Travel Guide
KELAIR CAMPOTEL HEAD OFFICE 5 Main Street, 3 Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, IRELAND TEL+353 90 9648750 www.campotel.com
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 3
Win €1000/€500/€250 Voucher
Page 14
Page 4
Getting There ……by Air
POINTS TO NOTE
General Missing your Flight Car Hire
Travel Pack Route Guide Ferry/Flight Tickets Accommodation Voucher Page 5
Before you set off Getting the car ready What to pack Medication Bedding Baby’s requirements & food Page 8
Your Holiday Linen Requirements
Page 16
Getting to your Resort Page 18
Driving Abroad Page 24
When You Arrive During Your Stay Club Buzzy Bee Cot & Baby Packs Babysitting Swimming Regulations Page 29
Enjoy Your Holiday! Page 9
Travel Documents
Page 31
Passports & Visas
Visiting a Doctor in France, Italy & Spain
Page 11
Insurance Documents
Page 33
Personal/Medical Insurance Car Breakdown Insurance
Phoning Home/Internet Access Page 35
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Getting there …. By Ferry Travelling to the Ferry-Port Missing the Ferry Boarding the Ferry Your on-board Accommodation Safety and Security Eating on Board & Disembarking
Useful Words & Phrases Page 41
Leaving Your Resort Page 42
Travel Checklist
THE INFORMATION WITHIN THIS TRAVEL GUIDE IS FOR REFERENCE ONLY AND DOES NOT FORM PART OF YOUR HOLIDAY CONTRACT. 2
Win a Holiday Voucher Worth €1,000/€500/€250 Please take the time to fill out the confidential questionnaire which you will find in your Travel Pack and you will be entered into a draw for one of three KelAir Campotel Vouchers
Or
Get a voucher for €100 If you would like to write a 25 word paragraph on how you enjoyed your holiday, we will send you a KelAir Campotel voucher worth €100 if we use it on our website, social media sites &/or in next years brochure. Since 1980 we have been bringing thousands of Families to France. KelAir Campotel has always been to the forefront for introducing many new and innovative features, which have enhanced the holiday experience over the years; changes, which today are taken for granted. It is our aim to continually improve on our product and service to you. With this in mind we ask that you take a few minutes to complete the enclosed questionnaire. When complete, please place in the sealed envelope provided and your courier will collect it prior to your departure. Alternatively, you may post it to us on your return to home.
WE WILL NEED TO INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND TOWN OR RESIDENCE IF IT IS PUBLISHED 3
POINTS TO NOTE We ask that at least one member of your party read the enclosed travel document/booklet carefully; it contains some very important information.
Passengers must check in at the ferry port not less than one hour (airport not less than 1 hour and 30minutes) prior to scheduled departure time.
On all KelAir Campotel accommodation owned campsites, your accommodation is available from 4pm on the day of your arrival. If you arrive before 4pm you are welcome to use the site facilities. In order for us to prepare for our next guests we do ask that you vacate your accommodation by 10 am on your day of departure. Please remember that most campsites close their gates between 10pm and 8am, if you arrive later or leave earlier you may have to leave your car outside and enter and depart by foot. As stated on our KelAir Campotel brochure and voucher, there is a charge for Good House Keeping Deposit on arrival (€100/80), which will be held as an indemnity deposit against the safe, clean return of the accommodation and equipment. Please state on your arrival if you are unhappy with the standard of your accommodation so that it can be rectified as soon as possible, instead of at the end of your holiday.
On all KelAir Campotel accommodation owned campsites the couriers must check your accommodation before you depart. Refund is solely at the discretion of the courier on duty. The Good House Keeping Deposit will not be returned until the morning of your departure.
Please check with your courier regarding departure procedure. At certain campsites you will be charged a deposit for barrier cards and swimming pool wristbands, which will be refunded when returned to the main campsite before you leave. Should you lose or damage same, the replacement cost will then be deducted from your good housekeeping deposit.
Before you depart please leave the front door key on the table inside the Holiday Home accommodation. TRAVEL PACK Route Guide We have provided you with a route guide to your resort. We recommend that you study this in advance of your journey. Ferry Tickets Please check these to ensure all is in order, all times are local Resort Voucher o
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BEFORE YOU SET OFF GETTING THE CAR READY We recommend that you get your car serviced two to three weeks prior to departure. Waiting two or three days before departure to service your car may not be a good idea as sometimes repairs can take a few days. We ask that you pay particular attention to your tyres, radiator hoses, fan-belt and batteries – as travelling long distances in a fully-packed car, in hot temperatures can put extra pressure on your vehicle. Headlights must be adjusted for driving on the righthand side of the road. You can purchase beam deflectors in most garages and car accessories shops. It is now compulsory to carry a spare set of car light bulbs (front, rear and indicator bulbs). Each passenger must have his or her own seat and seatbelt. Don’t forget to display your IRL sticker. This is included in your travel pack (inclusive ferry packages only). It’s a good idea to install car window blinds on rear side windows. These are good for reducing the discomfort of the hot summer sun on small children. We advise that you inform your insurance company that you are travelling abroad so that they can extend your cover to the country you are visiting. It’s advised to carry a first aid kit in your car. You will probably have most of the necessary elements already, but your local pharmacist will advise if you’re in doubt. It’s an excellent idea to have your local garage make up a kit of basic spare parts for your car. They will usually do this on a sale or return basis, giving you credit for what you haven’t used when you return from your holiday. This can save valuable time finding spare parts on holiday if your car is not a French make.
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WHAT TO PACK CLOTHES Try not to over-pack. Remember, our resorts are relaxed and informal environments, so it is good to pack accordingly. Washing machines are available at all resorts, so it is usually easy to wash and dry clothes. It is a good idea to pack a warm set of clothing as sometimes nighttime can be chilly. Likewise, it is recommended to pack rain gear so that inclement weather does not mean you have to stay indoors. We often organise painting sessions at our Buzzy Bee Clubs so we advise you to pack some old clothes for the kids Top Tip! Your accommodation is available from 4.00pm. If you know you will arrive before this time, it is a good idea to have the family's swimming gear packed separately in a small bag. That way, you can all cool off & unwind after your journey in the pool until your accommodation is ready. Most resorts have strict regulations with regard to swimwear. To be on the safe side, pack conventional swimwear only, no T-Shirts or baggy swimming trunks. For men this means no Bermuda shorts but Speedo briefs or boxer type swim wear. Please see www.campotel.com for rules & regulations.
MEDICATION Buy plenty of high-factor sunscreen prior to leaving. However, should you run out, similar brands are always readily available at similar prices in most places. It’s advisable to pack some common painkillers, as these cannot be bought from supermarkets in France. (Pharmacy’s only) Pack plenty of insect repellent - the sprays on ones are generally easier to apply. Ensure that your insect repellent contains DEET. If travelling by ferry, it’s a good idea to ask your local pharmacist to recommend motion sickness tablets for adults as well as children.
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WHAT TO PACK BEDDING We provide duvets; duvet-covers, pillows and pillow-slips for all KelAir Campotel accommodation. You can hire Beach Towels, Bath towels, Hand towels, Tea-towels & sheets. BABIES There’s no need to pack a cot, highchair or stroller as these are available on all KelAir Campotel resorts, subject to request at time of booking (charge applies). Bottled water is not suitable for babies, but boiled and cooled tap water is perfectly fine. FOOD It is advisable to take some basic supplies with you, such as your favourite brand of tea. It’s also a good idea to pack basic supplies in case you arrive at your resort on a Sunday or a public holiday as supermarkets may not be open. Most supermarkets offer similar products to those available at home (although they may be branded differently) so, it’s not recommended to pre-pack food for the entire holiday. France is renowned for its fine foods so, sample the local treats! If anyone in your family has any special dietary requirements, it’s recommended to pack enough for the duration of the holiday. ELECTRICAL There is no need to pack a hairdryer or an iron, as these are available on loan from your courier, on request and subject to availability. Do pack continental adapters, as most sockets in KelAir Campotel accommodation are two-prong sockets. 220-volt electricity is generally available in France, Italy and Spain. If you are planning to use your mobile phone while abroad, we recommend that you bring a charger that can be used from your car.
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YOUR HOLIDAY LINEN REQUIREMENTS
ALL ACCOMMODATION COMES WITH
1 DOUBLE DUVET 4 SINGLE DUVETS 3 BLANKETS
MATTRESS PROTECTORS & PILLOWS ARE ALSO SUPPLIED SHEETS & TOWEL HIRE IS AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF BOOKING.
