Jools Holland recommends exploring on your European holidays

Many people choose to go abroad simply so they can flop down by the pool or on the beach and barely move for the duration of their trip.

However, this is certainly not the best way to get the most out of your holiday. Instead, it would be better to follow in the footsteps of self-confessed explore-aholic Jools Holland, who told the Daily Telegraph he is not someone who just chills out on holiday.

"I am a keen medievalist and like going around museums and ruins and finding out about the people and local culture ... When I go on an overseas tour with the band I tend to go a day earlier so I can explore the area and make the most of my time there," he explained.

It is possible that passengers on ferries from Ramsgate to Ostend could see Holland at some point in the not-too-distant future, as he revealed that he is eager to head to the Flemish part of Belgium.

"I love Belgian food and it's relatively quick and easy to get there. I also like Flemish primitive painters," he commented.

However, if you're encouraged by the celebrity's words and fancy trying an exploring holiday instead of a beach break for the first time, it's important to be prepared, as advocated by the jazz musician himself.

"Familiarise yourself with the country you're going to before you get there," he advised.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers similar recommendations on its website, particularly if you are taking the ferry and going abroad in your car.

It warns that foreign roads can be very different to British ones, so it is a good idea to brush up on local laws before you go in order to avoid any mishaps.

The organisation also suggests driving defensively rather than in the relaxed manner you might be used to at home.

You might want to put plenty of maps in the glove compartment too, just in case you discover you a missing a sense of direction when you get to your destination.

Hull - Zeebrugge

1 x Foot Passenger(s) Return

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14/07/2013 - 15/07/2013

£123

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Hull - Zeebrugge

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03/06/2013 - 04/06/2013

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26/10/2013 - 29/10/2013

£236

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