Too many people heading on a self drive holiday to the continent are so busy planning their trip that they forget to look up the simple rules of the road in their destination country, let alone look into the equipment they should be taking under the legal requirements of the road. You might well be asking why you should do that now but it is a must unless you want to spend your holiday looking at the scenery from inside a jail cell. It is possible! The following checklist should help you to learn some of what you need to know rather quickly:

• First of all, in some countries you need a reflective jacket in your car at all times because if you break down or have an accident then you are legally required to have one on BEFORE you leave the safety of your car. Obviously it is so that other motorists can see you! You also have to have a reflective triangle placed behind or in front of the car facing the oncoming traffic and your hazard lights on.
• The speed limits are very different in various countries. For example, the limit on the UK motorway is 70mph, or 110kmph, but the limit is only 110kmph in France when it’s wet. The general motorway speed limit in France is 130kmph but it’s just 90kmph in Norway. To confuse you even more, there is no motorway speed limit in Germany unless one is displayed! Police love to pull over Brits on the Continent so make sure that you do not give them any reason to!
• Always take your driving licence and relevant documents with you. Insurance, MOT, ownership papers or hire documents… all of them should be with you at all times to cover you should you be stopped.
• You should have a variety of other equipment in your car at any given time, although this varies from country to country as well. To be on the safe side, you are best to take a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, replacement bulbs and fuses, reflective jackets and a reflective triangle. With all of that in the boot you cover most applicable laws in Europe! 
• Finally, the laws on drink driving are totally different in Europe. if you think the UK laws are harsh (and some people do) then you ain’t seen nothing yet! The drink drive laws in the UK dictate you can have up to 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood but in Europe it’s actually 50mg. One glass of wine or pint could take you over the limit so you’re best not to drive at all if you have had a drink.

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

Responsible tourism is important for the environment in general as well as the local economies in which you plan to stay this year. Taking the former factor first, strides have been taken in areas that are marked as hosting responsible tourism to make sure that they maintain the environment rather than damage it. Although such destinations may be a little more expensive than other destinations, the few extra pounds are worth it when you consider that other areas might have a really detrimental impact on the surrounding area. It is easier to choose cheap destinations when you have little money but thinking about the impact of your holiday on the fragile world we live in might convince you to do otherwise.

By choosing to travel and stay in areas that include responsible tourism, you can also help out the people living in the local area. In turn, this could help to minimize the effects of the recession. It is worth bearing in mind that most European countries are in the grip of the credit crunch and thus people living in some areas are struggling just as much as people in the UK. In fact, many may be struggling more because they rely on tourism to keep their local economies going. They sell their eco-friendly wares to make ends meet, working harder in the tourist season because many do not get to work in the winter. Believe it or not, this is really frustrating for them because of the work ethic they’re brought up with and continue for their entire working lives. Sustaining this kind of economy is essential if the destinations are to survive and it is this point that can really encourage people to work together during trying times.

If responsible tourism is to prosper then it should be everyone’s first choice in the coming years, especially during recession. Of course, it is completely your choice as to where you go on holiday but going to a non-responsible tourism destination could bring the progress that we’ve all made in recent years to a crashing halt.

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

1. Dublin – The Irish capital is a must-see destination. With plenty of heritage sites, shops, entertainment venues and the friendliest people in Europe, it is a place that every traveller must visit at least once in their lifetimes. Even better, Dublin is easily accessible via ferry and the fares are generally much cheaper than you would find if you chose to fly instead.
2. Barcelona – The most vibrant city in Spain is another of those places that you absolutely must visit at some stage in your life. if the sunshine and warm climate is not enough, there is plenty to do and see, with excellent tours of the city and abundant history to explore. The port in Barcelona is always busy so you can find a route there no matter what time of year you want to visit.
3. Naples – The gorgeous Italian port is famous the world over and an excellent place to land in the Mediterranean. The climate is superb and warm all year round and travelling by ferry is preferable to flying to Naples. Trust me on this one – it comes from personal experience. Visit Sorrento, one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Explore Naples and the shopping there in addition to the fascinating Neopolitan history… and then there is the food! 
4. Dubrovnik – Dubrovnik is the capital of Croatian tourism and is one of the more fashionable holiday destinations going. Not only is it incredibly hot but it is also very peaceful and relaxing. In fact, it is in complete contrast with the lives most of us are living at the moment given the fear that the credit crunch inspires. You can literally forget your troubles there.
5. Copenhagen - The Danish capital is a fantastic place to visit if you are looking for somewhere a little out of the ordinary to go. The climate can be cold but the city is very friendly and welcoming with plenty to see and do for however long you are going there. It will definitely be somewhere that you will want to return to.