The majority of mattress protectors now supplied are disposable not cloth. For your added comfort we strongly advise to avail of our sheet & towel hire or if you are travelling by ferry to bring your own.
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TRAVEL DOCUMENTS PASSPORTS & VISAS
All EU citizens are obliged to possess a valid passport when travelling to France, Italy & Spain on holiday. o Note. Check that all forms of photo ID and passports are VALID as it can take a number of weeks for passport applications to be processed.
Non-EC passport holders require a visa for travelling to France. American passport holders do not need a visa if they are staying for less than three months. However, we advise that non-EC passport-holders check with their relevant Embassies well before departure to ensure that all is in place.
Keep photocopies of all travel documentation (particularly passports, driving licences and visas) in a separate place to the originals, in case the originals are stolen or lost. Ideally, you should leave photocopies at home with friends or family so that they can fax them over if necessary.
Minors travelling without their parents must be in possession of written permission signed by both parents. VACCINATIONS No vaccinations are required for Irish and UK citizens for travel to France, Italy or Spain IF YOU LOSE YOUR PASSPORT lf you lose your passport abroad you should immediately report the loss to the local police and then to the nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate. Ask the Police for a written statement that you have reported the loss. You will require this to obtain a temporary passport from an Irish Mission. In certain circumstances, for example when you are returning directly to Ireland, an Emergency Travel Document rather than a passport may be issued. Most Honorary Consuls do not issue passports and can only issue Emergency Travel Documents.
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FRANCE Address: Embassy of Ireland 12 Avenue Foch 75116 Paris Telephone: +331 4417 6700 Fax: +331 4417 6750 www.embassyofireland.fr Honorary Consul General Address: Honorary Consulate General of Ireland St. Michel 69 Avenue Roi Albert La Californie 06400 Cannes Telephone: +336 77 69 14 36 Honorary Consul Address: Honorary Consul of Ireland Gare Maritime Sud 50100 Cherbourg Telephone: + 332 3323 4444 Fax: +332 3323 4440 Email: shamrock@wanadoo.fr Honorary Consul Address: Consulat Honoraire d'Irlande Le Prince de Galles 5, Avenue des Citronniers 98000 Monaco Telephone: + 377 9315 7045 Fax: + 377 9315 9516
SPAIN
ITALY
Address: Ireland House Paseo de la Castellana 46-4 28046 Madrid Telephone: +34 91 436 4093 Fax: +34-91-435-1677 Email: madridembassy@dfa.ie www.embassyofireland.es
Address: Embassy of Ireland Piazza di Campitelli 3 00186 Rome Telephone: +39 06 697 9121 Fax: +39 06 679 2354 Email: romeembassy@dfa.ie www.ambasciata-irlanda.it
Honorary Consul Address: Honorary Consul of Ireland Gran Via Carlos III, 94 08028 Barcelona Telephone: 00 34 93 491 5021 Fax: 00 34 93 490 09 86 Email: cons.irl@webcat.es
Honorary Consul Address: Piazza S. Pietro in Gessate 2 20122 Milano Telephone : +39 02551 88848 Fax: +39 02551 87570
Passports are required for travel to all countries except the United Kingdom. (However, you should note that airlines now require photo-ID for flights to the UK). Irish citizens require a valid passport for travel to
all other destinations in the E.U. Validity of Passports Infants (up to age 3) are issued with a 3-year passport. Children aged 3-17 are issued with a 5-year passport. Persons aged 18 and over are issued with a 10-year passport. In certain cases (e.g. where a previous passport has been lost or stolen), the Passport Office may restrict the validity of a replacement passport. Passport application forms are available from all Garda stations, Post Offices which provide the Passport Express service, many Libraries and Citizens Advice Centres and also from the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork.
The Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. These Offices normally provide a 10-day issuing service. However, if you find that you have left your application late and require a passport in less than 10 days you must apply in person to the Dublin or Cork Office. In such cases it is important that your application is correct and that you also bring proof of travel, e.g. Internet booking or travel tickets. Depending on the urgency an additional Urgent Processing fee may be payable. You should submit your application to the Passport Office in Dublin or Cork [if you live in Munster].
PASSPORT OFFICE DUBLIN Tel. +353 1 671 1633 or 1890 426 888 PASSPORT OFFICE CORK Tel. + 353 21 494 4700 or 1890 426 900
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INSURANCE PERSONAL /MEDICAL INSURANCE Travel Insurance is mandatory for each member of your party with all Kel Air Campotel Holidays. This will cover you for medical emergencies as well as theft and travel curtailment. If you did not avail of the personal cover, which is offered by KelAir Campotel, you must possess an equivalent or higher cover insurance. If you did avail of the personal medical insurance, your insurance policy is included in this travel pack and should be in your possession at all times. It is also advisable to keep your holiday invoice with your insurance policy as proof of payment. There is a contact number on your insurance policy, which you must ring in the case of a personal/medical emergency. Familiarise yourself with this document so that you know where to find the telephone numbers and policy number if an emergency arises. Remember to keep all associated receipts. CAR BREAKDOWN INSURANCE Although not a legal requirement, we strongly advise being covered for car breakdown and roadside assistance when on holiday. Again KelAir Campotel can arrange car breakdown insurance cover for you. If your car breaks down, you will be covered for roadside assistance, towing fees and replacement vehicle if necessary. There is a contact number on the policy to call before arranging any emergency help. This policy does not cover parts or labour costs. Your car breakdown insurance policy should be kept in your car at all times – even if you’re just travelling to the local shop!
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GETTING THERE…
…By Ferry TRAVELLING TO THE FERRY-PORT
You must check in at the ferry port at least one hour before departure.
Allow plenty of time to get to the ferry port, taking into consideration that there may be hundreds of other like-minded holidaymakers making their way along the same route.
Areas around ferry ports can become very congested during peak holiday times. It’s advisable to call the ferry company before you set off to ensure that the ferry is on schedule. MISSING THE FERRY
Should you miss your allocated ferry, you will usually be offered a place on the next one, subject to availability. Charges will apply. Please note that Irish Ferries only depart from Ireland to France on certain days. Brittany Ferries depart Ireland to France only once a week.
If you have booked on-board accommodation on a missed crossing, you are not guaranteed the same level of accommodation on the next crossing.
If you decide to arrange alternative travel with another ferry company (i.e. landbridge via the UK) to your destination, this will be done at your own expense.
If you have missed your ferry due to exceptional circumstances beyond your control, such as car break-down, contact your insurance company. They will advise if you are covered by insurance for missing the ferry. BOARDING THE FERRY Boarding usually begins one hour before departure.
You will not be allowed onto the car deck during the crossing, so ensure you bring all necessary belongings on board with you.
We advise that you pack an overnight bag for use on the ferry; you may leave everything else in the car. Do not leave any valuable items such as cameras in the car.
Bring all travel documentation on board with you.
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YOUR ON-BOARD ACCOMMODATION
It is important that you claim your accommodation immediately on boarding, otherwise it may be reallocated.
To upgrade your cabin accommodation you must register your request at the reception area. Subject to availability and payment of the relevant supplement you will be allocated a suitable cabin SAFETY AND SECURITY
Ensure that your children are under your supervision at all times whilst on the ferry.
Once you arrive on board, agree on a meeting place should a member of your party get lost. The main reception area is recommended.
Never allow young children into public toilets unattended. Never allow children on deck unattended. EATING ON BOARD In general, eating on board is of a reasonably good standard. There is usually a self-service cafeteria as well as a waiter-service restaurant available. If you wish to dine in the waiter-service restaurant during high season it is recommended to book a table once you arrive on board. DISEMBARKING
It is recommended that you consult your route guide (provided with this travel pack) before you disembark. It usually works well to have a “co-pilot” sitting beside the driver – someone who is good at reading maps and following directions. French roads are very well sign posted, so getting lost is rarely an issue.
“Toutes directions” means all directions. “Autres directions” means other directions. One thing to be conscious of at the beginning of the journey is driving on the correct side of the road.
Remember – if you are the driver, you should be on the kerb side of the road and not the middle, as you would be used to. You will find that after an hour or two, you will become accustomed to driving on the other side of the road. However, we recommend sticking a note on the steering wheel to remind your self at the beginning of each journey.
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GETTING THERE…
…By Air GENERAL
For scheduled flights, you must check in at least one and a half hours before departure.
For charter flights, it is necessary to check in at least two hours beforehand. It is imperative that you call the charter operator 48 hours before departure of outward and return flights. Contact details are to be found on the flight tickets.
