Working to a budget for your holiday this summer? Here are 10 tips and a bit of insider advice on keeping down costs on a family camping holiday to France:
1. Compare Camping Prices
Compare prices for your camping holiday on different areas of France. The south of France tends to be more popular with the French and other Europeans so most of the time is more expensive. Regions like Normandy, Brittany and the west coast tend to be a little cheaper. Want the best option with Siblu? Check out our camping holidays in Normandy and camping holidays in Brittany for great prices.
2. Camping V Siblu holiday home
If you regularly go camping and have all your own gear, then pitch fees are cheaper than booking a site owned caravan. Siblu has several campsites that offer touring pitches. However, if you don’t have your own equipment and are not sure about camping, then hire a holiday home on a campsite. Siblu mobile homes are modern and stylish, with decking and private gardens and perhaps most importantly, comfy beds!
3. Travel deals & tips
Check out deals with travel companies. Eurotunnel, for example, accepts Tesco Clubcard vouchers so you could get your channel crossing for less. It's also worth doing some travel pre-planning to see if you can avoid toll roads when you're driving in France. You could either take the 'Route Nationale', i.e. A roads instead of motorways, although be aware that this will make your journey longer. Or if you holiday in the north of France or west, there tends to be less toll roads than if you travel from Calais straight down to the south of France.
4. No-fee transactions in France
Have a credit card or debit card that can be used in France without incurring charges. Also consider digital banks such as Revolut which allow you to hold different currencies in your account, swapping money between the two, and use a digital card for contactless payments.
5. Enjoy some home cooking
Cook your own meals instead of eating out. Siblu camping accommodation has a fully equipped kitchen, complete with oven, grill and hob, perfect for catering for all the family. Selected Siblu campsites also offer a BBQ with your accommodation, so you can enjoy some easy meals al fresco.
6. Shopping tips
Bring food staples with you if you have room in the car, such as salt, herbs, and washing up liquid etc. Ask at Siblu reception where the nearest markets and supermarkets are to the campsite and for their advice on the cheapest. The big brand of L’Eclerc can be expensive, whereas Auchan or Lidl offer much better value. Look out for local food markets and fish markets where you can buy great tasting local produce.
7. Water is free!
Bring your own water bottle. You can refill your water bottle for free at most restaurants and cafes.
8. Free activities
Take advantage of free activities. There are many free things to do in France, such as visiting parks, museums, and historical sites, plus of course going to the local beach. Siblu campsites in France also offer bags of free activities, including free children’s clubs and free swimming pool complexes.
9. Make new friends and learn insider secrets!
Learn a few basic French phrases and join in with activities such as boules on the Siblu park. The French are famously sociable, and you’ll probably end up sipping an aperitif outside someone’s holiday home for an evening and getting top tips on the best places to eat in the local area.
10. Boring but important
Be sure to purchase travel insurance. This will protect you in case of unexpected events, such as flight cancellations or lost luggage.
By following these tips, you can save money on your family holiday to France and still have a great time.
