Liberate yourself from soaring car hire costs abroad
As the Brittany Ferries high-speed service from Portsmouth to Cherbourg resumes this weekend aboard Condor Liberation, new research shows you can save yourself nearly £500 by taking your own car with you on holiday.
As the cost of living crisis bites, holidaymakers are looking for ways to keep unnecessary costs down so they can spend more on activities they can enjoy, like enjoying the fabulous cuisine on offer when abroad.
One holiday big expense is the price of hiring a car. This has more than doubled since 2019, from £220 to almost £500, according to data compiled by travel comparison site Ice Travel Group and the BBC.
Separate research from iCarhireinsurance recently estimated that car hire costs around the world have doubled since the pandemic to an average of £652 a week.
However, there is a way of avoiding these extra costs, by taking your own vehicle to France or Spain by ferry – meaning you’ll have more Euros in your pocket for a slice of tarte tatin or a goxua for afters when eating out.
Portsmouth International Port has the widest range of destinations of any UK port, and this weekend sees the return of the Brittany Ferries high-speed service to Cherbourg aboard Condor Liberation, meaning you can get to France in just 3 hours this summer, for the first time since the pandemic.
“The return of fast ferries to meet peak demand adds another string to the city’s bow of connectivity and we’re delighted to welcome Condor Liberation back to Portsmouth,” said Nigel Wonnacott, head of external affairs, Brittany Ferries. “Our message to everyone considering their next break is this: why fret and fly in discomfort this summer, when you can sail-and-stay and make the journey part of your holiday.”
You can also reach Le Havre, Caen, St. Malo, Bilbao and Santander from Portsmouth, aboard Brittany Ferries fleet of vessels. The Channel Islands are catered for too, with services operated by Condor Ferries.
Ferry travel is also the perfect, stress-free way to start your holiday, allowing you to avoid airport queues and the hassle of checking baggage in and out. You also have access to fresh air on deck for your journey, with plenty of room to move around your ship and take in the sea views.
Andrew Williamson, passenger operations manager at Portsmouth International Port said: “After two very difficult years for everyone, now really is the ideal time to make the most of the summer and get on a ferry to France and Spain.
“We’re delighted to see the fast-ferry service up and running for the summer, along with the addition of two brand new vessels to Brittany Ferries’ impressive fleet in the past couple of years.
“Our modern terminal and our friendly staff are ready to welcome you on the start of your journey.”
Find out more and book your trip at brittanyferries.co.uk