 Poster: A snowHead
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@Mother hucker, It's a while since I have been to Wengen, but I used to ski there regularly. Every time I did, the hotel was half board. In those days, unless I booked with snowheads I booked directly with the Hotel.
I can't really comment about their approach to children.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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 got to love Viz
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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| Mother hucker wrote: |
| @Alastair Pink, I've looked on booking.com hotels.com and on the tourist site hardly any half board in CH on there. I'll try the Edelweiss. how are they with kids? |
No problem, when I've stayed there previously there's been several families with kids there. I don't know the age of your kids but in the lounge area (where you can get free tea or coffee and there's an honesty box for soft drinks) they have a few kids toys too. They also have sledges which guests can borrow for free, and they give you a voucher which you can use to keep your skis and boots in the ski depot at Central Sport on the main street which is right next to the cable car that takes you up to the Männlichen slopes.
P.S For information the Edelweiss is situated lower than the centre of the village. When you arrive at Wengen station you'll see the Co-Op supermarket opposite the station. If you go across to the Co-Op the road then curves down to the right and goes underneath a railway bridge. Continue on down the road and after a few hundred yards you'll see a hotel on the right called the Bären. Go past the Bären and the Edelweiss is just on your right. As it's downhill from the station if your bags have wheels then it's very easy, takes about 5 mins walk from the station. Conversely when you leave with your bags as it's uphill you may want to get a taxi, the hotel manager Daniel can arrange that for you, and if you pay Daniel for it he can get it for a somewhat reduced rate compared to if you booked it.
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Got to chip in to the driving Vs flying conversation here. It seems to me like only those who have done the driving can appreciate its merits. I've driven out to the Alps and back twice and also to Montpellier and to the Dordogne, all from North Manchester (Ramsbottom). It is more cost effective if there are a few of you and the total door to door journey duration isn't actually THAT much longer (as demonstrated earlier in the thread). But the kicker is that the journey is an adventure in itself. You see some wonderful scenery and it's great time spent together.
I don't mind flying, but the last couple of years have seen the whole experience worsen considerably, particularly at Manchester.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Driving v flying debate has been had countless times. People are different and have their own needs and preferences, simple as that.
But the reason I asked the OP for more details is because it's quite possible that air fares are a lot higher but not tunnel/ferry/fuel/toll prices are not. Now of course that could affect the driving v flying debate because obviously our preferences all have a price!
In general I think flight prices can be pretty volatile and you have to be on the ball to get the best ones. Also routes, carriers, come and go. Driving tunnel has definitely crept up and fuel prices are clearly quite volatile but I think the overall effect is less.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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There is no doubt that prices on just about everthing have gone through the roof.
In the past we would not think twice about hopping in the Sierra with the kids and drive to Austria. Summer tyres, sled on the roof, how naive and lucky we were.
I dont know how I'm going to afford a high season jaunt this year, but its going to happen.
I've hitch hiked to ski holidays before .. perhaps I will have to again?
(And take sandwiches)
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I'd like to go to CH with my family but the hotels are considerably more expensive than like for like hotel in Austria, Arlberg/Ischgl excluded from that statement.
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| johnE wrote: |
@Gored, Airlines request that you arrive 2 hours before the flight. I lumped that in as check in time. I have queued for over 1:30 more than once for security so generally try to arrive at the airport over 2 hours before the flight. My son used to get very figity in airports and certainly could't stand still in a queue, whereas he would (and still does) sleep all the way to the Alps.
We flew back form Madrid recently and at the Luton passport control the queues were over an hour long. One of the attendants took pity on me (I have difficulty standing for long periods) and basically escort my wife and me to the front of the queue. I rather be driving or asleep in the car than face that on a regular basis.
And yes I live north of the M40 |
Request - not mandatory. You just need to arrive early (or late) enough to make sure you have enough time to complete bagdrop & get through security before the gate closes.
Personally, I arrive early & go to the lounge on an outbound & hit the free food & drink. If you are flying early morning from Heathrow or Gatwick with BA, then you can complete bag drop the day before.
As for being stuck getting through passport control, only once have I been stuck that side & my bag had already been loaded onto the baggage reclaim carousel.
Every other time I am through passport control & hanging around baggage reclaim. If you have physical problems standing (I know someone who gets vertigo symptoms if standing still or moving slowly to long), then maybe register for airport assistance.
