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