Sail and save

With the support of the Club you can still enjoy a great-value European holiday, says Head of Travel Services Chris Newey

Beach at Ca Savio campsite, Italy

Brexit, the pandemic, problems at P&O and the cost of living crisis have understandably made some members nervous about travel. But with the help of the Club you can still enjoy a great value break – and there are signs confidence is returning. Bookings would certainly indicate this, with volumes ahead of pre-pandemic 2019.

Brexit and duty free

Brexit has had a mixed effect on foreign travel. You can now only stay for 90 days in the European Schengen Area without a visa during any 180 day period, and there is a slightly more costly process for taking your pets abroad. But on the positive side, the ferry operators, Eurotunnel and specialist shops in the ports now have some amazing duty free deals. For example, as this issue went to press, Irish Ferries was offering 4 litres of spirits for £55 and DFDS had a deal of six bottles of wine for £18 at its Calais and Dunkirk shops. Meanwhile, there are World Duty Free shops on-board P&O vessels and at Eurotunnel terminals – great for deals on drink, perfumes, beauty products and more. The per-person allowances for duty-free alcohol, tobacco and other goods can be found at gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use/arriving-in-Great-Britain.

Covid protection

At the time of going to press most pandemic restrictions and testing requirements have been removed for those travelling to Europe. But there is always a chance that the situation could change, so we recommend checking the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice before travel for the most up-to-date information. Remember that, through its ‘Book With Confidence’ programme, the Club offers you the freedom and flexibility to amend or cancel package holidays if the FCDO advises against travel to your destination. (Terms and conditions apply – see camc.com/confidence.)

Finding the best ferry deals

A new operator – Irish Ferries – now sails on the Dover-Calais route, creating a new level of price competition between the carriers. 

I travelled with Irish Ferries myself recently, and the service was efficient and friendly and offered great value for money.

Did you know that the Club offers a fantastic price comparison booking service on its website enabling members to find the lowest-priced fare on their day of travel? It’s specifically designed for caravanners and motorhomers and you can enter alternative dates to see how that might impact the cost. Incidentally, members save 10% on ‘short sea’ Dover routes with Irish Ferries, DFDS, P&O and Eurotunnel. 

Lowest price guaranteed

Remember, if you book an overseas site, Eurotunnel or ferry crossing through the Club you’ll get the lowest price – guaranteed! To find out more see camc.com/pricematch. And you can often save even more by booking a crossing and site as a package (this way you also benefit from financial protection and reassurance via ABTA).

Still not sure taking your caravan or motorhome to Europe represents good value? When you compare our prices with self-catering accommodation or package holidays involving air travel, we think so. Just take a look at these incredible deals available through the Club:

Normandy, France – £219.65 for two adults in a motorhome, staying five nights in September at Risle-Seine Les Etangs campsite including ferry crossing*

Honfleur, Normandy. Photo by Thomas Lewis

Venice, Italy – £346.85 for a family of four in a motorhome, staying five nights in August at Ca’ Savio campsite including ferry crossing*

Venice waterways. Photo by member Paul Hardy

*Terms and conditions apply - see camc.com/europegetaways. All overseas package prices are subject to availability and correct as at 21 July 2022.

Check out our brochure for details on over 300 sites across 14 European countries – it contains everything you need to know for a great value holiday in Europe. Visit camc.com/brochures to view online or order your free copy.