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

Firstly, you can cut down your seasickness in a number of ways by regulating what you eat and drink before you get on the ferry and also by managing what you do in transit. For example, you should stay well away from caffeine and alcohol for at least 24 hours before you travel on a ferry if you experience seasickness. Having both in your system can cause nausea, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t eat before you board the ferry because eating can help to steady your stomach. Avoid junk foods and foods that are full of saturated fat because this will also encourage you to feel sick if you suffer from seasickness. Instead, have cereals, porridge or eggs an hour before you set sail. Just drink water to keep your body hydrated without causing you to throw up.

When you finally set off on the ferry, avoid reading like the plague. People that are carsick also find that reading will bring on waves of nausea. This may be difficult if you tend to get bored easily but you’ll feel better for staying away from the books and newspapers. You might also stay inside rather than out in the open air. You won’t get a whiff of the engine fumes or of anything on the sea that may turn your stomach if you stay inside.

Having said that, you should keep yourself distracted as far as possible because distractions will help to keep your mind off how you’re feeling. Chatting to a friend throughout the trip usually works for most people but then so does listening to music or watching a DVD on a laptop. None of these involve reading and provide you with a good focal point.

Finally, use one of the many seasickness remedies out there. There are plenty and enough to choose from, no matter whether you prefer using traditional medical remedies or homemade remedies. Find one that works for you and stick to it. You’ll find that you enjoy travelling by ferry far more and so can enjoy a quick trip across the English Channel from time to time.

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

First of all, make sure to book your ferry to France well in advance. Last minute bookings can lead to disappointment due to lack of space and, particularly since the advent of fluid pricing, you will almost certainly end up paying more if you really do leave it too late.  When you book your ferry well in advance, you can rest assured that your tickets are reserved for the ferry of your choice and that the price is generally not going to get any cheaper after you book.

Secondly, if you have enough time, try to take daytime ferries rather than ferries that leave at night. Unlike car, train, air and coach journeys, ferry trips can provide an enjoyable, restful and welcome break for you and your family. You can enjoy bracing walks on deck or a meal on board, or, on longer ferry trips you can often choose from a vast range of other distractions, entertainments and activities.

Some people worry about seasickness but modern ferries are so smooth nowadays that it’s hard to feel the motion of the waves at all.  However, if you are particularly prone to seasickness, make sure you take the necessary medication at the appropriate time before setting off so that it doesn’t interfere with your enjoyment of the ferry trip.

Not everyone gets to travel on ferries that frequently so, when you take a ferry to France, try to make the most of the journey by staying awake and using the on board facilities. If you happen to carry your camera with you, you could capture some great shots for your album on your ferry trip. When planning to take photos on board, traditional ferries are usually better than high-speed ferries because there is more scope for wandering around outside and there is generally more space inside the vessel.

It may seem obvious but try to plan carefully and take care of everything that is likely to make you anxious during your trip. Carry with you all the necessary travel documents. Double check before you leave home so that you avoid any nasty surprises. If you are planning to stay overnight en-route, make sure that your accommodation is booked well in advance. Do not take pot luck with hotel accommodation, especially in peak season, as this can be a major source of tension, inconvenience and disappointment.

If you are a regular ferry traveller, why not try driving a different route every time you take a ferry so that you enjoy a new experience with every trip?

Finally, avoid drinking too much on your ferry trip. Apart from the obvious legal requirement of staying safely within drink driving limits, the onward journey will be best enjoyed in a state of alertness and sobriety.  You can always look forward to a drink or two after you reach your destination to celebrate your arrival.