I meant M42, but you probably would have guessed that
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| Gaz_H wrote: |
| Quote: |
I'm shocked you've never heard of the ferry from Hull to be honest. Read and learn |
Oh I know about it..... so i dont need to 'learn'....just really not for me.
2.5 hour drive to Hull
Have to be there 1 hour before
13 sail
12 hour drive to Austria
So that's at least a 30 hour journey! And then return for a week's holiday.... you've got to be having a laugh!! |
If the sailing is a friday evening, then its not that bad (as long as you can sleep on the boat!)
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| Quote: |
If you have physical problems standing (I know someone who gets vertigo symptoms if standing still or moving slowly to long), then maybe register for airport assistance.
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I don't normally have a problem, but standing still for over an hour is not my idea of fun; my knees sieze solid.
@Gored, you are very lucky with passport control;. Most times at Geneva it is over 30 minutes with many a time over an hour, especially after Brexit. Every now and then, about 1/3 of the time, the passport queue coming into the UK is over 30 minutes. What airports are you flying into that has such rapid passport control? Sadly, the very few times I'm hanging around baggage reclaim the bag doesn't arrive at all. Almost every time the bag is there circulating.
If flying from Gatwick then you have broken the back of getting to the Alps. You've done the hard part of the journey. From there on it is an easy drive
Having said that I've only flown 3 times this year and driven to the Alps twice.
Last edited by Ski the Net with snowHeads  on Mon 24-07-23 22:13; edited 1 time in total
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| Quote: |
Most times at Geneva it is over 30 minutes with many a time over an hour, especially after Brexit
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When I flew from Geneva in May the bag drop and the passport clearance both took the best part of an hour. Everyone in the passport queue was panicking, as the (already late) flight was in theory about to take off. But the officials assured us that it would wait, and it did. It was shocking - far worse than I've ever experienced before. I shuffled along playing chess on my phone and pitying people with small kids.
Gatwick was easy - fast and effective security and passports.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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| snowymum wrote: |
| @Gaz_H, 16th December is a good week to go to France next season as only uk schools are on holiday that week. However you’d need to book somewhere high for early season. I’d also suggest driving. We use peak retreats who offer self drive packages with Eurotunnel Flexiplus. |
I am always keen to hear the theory behind driving? I get it if you are a family of 4 but as it’s just me and my wife, the numbers don’t stack when I price two easyJet flights with bag and carriage and even a private transfer. In mid December I can get flights for us both with bags for around £350 plus a private transfer of £450 so £800. This option is 8 hours door to door. Ok I could do the train and electric (I drive an EV) for about £4-500 which would be circa 20 hours door to door and that’s without an overnight in either direction on the side of a motorway?
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@Moorzee10, correct - in general, for two people the numbers won't stack up. However, there are all sorts of factors involved in the fly v drive v train debate/discussion. It's not just about simple numbers. I've always driven with a minimum 3, driven overnight and skied 7.5/8 days. I go door to door, so only only have to carry stuff from house to car, car to apartment. All ski's, boots, gear are easily carried, no stress of transfers, check in, check out. If I have to queue at passport control I am sitting down and listening to some music. I can do a supermarket stop on the way in or way home. I can extend my stay (I've visited several places for a day or two after skiing). I can drive to another ski area for a day. There is just a lot more simplicity and flexibility (for me).
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You know it makes sense.
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| pam w wrote: |
Gatwick was easy - fast and effective security and passports. |
For me, Gatwick has undergone a transformation in the last 5 years - it was the worst of the London airports, and now it's the best (apart from Southend which hasn't restarted commercial Geneva flights!).
LGW security is fast, flight disruption seems less than LHR (not so many long-hauls to take priority) and the lounges are better than T5.
Better still - it's one of the few UK airports with priority passport control for a small fee - if you're landing at peak school holidays and have under-12s who can't use the e-gates it can save a big queue at LHR.
If you can use the e-gates, I've only once waited more than 5 minutes at LHR or LGW, passport control re-entering the UK is a non-issue, system crashes aside.
Can't say the same about passport control at Eurotunnel, in either direction... it's typically 10x as long as at the airport, even with flexiplus.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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| snowdave wrote: |
| pam w wrote: |
Gatwick was easy - fast and effective security and passports. |
Better still - it's one of the few UK airports with priority passport control for a small fee - if you're landing at peak school holidays and have under-12s who can't use the e-gates it can save a big queue at LHR.
If you can use the e-gates, I've only once waited more than 5 minutes at LHR or LGW, passport control re-entering the UK is a non-issue, system crashes aside. |
E-gates can now be used by over 10s.
