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- Posted: 04/08/2023
A Weekend in Calais, France
Jenna Carr
The Travel Mum
Things to do in Calais
Ferry vs Flying
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You can pack as much as you want.
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You have no limitations on liquids.
- More eco friendly.
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Great for people who may be anxious flying.
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Once you load the car everything is with you therefore minimal carrying is required. Less chances of losing something important!
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Getting from our home to the ferry was a lot less hassle compared to getting from home to the airplane (no airport parking / security lines etc).
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Once on the ferry, it was easy to entertain Leo given we could walk around and explore. (More difficult on a plane when stuck in one seat).
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Once in the country you’re visiting you have your car to explore, so you don’t need to pay any extra for car hire / taxis / public transport. The world is your oyster! We saw that Bruges, Belgium was only an hour and a half away and so set off to visit one afternoon!
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You can even pack your own food to really cut costs – things you may already in the house like pasta, pasta sauce, snacks, alcohol, cereals will all save you a lot of money if you book self catering accommodation.
Naturally you are limited in where you can go on the ferry, but we are very lucky to have many amazing European countries a drivable distance from our home in the UK. Calais is a vibrant city right by the port, making it a great option if you don’t want to drive too far to experience a new city for the weekend.
Our Experience Travelling by Ferry
The crossing takes just over an hour and a half and it flew by. Between exploring the premium lounge, having lunch, playing in the kiddie areas and browsing the duty free, we didn’t have any difficult moments where Leo was bored and frustrated. He has now told everyone who will listen about “the boat that carries cars”. He still mentions it weeks later, he was definitely a fan!
Where to stay in Calais
Things to do in Calais, France
Calais Beach
Calais Dragon
Calais Belfry
Explore the City’s Highlights on Foot
Visit the Biggest Aquarium in Europe
Duty Free Shopping on the Way Home
Recent Posts
Written by: Jenna Carr
The Travel Mum
Our little family is passionate about helping you save money. We are real people who understand the need to make your budget go further. With The Travel Mum we have created a vibrant community of over 650k budget savvy travellers who want to travel more while spending less. No problem is too big or small, together we will do everything in our power to make sure you are making the absolute most of your well earned budget!
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A great page to find a last minute holiday deal! I’ve always got the link you need in my linktree as so many of you ask me for it.
If you’re on a tight budget and just want to get away for a bit of sun, it’s the perfect place to look 🫶🏻
Links in my linktree are affiliate links, that just means I earn commission if anyone clicks one one and book (at no extra cost to you - it’s how we afford to run The Travel Mum) xx
#thetravelmum #familytravel #lastminuteholiday #holidaydeals
Aug 25
A great page to find a last minute holiday deal! I’ve always got the link you need in my linktree as so many of you ask me for it.
If you’re on a tight budget and just want to get away for a bit of sun, it’s the perfect place to look 🫶🏻
Links in my linktree are affiliate links, that just means I earn commission if anyone clicks one one and book (at no extra cost to you - it’s how we afford to run The Travel Mum) xx
#thetravelmum #familytravel #lastminuteholiday #holidaydeals
Does anyone actually enjoy perfectly polished family travel videos? The ones where the kids never cry, the parents never argue, and everyone’s effortlessly smiling on a sunset beach? 🌅
Because honestly… I don’t.
And yet, here I am - working in a space where that’s sort of what’s expected. Pretty feeds. Perfect moments. Carefree families. Effortless experiences. But behind the camera? Tantrums are obviously had, fights break out, and someone’s usually mid-meltdown (…often me 🙃).
Here’s the thing: I love sharing tips and showing you amazing places, but I never want to pretend family travel is easy or perfect. It’s messy. It’s chaotic. It’s real life squeezed into new places - but, that’s where the best memories are made, and it’s the reality I want to share more of. ❤️
#instavsreality #familytravel #thetravelmum
Aug 23
Does anyone actually enjoy perfectly polished family travel videos? The ones where the kids never cry, the parents never argue, and everyone’s effortlessly smiling on a sunset beach? 🌅
Because honestly… I don’t.
And yet, here I am - working in a space where that’s sort of what’s expected. Pretty feeds. Perfect moments. Carefree families. Effortless experiences. But behind the camera? Tantrums are obviously had, fights break out, and someone’s usually mid-meltdown (…often me 🙃).
Here’s the thing: I love sharing tips and showing you amazing places, but I never want to pretend family travel is easy or perfect. It’s messy. It’s chaotic. It’s real life squeezed into new places - but, that’s where the best memories are made, and it’s the reality I want to share more of. ❤️
#instavsreality #familytravel #thetravelmum
£350pp HALF BOARD in the October Half term with flights AND daily park tickets! 🤩
I’ll start by saying our stay here was part of a previous campaign with magicbreaks, but I didn’t need to post about it again (I saw the half term prices and had to share)
We absolutely loved our stay at Portaventura World, its impossible for the kids to get bored, the pool areas are really relaxed (as most people are at the park) and the half board allows you to eat in the park for lunch if you wish!
I have a highlight on here showing our trip there. I also have a blog post if you want to know more.
The £350pp is based on 27th - 30th October staying at the Hotel Caribe on a half board basis - shared by a family of 4. (family of 5 rooms are available)
I’ve put the link you need to book in my linktree - not an affiliate link.
#thetravelmum #portaventuraworld #familytravel #themeparks
Aug 20
£350pp HALF BOARD in the October Half term with flights AND daily park tickets! 🤩
I’ll start by saying our stay here was part of a previous campaign with magicbreaks, but I didn’t need to post about it again (I saw the half term prices and had to share)
We absolutely loved our stay at Portaventura World, its impossible for the kids to get bored, the pool areas are really relaxed (as most people are at the park) and the half board allows you to eat in the park for lunch if you wish!
I have a highlight on here showing our trip there. I also have a blog post if you want to know more.
The £350pp is based on 27th - 30th October staying at the Hotel Caribe on a half board basis - shared by a family of 4. (family of 5 rooms are available)
I’ve put the link you need to book in my linktree - not an affiliate link.
#thetravelmum #portaventuraworld #familytravel #themeparks
Have you done a cruise with a baby before?!
Traveling with kids is one thing, with a baby who has just learnt to walk is a whole other ball game 🫠🙃
I’ve written a blog over on our website with more details about our trip 😅🫶🏻
#cruisewithkids #familycruise #marelladiscovery #marellacruises
Aug 18
Have you done a cruise with a baby before?!
Traveling with kids is one thing, with a baby who has just learnt to walk is a whole other ball game 🫠🙃
I’ve written a blog over on our website with more details about our trip 😅🫶🏻
#cruisewithkids #familycruise #marelladiscovery #marellacruises
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