Ferry-goers can get into the festive spirit

Ferries from Dover to Calais operate several times a day, therefore giving bargain hunters the opportunity to choose a route that fits in to their schedule. P&O Ferries runs up to 24 crossings per day, each of which takes around 90 minutes to complete, meaning passengers can be at their destination before they know it. Customers are advised that there are no sailings on Christmas Day and that a reduced timetable will be in operation on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.

There are other benefits to booking on this particular route with AFerry.co.uk. Anyone who travels by ferry from England to France will receive two free bottles of Jacob's Creek Reserve Sauvignon Blanc from the Calais Wine Superstore when they spend £40 or more. This particular wine sells for around £8.99 in the UK, leading to almost £20 of savings this Christmas.

Find a fantastic selection of wines and beers at The Calais Wine Superstore

Anyone who travels by ferry from England to France will receive two free bottles of Jacob's Creek Reserve Sauvignon Blanc from the Calais Wine Superstore when they spend £40 or more

The Calais Wine Superstore is situated in Zone Marcel Doret on the Rue Marcel Doret and can easily be reached from the port itself. Motorists are advised to travel along the motorway towards Paris for half a mile and take the first exit, marked Sortie 3 - Zone Marcel Doret. After taking the third exit on the roundabout, they will see the store on the left-hand side at the bottom of the road.

Carrefour in Calais is also a great place to head for some cheap festive wine and beer. This large supermarket attracts hundreds of people in search of a great deal and can be found at 1001, Boulevard de Kent. After arriving in the terminal building at Calais, drivers are recommended to take the A16 motorway towards Boulogne and exit at either Sortie 41 or 43 towards Coquelles.

For a real French wine specialist, Calais Vins is just the place. Visitors are encouraged to try before they buy and staff have a vast knowledge that will help customers make the best informed decision. A series of beers is also produced by Calais Vins, known as the Les Bourgeoises de Calais, which are available in Blonde, Amber and Brown. To get to the store, ferry passengers must follow the A16 motorway before taking Sortie 44. After turning right at the first roundabout, they will be at their destination.

Some more familiar wine merchants have set up shop in Calais, such as Majestic Wines, which has a warehouse close to the ferry terminal. Like the Calais Wine Superstore, it is situated in Zone Marcel Doret and is open daily from 8am until 8pm. Motorists will find the Majestic Wines Superstore is just five minutes away from the ferry port if they take the motorway link road and come off at the first junction - Sortie 3.

Visitors taking a ferry to France who want to put a little time and effort into selecting the perfect wines for the festive season may want to stop off at Bar A Vins. The store is owned by a husband and wife team and gives customers the chance to make the right decision when it comes to purchasing wine. The store is open all week long - except on Wednesdays - and is easily accessible from the port of Calais. In order to get to the shop, drivers must turn right out of the port, heading towards the Centre Ville. At the second roundabout, take the third exit continuing towards Centre Ville and at the end turn right on to Rue Molien. Turn right at the roundabout and then turn right at the traffic lights on to Place D'Armes. Bar A Vins will be at the opposite end of the town square.

Wine can be a vital ingredient for Christmas celebrations

One of the main advantages of travelling by ferry is that there are few restrictions on the number of products people are able to bring back to the UK. Companies like Irish Ferries and P&O often state this fact in their marketing especially before Christmas and New Year. Although when arriving in the UK from a country inside the European Union (EU) there is supposed to be no limit on the amount of goods that can be imported, there are certain conditions that people are expected to meet.

One of the main advantages of travelling by ferry is that there are few restrictions on the number of products people are able to bring back to the UK

The first is that the goods must be transported by the individual or individuals who intend to use them. They must either be for personal use or to be given as a gift; if payment is received in any way for the goods, they are no longer classed as gifts and may be seized by border officials. Furthermore, duty and tax on the goods must have been paid in the EU country from which they were acquired.