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Poster: A snowHead
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@ster, thanks Sod’s Law it changed too late for mine!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@johnE, In the last 12 months Munich, Salzburg & Antalya. Outbound, Brum, Bris & Row. I usually try to fly early as possible to avoid peak times, so maybe that is why my experience differs.
If I drove, then I would probably look to leave on a Thursday & take my time since I have an EV & no point in rushing it (about 12 hours driving & 3 hours charging plus whatever crossing/hanging around time on top!). Would probably look to leave Friday night to get ahead of the swap over morning with the aim of arriving home Saturday night. I have no problem with long drives. Done plenty!
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@snowdave, mine too. But when they do work, they work better than I thought, as you know how well government and IT go together.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| snowdave wrote: |
| @ster, thanks Sod’s Law it changed too late for mine! |
Mine too - my youngest turns 12 in 2 weeks, and we go on holiday in 3 weeks! Typical!
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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This thread got me looking at the 3 bedroom apartment in Le Grand Bornand we habitually go to - you're right about Dec 16th week being cheaper...
It was €460 for the week Dec 16 to 23 but shoots up to €1500 for the following week (and the week after that)
So that's that booked then.
Admittedly I've added a bit to the cost with the local taxes, linen, towels and cleaning charge but it still works out to around £82 per night including those.
I'm well aware that this will probably be opening week and there's a good chance the snow will be rubbish or non existent but a week in the mountains vs a week of Christmas build up in the UK is a no brainer for me.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I've never had much of a queue at passport control at the tunnel and when we do I'm sitting comfortably listening to a talking book or even sleeping if my wife is driving. Luckily we missed the dover carnage this spring. So i must be unlucky in coming back to the UK. I suppose the reason must me that I travel at normally quiet times, such as late on midweek when there are not many border police on duty.
I think the worse was when an airbus 380 and a couple of delayed flights arrived at Birmingham just before us. The queue started at the entry door to the terminal.
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@MazDave, are you sure the lifts will be open then? Les Saisies doesn't open till 23 December though there'll be some limited weekend opening before then if the snow is OK (which it often is)
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Googling says "Next winter, Le Grand Bornand ski resort is scheduled to open from December 9th 2023 to April 12th 2024."
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Which is early tbf - La Plagne opens 16th
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| pam w wrote: |
| @MazDave, are you sure the lifts will be open then? Les Saisies doesn't open till 23 December though there'll be some limited weekend opening before then if the snow is OK (which it often is) |
I'd be surprised if they don't open until the 22nd (unless there's no snow and it's too warm for snow making obviously)
Looking back at their instagram they opened continuously from Dec 11th in 2022 and 2021.
Otherwise I'll just take the bike...
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Prices have deffo increased. And I am looking like for like in a self catering apartments booked direct. We booked one for 2021. Yes ok covid, but we booked at the point it was all open. Apartment was £650. Same one. Same week now £850.
Last year we had a disappointing trip using Travelski train, so this year we will do non-direct trains as we prefer that journey to flying or driving. I’ll keep an eye on Eurostar at the mo Paris is dirt cheap!! £83 sat 20th jan. Return 27th.
Even if the French bit is £. It’s unlikely more than £100 each.
Transfers are usually around €50 from moutiers.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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I got half board in Les Arcs in the middle of Jan 24 with Crystal for £900pp all in (i.e. including passes). I haven't checked but that seems from memory to be about what I've paid for the last few years, bar this year when I got a cracking deal with Travelski for £750pp all in at the same hotel, and it was 7 days skiing too, which beat out anything Crystal could offer.
I'm keeping my eyes peeled for other bargains but haven't seen any yet, so may end up packing my cases ready and trying to get something extremely last minute.
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You know it makes sense.
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Thanks. At the moment the prices in September are pretty cheap. Inc 1st class. So I’ll keep my eyes peeled. Not sure id save €49 tbh. With current fares.
If we did more travel in France then maybe.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@Lucywuk, as far as I recall for the last couple of years at least, SNCF have done a Black Friday deal on the Advantage card so it only costs 25 euros. Worth registering with the SNCF website so you'll get notifications for promos like this.
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Poster: A snowHead
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@Lucywuk, There is a big squeeze on flights.
Certainly less flights this year than pre-covid & demand out strips flights. Airlines need to claw back 2 years+ of lost revenue.
