Beware added holiday costs, families warned

Families catching ferries to France and other destinations should not forget to consider the cost of additional holiday items that may not have been included in their initial budget, according to the Post Office.

Almost half of British holidaymakers are looking for ways to reduce costs, according to research by the organisation, but many will end up forking out for excursions, snacks, items for children to play with on the beach and other extras.

People planning to catch ferries to St Malo or Cherbourg to see Mont Saint-Michel can visit the attraction for free but were advised by the Post Office to avoid its overpriced tourist shops.

The organisation also pointed out that travellers taking France ferry breaks this year will benefit from lower bills at restaurants.

"The French government has just slashed VAT on restaurants to 5.5 per cent from 19.6 per cent," said Sarah Munro, Post Office head of travel services.

"This means that a €10 lunchtime menu in France, which would have cost almost £10 earlier this year, is now £7.50 – quite a saving when you have a family to feed."

Both P&O Ferries and Seafrance provide a Dover to Calais ferry route for people planning to visit France this year, while LD Lines offers ferries to Le Havre from Portsmouth and Brittany Ferries serves St Malo and Cherbourg.

Written by Mark Robinson