Your luggage allowance is printed on you ticket. Be careful not to exceed this limit as you may be charged a supplement for excess baggage.
Strict security measures are in force in all European airports. Under no circumstances should you agree to carry anybody else’s luggage to check-in/the aircraft other than your own. You should pack your own bags and never leave them unattended.
For safety reasons you should be extra vigilant about what you pack in your luggage. No sharp objects (scissors, razors) or large blunt objects (sporting bats/clubs) are permitted on board. Toy/play guns are strictly forbidden as well as compressed gases (butane, oxygen), corrosives (wet cell batteries), explosives (fireworks) and flammable liquids (lighter fluid). MISSING YOUR FLIGHT Should you miss your flight, it is at the discretion of the flight operator to allow you to travel on the next flight. It is normally necessary to pay a change of ticket supplement. Be aware that most charter flights only depart once a week.
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CAR HIRE In order to hire a car in France you must be over 21 years of age and be in possession of a full valid driving licence for a least one year. Please note that faxed or photocopied licences are not accepted.
The driver must provide a credit card (in his or her own name) as a deposit.
Normally included with your car hire is unlimited mileage, third party insurance, collision damage waiver and theft waiver (excess applies to CDW and TW. Details on request. You will be responsible for an excess in case of damage or in the case of theft. Please find further details on your policy. (Insurance available locally to lower excess).
Personal accident insurance is usually not covered. This will generally be covered in your holiday insurance.
A deposit (by credit card) is taken and refunded when the car is returned with a full tank of petrol. Check the petrol policy when you pick up the car.
Not included: an after hour’s charge (if you pick up or drop off your car outside of normal hours) of approximately €31.
If you require a baby seat/booster, this should be pre-booked at the time of reserving the car. Payable locally.
If you wish to hold onto the car longer than it was booked, or if you return the car later than the agreed time, you will be charged locally at the local daily rate. This may be higher than the prebooked rates.
The insurance provided usually does not cover tyres, windscreen, the roof, the underside and the interior of the car. Generally, you will be liable for the first part of any insurance claim. The contents of the car are normally not covered.
The type of car booked is generally not guaranteed. However, a similar size vehicle will be available.
In the event of an accident you must inform your car supplier within 24 hours. o A signed police report should also be obtained. o Full details of the third party must be taken. o Permission to carry out repair on the hired vehicle must be obtained from your car supplier (contact details are to be found on the voucher)
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GETTING TO YOUR RESORT DRIVING IN FRANCE, ITALY & SPAIN You must possess a full current driving licence (provisional licence is not sufficient).
The road networks are of a very good standard. There are over 5,000 miles of motorway (many with tolls) and the rules are very similar to Ireland and the UK. THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR!
Drive on the right – Conduire a droit! The time you are most likely to drive on the wrong side of the road is after you have pulled over to the left for some reason or at a junction– for instance when you pull over to a petrol station at the other side of the road. If for any reason you do this, take special care to remember to return to the right side of the road when you start up again. It is very easy to cross out of a petrol station, which is on the left side of the road, and go straight - on the wrong side! It is particularly easy to do this if there is no traffic on the road when you exit. Exercise special care at road junctions where you are turning right or left. On a road divided into separate carriageways, turning right you should be taking the nearest lane. Turning left you should be taking the furthest lane. Remember – this can happen to you at any time during your stay especially when you have begun to relax about the idea of driving on the right.
Remember that traffic in your direction will be coming at you from the left and not from the right. When you stop make sure that everyone in your party is aware of this when they go to cross the road. It’s “look left, then right, and then left again.”
Note that some traffic lights are fitted with a small white flashing arrow for right turns only. If this is flashing but the main traffic light is still red then you may turn right, but you must give priority to the traffic coming from your left (which will have a green light).
When you first begin driving, you will be paying particular attention to direction signs. Be aware
that “straight ahead” signposts are positioned different. The “straight ahead” signpost will be positioned at a slight angle (so that you can see it better) – as opposed to being parallel to the road as they are in Ireland. Do not mistake this as an indication to turn off this road.
Please note - any loss of personal baggage stolen from an unattended motor vehicle is not covered by insurance if the items concerned have not been locked out of sight. It is advisable to consult your insurance information booklet for more details.
Information on the cost of French tolls, the total mileage, restaurants, service stations and hotels along the way are all available on the web site: www.autoroutes.fr. More than 13 million routes and itineraries can be consulted to travel between any of the 3,600 towns featured. Information on cultural sites and heritage of each region is available also from this website.
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Spanish toll roads (or autopistas) are signalled AP-XX (where XX is the number of the road) as opposed to State-maintained freeways (or autovías), called A-XX. Most of them are networked, so you must get a ticket on entering and pay when leaving the road. In Italy most autostrade (the Italian for motorways, or highways) are toll roads. Major exceptions are the beltways around larger cities (tangenziali), which are not part of a thoroughfare motorway, and the section of the A3 motorway between Salerno and Reggio di Calabria, which is operated by the government-owned A.N.A.S. S.P.A. Both are toll free. Toll roads form one network: If you enter in Naples and exit in Venice you will pay only at the exit, even though you will have changed road. Tolls can be paid in cash, by credit card .
Vehicles on main roads have priority. In cities and towns the right of way is given to vehicles coming from the right. Vehicles on roundabouts have the right of way over vehicles entering, as indicated on road signs.
In France if the name of a town or village is on a sign with a red boarder around the edges, this means the speed limit begins here! If the first speed limit sign you see is a small one, with the word “rappel” (reminder) you have missed the sign marking the beginning of the speed limit zone. Be careful about this - you should be at the required speed as you enter the zone – the first sign is not a gentle indication to slow down. EATING EN ROUTE We advise that you do not leave the motorway to eat en route to your destination, however, don’t expect a culinary experience. There are plenty of McDonalds, Flunch (French cafeteria type restaurant) and Quick (McDonald type fast food) dotted along motorways. They offer quick good value meals.
KELLER TRAVEL T/A KELAIR CAMPOTEL CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CHANGES OR AMENDMENTS MADE TO DRIVING RULES & REGULATIONS.
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DRIVING IN FRANCE – ADVICE & TRAFFIC REGULATIONS Make sure you Drive Alive! Drive on the right!
Be especially careful when setting off from service stations or restaurants on the left side of the road. Take care when overtaking - allow more space between you and the car in front so you can see further
down the road ahead. France has strict drink driving laws, (0.5 mg/ml). Rather than present you with meaningless figures relating to blood/breath alcohol levels, our advice is if you're driving, don't drink. Seat belts front and rear are obligatory everywhere. Speed limits, shown below, are implemented rigorously. Radar traps are frequent. In France, anyone caught travelling at more than 25km/h above the speed limit can have their licence confiscated on the spot. Remember - Speeding and other traffic offences are subject to on-the-spot fines.
Be aware that urban speed limits begin at the town or city sign (not always where the first 50km/h sign is situated), usually denoted by a white name panel with a red border, and the limit ends where the name panel has a diagonal black bar through it. A full driving licence is required. Below are motoring regulations relating to France. Take care in built-up areas where the old rule giving priority to traffic coming from the right (Priorité a droite) still applies unless a yellow diamond indicates you have priority. On roundabouts you generally give priority to traffic already on the roundabout, in other words, coming from your left as you enter the roundabout. Speed Limits France Vehicles towing trailers with combination gross weight over 3.5t Visiting motorists holding a licence for less than 2 years
Motorway
Open Road Dual Carriageway Town
130 km/h (110 when wet)
90 km/h (80 when wet)
110 (100 when wet)
50 km/h
90 km/h
80 km/h
90 km/h
50 km/h
110 km/h
80 km/h
100 km/h
50 km/h
Alcohol mg/ml 0.5
ON 3 JANUARY 2012 THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT ISSUED A NEW LAW THAT EFFECTIVELY BANS ALL SYSTEMS THAT ARE ABLE TO PROVIDE WARNINGS OF SAFETY CAMERAS (AKA SPEED CAMERAS). THIS LAW INCLUDES ALL SAT NAV BASED SYSTEMS. WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT IT HAS BECOME ILLEGAL FOR ANYONE TRAVELLING IN FRANCE TO HAVE ANY SPEED CAMERA WARNINGS ON ANY DEVICE ACROSS THE ENTIRE TERRITORY OF FRANCE.
