Outdoor Living for The Savvy Traveller, with Al Fresco
As the holiday season approaches, concerns about the impact of Covid-19 on travel continue to bubble away. Families are rightly concerned about making sure their summer break is as affordable as possible, as outdoors in the fresh air as possible and as contactless as possible.
Al Fresco Holidays, one of the leading self-catering European holiday providers, has some fantastic insights from a recent survey of customers researching a sunshine break this summer. Al Fresco means outdoor living, and with well-spaced out self-contained units on its different sites, it is setting up to 70% of normal capacity this year. Its expansive, diverse parks and many activities on offer mean there is an abundance of options for keen travellers.
Many of us will have booked a holiday for this year way back when and may have had to defer that holiday to 2021; it’s in the bag and paid for. However, those wanting to go away sooner can look forward to a new affordable plan of action for summer 2020 with Al Fresco Holidays.
The recent survey, completed by more than 1,300 people, found that 47% say they are less likely to fly to their next holiday destination, 36% are more likely to consider using a ferry to reach their next destination and 39% are more likely to use Eurotunnel. Customers are much more focused on using their own car to go on holiday as 37% say they are less likely to hire a car and 70% are less likely to use public transport when on holiday.
Customers who plan to drive to France will be heading to parks such as 4* La Vallee in Normandy, 5* Le Clarys Plage in Vendee and 4* Des Menhirs in South Brittany.
Even when the Foreign & Commonwealth Office travel advice changes, and quarantine has been erased, many customers will be hesitant about flying; Al Fresco Holidays is the ideal solution. Jump in the car, travel to Europe and enjoy a sunny, safe getaway costing a lot less than a week’s stay in Center Parcs (a seven-night stay at Elveden, in a two-bedroom Woodland Lodge, costs from £2,117.97 total this August).
As well as self-drive holidays to Europe, the survey shows customers are looking for contactless travel, destinations that are easy to get to from the UK, a holiday where all on-site activities are included and luxury camping at a beach destinations, to name a few.
With that in mind, here are Al Fresco’s suggestions for the best sites for families this summer:
For families with toddlers: Just a couple of hours drive from Calais in Champagne, 5* La Croix du Vieux Pont is a large, vibrant park. It boasts an outdoor pool with lazy river and indoor pool with two water slides. Sports such as football and table tennis are free of charge for guests, whereas pedalos, trampolining, go-karting and archery are available on site for a small charge. One of the biggest draws for families is Disneyland Paris – Mickey, Minnie and co. are within driving distance, as is the romance capital of the world, Paris.
Al Fresco Holidays offers a seven-night holiday at 5* La Croix du Vieux Pont on 18 August for £1,051 (based on a family on six sharing a two-bedroom Rossini mobile home). Price includes return ferry travel from Dover – Calais. Approx. additional costs for tolls and petrol (one-way) are €40.58 (tolls €14.40 + fuel consumption €26.18) based on the quickest route from Calais to the park. Total price: £1,123.39 (£187.23 pp). For more information please visit www.alfresco-holidays.com or call 0161 332 8900.
For families with tweens: Located in the wonderful Vendée region, west of France, just 250 kms from the port of St Malo, the 5* Le Domaine du Clarys – Le Clarys Plage is tweenie heaven. It is home to an enticing water complex complete with an amazing snake waterslide and lazy river. Families can also make the most of the sweeping sandy beach nearby– Plage des Mouettes. There are also fun activities close by, including crazy golf, boat trips, adventure courses and horse riding.
Al Fresco Holidays offers a seven-night holiday at 5* Le Domaine du Clarys – Le Clarys Plage on 5 August for £1,607 (based on a family on six sharing a two-bedroom Rossini mobile home). Price includes return ferry travel from Portsmouth – St Malo / Caen. Approx. additional costs for tolls and petrol (one-way) are €28.37 (tolls €14.40 + fuel consumption €28.37) from St Malo. Total price: £1,683.27 (£280.55 pp). For more information please visit www.alfresco-holidays.com or call 0161 332 8900.
For families with teenagers: 5* Les Prairies de la Mer is a longer drive but one that’s well worth it, especially for families with teenagers. It’s the perfect blend of South of France glamour and holiday relaxation. Discover the soft, sandy beach and try snorkelling, paddle boarding, or parasailing. After making the most of the multiple water sports and the lovely swimming pools on site, or switching off on a sun lounger, sample the local rosé wine which was introduced to the area in Roman times. Port Grimaud is only 500 metres away from the park with a main square where boats run daily from its port to glitzy Saint Tropez, the playground of the rich and famous. Saint Tropez is the perfect place for people watching and admiring the magnificent yachts and expensive cars.
Al Fresco Holidays offers a seven-night holiday at Les Prairies de la Mer on 15 July for £1,776 (saving 10%) based on a family sharing a two bedroom, air conditioned Rossini Riviera mobile home, which sleeps up to six. Price includes return travel on the Eurotunnel from Folkestone – Calais arranged by Al Fresco Holidays. Approx. additional costs for tolls and petrol (one-way) are €228.17 (tolls €101.20 + fuel consumption €126.97. Total Price: £2,185.72 (364.29 pp)). For more information please visit www.alfresco-holidays.com or call 0161 332 8900.
For the budget-conscious traveller: Head to the 3* Domaine de Ker Ys, in the heart of Brittany’s countryside, and take in the typical Breton atmosphere. It’s a magical spot with a heated swimming pool, slides, waterfall and whirlpool. With direct beach access from the park, make the most of the wonderful coastal walks or play on the sandy beach. With a pick of on-site entertainment, nearby water sports and a range of local sites to visit, the Ker Ys is homely and you can feel the original spirit of a campsite.
Al Fresco Holidays offers a seven-night holiday at 3* Domaine de Ker Ys on 21 August for £1,124 (based on a family on six sharing a two-bedroom Puccini Riviera mobile home). Price includes return ferry travel from Plymouth – Roscoff. Approx. additional costs for petrol (one-way) is €9.75 (fuel consumption €9.75) based on the quickest route from Roscoff to the campsite. Total price: £1,141.38 (£190.23pp). For more information please visit www.alfresco-holidays.com or call 0161 332 8900.
Al Fresco – The SAFE way to travel this summer
Space – Outdoor tourism with well-spaced homes, expansive decking, al fresco dining and open air.
Affordable – Prices start from £694 per family in July at 3* Le Soleil des Landes in Aquitaine.
Freedom and flexibility – Travel by car, ferry, Eurotunnel, train or flights.
Exciting range of family-based activities – First-class facilities, local attractions, water parks and beaches. Plus, the opportunity to explore neighbouring regions and local villages.
Al Fresco has made several changes to how they operate to keep everyone (holidaymakers, staff and teams) as safe as possible, so guests can kick back and enjoy a carefree holiday. Please find more details about Al Fresco’s protect programme for peace of mind.
Discounts of up to 20% are currently available throughout July and August 2020, making an Al Fresco Holidays the perfect choice for summer in the sunshine without breaking the bank. For more information about Al Fresco Holidays, visit: www.alfresco-holidays.com or call 0161 332 8900.
Ends: 1 July 2020.
For more information please contact Lynsey Devon at lynsey@heavenpublicity.co.uk or 07717078862
About Al Fresco Holidays: Al Fresco Holidays provides great value self-catering breaks in six countries spanning 26 regions – all easily accessible from the UK. Al Fresco offers a range of accommodation types with access to superb dining options, excellent kids’ clubs and the very best sports facilities. With a diverse portfolio these include family friendly, stylish mobile home accommodation with outdoor decking areas.