Guest Article by Max Rickman

Take, for example, a cancellation policy. Some of the cheaper tickets or those offered by certain providers will not give you any room to move if your plans change a little later on. These providers will not generally allow you to cancel after your cooling off period expires, and some do not even offer that if you book under a special offer fare. If you do have to change your dates then you will lose our money under these conditions so it is worth checking whether the tickets are refundable in advance and how long before you travel you have to cancel to access your refund.

You also have to consider any further restrictions that might affect your travel. For example, your ticket may only allow for travel on certain route and may not allow for travel with a car. Of course, the restrictions vary from provider to provider so be sure to read the small print before you book.

Another factor to consider is the cost. Booking with a reputable agent should bring you no problems at all with transparent costings, extras fully outlined and set prices. However, if you book with another provider then you may find that you face added charges so your ticket bill ends up being far more than you wanted to pay. These providers are the budget airlines of the ferry world! Make sure that you are not going to face extra charges when you book by reading the information properly instead of clicking straight through.

If you pay attention to the terms and conditions in general before you book then you should be OK. A small minority of tickets and providers may not provide you with what you want and need but if you read everything laid out in front of you then you will avoid these common factors that may ultimately give you the wrong tickets to suit your needs. Sometimes paying that little bit more will give you the flexibility you want and need. No matter how much you pay though, putting that little bit extra thought into the tickets you are buying before you hit the purchase button is worth its weight in gold and will ultimately result in less stress and hassle before you travel!

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

There are many advantages associated with booking ferries over the internet. Take the example of booking a ferry to France.  First of all, we can book our ferries from any part of the world as long as we have a computer with a reliable internet connection. It is no nonger necessary to be physically present at a travel shop to collect our tickets. This allows us to plan our trips in advance and make our bookings in our own time.

Secondly, booking our ferry to France online saves us a lot of time. We do not have to search for a suitable ferry operator or local travel agent who will do the ferry bookings for us. We don’t need to drive into town to visit the travel agent or the ferry operator, which also saves us time and fuel. At times, some travel operators also charge customers a service charge for making bookings and this can also be saved when we book our ferries online.

Another major advantage is that we can book our ferry to France any time of the day or night, weekdays or weekends. This will obviously not be the case when we buy tickets offline. We would need to either call or visit the travel operator’s office during their working hours, which often overlaps with our own working hours. With online shopping, we can book our ferry tickets from the comfort of our homes any time and the online system allows us to book our tickets round the clock.

Ferry tickets are often much cheaper when we buy them online. For instance, on the UKferrytickets site you can easily compare the costs between various routes, ferry operators, time of the ferry, etc and quickly find the cheapest and there are no extra booking fees. With offline travel agents, it’s difficult to be sure that the travel agent has your best interests in mind. They may have strong allegiances with certain operators or be tempted to recommend the ferry that pays them the most commission. The ferry booking engine and cheap ferry tickets comparison tool at Ukferrytickets.co.uk will help you find the very best ferry deals to France (and many other destinations) in the shortest time possible. In a matter of just a few clicks, all the best deals in the market place will be lined up for you to choose.

It makes you wonder why anyone would want  to book their ferries offline ever again!

Guest Article by Max Rickman

Although the following tips will help you to save money on your European holiday this year, they can save you money every year so look at them to see what you can do!

Save Money On Mobile Phone Expenses

If you take your mobile phone abroad then you may find that you are stuck with a big bill to pay when you get back. However, most networks provide a call abroad package that gives you cheap minutes when you are on holiday and calling the UK. Be sure to sign up for it before you go. You may find that it is a monthly extra in some cases, such as O2, so be sure to cancel it when you do get back.

Save Money On Travel Insurance

Although it is often easier to take out the first insurance policy that comes along when you are travelling, use a comparison site to find the best policy at the cheapest price. You may find that family policies work out cheaper than taking out cover for each individual. However, check out the features on the policies available and remove those you do not need if you can because having them there will push up your premium.

Avoid Hidden Charges

You’ve probably heard of flight companies and airlines that charge really low prices for flights to bring in the customers before putting fees on and elevating existing charges for meals, baggage, choosing a seat and so on to make money. Well, they are not the only companies to do so. Hire car companies often do it too and so do hotels and accommodation providers, amongst others. Before you book anything, always check whether or not what you are paying is a flat cost or whether extras are placed on top. This way, you will not spend more than you intend to and thus more than you realise.