Almost a perfect storm. Accommodation & lift passes seem to be inline with inflation increases at the most.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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We're going Easter 2024. Exactly same dates as when we went Easter 2022 (although 2024 actual Easter break is the first week of school hols so less work time to book off!).
2022 - Stayed in a 4 person (family - no sleeping on sofa bed), no balcony appartment in Tignes Val Claret - 70 metres walk to slopes - 950 Euros for the week
2024 - Booked a larger 4 person appartment (again, no sofa bed sleeping) directly on the piste facing mountain views, balcony in Val Thorens - 900 Euros for the week
My tip: it's all about the effort (as someone previously said). A lot of the time I use Abritel/Airbnb etc to see what's out there. Then cross reference any places that I like with tourist information's homeowner lists (or even just Google searches) and ultimately book direct. Ends up cheaper and no fees.
Appreciate it's not for everyone, but I find it quite fun (frustrating at times). Do the same in summer.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@kettonskimum, Impressive savings. Easter 2024 is 3 weeks earlier than it was in 2022. I would have expected the late(ish) April Easter 2022 rental to be much less expensive. Is it possibly due to the glacier at Tignes making it attractive at the end of the season?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Sorry if I've confused things. When I say Easter I mean the Easter school holidays.
In 2022, our week ran from 2 April and we were back home for Easter Sunday. In 2024 it'll run from 31 March which is Easter weekend.
I've compared like for like in terms of dates and high resorts.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Worldwide ski inflation has been out of control for the past ~15 years and is as bad as ever in 2023-24.
High, elite resorts, such as Zermatt or Aspen, have become all but unaffordable for the average Joe.
The falling global supply of snow, coupled with rising global wealth (demand), is pushing ski prices up and up and up.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| Whitegold wrote: |
Worldwide ski inflation has been out of control for the past ~15 years and is as bad as ever in 2023-24.
High, elite resorts, such as Zermatt or Aspen, have become all but unaffordable for the average Joe.
The falling global supply of snow, coupled with rising global wealth (demand), is pushing ski prices up and up and up. |
I think the Pound being on its back bottom following the GFC and Brexit is far more of a factor than any "ski inflation". For example in August 2007 the GBP bought 2.42 CHF, but now it gets you only 1.11.
But even with our worthless currency, I still think a family going self-catering can do Zermatt on a reasonable(ish) budget.
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@HilbertSpace,
You are comparing 16 years ago when people are comparing next year price to this year, where exchange rate is realtively aroudn the same.
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| kettonskimum wrote: |
We're going Easter 2024. Exactly same dates as when we went Easter 2022 (although 2024 actual Easter break is the first week of school hols so less work time to book off!).
2022 - Stayed in a 4 person (family - no sleeping on sofa bed), no balcony appartment in Tignes Val Claret - 70 metres walk to slopes - 950 Euros for the week
2024 - Booked a larger 4 person appartment (again, no sofa bed sleeping) directly on the piste facing mountain views, balcony in Val Thorens - 900 Euros for the week
My tip: it's all about the effort (as someone previously said). A lot of the time I use Abritel/Airbnb etc to see what's out there. Then cross reference any places that I like with tourist information's homeowner lists (or even just Google searches) and ultimately book direct. Ends up cheaper and no fees.
Appreciate it's not for everyone, but I find it quite fun (frustrating at times). Do the same in summer. |
Hi, any links to the VT apartment? Looking at similar dates and location.
Cheers
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| andy wrote: |
| Quote: |
Shocked at some of the prices for 2024
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Shocked at some of the prices for 2023 !
Just booked flights back to UK for approaching 2x what I used to pay.
DFDS ferry wanted in excess of €1200 for just car+driver. The cabin fee each way which is compulsory, for an inside (no window) bunk was basically the same price as both flights including the bonus baggage fee each way.
Would have been cheaper to drive and paying for 3 tanks for fuel at extortionate autobahn prices (€2.58/litre is the most I have seen so far). |
I always route via Luxembourg when heading for Austria. Fuel can be half German Autobahn price. Motorway service station prices are competitive with local prices, so no need to leave the autoroute.
About half a tank of fuel from Calais to Luxembourg, and then a tank from there to Austria, with a bit to spare. Filling up again in a local Austrian garage where fuel is cheaper.
And the route is toll free to the Austrian border, and is normally only 0-10 minutes slower than the quickest route.
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@BigJin, avoid France at the moment. It is over 2 euros at the local supermarket and 2.30 in brand name service stations for petrol.
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FAQ