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CHILDREN IN CARS: children under 10 are not allowed in the front. In the rear they must use a
proper restraint system appropriate to their weight, which means a child seat if they weigh between 9 and 15 kg. Over this weight they can use seat belts with a booster cushion. DOCUMENTATION: always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document (V5), and certificate of motor insurance. If your licence does not incorporate a photograph ensure you carry your passport to validate the licence. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission to drive. DRINKING AND DRIVING: Don't do it. Over 0.05 per cent and you could face anything up to imprisonment. FINES: On the spot fines are issued. Ensure an official receipt is issued by the officer collecting the fine. FIRST-AID KIT is advised, but not compulsory. FUEL: All grades of unleaded petrol and diesel are available. LPG is only available at some stations. Leaded no longer exists. It is allowed to carry petrol in a can. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, although they probably won't work at automatic pumps, which are often the only pumps in rural areas open out-of-hours, which also means lunch-time from noon to 3pm. It's a good idea to let your card issuer know you will be travelling abroad. This ensures they don't suspend your card if they spot it being used in unfamiliar places, which they sometimes do as an anti-fraud measure. IRL STICKER: Irish registered vehicles displaying Euro-plates (circle of 12 stars above the national identifier on blue background) no longer need an IRL sticker when driving in European Union countries.)
HEADLAMP CONVERTERS are compulsory. LIGHTS: dipped headlights must be used in poor daytime visibility. MINIMUM AGE FOR DRIVING, provided you hold a full licence, is 18 for a car MOTOR INSURANCE: third-party insurance is compulsory. A green card is not required but your insurer should be advised of your trip. REPLACEMENT BULB SET RECOMMENDED. SEAT BELTS are compulsory for front and rear seat occupants, if fitted. For the 2012 season, all SUPERMARKETS: Most supermarkets are closed vehicles travelling to France on Sunday. must have a disposable VISIBILITY VESTS are compulsory in France from July 1st 2008, and in Austria, Belgium, Italy, breathalyser. Norway, Portugal and Spain (and likely to become These are normally available compulsory throughout the EU). The rules vary from on board your ferry or you country to country concerning number of vests can pick one up in a required and whether they should be carried in the pharmacy when you arrive car or boot. Common sense suggests that there into France. should be a vest for every occupant, and that the vests should be carried in the car, and put on They should cost approx €2. before getting out. Do this and you will not have a problem. WARNING TRIANGLE is compulsory as from July 1st 2008. The triangle can be used in conjunction with hazard flashers. 19
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DRIVING IN ITALY – ADVICE & TRAFFIC REGULATIONS Make sure you Drive Alive! Drive on the right!
Be especially careful when setting off from service stations or restaurants on the left side of the
road. Take care when overtaking - allow more space between you and the car in front so you can see further down the road ahead. Italy has stricter drink driving laws, only allowing 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood Seat belts front and rear are obligatory everywhere. Speed limits, shown below, are implemented rigorously. Radar traps are frequent. Remember - Speeding and other traffic offences are subject to extremely heavy on-the-spot fines. Replacement bulb set is recommended. Below are motoring regulations relating to Italy.
Speed limits Italy When wet
Motorway
Dual Open Road carriageway
130 km/h (see 110 km/h notes) 110 km/h 90 km/h
Town
Alcohol mg/ml
90 km/h (see notes)
50 km/h
0.5
80 km/h
50 km/h
CHILDREN IN CARS: children under four cannot travel unless they use a suitable restraint
system. Children between four and 12 cannot travel in the front unless using a suitable restraint system. DOCUMENTATION: always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document (V5), and certificate of motor insurance. If your licence does not incorporate a photograph ensure you carry your passport to validate the licence. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission to drive. DRINKING AND DRIVING: Don't do it. Over 0.05 per cent and you could face anything up to imprisonment. FINES: On the spot fines are issued. Ensure an official receipt is issued by the officer collecting the fine. FIRST-AID KIT is advised, but not compulsory. FUEL: All grades of unleaded petrol (benzina), diesel (gasolio) and LPG are available as well as lead substitute additive. Leaded no longer exists. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, although they probably won't work at automatic pumps, which are often the only pumps open outof-hours and at lunch-time (from noon to 3pm) away from the Autostrada. It's a good idea to let your card issuer know you will be travelling abroad. This ensures they don't suspend your card if they spot it being used in unfamiliar places, which they sometimes do as an anti-fraud measure.
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IRL STICKER: Irish registered vehicles displaying Euro-plates (circle of 12 stars above the national identifier on blue background) no longer need an IRL sticker when driving in European Union
countries. HEADLAMP CONVERTERS are compulsory. HORNS are widely used to warn other vehicles of your approach, although they are officially banned in built-up areas. LIGHTS: dipped headlights must be used in poor daytime visibility and in all tunnels at all times. They must also be used when on motorways, dual carriageways, and on all out of town roads. Motorcycles must use dipped headlights during the day at all times. MINIMUM AGE FOR DRIVING, provided you hold a full licence, is 18 for a car. MOTOR INSURANCE: third-party insurance is compulsory. A green card is not required but your insurer should be advised of your trip. SEAT BELTS are compulsory for front and rear seat occupants, if fitted. SPEED LIMITS: From 1 January 2003 some three-lane motorways with emergency lanes may have a speed limit of 93mph (150km/h). VISIBILITY VESTS are now compulsory in France, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Norway, Portugal and Spain (and likely to become compulsory throughout the EU). The rules vary from country to country concerning number of vests required and whether they should be carried in the car or boot. Common sense suggests that there should be a vest for every occupant, and that the vests should be carried in the car, and put on before getting out. Do this and you will not have a problem. WARNING TRIANGLE is compulsory.
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DRIVING IN SPAIN – ADVICE & TRAFFIC REGULATIONS Make sure you Drive Alive! Drive on the right!
Be especially careful when setting off from service stations or restaurants on the left side of the road. Take care when overtaking - allow more space between you and the car in front so you can see further down the road ahead. Spain has strict drink driving laws, only allowing 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood. New drivers are effectively forbidden to drink and drive, with a very low 0.1 mg/l limit. Seat belts front and rear are obligatory everywhere. Speed limits, shown below, are implemented rigorously. Radar traps are frequent. Remember - Speeding and other traffic offences are subject to on-the-spot fines. Below are motoring regulations relating to Spain. Beware in Spain. The law operating in Spain regarding the use of indicators on motorways is being strictly enforced. You risk being fined for not indicating before overtaking and again before pulling back to the nearside lane after overtaking. Also, ensure you do not cross the solid white line as you enter the motorway from a slip road, but wait until the line is broken. Speed limits
Motorway
Open Road
Town
Alcohol mg/ml
Spain
120 km/h
90-100 km/h
50 km/h
0.5
BAIL BOND: a guarantee to be lodged with the police in the event of an accident or major traffic violation - no longer a legal requirement for Spain and most insurance companies have stopped issuing them. CHILDREN IN CARS: Children under 12 cannot travel in the front unless using a suitably adapted restraint system. In the rear, passengers under 135cm tall must use specially adapted safety devices and restraints. DOCUMENTATION: always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document (V5), and certificate of motor insurance. If your licence does not incorporate a photograph ensure you carry your passport to validate the licence. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission to drive.
DRINKING AND DRIVING: Don't do it. Over 0.05 per cent and you could face anything from a severe fine, withdrawal of your licence, up to imprisonment.
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FINES: On the spot fines are issued. Ensure an official receipt is issued by the officer collecting the
fine. FIRST-AID KIT is advised, but not compulsory. FUEL: All grades of unleaded petrol (benzin), diesel (gasoleo 'A') and LPG are available as well as lead substitute additive. Leaded no longer exists. It is allowed to carry petrol in a can. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, although they probably won't work at automatic pumps, which are often the only pumps open out-of-hours and at lunch-time (from noon to 3pm) away from the Autoroutes. It's a good idea to let your card issuer know you will be travelling abroad. This ensures they don't suspend your card if they spot it being used in unfamiliar places, which they sometimes do as an anti-fraud measure. IRL STICKER: Irish registered vehicles displaying Euro-plates (circle of 12 stars above the national identifier on blue background) no longer need an IRL sticker when driving in European Union countries. GLASSES (SPECTACLES): wearers must carry a spare pair in the car at all times. HEADLAMP CONVERTERS are compulsory. LIGHTS: dipped headlights should be used in poor daytime visibility. Motorcycles must use dipped headlights during the day at all times. MINIMUM AGE FOR DRIVING, provided you hold a full licence, is 18 for a car MOTOR INSURANCE: third-party insurance is compulsory. A green card is not required but your insurer should be advised of your trip. REPLACEMENT BULB set is compulsory. SEAT BELTS are compulsory for front and rear seat occupants, if fitted. VISIBILITY VESTS are now compulsory in Spain. They are also compulsory in Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, Norway and Portugal and (and likely to become compulsory throughout the EU). The rules vary from country to country concerning number of vests required and whether they should be carried in the car or boot. Common sense suggests that there should be a vest for every occupant, and that the vests should be carried in the car, and put on before getting out. Do this and you will not have a problem. WARNING TRIANGLE is compulsory. One only is required for non-Spanish registered vehicles. Two required for Spanish vehicles, but to avoid difficulties with the police we recommend two triangles should be carried.
