How are you going to get there?
Options from the UK to the Alps: fly, drive (Eurotunnel or ferry) or train (Eurostar).
Options from the UK to the Alps: fly, drive (Eurotunnel or ferry) or train (Eurostar).
When you buy stuff for a living it affords you a certain insight to an objects actual worth. This is both a blessing and a curse when it translates into your personal life! Buying a holiday or trip becomes a gauntlet of comparisons, research and value analysis. You may see a “deal” and think wow that’s reasonable…I see a black hole of small print and optional extras that mean your “deal” is not quite as sweet at the end.
I will even share some tips on how we invested our savings to maximise our annual exposure to the glorious white fluffy stuff (SNOW!) in what’s actually quite a small seasonal window.
I am going to share with you the benefit of my experiences with my top 6 tips that cover everything from travel and accommodation to insurance and lift passes so you can save yourself the “pain” (not really pain for me to be honest…I actually enjoy the game of hunting out the bargains! It’s a perverse kind of pleasure!)
Have you ever been lured into a 2 for 1 or “mega” deal at the super market by the marketing excellence only to find its actually cheaper to purchase the product in a different way? Like a 6 pack of 2 litre coke is actually more expensive than 6 individual bottles.
I am a professional buyer and I have never, not even once, purchased a package deal from a no face corporation. That’s quite a strong message in itself!
Sure if you are willing to be totally flexible on location, departure point and times, duration of trip, accommodation quality and positioning in resort & resort caliber then its entirely possible to pick up a bargain but buyer beware!
You may find yourself on a flight or transfer at some unpleasant hour of the day or in accommodation that prompts an “oh well it will have to do, its not THAT bad” attitude followed shortly by additional costs you thought were already included in the total price.
Ok so -Package deals – obviously if you don’t have the time or inclination to break down the elements of your holiday and want a potentially “hassle free” option accepting you might not have a say on every element then crack on!
1. How are you going to get there? (To the snow and some of the best resorts the Alps have to offer)
Its fair to say that countries on the mainland (mainland Europe) have it pretty sweet when it comes to provisions for Motorhomes. Its a totally different ethos to the majority of the UK. Touring in your home on wheels in France, Germany, Spain etc is a pleasure (most of the time) and the culture seems to really embrace motorhomers with free aires and service areas a plenty.
Typically a UK Motorhomer has to be a little less spontaneous when it comes to general bus servicing. Planning ahead in terms of taking on fresh water or dumping your black waste. The rules about wild camping are also far more rigid for most of the UK and campsites seems to be a lot less accommodating about rocking up later in the day and require booking in advance.
Does sunshine equal a more enjoyable and laid back experience? Sure blue skies help and do lessen the SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) symptoms which may make me grumpier than most about having to be a little more organised!
Having just returned from a cheeky night away in Frau, we found a cracking little site in a stunning river side location not far from Leominster. All the usual gripes remain but Arrow Bank in Eardisland somehow managed to dull those into insignificance. A thoroughly well considered campsite where the little touches made all the difference. By little touches I am talking about the fact that they offer free washing up liquid in the dish washing area, a little library of good reads, an area with lots of local information and brilliant shower facilities. Each pitch had all its own services (Premier pitches) and the site layout was clean and well appointed. The site was also incredibly friendly and offered free fishing for those into that kinda thing.
The disappointing downside to this great site is the price! £25.00 a night! Thats HUGE!
It seems therefore possible to have the “experience” in the UK but you have got to pay through the nose for it!
Worth a visit none the less as the village of Eardisland sits on the Cider trail and the Black and White house trail which are both well worth investigating (covering all bases…cultural and alcoholic). Keep in mind Village provisions are limited so stock up on supplies before arriving.
Located around 4 hours west of the traditional French alpine reports Super Besse is a hidden gem. Continue reading
As a relative newbie to the porta potty world (12 months in and countless “accidents”)
Having a motor home sat on the drive of your brick built habitation pod (aka your house) comes in super handy when modern infrastructure and utilities fail you!
Twice this month Frau Hymen (Our German import Hymer Motor home) has come to my rescue providing warmth, light and a hot shower when we lost power to the house (we did pay the bill honest!)
A very simple reminder of how reliant we are on the “grid” and how getting off it ASAP is a life goal!
I consider the bus like an insurance policy for life…when you are in the Hymer everything is better (even if its just sat on your drive!)
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