Initial commit: Summer holiday 2026 planning

Options researched:
- Northern Spain (Cantabria/Asturias)
- France Dordogne
- France Brittany
- Eurocamp Domaine des Ormes
- Eurocamp La Grande Métairie
- Siblu Domaine de Kerlann

Includes detailed itineraries and costings for family of 3.
Dates: 18 July - 2 August 2026
Budget: £2,000

TIMELINE.md

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+# Booking Timeline & Checklist
+
+## Critical Dates
+
+| When | What | Why |
+|------|------|-----|
+| **Now - March 2026** | Book ferry | Early booking = best prices, choice of dates |
+| **January - February 2026** | Book gîte | High season gîtes go fast in popular areas |
+| **March 2026** | Finalise details | Activities, insurance, car check |
+| **April - June 2026** | Prepare | Packing lists, research specific towns |
+| **18 July 2026** | Depart! | Holiday begins |
+
+---
+
+## Booking Checklist
+
+### Ferry
+- [ ] Check Brittany Ferries prices for chosen route
+- [ ] Compare dates (flexibility saves money)
+- [ ] Book cabin for overnight crossings
+- [ ] Print confirmation
+
+### Accommodation
+- [ ] Browse Gîtes de France for chosen region
+- [ ] Check Airbnb / Booking.com for alternatives
+- [ ] Read reviews carefully
+- [ ] Book and pay deposit
+- [ ] Confirm amenities (kitchen, WiFi, parking, etc.)
+
+### Insurance & Documentation
+- [ ] Travel insurance (family policy)
+- [ ] EHIC/GHIC cards for all (free from NHS website)
+- [ ] Check passports valid (6+ months remaining)
+- [ ] Car insurance covers Europe (call insurer)
+- [ ] European breakdown cover (check if already have)
+
+### Car Preparation
+- [ ] Service check before travel
+- [ ] UK sticker (post-Brexit requirement)
+- [ ] Headlight beam deflectors (for driving on right)
+- [ ] Warning triangle, reflective vests (French legal requirement)
+- [ ] Spare bulbs, first aid kit (recommended)
+
+### Money
+- [ ] Notify bank of travel
+- [ ] Consider travel money card (Wise, Revolut)
+- [ ] Some cash in euros
+
+---
+
+## Money-Saving Tips
+
+1. **Book ferry early** - Brittany Ferries discounts for early bookers
+2. **Stay inland** - Gîtes 20-30 mins from coast are much cheaper
+3. **Self-cater properly** - Cook at gîte most nights
+4. **Mix free and paid activities** - Beaches, villages, markets are free
+5. **Avoid motorways** - Take scenic routes, skip tolls
+6. **Shop at markets** - Cheaper than supermarkets for produce
+7. **Picnic lunches** - Don't eat out for every meal
+8. **Book gîte direct** - Avoid platform fees where possible
+
+---
+
+## Files Reference
+
+| File | Purpose |
+|------|---------|
+| `REQUIREMENTS.md` | Your requirements and constraints |
+| `OPTION-1-northern-spain.md` | Full details for Spain option |
+| `OPTION-2-france-dordogne.md` | Full details for Dordogne option |
+| `OPTION-3-france-brittany.md` | Full details for Brittany option |
+| `SUMMARY.md` | Quick comparison and recommendation |
+| `TIMELINE.md` | This file - booking checklist |
+
+---
+
+*Created: 15 March 2026*