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WHEN YOU ARRIVE ARRIVAL PROCEDURE Arrival time at your KelAir Campotel resort is from 16.00hrs. If you should arrive before this time you are welcome to use any of the resort facilities. However, neither your courier nor your accommodation will be available until the allocated arrival time. The reason for this is because your couriers will be busy preparing your accommodation until this time.
On most resorts you will be required to check in at the main reception first and then they will give you directions to the KelAir Campotel reception.
Between 16.00hrs and 20.00hrs your couriers will be at their reception area to meet you. After 20.00 they will have left a message at the reception area detailing where they can be located.
Should you arrive after 22.00hrs you will be required to leave your vehicle outside the resort (in the carpark, at your own risk) and enter the resort by foot. You may then collect the car the following morning – usually from 08.00hrs. This is to prevent undue noise from cars on the resorts after 22.00hrs. You should have your KelAir Campotel voucher to hand (white A4 document giving details of accommodation type as well as arrival/departure dates) to give to your courier.
The courier will ask for payment of the Good Housekeeping Deposit. o This is €100 or £80 and is payable in cash only. This will normally be refunded at the end of your stay, providing the accommodation is left in the same clean condition in which it was received.
You will then be taken to your accommodation where the courier will give you any local information required.
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DURING YOUR STAY KELAIR CAMPOTEL SERVICES CLUB BUZZY BEE On resorts where a full Club Buzzy Bee is available (check the KelAir Campotel brochure for more details) it will run five days a week – usually Monday to Friday, but this may vary. Check the Club Buzzy Bee notice board at the KelAir Campotel reception for the weekly timetable. There’s never a dull moment at Club Buzzy Bee. We go to great lengths to make sure that when you’re relaxing in the warm summer sun, the kids are having a ball. The Club is for children aged from 4 to 12 years and it’s packed full of exciting activities. On larger sites such as Carnac where numbers are bigger, we usually run a session for the younger kids in the mornings (4 to 7 year olds) and then one for the older ones in the afternoons (8 to 12 year olds). This ensures that your kids are making friends of a similar age and the activities are more suitable to their own age group. On all other campsites our Buzzy Bee couriers will organise one session in the mornings. The session will last for a maximum of 2&1/2hrs. All children from 4-12yrs will be invited to attend. The Club runs 5 days per week and is supervised by our very own Buzzy Bee couriers. There is a sign in/out procedure in operation where a parent/guardian must sign the children “in” on arrival and “out” at the end of the session. Please note that the Club is not a child-care facility and children are at all times the responsibility of their parents/guardian. TEEN CONNECT Entertainment programme for teenagers (aged 13-16 years) comprises of one organised activity a week. Introduction takes place at the KelAir reception area on Monday evenings. Samples of last years include: Paintballing Bowling Adventure Forest A charge applies to most activities. For further information please contact our Reservations Team COT & BABY PACK Cots and baby-packs must be pre-booked when you reserve your holiday. The baby pack comprises a travel cot, high chair and stroller. These will be in your accommodation on your arrival. Your courier will show you how to assemble/dissemble each item. SWIMMING REGULATIONS For hygiene reasons, conventional swimwear only is to be worn in and around swimming pool areas. T-shirts and shorts are not permitted in the majority of swimming areas. Certain resorts require a refundable deposit to be paid for the use of swimming facilities. Waterslides will have age and height restrictions for safety purposes. Only some resorts will have lifeguards on duty. Those that do may only be on duty during high season and/or for certain hours of the day. 25
BARBECUES The use of barbecues is at the discretion of the resort management. Although gas and conventional barbecues are permitted on most resorts, their use may be curtailed/prohibited at any time during the season, particularly during long dry periods. SAFETY AND SECURITY KelAir Campotel resorts are geared towards families and as such are generally safe, secure places. However, we advise that your children (particularly the smaller ones) are supervised at all times. If your children are going to play at friends’ emplacements – always know where they can be located. Never allow your children to visit the swimming area unaccompanied. Most resorts employ night security personnel. We recommend that you do not bring any expensive items unless they are absolutely necessary for your holiday. Security deposit boxes are usually available from the main reception at a nominal fee. In the event of a theft it is necessary to obtain a signed police report within 24 hours. Otherwise an insurance claim will be made extremely difficult. RESORT FACILITIES As per the KelAir Campotel brochure, the opening times and availability of all resort facilities is at the discretion of resort owners/management. During off-peak times, certain facilities may not be available. Facilities opening and closing times are displayed on the notice board at the KelAir Campotel reception area. EATING OUT Eating out is one of the highlights of your holiday. Generally speaking, restaurants are child-friendly and even offer children’s menus. Eating out is generally an informal, relaxed experienced. Even if you don’t usually take your children to restaurants at home – don’t worry, it’s always a very pleasant experience and children will love the novelty and the atmosphere. Restaurants are obliged to display their menus for you to read before you agree to take a table. Many restaurants offer a range of fixed menus. These generally include a choice of starters, main courses and desserts for a fixed price. Drinks are usually extra, but sometimes a glass of wine or beer is included. We recommend fixed menus as they are good value for money and they’re easier for you to keep track of what you’re spending! Quite often, menus are displayed in English.
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Never be afraid to ask what’s included/not included and staff usually speak English. FRANCE: Almost all restaurants include tax and a 15% service charge (“service compris”) in their prices. If a meal or service has been particularly good, leaving another €2 (or 2-3%) is customary, as is leaving the waiter the small change from your bill if you pay in cash. If service is not included (“service non compris”) a 10% tip is appropriate.
ITALY: Most restaurants charge coperta (the term actually refers to the place setting), a minimal (1-3 euro) cover charge which includes the cost of bread, table settings, etc. Most do not charge for service, and Italians tip only minimally. Waiting tables is a trained and valued job in Italy, and waiters make decent salaries. Of course they do appreciate any tip that you leave but, unless you're spending more than 50 euros a head on a meal, a tip of more than 5 euros is extravagant.
SPAIN: Tipping is customary in Spain in some places and situations, mostly involving services (like the waiter at a restaurant or the taxi driver) whose quality depends of the person serving. Tips are rare in other non-luxury situations, like pizza deliveries and gas stations. However, this custom is dying out in recent years. While in bars and small restaurants, Spaniards usually leave as a tip the small change they receive in a plate after paying the bill, occasionally rounding it up to euro coins. In more sophisticated restaurants it is customary to leave between 5% and 10%. SHOPPING You will find that shopping for food while on holiday is an experience in itself. Firstly, we recommend that you avoid peak shopping times. Go early in the morning or in the early afternoon to avoid the crowds. The large hypermarkets, which are located on the outskirts of big towns, offer an amazing range of shops, services and great value for money. As usual wines, spirits and beers offer great value for money compared to prices at home. There is a very wide range of foods available. You can stick to the hypermarkets and supermarkets or visit the speciality shops for the real delicacies. SMOKING
France & Italy o Enforce the same smoking ban as Ireland Spain o Smoking is prohibited in public places (museums, monuments, cinemas…) and on public transport. SUNSHINE Everybody wants to go home with a healthy looking tan. However, we cannot emphasise enough the need to exercise extreme caution – especially where children are concerned. Over the years we have seen families’ holidays being ruined by bad sunburns. Start out on a high factor sunscreen. Factor 25/30 is usually enough for the average fair skin. If you’re in doubt, ask your doctor before you go. Make sure the children always wear hats, shorts and t-shirts at the beginning of the holiday so that they become accustomed to the sun little by little. It’s a good idea to avoid the beach for the first day or two. 27
A good after-sun cream or general moisturiser is a must when you’re finished in the sun for the day.
