Keycamp holidays - frequently asked questions

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Frequently asked questions

Tailor your holiday | Travel | Pricing/Booking | Before you go | What to pack | On Holiday | Accommodation

What are the options?
What if I want to make my own travel arrangements?
Can we take bikes or roof racks?
It's a long way to drive to Italy - can you arrange a stop en route?
What are the alternatives to travelling by sea?
How can I cut back on driving overseas?
What if I've never driven overseas?
How do I find details of how to get to my site?
Do you provide taxi transfers from the airport?
What happens if I arrive late on site and do I need to inform you?
How much time must I allow between my ferry departure time and arriving at port?

What are the options?

If you wish to self-drive, as most of our customers do, you can choose from any of the cross channel car ferry routes, after which you can enjoy a leisurely drive to the campsite. Alternatively, board the Motorail at Calais or Denderleeuw and let the train whisk you and your car to the chosen destination. Fly drive allows you to travel further afield with minimum time and effort, and we can arrange car hire for you at your airport destination.

What if I want to make my own travel arrangements?

We can arrange travel with the many operators we work with from cross channel ferries, airlines, Eurotunnel and Motorail. However, should you wish to make your own travel arrangements we will deduct £50 from the cost of your 2005 holiday.

Can we take bikes or roof racks?

If you are planning on taking bicycles (whether rear mounted or on a roof rack) or a roof box, you must advise us at time of booking in order that we may book the correct space for your channel crossing. Failure to do so can result in you incurring charges at the port or the operator refusing carriage. Charges mage by the cross channel operators vary but are available on request.

It's a long way to drive to Italy - can you arrange a stop en route?

We will be more than happy to book your overnight stop at either one of our campsites or one of over 400 hotels across Europe, to fit in with the route you have decided to take.

What are the alternatives to travelling by sea?

The eastern channel short sea crossing from Dover - Calais only takes 1 1/2 hours. However, fly-drive is becoming more and more popular, as the number of destinations offered by both traditional and low cost airlines continually increases. You can also consider Motorail. Our Customer sales staff will be able to give you detailed options.

How can I cut back on driving overseas?

Ask our sales staff for advice, but you may find it easier to take a Western channel crossing. These longer channel crossings dramatically reduce the driving overseas, especially if you are visiting a campsite on the west side of France. An overnight crossing allows you to rest and could save the cost of an overnight stop en-route.

What if I've never driven overseas?

Most people find driving on the continent very easy and get used to driving on the right very quickly. The roads tend to be much quieter, and most road signs are easy to understand. Petrol and diesel are cheaper than in the UK and Ireland, and credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Tolls are common on motorways but the motorways are extremely well maintained and allow you to reach your destination quickly. You will need by law to carry a warning triangle and a spare set of bulbs with you.

How do I find details of how to get to my site?

For a detailed route plan select“plan your journey”from the menu above and then “route planner”. A local guide will be provided and available online closer to departure providing directions, GPS co-ordinates for satellite navigation, address and telephone numbers for your site(s). For information on road tolls in France, visit www.autoroutes.fr where there is an option to select an “English version” at the top of the home page.

Do you provide taxi transfers from airports?

We can organise transfers from your arrival airport to selected sites, either one way or return. Please don’t leave it too late to request these as some destinations require more notice to book than others.

What happens if I arrive late on site and do I need to inform you?

You should plan to arrive by 8pm. If you arrive after 10pm, you may need to leave your vehicle at the entrance and walk to your accommodation as most sites have access restrictions after that time. Please call the courier in advance (site phone number will be in the Local Guide) to advise them of your arrival time. It may be easier to pack an overnight bag to save carrying your luggage to your accommodation on foot. Also, as the shop will normally be closed then, you may like to order a Welcome Pack to provide you with essentials for your first night - see FAQ 'What to pack' for more details.

How much time must I allow between my ferry departure time and arriving at port?

You should arrive at the port at least 1 hour prior to the sailing departure time for loading.