Travelling by ferry to Brittany on my own with baby & toddler

[TeamAniston]

I am not a panicker by nature but I really don't know where to start in terms of packing/organising for a week's self-catering holiday with my daughters.

I have the car plus roof box so space not too much of an issue but any tips you can give me about what to pack, what not to forget, things I might not have thought of and ways to make a 7/8 hour daytime ferry crossing bearable will be much appreciated.

I know I'll feel so much better once I have a list - or 7 - of things to pack!

Nappies, baby wipes, clothes.

On the ferry, portable DVD player, colouring things, food and drinks, books.

And be prepared to do many turns of the boat.

Thank you, I feel better already!

can you afford a day cabin? will make your life loads easier - somewhere to leave stuff, chill, play games in peace, read stories to dcs, let baby (and you never know your luck) have a kip, play dvds etc

Travelling by ferry is alot easier than by plane, you can take your pram up from the car and you can wander at will.

Well ferry is better than plane as you can walk about

Not been on a ferry with my two but have done plenty of trains/buses/planes on my own with them and would say snacks & sticker books are the top things I stash in my bag...

It'll be great, enjoy your holiday :)

Thank you everyone, will definitely look into a day cabin and it hadn't dawned on me that I could take the buggy out of the car so that will make life much easier. Snacks and sticker books - I know a toddler who will be very happy if my bag is full of them!

Definitely get a cabin as it's a useful place to leave bags and have peace and quiet and a nap.
Check out the entertainment/children's area - depends on the ferry but there was one with a mini soft play area and colouring plus videos -the baby changing areas are usually in the same area.
Be careful where you pack the buggy and bags - make sure they are easily accessible as the cars are often tightly parked and I've seen people struggle to get things out of/into boots. Ferries do have lifts so you won't have to struggle up stairs. Have a 'ferry bag' ready to get from the car - I always feel rushed to get out and up on deck, probably it's to do with the fact that cars are being parked all around. Don't forget that you can't go back to the vehicle so take everything you may possibly need.
Take plenty of snacks/drinks although if you're on Brittany Ferries the childrens' dinner 'box' was always a hit as it included a toy/colouring.
Good luck -have a great holiday.

Another thread has reminded me - have you checked the list of things required in France for motoring (spare bulbs, triangle, GB sticker etc) ?
Also, I had to extend my breakdown cover for Europe whilst I was away (check with insurance too). Health cards (was E111) are free if you haven't got them.
I took my two (admittedly older than yours) camping in Brittany and wanted peace of mind that if we broke down, had an accident or were ill that I would have help.

Take a look on tge ferrys website and see exactly what is onboard.

I have great memories of ferry crossings when little its truly tge start of tge holiday. They will love it!

Have a look at these recommendations for kids on the ferry and might be worth looking at the babies and toddlers and formula and nappies hope it helps, i know theres a lot of info but the more you prepare before going the easier the journey is, believe me!!

I came back from France on a ferry yesterday (evening crossing) and there was entertainment for children - balloon man, magic show. By the end of the crossing many small children were in pyjamas ready for the car journey (and hopefully sleep !)

Thank you so much for all your great advice. I've started writing lists so feel much better about it already! Will keep checking back, I really appreciate it.

Be careful about the buggy thing. When you get out of the car you don't have much space to squeeze between cars and if you have a DD in each hand/arm you won't have another hand for a buggy. Why don't you ask the ferry company in advance if you can be placed near the door leading to the upper decks. We asked for this once with DS and there were two of us, so if you tell them you are alone with two DCs they may well oblige.

We have done ferry a few times with DS. Not bothered taking buggy out of car to be honest, depends if you can cope without it. They do have lifts between decks though. Definitely get a day cabin. It's about 25 euros and worth every penny. Your own space, somewhere to nap and spread out.

In France nappies are quite a bit more expensive than here. If you have space, take them with you. Also they don't seem to have nappy sacks in the shops, so take those too. On the up side, DCs are usually made very welcome in restaurants etc and beaches and parks have very good municipal facilities.

Don't know how good your French is and where in Brittany you are going, but beware that in rural areas people will not necessarily speak english, especially older people. Maybe worth learning the basics especially medical stuff.

Enjoy! You'll have a great time.

Oh and French supermarkets don't offer carrier bags, at all. You have to take your own. Take a few of those bags for life or foldaway ones.