Never stay longer than 20 minutes in the sun without re-applying sun block. It’s better to avoid the sun completely between the hours of midday and 15.00, as this is when it’s at its strongest. If you notice your skin going red whilst sunbathing, stop immediately as you have already had much too much sun. If you or your family experience bad sunburn, it’s best to seek professional medical advice. Ensure everybody has adequate water supplies at all times. The children should bring a bottle of water with them when going to Club Buzzy Bee. Make sure they’re well covered in sun block before the Club. If it’s very hot, you may want to reapply their sun block during the Club. THINGS TO SEE AND DO Your couriers will only be only too happy to impart their knowledge of the local region to you. We supply each unit of accommodation with a booklet, which provides information on the region’s major tourist attractions. The KelAir Campotel reception will contain detailed information on what’s to see and do in the local area. The local Tourist Office or Syndicate d’Initiative will have English-speaking staff at hand to advise you on the local attractions. ANTS AND MOSQUITOES
There are a few simple rules to follow in order
to avoid the appearance of ants in your accommodation. As a rule, ants will only enter your accommodation if there are strong smells or when food/crumbs/liquids/waste/dirty clothes are left in the open. Keep all food and drink covered and stored away at all times. Clear away and wash dishes soon after meals. Empty your bin regularly and dispose of rubbish in the large bins areas provided. Keep all dirty clothes in closed plastic bags in dry cool areas (i.e. wardrobes or suitcases) Where mosquitoes are concerned, pack plenty of insect repellent - the sprays on ones are generally easier to apply. Ensure that your insect repellent contains DEET. At nighttime, when you turn the lights on, ensure all doors and windows are closed as mosquitoes will be attracted to the light. There are a range of mosquito repellents in the form of candles and burners. It’s worthwhile bringing one of these with you if you plan to sit outdoors in the evenings.
MINOR ILLNESS In the case of a minor illness, your courier will be able to recommend and give directions to the local (sometimes English speaking) doctor or dentist. 28
ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY Don’t let an accident happen! The best way to help your family enjoy the whole of your holiday is to take a few minutes at the beginning to ensure that everybody from the youngest upwards understands where everything is, how things work, and where care is needed to avoid an accident. Tour operators who belong to the Health & Safety committee of the Association of British Tour Operators to France share safety information in order to identify any areas where safety can be improved. They work together to action those improvements. The Tour Operators together have prepared this short leaflet. It is a checklist to help you quickly identify the key points to look for when you first arrive on site. They also allow you to set down the appropriate rules for your own family to follow when using the various activities and facilities provided on site. SWIMMING POOLS ~~~~~~WATER SLIDES (In French TOBOGGAN)
Make the first visit to the pool area together with your children. Even if you visited the site before, the layout may have changed, so check the following: Pool layout – identify shallow and deep ends. Are there restrictions about diving and jumping into the pool, and running? Some surfaces slippery when wet? Check opening and closing times, and note any times the pool is not supervised (e.g. lunch break). Note the position of safety equipment. Establish your own rules about parental supervision: what your children do with or without you being present. Age and swimming ability are important considerations here. At least one responsible adult should accompany and supervise children at the pool. Remember; do not swim just after a meal, nor (parents please note) after drinking alcohol. Take some time to watch other people using the slides so that you can see the speed and direction when entering the water. Ensure your children understand the need to keep clear of the arrival point. Consider and agree with your children which slides they may use. Age or height restrictions may apply. Check the supervision arrangements and hours of use. These may be different from the main pool times. Check and follow any specific instructions on the proper use of each slide. Do not wear any jewellery when using slides.
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CHILDREN AT PLAY
Ensure your children are familiar with the campsite’s layout and they know where your accommodation is situated.
Remind your children about the Green Cross Code and encourage them to use
it – remember vehicles drive on the right! Watch out for children as you drive around site, and observe the speed limit (walking pace). Children should be made aware that there are often gravely or sandy patches around the campsite. These should be negotiated at a sensible speed. Make your children aware of any places they shouldn’t go to. Children’s play areas are generally unsupervised. Check that installations at the play area are suitable for your child’s age and ability, and respect the displayed rules. When your children attend activities, arrange when and where to meet afterwards. Be aware of any campsite rules concerning ball games or use of play equipment like roller-skates and skateboards.
ON THE BEACH.
AROUND THE CAMPSITE Once you’re settled in your accommodation, you should familiarise yourself with the layout of the campsite. Aspects to include in this are: Locate the nearest fire fighting equipment. Find out site evacuation procedures. Locate the nearest telephone and emergency numbers. Be aware of sources of electricity and cabling on and around your pitch. The use of charcoal BBQ’s, are prohibited on all campsites: Be aware of the location of your BBQ in respect to you accommodation, terraces. Do not leave the BBQ unattended when lit. Make adequate arrangements for your children.
Always wear an adequate
sunscreen, even if it is cloudy. Take a parasol or something to provide shade, especially for young children. Drink plenty of water or soft drinks – alcohol, coffee and tea only increase dehydration. Check any warning signs or flags before you swim. Use the designated areas for swimming, jet skiing, windsurfing etc. Know the location of any safety apparatus or lifeguards. Familiarise yourself with tides, currents and off-land winds before children swim in the sea. Also consider these when using inflatables in the sea. Swim in supervised areas wherever possible. 30
MEDICAL INSURANCE THE EHIC The EHIC or European Health Insurance Card was introduced on 1 st July 2004 and replaces the old E1.11form. Application for the EHIC should be made at least 10 working days prior to travel. If you don’t have time to get a card before travel your local health board can issue you with a temporary replacement certificate, which gives you the same entitlement as the card for a shorter period. The card entitles you to necessary health care in the public system of any member state if you become ill or injured while on a temporary stay in the country. The card does not cover: The cost of treatment in a private setting. Extra travel costs as a result of illness or accident. Transport costs back to Ireland. WHEN IN FRANCE DOCTOR/DENTIST WHEN visiting a doctor or dentist in France, you will generally be required to pay for the treatment as normal, usually between €30/40. If you are given a prescription, the pharmacist will give you another brown form and the detachable on your medication containers should be removed and stuck on this brown form that you must then sign and date at the bottom. HOSPITAL You must pay for outpatient treatment and then claim a refund from the CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) for in-patient treatment, the CPAM normally pays 75% or more of the cost direct to the hospital. You must pay the balance of 25% and also the forfait journalier, the fixed daily Hospital charge, both of which are non refundable. APPLYING FOR A REFUND Your application should contain the following documents, The feuille de soins: the brown form received from doctor. The brown form you received from the pharmacist signed and dated by you and the stickers from the medication attached. Your EHIC or Temporary Replacement Certificate. Your application for a refund should be made with the CPAM Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie. Just ask your on-site Courier for the address. NOTE You must send your application while you are still in France. Your refund will be sent to your home address. It normally takes 2 months to process an application. Around 70% of standard doctors/dentists fees are refundable and between 35%/65% of the cost of most, but not all prescribed medicines.
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WHEN IN ITALY DOCTOR/DENTIST When visiting a doctor or dentist in Italy make sure the doctor you go to is a National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale or SSN) doctor. Their services are normally free. If you pay any charges, keep the original receipts and apply at the local authority (Azienda Unita Sanitaria Locale or ASL) for a refund. Most dentists are private. To get state treatment you will need to go to a National Health Service hospital or a dentist who is working in an ASL- managed centre. If an SSN doctor issues you with a prescription, take it and your EHIC card to the pharmacy. Some medicines are free, for others you will be charged a standard fee, which is non-refundable. The ASL can supply a list of SSN or private hospitals that are affiliated to the state scheme. APPLYING FOR A REFUND. The ASL (local health authority) – also known as AUSL handles all reimbursements. You can get their number from a telephone directory, your courier/ campsite reception, pharmacy or in an emergency by phoning 118. You will need all you original receipts so remember to get them and keep them safe. WHEN IN SPAIN DOCTORS: IT is essential to establish that the medical practitioner you consult works within the Spanish State Health Service. Treatment under the EHIC Card is only provided by practitioners within the Spanish Health Service, surgery (consultorio), health centre (centro sanitaro) or hospital clinic (ambulatorio). If you need to call out a doctor in an emergency, make it clear that you have an EHIC card and that you will want to be treated under EU arrangements. Any time you need treatment, have a photocopy of your EHIC card ready; show the doctor the original and hand over the copy. DENTISTS: Dental treatment is not generally provided under the state system. The costs will not be reimbursed. PRESCRIPTIONS: Important: In Spain, doctors, health centres and hospitals have separate surgery times for private patients and those treated under the public health service. If you are asked to pay you are not being treated under the Spanish Health Service, but privately, and your EHIC card will not be accepted. Medicines prescribed by health service practitioners can be obtained from any pharmacy (farmacia). You will have to pay up to 40% of the cost unless you are a pensioner, in which case the medicines will be free of charge. Should the date of birth shown on your Card not indicate that you are a pensioner, you may be asked for proof of age/passport. HOSPITAL TREATMENT: a doctor will usually arrange any hospital treatment you may need. If you require urgent treatment, it will only be provided free of charge in a public ward at a public hospital. Show your EHIC card. If you fail to do this, you will be charged as a private patient and will not get your money back. Warning: Under the strict terms of the Spanish Health Service, refunds of private patient charges are not made. Make sure you have private medical insurance in case you are treated in an emergency in a private hospital.
IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 112 32
PHONE CALLS Calling home: To dial direct, first enter the international access code (00 from Europe), then the country code of your call, then the area code and the number. To call us from France, Spain or Italy, dial 00-353-90-9648750. Every country has its quirks. Try pausing between codes if you're having trouble, or dial the English-speaking international operator for help. Off-hour calls are cheaper. PHONE CODES INTERNATIONAL ACCESS CODES When dialling direct, first dial the international access code of the country you're calling from. For virtually all-European countries, it's "00." COUNTRY CODES After you've dialled the international access code, dial the code of the country you're calling. Ireland = 353 France = 33 Italy = 39 Spain = 34 You will find all telephone cards (for phone boxes, recharges for mobile phones, pre-paid cards…) available at Post Offices, tobacconists, souvenir shops… For details on using your mobile phone while abroad contact your mobile phone operator at: Operator Customer Calling Calling from abroad Website type from Ireland Meteor Pre-pay customers 1905 + 353 1 430 7085 www.meteor.ie Bill-pay customers 1905 + 353 1 430 7085 O2 Pre-pay customers 1909 + 353 61 203 406 www.O2.ie Bill-pay customers 1909 + 353 61 203 501 Vodafone Pre-pay customers 1850 20 87 87 + 353 42 938 5504 www.vodafone.ie Bill-pay customers 1907 + 353 42 933 1999 INTERNET Internet Cafés are becoming more and more popular in Europe. Some resorts have Internet access in the reception area. Usually it is necessary to purchase a telephone card and then insert the card into the Internet access point, which will give you a pre-determined amount of time on line. It is common to pay up to 2/3c per minute in an Internet Café. In Italy the service provider by law is required to ask for proof of ID, passport…. before access to Internet is allowed.
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WATER To be on the safe side, we recommend that you do not drink water straight from the tap. It’s better to boil it first. Bottled water is very cheap. A 2litre bottle of water will cost about 90c. Tap water is fine for washing and brushing teeth. BANK OPENING HOURS FRANCE: Banking hours in Paris are usually from 10.00am to 5.00pm, Monday through Friday. Throughout the rest of France, banks are usually open from 10am to 1pm, and 3pm to 5pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Banks often close earlier the day before a public holiday. ATM machines are widely available (as in Ireland and the UK). Contact your bank before departure for advice on fees and any restrictions. ITALY: Bank opening hours vary according to the bank and the town. In general they are open from 08:00 or 08:30 until 13:00 or 13:30 and in the afternoons from 14:30 or 15:00 until 16:00 or 16:30. Some banks are open on Saturday mornings. On the day before a bank holiday, banks are often closed in the afternoon. Banks situated at airports and railway stations have longer opening hours for changing money, as do currency exchange bureaux in cities. SPAIN: Banks are open from 8 am to 2 pm during the week and some open 9 am - 1 pm on Saturdays. During August banks generally do not open on Saturdays. Provided you have a compatible bankcard you can withdraw cash from ATM (Automatic Teller Machines) 24 hours a day. Ensure that the Cirrus/Plus and/or Maestro symbols are on the back of your cards. It’s advisable to carry the telephone number of your bank and the emergency number/s to call should you need to cancel your cards in the event of theft or loss.
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FRENCH USEFUL WORDS/ PHRASES COURTESY & GREETINGS English Please.
French Pronunciation S'il vous plaît Seel voo pleh
English French Hello, Good Bonjour morning/afternoon Good evening. Bonsoir Goodnight Bonne nuit Good-bye. Au revoir.
Pronunciation Boh(n)zhoor
Thank you. Merci You're welcome. De rien. Excuse me. Pardon
Mehrsee Duh ryan! Pahrdoh(n)
Boh(n)swahr Bohn nwee Oh rvwahr
I’m sorry
Zhuh swee dayzo-lay) Wee, mehr-see
Bye for now
À bientôt.
A byan-toh
Yes, please
Je suis desole(e) Oui, merci
See you later.
Ah toot ah luhr
No, thanks
Non, merci
Non, mehr-see
Ok
À tout à l'heure D’accord
Da-kor!
DIRECTIONS English We’re looking for… Could you show me on the map? Can we walk there? Is it far? We’re lost
French Nous cherchons … Pouvez-vouz me montrer sur la carte?? On peut y aller à pied? C' est loin? Nous nous sommes perdu(e)s
Pronunciation Noo shehr-shon… Poo-vay voo me mon-tray sewr la kart? On puh ee ahlay ah pyay? Say lwan? Noo noo som pehr-dew
DRIVING English I am looking for a car park Do I need to pay? Can I park here? How long can I park for.
French Je cherche un parking Il faut payer? On peut se garer ici? Combien de temps peut-on se garer ici? Fill it up, please Le plein, s’il vous plait My car has broken down Ma voiture est en panne Is there a garage near here? Il y a un garage pres d’ici? Unleaded Sans Sahn plon Diesel plomb
Pronunciation Zhuh shehrsh un par-keeng Ell foh pay-ay? On puh suh ga-ray ee-see? Kon-byan duh than puh-ton suh garay ee-see? Luh plan, seel voo pleh Ma vwa-tewr ay than pan Ell ya un ga-razh preh dee-see? Diesel/Gasoil Dee-eh-zel/ga-zwal
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EMERGENCY EXPRESSIONS English Fire! Help! Please call the police! Please call an ambulance!! Can you help me? There has been an accident Someone has stolen my handbag! Someone has stolen my money! My car has been stolen I didn’t know the speed limit I’m very sorry officer
French Au feu! Au secours! S’il vous plait, appelez la police S’il vous plait, appelez une ambulance Pouvez-vous m’aider? Il y a eu un accident On m’a vole mon sac a main!
Pronunciation Oh fuh! Oh skoor! Seel voo pleh, a-puh-lay la po-lees
On m’a vole mon argent!
On ma vo-lay mon nar-zhahn
On a force ma voiture Je ne savais pas quelle était la limite de vitesse Je suis vraiment désole(e), monsieur l’argent
On na for-say ma vwa-tewr Zhuh nuh sa-veh pa kel ay-teh la lee-meet duh vee-tes Zhuh swee vray-mahn day-zo-lay, muh-syuh la-zhahn
Seel voo pleh, a-puh-lay ewn ahnbew-lahns Pooryay-voo meh-day ? Ell ya ew un nak-see-dahn On ma vo-lay mon sak a man
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ITALIAN USEFUL WORDS/ PHRASES COURTESY & GREETINGS English Please.
Italian Per favore
Pronunciation Payr fa-voray
English Hello
Thank you. You're welcome.
Grazie Prego!
Grats-yay praygo
Good evening. Goodnight
Excuse me. (to get past in a crowd) Excuse me!/ I’m sorry Yes, please
Permesso!
Per-mes-so!
Good-bye.
Scusi!/ Mi scusi! Si, grazie
Skoozee!/ mee skoozee! Si, grats - yay
No, thanks
No, grazie
No, grats - yay
Italian Buon giorno/ Salve Buona sera Buona notte
Bwona sayra Bwona nottay Arrivederci Ar-reevayderchee
See you tomorrow A domani See you later. Ok
Pronunciation Bwon journo
A do-manee
A piu tardi A pyoo tardee Va bene!
Va benay!
DRIVING English Where do I pay? Can I park here? How long for. Fill it up, please My car has broken down
Italian Dove pago? Si pou parcheggiare qui? Per quanto tempo? Il pieno per favore La mia macchina e in panne
I’ve run out of petrol Non ho piu benzina Unleaded Senza piombo sentsa pee-ombo Diesel
DIRECTIONS English We’re looking for… Could you show me on the map? Can we walk there? Is it far? We’re lost
Italian Cerchiamo Mi puo indicare sulla cartina? Si puo andare a piedi? E Lontano? Ci siamo smarriti
Pronunciation Dovay pago? See pwo parked-jaray kwee? Payr kwanto tempo? Ell pee-yeno payr fa-voray La meeya mak-keena e een pannay Non o pyoo bend-zeena gasolio Ga-zolyo
Pronunciation Cherkee - amo Mee pwo eendee-karay sool-la karteena? see pwo an-daray a pee-e-dee? e lon-tano Chee see-amo smar-reetee
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EMERGENCY EXPRESSIONS English Fire! Help! Please call the police!
