Bon voyage – motorway the Euro-way

One of the best things about travelling to Europe by DFDS Seaways cruise ferry is that you can easily take your own vehicle with you and explore the continent with ease and in the comfort of your own familiar car.

You don’t have to pack all your belongings in to your suitcases - simply pack up the vehicle. You can even travel with your campervan or caravan and explore European campsites and the great outdoors.

With DFDS Seaways your holiday truly starts the moment you step on board. Simply check in to your cabin and relax. With shops, restaurants and bars, and live entertainment and cinemas on routes from Newcastle there is so much to see and do. There are even activities and clubs for the children to keep them occupied.

Sail with DFDS Seaways from Newcastle to Ijmuiden in Holland or Harwich to Esbjerg in Denmark and you can easily drive to Germany, Belgium, France or beyond.

Why sit on the British motorways in all the traffic heading down to the South Coast just to get across to France, when you can relax onboard and drive on extensive and clear toll roads throughout Europe.

Driving in Europe is incredibly easy and the RAC has some helpful tips and advice on what you need to do before you leave as well as when you are abroad:

- Be Bright, Drive on the Right
- Always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document, motor insurance certificate. If your licence does not include a photograph ensure you carry your passport
- Headlamp converters are compulsory
- If you hold a full UK license the minimum age for driving is 18 in some countries for a car AND a motorcycle
- Third party insurance is compulsory and you should advise your insurer of your trip
- Before you set off be sure to pack a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, warning triangle, headlamp beam reflectors and spare lamp bulbs- these are required by law in many countries.
- A Green Card/International Motor Insurance Certificate – is strongly recommended. You can get this from your motor insurer.
- GB Sticker- if your car has the Euro-plates (circle of 12 stars above the national identifier on blue background) you will not normally need a GB sticker, although check this before setting off as this does vary from country to country. If it does not have this plate you will need a GB sticker on the back of our car, caravan, or trailer.
- In Scandinavian countries you need to have your dipped headlights on at all times.
- Drink drive laws are very strict in some Scandinavian countries- as a general rule drinking no alcohol if you intend to drive is the best option.

DFDS Seaways sails Newcastle – Stavanger – Haugesund – Bergen (Norway), Newcastle – Ijmuiden (Holland), Harwich – Esbjerg (Denmark) and offers a wide range of holiday and short break options from activity holidays and Center Parcs to city cruise breaks, as well as camping holidays.

Prices from £120 for a car and two passengers (one way, based on low season travel between Newcastle and Ijmuiden).

For more information on the range of holidays and short breaks available through DFDS Seaways go to Dfds.co.uk.