Sean C
9dbedd96bc
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
2.5 KiB
2.5 KiB
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
- Book ferry early - Brittany Ferries discounts for early bookers
- Stay inland - Gîtes 20-30 mins from coast are much cheaper
- Self-cater properly - Cook at gîte most nights
- Mix free and paid activities - Beaches, villages, markets are free
- Avoid motorways - Take scenic routes, skip tolls
- Shop at markets - Cheaper than supermarkets for produce
- Picnic lunches - Don't eat out for every meal
- 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