R5K: There’s never been a better time for a Euro thrash
If you’re planning a roadtrip to clock up the miles this year, getting out of the UK has never been cheaper – thanks to competition between the ferry and Eurotunnel providers. The result is that you can cross from Dover to Calais for just £30. Ride5000miles member Jonathan Tatton is on holiday right now on his BMW GS, having booked a five-day ticket return ticket using the booking comparison website www.aferry.com. “There are some very cheap deals going on cross-channel ferries at the moment,” he said. “I wanted a break and booked a crossing for Monday returning on Friday, Dover to Dunkirk. It was just £35 return. I’m in the Black Forest at the moment, riding the B500 – it would be rude not to at that price.” For northern bikers there are other options - reader Chris Hood travels from Hull to Zeebrugge for his trips. “At £100 each way with a cabin and it’s great value when you consider how much it costs from the coming from up north.” Travelling off-peak also means a cheaper fare and there can be a big difference between the cost of a daytrip and a seven-day return.
But there are also some deals to be done if you want to go further afield. R5K official partners Brittany Ferries run trips to Spain and western France. Prices starting from around £110 each way for the Spanish trips. They’re a great option if you don’t fancy Northern Europe. R5K member Brian Hoyle sums it up well: “Travelling overland would involve tolls through France, and at least three hotel stays. A ferry to Spain is great value and you’re fresh when you get there.”