Italian Pronunciation Fuoco! Fwoko! Aiuto! a-yooto! Per favore chiami la polizia payr fa-voray kee-a-mee la poleetsee-a Please call an ambulance!! Per favore chiami payr fa-voray kee-a-mee lambool’ambulanza lantsa Can you help me? Puo aiutarmi? Pwo a-yoo-tarmee? Che stato oon eenchee-dentay! There has been an accident C’e stato un incidente! Someone stole my handbag! Mi hanno rubato la borsa Mee an-noroo-bato la borsa Where is the police station? Dov’e la questura? Do-ve la kwes-toora? My car has been stolen Mi hanno rubato la Mee an-no roo-bato la mak-keena macchina I didn’t know there was a Non sapevo che c’era il Non say-payvo kay chera eel leespeed limit limite di velocita meetay dee velochee-ta I’m very sorry officer Mi dispiace, signor agente Mee deespee-a-chay, seen-yor ajentay
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SPANISH USEFUL WORDS/ PHRASES COURTESY & GREETINGS English Please. Thank you. You're welcome.
Spanish Por favor Gracias De nada
Pronunciation Por fa-bor Gra-thyas De na-da
Excuse me. ¡Oiga, por favor! ¡Oiga, por fa(to get past in a bor! crowd) Excuse me!/ Perdone Pair-do-ne I’m sorry Yes, please Sí, Por favor see,por fa-bor No, thanks
No, Por favor
no, por fa-bor
English Hello Good-bye. Good morning Good evening.
Spanish Pronunciation Hola o - la Adiós a-dyos Buenas días bwe-nos dee-as Buenas tardes bwe-nas tardes
Goodnight
Buenas noches
See you later. Ok
Hasta luego
bwe-nas noches Asta lwe-go
¡Vale!
¡ba-le!
DIRECTIONS English We’re looking for… Could you show me on the map?
Spanish Estamos buscando ¿Puede indicarme dónde está en el mapa?
Can we walk there?
¿Se puede ir andando?
Is it far? We’re lost
¿Está lejos? Nos hemos perdido
Pronunciation Es-ta-mos boos-kan-do ¿pwe-de een-dee-karme donde esta en el ma-pa? ¿se pwe-de eer andan-do? ¿esta le-khos? Nos e-mos pair-dee-do
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DRIVING English Spanish Pronunciation Can I pay with this credit ¿Puedo pagar con esta tarjeta de ¿pwe-do par-gar kon esta tar-khe-ta card? crédito? de kre-dee-to? Can I park here? ¿Se puede aparcar aquí? ¿se pwe-de a-par-kar a-kee? How long for. ¿Cuánto tiempo se puede aparcar aquí? Fill it up, please Leno, por favor Lye-no, por fa-bor My car has broken down Se me ha averiado el coche Se me a a-be-rya-do el ko-che I’ve run out of petrol Me he quedado sin gasolina Me e ke-da-do seen ga-so-lee-na Unleaded Sin plomo Seen plo-mo Diesel Gasoil/gasóleo Ga-soyl/ga-so-le-o
EMERGENCY EXPRESSIONS English Fire! Help! Please call the police!
Spanish ¡Fuego! ¡Socorro! Por favour Llame a la policía Por favour Llame a una ambulancia ¿Me pueda ayudar? Ha habido un accidento
Pronunciation ¡few-go! ¡so-ko-rro! Por fa-bor lay-me a la po-lee-thee-a
Please call an Por fa-bor lay-me a oona am-boo-lanambulance!! thya Can you help me? ¿me pwe-de a-yoo-dar? a a-bee-do oon ak-thee-den-te There has been an accident Someone stole my Me han robado el bolso me an ro-ba-do el bolso handbag! Where is the police ¿Dónde está la comisaría? ¿donde esta la ko-mee-sa-ree-a? station? My car has been stolen Me han robado el coche me an ro-ba-do el ko-che How much is the fine? ¿De cuánto es la multa? ¿de kwanto es la moolta? I’m very sorry Lo siento mucho Lo syento moocho
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LEAVING YOUR RESORT DEPARTURE PROCEDURE You are kindly requested to vacate your accommodation on, or before 10am on the day of departure. This is to facilitate in helping us prepare the accommodation for new arrivals by the 16.00 arrival time. As per the Good Housekeeping Deposit, you are required to leave your accommodation in the same standard of cleanliness and functionality as which it was received. Failure to do so will mean that you will forfeit in full or part of the deposit. Refund of the deposit is at the sole discretion of the courier. Clients who depart prior to 8am, your courier will advise you of refund procedure. If you require any onward directions or advice on your return journey, we request that you seek this information the day before your departure as couriers will be preoccupied with checking families out and preparing for new arrivals. We advise that you give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the port of departure at least one and a half hours before your ferry/flight is due to depart (two hours for charter flights). There are numerous things to do en route to the ferry port. There are very large hypermarkets near the ports of Cherbourg and Roscoff. LOST PROPERTY Please check your accommodation careful before leaving your resort to ensure you have all personal belongs with you. In the event that you leave something behind please do not contact the resort directly. Simply phone KelAir Campotel within 10 days of returning home and we will make every endeavour to locate your lost property. Please note that you will be liable for the cost of postage and packaging. There is a minimum fee of €20 which must be paid by credit card before the item is posted. The return of lost property, especially large heavy of bulky items cannot be guaranteed.
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Travel Checklist BEFORE LEAVING HOME
Cancel milk & papers Turn off water Lock all windows and
doors Drop off pets to kennels or friends/neighbours Let your neighbours know you will be away Unplug unused electrical appliances Leave spare keys & copies of passports with friends or neighbours
DOCUMENTS Passports Ferry/Flight Tickets Car Insurance Documents Road Maps and Guides Accommodation Vouchers Vehicle Licensing Certificate or Registration Book International Driving Permit (For certain countries)
Emergency Home Telephone Numbers (bank, doctor, neighbour)
Personal Travel/Health Insurance Number & Policy Document (VHI, BUPA, EUROP ASSISTANCE)
Valid Visa ( if applicable) Current Valid Driving Licence Personal Travel Insurance Details
Bank & Credit Cards Car Hire Vouchers EHIC (E111) MEDICATION Health and Hygiene Aspirin /Paracetamol Personal Medication Insect/mosquito repellent Elastoplasts Sun-Tan lotion/after sun cream Cotton wool Indigestion/diarrhoea remedies Toiletries Travel sickness pills CAR Spare Parts, Tools, Torch Spare Set Of Car Keys Adjusted Headlights Visibility Vests Warning Triangle Nationality Plate Toe rope Beam defectors First Aid Kit Cash for Motorway Tolls
NOTES
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IN THE EVENT OF A
MEDICAL EMERGENCY If you have purchased Fairsure Travel Insurance from KelAir Campotel please note the following:
BEFORE YOU TRAVEL Accident & General Medical
WHILE ABROAD IN CASE OF MEDICAL EMERGENCY +44 1444 442 363
Screening ROI: 1800 719 976
In case of non-medical emergency (e.g. Return Home Early – Section 2, Curtailment) Tel: +44 1444 442 363
In case of Motor Assistance
IN CASE OF MOTOR ASSISTANCE +44 1444 442 092 Give your name Insurance policy number (situated on the top of
(Prior to Departure)
Tel: +44 144 442 092 WHEN YOU RETURN
your policy).
In case of Claims Tel: +353 (0) 46 907 7395
Give a telephone number where they can call you back and wait for them to return your call.
N.B. Please read the conditions of the Travel Insurance Policy.
FERRY PORT TELEPHONE NUMBERS IRISH FERRIES
BRITTANY FERRIES
Rosslare: Cherbourg: Roscoff:
Cork Roscoff
053 9133158 02.33.23.44.44. 02.98.61.17.17
021 4378401 02.98.29.28.13
AIRLINE TELEPHONE NUMBERS Aer Lingus: 0818 365000
Ryanair: 0818 303030
Aer Arann: 0818 210210
Travel Choice: 057 8660775
KELAIR CAMPOTEL Head Office 5 Main Street, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, IRL TEL+353 90 9648750 campotel@kellertravel.ie
FAX +353 90 9643128 www.campotel.com 43 Copyright 2012 © Keller Group