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driving to Poland with kids
ruthber
Posts: 270 Forumite
Hi there, we are planning to drive to central Poland with our 3 kids in the summer. We have never done that before. What is the best route from London area? we would need to stop for the night(Germany probably) any recommendations for a cheap hotel? any other suggestions/advice I would be very grateful. (cheap crossings/ food/ petrol). Thanks.
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I'm planning to do the same this summer, so will be crossing from Harwich to Hook of Holland and back with Eurotunnel, all done with Tesco clubcard points.
I looked at my routes on Google map of europe, then tweeked them a bit to incorporate anything nearby where i wanted to visit.
After Poland I will be spending some time in Czech Rpublc, so my route back will be quite different, meaning I can nip into Luxembourg for cheaper fuel. Fuel in Poland, Germany and France is not cheap,and In Holland it is even more expensive.
The roads in Poland are not what you are used to, in fact, you will be shocked, they are dreadful, so plan your route to take this into account.
Foodwise, as it will be in summer, I would just take a huge picnic bag, stop at the services for toilets and coffee if you need it, the services eat your money on rubbish food.
Sorry can't advise on hotels, we will be camping.;)0 -
You can stop off in most towns in Germany and generally find a gasthaus (they tend to be cheaper than the hotels). In my experience they are always clean and generally include breakfast, which is normally cold meats, cheese, cereals & bread. This is the German tourism accommodation link http://www.germany-tourism.co.uk/EGB/practical_information/german_hotels_accommodation.htm together with their b&b link http://www.bedandbreakfast.de/index.php?lang=en
Once you get an idea of where you fancy stopping (i'd choose at least 2 areas in case there are any delays in your travel) this may help you. There is another link but that's all in German http://www.bed-and-breakfast.de/ but you should be able to decipher it.0 -
Thank you both for useful information. i did not know you could do the ferry with Tesco clubcard.I probably do not have enough points though. someone recommended Norfolkline ferries as v.cheap. (Dover to Dunkerque) might try them. I worry the kids will be v. bored and whingey! will try to get them a portable DVD player.0
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Norfolk lines does tend to be the cheapest, but it 's a longer crossing (but closer to the Belgian border)
You can use Tesco clubcard for eurotunnel which is not overly expensive, therefore not too many points needed as you get 4 x value for travel, and if you are going in summer you still have time to collect a few more:p
I have never bothered with DVD players on our trips, but if it guarantees a more peaceful journey, go for it.
Remember before you go to get the thingys for your car headlights, they are more expensive at the port (we use electrical tape but shouldn't I suppose) and carry first aid kit,spare bulbs and fuses,warning triangle and hi vis vest.
And change your £ into euros here for a better rate, though I do think you can do better in Poland with £'s into zlotti, rather than here.
If you smoke (or even if you don't), cigarettes are very cheap in Poland.
Don't know which route you are taking, but supermarkets in Belguim are much cheaper than in France if you need to buy food.
Waste of money buying food and drinks on the ferry, I always take something like a sandwich onboard for the kids.
Hope you enjoy planning and of course the trip;)0 -
my god I couldnt think of anything worse, than driving with kids all that way!!!!!
How long does it take?I am a Travel Agent
My company’s ABTA numbers are P6046. MSE doesn't check my status as a Travel Agent, so you need to take my word for it. This signature is here as I follow MSE's Travel Agent Code of Conduct.0 -
I would stick to Eurotunel as it`s just 30min. any minute counts on a long trip. WE went in the night less trafic and the kids will sleep all the way. I like driving in the night.
Services are very expensive in GErmany, Belgium, we took our camping gas , little one for coffee.
I wouldn`t bother with DVd one of ours used to feel sick after 20 min. watching itt + they only argue about it.0 -
Looking at Google maps its 1068 miles and takes 18hrs including tunnel.delwynsholidaydeals wrote: »my god I couldnt think of anything worse, than driving with kids all that way!!!!!
How long does it take?IT Consultant in the utilities industry specialising in the retail electricity market.
4 Credit Card and 1 Loan PPI claims settled for £26k, 1 rejected (Opus).0 -
It does sound like a very long drive, but.........
It is about the same distance as down to the French Riviera which lots of us do every summer!
So not really too bad at all
Through the night does seem like a very good idea (if you can stay awake that is)0 -
It took us 12 hours (going through eurotunel ) to get to the Czech republic, this is in the night though. Departing on Saturday, we arrived in CZ on Sunday ( when the lorries are not allowed to go on motorway, so it was a bliss( check if Poland have the same restrictions)
Going by car has a huge advantage if its more of you as it is cheaper + you have your own car to use once over there - saving money and time and you know your car!
It was deffo cheaper for us (5) people than flying because we had the car there so didn`t need to fuff about hireing it over there. And we have 7 seater so my parents could fit in when we did our days out.
If it` less tha 4 of you than it might be cheaper flying - easyjet would be probably the cheapest.
Anyway good luck.
Last year we drove to Italy probably the same distance and found that traveling during the day was very tireing ( trafic, kids moaning) It felt like we waisted the whole day , just sat in the car , not doing anything. Waist for my liking!0 -
Highly recommend Norfolkline. 2 hr crossing - plenty of time to sleep etc, out of town port so straight on to the main roads to Belgium, nice ships, CHEAPER BY FAR than other routes.
We live in Kent and go to Europe a lot. I also used to work for P&O and Le Shuttle, please note I don't travel via the tunnel in any form - blooming expensive, an I find P&O crossings far too fully booked, as Norfolk line don't take foot passengers on that route - no daytripers!!!Put the kettle on.
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