Sponsored Editorial

The new year is just around the corner. How exciting! Time to start creating your travel bucket list for 2023.

There are some stunning destinations to explore in Europe, just across the water from us – from France to Belgium, Holland to Luxembourg. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or the ultimate adventure, these countries are rich in history, culture and beauty.

One of the most popular ways to travel to Europe is via the Dover to Calais crossing with P&O Ferries, and the company has just unveiled its latest offer – early booking for 2023. Now, you can get ahead of the curve and plan some fantastic holidays for next year.

So, what exactly does the offer include? Well, if you book a long break with P&O by 31st January 2023 for travel between 1st March and 14th December 2023, you can choose from one of a trio of benefits – a £30 fuel voucher or a free upgrade to a Flexi ticket, both of which can be redeemed upon booking, or a £50 hotel voucher to go towards your next trip.

Ready to make the most of this fantastic offer but need some inspiration on where to visit? The P&O Ferries team have put together their top five holidays to go on in 2023…

1. A road trip to Holland to visit the tulip fields

Often referred to as the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof is one of the world’s largest flower gardens. Situated in Lisse, 3 hours 45 minutes from Calais, it is home to approximately 7 million flowers. If you’re planning a trip for the spring, the unique annual Dutch Flower Parade, taking place on April 22nd, is a must-see affair. You can bring your bikes and cycle around the surrounding tulip fields, and if you’re looking for a bit of city life, Amsterdam and Rotterdam are both just an hour away.

2. A city break to Lille

Lille is one of northern France’s best-kept secrets – beautiful, fascinating and full of sights. Just a 1 hour and 15 minute journey from Calais, it is incredibly easy to get there! There is a myriad of things to do in the city, from taking in the architectural sights and indulging in French cuisine to visiting the many museums, Lille Zoo and the Old Bourse Book Market, where you can pick up some second-hand literary favourites! The best weather in Lille is between May and October – it’s perfect for a weekend getaway.

3. Explore the country of Luxembourg

Luxembourg is another must for the 2023 travel bucket list. One of the smallest countries in the world, it is surrounded by Belgium, France and Germany, offering gorgeous diverse natural landscapes, including forests, nature parks, rocky gorges and rivers. This makes it ideal for nature walks, cycling and even skiing in the winter months. Take advantage of the free public transport throughout the country and head into Luxembourg City, a dynamic, multicultural hub with medieval charm. Alternatively, you can explore the variety of castles and historic landmarks across the country.

4. Camping in Boucles de la Seine Normande National Park

Camping lets you escape the stress of modern life, connect with nature and bond as a family. If this sounds like something you would enjoy, Boucles de la Seine Normande National Park in France in the Normandy region of northern France is the perfect spring/summer holiday for you. 2hr 25 minutes from Calais, it is close to the coast for beaches and there’s an abundance of wildlife and nature to relish. Take a stroll or cycle along the River Seine, which runs through the park, or venture into Rouen, only an hour away, for a fun-filled day in the city.

5. A city break to Brussels

A vibrant and eclectic city, Brussels has something for everyone. You will know it as the administrative centre of the European Union, but there is much, much more to Brussels than that. Step back in time and take in the extraordinary architecture and heritage and taste some of the best food and drink in the world, including iconic Belgium chocolate, waffles, frites and beer. There are many rooftop bars overlooking the city, which are beautiful in the summer months, and in August, the downtown city centre comes alive with 10 full days of music concerts and cultural activities. From the Calais ferry port, Brussels is a 2 hour 25 minute journey. What’s not to love?

For more details and to book a crossing for 2023, visit www.poferries.com.

Terms of conditions: Offers apply to long break return bookings (return after 5 days or more) from Dover to Calais made by 31 January 2023, for travel from 1 March 2023 to 14 December 2023. Promotion excludes vehicles designed for commercial use, including vans, foot passengers and bicycles. Promotion codes valid against new bookings only and can only be redeemed at time of booking. Promo codes cannot be combined nor used in conjunction with any other offers or discount. Fuel voucher and hotel voucher will be fulfilled after travel on qualifying booking has been completed. Bookings are subject to restricted space, sailings and dates. P&O Ferries reserves the right to amend or withdraw all elements of the promotion without prior notice. Subject to Promotional Conditions and P&O Ferries’ Terms of Business, both available online at www.poferries.com.