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- Posted: 04/08/2023
A Weekend in Calais, France
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


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This is a great family holiday option. There are a variety of themed onsite hotels at Portaventura and also peripheral hotels that often include tickets.
Comment “Spain” and I’ll send you a DM with some links. For a lower budget option, look at peripheral hotels. We loved the onsite Colorado creek but it is on the more expensive side of how you can visit.
Links we send are affiliate links. We aren’t asked to post or promote particular places.
#thetravelmum #portaventuraworld #themeparkholiday #familytravel
Apr 15
This is a great family holiday option. There are a variety of themed onsite hotels at Portaventura and also peripheral hotels that often include tickets.
Comment “Spain” and I’ll send you a DM with some links. For a lower budget option, look at peripheral hotels. We loved the onsite Colorado creek but it is on the more expensive side of how you can visit.
Links we send are affiliate links. We aren’t asked to post or promote particular places.
#thetravelmum #portaventuraworld #themeparkholiday #familytravel
There are some fab holiday deals for May half term this year, usually it’s a super pricey time to travel! The code SAVEONSUMMER currently gets you another £100 off Jet2holidays - this can be used with our link that gets you a £50 voucher too!
The links we share are affiliate links.
We have lots of great family holiday deals over on our website thetravelmum.com
#thetravelmum #jet2holidays #holidaydeals #familytravel
Apr 14
There are some fab holiday deals for May half term this year, usually it’s a super pricey time to travel! The code SAVEONSUMMER currently gets you another £100 off Jet2holidays - this can be used with our link that gets you a £50 voucher too!
The links we share are affiliate links.
We have lots of great family holiday deals over on our website thetravelmum.com
#thetravelmum #jet2holidays #holidaydeals #familytravel
The first thing we noticed online is how many “regulars” this place seems to have. People don’t just go once, they return year on year. The best sign of a great place. And after visiting we can see why. Although it is expensive, you get what you pay for. The ease of everything already being covered means the holiday feels like a holiday. We didn’t have to say no to the kids when they wanted to do an activity, they could do whatever they wanted.
To help you with the cost I’ve got you a discount code for £100 off per person! Which is a huge saving for a family. Comment “potters” and I’ll send you the code and more info. You need to book this month for either May bank hol, May half term, or the summer hols.
We were invited for a PR visit but had no pressure to post. I always tell brands that we won’t promote something if we don’t think it’s fab 🫶🏻❤️
#pottersresort #thetravelmum #allinclusiveresort #uktravel
Apr 13
The first thing we noticed online is how many “regulars” this place seems to have. People don’t just go once, they return year on year. The best sign of a great place. And after visiting we can see why. Although it is expensive, you get what you pay for. The ease of everything already being covered means the holiday feels like a holiday. We didn’t have to say no to the kids when they wanted to do an activity, they could do whatever they wanted.
To help you with the cost I’ve got you a discount code for £100 off per person! Which is a huge saving for a family. Comment “potters” and I’ll send you the code and more info. You need to book this month for either May bank hol, May half term, or the summer hols.
We were invited for a PR visit but had no pressure to post. I always tell brands that we won’t promote something if we don’t think it’s fab 🫶🏻❤️
#pottersresort #thetravelmum #allinclusiveresort #uktravel
Which is your favourite Merlin theme park?!
If you buy a ticket to any park before the 19th April, you get a second ticket for free. That can be at any of the other parks.
I’ve put the links to redeem this offer in my linktree which you can find in my bio - the links we share are affiliate links.
#themeparks #thetravelmum #thorpepark #altontowers
Apr 7
Which is your favourite Merlin theme park?!
If you buy a ticket to any park before the 19th April, you get a second ticket for free. That can be at any of the other parks.
I’ve put the links to redeem this offer in my linktree which you can find in my bio - the links we share are affiliate links.
#themeparks #thetravelmum #thorpepark #altontowers
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