HELP!

[Chestbrockwell]

HELP!!! Just cancelled three weeks in Lanzarote Christmas, New year, because of my fear of flying, Mrs not Happy, So was thinking going in the van too Santander, Spain down to Portugal but obviously it's winter and ferrys could be hit and miss or St Malo and down the west coast of France? Not many campsites open or down too South of France and Spain or and please don't laugh, Scotland isle of Skye interjected with maybe the odd night of luxury in a nice spa hotel or Lodge, Any ideas, Experience gladly welcomed, Thank yous in Advance good People.

 

[Viktorgeorge]

We spend a month or more over Christmas every year on the Algarve (leaving next week). We take Brittany ferries to Santander, bookings fill quickly so you ideally need to subscribe to their newsletter and pounce as soon as they accept bookings (around mid summer), but cancellations do occur last minute (we just made a date change a few days ago) though the best cabins are like hens teeth. We always pay for the club lounge too (with some cabins it is gratis).

We hate flying too (though not from fear, just dislike of being herded and exposed to others in such close proximity), and, if you get the right camp site or accommodation for you (we rent an apartment by the sea), chances are you and your wife will love it as much as we do. Weather can be a little variable (check relevant weather sites) but generally warm and sunny (Algarve is the sunniest part of Europe).

Crossings can be a little frisky at this time of year (though rarely cancelled). We don’t get seasick, so prefer it when most people stay queasy in their cabins and we have the facilities to ourselves, but others on the forum here advise seasick pills.

(Apparently, so a doctor once told me, you can’t be seasick if you shut your eyes as it is caused by the visual senses even though may feel like a stomach thing. I have never had the opportunity to try it mind you.)

The drive through Spain and Portugal very calm, there is Park4Night (not used ourselves) also nice hotels in places like Salamanca, not that expensive either.

 

[WelshGas]

HELP!!! Just cancelled three weeks in Lanzarote Christmas, New year, because of my fear of flying, Mrs not Happy, So was thinking going in the van too Santander, Spain down to Portugal but obviously it's winter and ferrys could be hit and miss or St Malo and down the west coast of France? Not many campsites open or down too South of France and Spain or and please don't laugh, Scotland isle of Skye interjected with maybe the odd night of luxury in a nice spa hotel or Lodge, Any ideas, Experience gladly welcomed, Thank yous in Advance good People.

My wife had the same problem but when one of the children moved to Australia she had to make a decision. She undertook the British Airways Fear of Flying Course. Hasn't looked back since. We've visited Australia 5 times, Europe on City Breaks and Oman since. £400 well spent.

 

[Chestbrockwell]

Thanks Welsh Gas, well done too the Wife.

 

[WelshGas]

Thanks Welsh Gas, well done too the Wife.

If you are going to drive down, pick your ultimate destination and book a campsite. As far as getting there then use open campsites AND hotels to and from. The fact that you have a campervan doesn't mean you have to camp. The ASCI app tells which campsites will be open ( a bit like the Caravan Club - good amenities) or Archies app( gives basic info and contact details of all European campsites ) and Google maps for hotels along route.

 

[Barbara]

Current weather in Spain a bit windy and cold. This site is useful for weather info. https://www.aemet.es/en/eltiempo/prediccion/municipios

Also sea state https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/specialist-forecasts/coast-and-sea/shipping-forecast

Using the Eurotunnel gives more flexibly than ferry but if you get a good crossing on the ferry it is a nice experience and saves a lot on fuel and motorway costs.

Sorry have no ideas of campsites but France does have a lot of hotels with good parking for van. For example Ibis budget are often used by work vans.

Between Santander on route to Portugal - Salamanca is worth a visit. I am aware that there is a campsite there but I always stay in the parador. https://paradores.es/en/parador-de-salamanca

 

[Chestbrockwell]

Thank you Barbara, I will have a look at Salamanca.

 

[sidepod]

Not sure when you're planning to travel but Le Shuttle is looking pretty booked up. Booked yesterday for 21st and it was a squeeze to find a slot.