Choose Self Catering

If you choose self catering when in Europe then you can control how much money you spend on food. Choosing all inclusive or half board can actually cost you more because most people pay for the convenience rather than paying for the food and drink they consume under the deal. As such, you can save hundreds of pounds in some cases just for having the option to choose your own dinner!

Choose Your Destination Wisely

Finally, chose your destination wisely because come destinations are more expensive than they should be and more expensive than similar cities, accommodation and even camp sites just around the corner or up the road. If you had plenty of cash then this would not matter but having a holiday this year will be of more benefit than staying in an expensive resort so downgrade a little and get away from the stresses and strains of life in Britain!

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

All of us look for the cheapest ferries to France to keep our overall travel expenses down. However, when we do so, we must also take into consideration the reliability of the chosen ferry service. Ferry companies are not allowed to compromise the safety of its passengers in order to provide a cheap service, but there is somehow a reassuring psychological comfort factor in not choosing the lowest of the low-cost options. Don’t worry though, irrespective of the route, the carrier or the price of your ferry ticket, your ferry will always meet the same stringent safety standards.

When you travel with your car on a ferry, it’s always a good idea to make sure that valuable personal belongings are not left on display in your car.  Break-ins are not particularly common but it does make sense to avoid inviting any unwelcome attention through carelessness. It may also be worth keeping any important travel documents close at hand at all times too.

It is only polite to be friendly with your fellow passengers but, at the same time, it’s easy to drop your guard a little too much when your family are in high holiday spirits.  Common sense can sometimes take a back seat and caution gets thrown to the wind.  It’s not uncommon to hear of valuable personal belongings being left with complete strangers and children being left either to their own devices or in the custody of other passengers they have just met! 

When you travel with your children let them have fun, but not at the cost of their personal safety. Do not allow them to play on deck close to the railings and always keep them under your supervision. Do not allow them to wander around the ferry without you. If any of your party is on any kind of medication make sure that they have all the medicines they need and carry extra supplies just in case.

Remember, these safety precautions are not intended to scare you or make you paranoid. Thousands travel by ferry to France every day and the number of safety issues are surprisingly few. Just by exercising a little caution you can avert most problems.

Ukferrytickets.co.uk helps you to quickly compare the prices of ferry tickets and has a vast amount of free information to help you plan your trip. You will not only be able to find the cheapest deals, it is so quick you’ll be able to use all the extra time you’ve saved to concentrate on other areas of your travel preparation – such as planning a safe and comfortable journey.

Guest Article by Max Rickman

Paris, Milan, Rome, Berlin, Madrid, Barcelona… all of the big European cities are completely different in terms of the layout but not in terms of the pedestrian friendly design. This most definitely means that those cities are not friendly for drivers! If you are planning a self drive holiday and plan to drive around the cities yourself for the best tourist experience possible then the tips below may help you:

• Rigorously plan out any journey around the European city in advance – There is nothing worse than getting to the city centre and finding that you are completely lost. Make sure you know exactly where you want to go and how to get there.
• Take maps with you and a satellite navigation system if navigation for that city is available – All of the above will give you a great back up should you get lost and may even help you when you are driving through the city centre in the first place.
• Choose a car you can handle – Do not choose some oversized wagon that you just fancied driving because city driving is a nightmare at the best of times. Make sure that you are comfortable and confident with the car.
• Find out when the busiest times of the day are and avoid them like the plague! – All rush hours can be hell but in city centres the problem gets infinitely worse. If you are going to drive through a city then very early in the morning ad late at night are often the best times but just avoid the rush hours at all costs.
• Double check for one way streets, travel restrictions and areas to avoid – The last thing you want on holiday is to be chatting to a local policeman because you went the wrong way down a one way street or because you drove into a no car zone. Always check exactly where you can go and where you can’t before you head out.
• Take the train! – Just don’t drive in the city centre where possible! taking the train is often more enjoyable and less stressful so assess this option too!

Guest Article by Louise Crowley