ideal start to what is supposed to be an enjoyable and relaxing holiday!

The ever increasing price of fuel should also be taken into consideration – in many cases a longer ferry crossing can make financial sense too. Depending on your final holiday destination the total cost of travel for a short ferry journey and longer driving miles can be comparable to an overnight ferry crossing with less driving required once over the channel. This is especially true if you’re planning a trip to Brittany, the Vendee or the Dordogne.

Naturally the added bonus of selecting a longer ferry crossing is that it allows you to spend less time driving and more quality time with your family, plus a longer ferry crossing can make for more of an adventure for the kids. While the Eurotunnel is fast and convenient, ferries hail from a time when the world felt like a bigger place and the pace of life was a little more relaxed.

So, what are your options for alternative ferry routes? Many people find that if starting out from the West of England that Portsmouth is a far more convenient port of departure, and in addition to the accessibility benefits of Portsmouth you can turn the longer ferry crossing times to your benefit by taking the opportunity to kick back and relax a little.

While P&O Ferries are probably the best know of all the ferry operators providing services from the UK, Brittany Ferries operate several excellent services including routes from Portsmouth to Caen, Cherbourg and St Malo, all serviced by their fleet of modern cruise ferries. If the last time you were on a ferry was more than a couple of years ago then you’ll be pleasantly surprised by advances made in the way of comfort and facilities onboard. The modern cruise ferries operating on these longer routes have shops, restaurants, bars and cinemas available to passengers and even on an overnight crossing you’ll probably won’t be able to fit it all in!

Accommodation options available on overnight cruise ferries range from basic (but comfortable) club class seats, to stateroom cabins with sea views, although a standard cabin option will suite most families best. Whichever accommodation you decide on you can rest assured that you’ll reach your holiday destination substantially more refreshed and relaxed than if you decided to drive the whole distance!

James is a web developer and internet marketer with a keen interest in the travel sector. When he’s not working or indulging his passion for travel he can be found working on his collection of websites, including his latest that provides information about cross channel ferries.

Author: James E Marshall
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: How Electric Pressure Cookers Work

Tags: added bonus, channel ferry, european continent, family holidays, ferry crossing, ferry route, ferry routes, overnight ferry, self drive holiday, self drive holidays

How would you like to learn French the fast and fun way? It’s never been easier to learn a new language. There is so much information available to us, but where should you start? Read on for my techniques on how to learn French the fast and fun way.

• Learn French the Fast and Fun Way – Technique 1: Start by using the internet – All you need is a computer and an internet connection. Not only is the internet one of the fastest way of accessing information, but it’s also FREE! There are thousands of websites dedicated to learning French – some present ways of building your vocabulary, others have quizzes, whilst some offer audio recordings and video clips. There are so many options available that you are bound to find the perfect method to suit your learning style.
• Learn French the Fast and Fun Way – Technique 2: Why not take a trip to France! The best way to learn a new language is to immerse yourself in the culture. You’ll pick up the language in no time. Books and CDs can only teach you so much, but by doing it this way you will experience French culture and the language first hand. There are thousands of last minutes deals on the internet – you’ll be amazed how cheap some of these vacations are. For those more adventurous why not relocate to France? By jumping in at the deep end you will be forced to swim.
• Learn French the Fast and Fun Way – Technique 3: Private tuition is often a popular choice. There are many benefits to learning French in a one 2 one setting. Tuition will allow you to work at your own pace and give you the option to tailor your education to suit your needs. Tuition also offers the added bonus of having someone to speak French to. Those who learn in this way often feel that they have a much better grasp of the language and are more confident French speakers.
• Learn French the Fast and Fun Way – Technique 4: Why not invest in a course of some kind? This will allow you to learn French in the comfort of your own home, whilst working at your own pace. Courses offer a more structured way of learning and help keep people motivated. Courses often include multimedia such as CDs, interactive CDroms and DVDs. Some newer courses even offer MP3s which can be uploaded on to you Ipod, allowing you to learn on the go!

I hope the techniques I have suggested have helped you realise how easy it is to learn French the fast and fun way. Why not check out the links below for more information on learning French and the courses available.

Author: Jane Morgan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Pressure cooker

Tags: added bonus, best way to learn a new language, building your vocabulary, french culture, french speakers, last minutes deals, learning french, own pace, private tuition, time books