European Alpine Travel

There are many options for travelling to European Countries. You can choose between a Package Holiday (where all travel and accommodation are booked for you) or Independent (where you arrange all parts, travel, accommodation etc. yourself).

Independent Travel

For an Independent Holiday, you choose your own arrangements and book either direct with the provider online, or through a Travel Agent, or by phone.

Air Travel

One way of getting to your resort is by air travel.  For this you will need to book the:

1. Journey to the airport. The Journey to the airport can be:

With your own car. You will need to book airport car parking and if the flight is early you may need to book an overnight stay near the airport or use. Remember you may need to check in at the airport a couple of hours before the flight departure time. Some hotels include parking with an overnight stay.

By hire car. Arrange for the car to be delivered and book a one way journey from home to the airport.  Check what insurance is included and any extra insurance offered. Make sure you check the car when it is delivered and that if there is any damage it is recorded on the paperwork. If the journey to the airport is long, fill up with petrol near the airport before you return the car.

• By train. Take advantage of any price deals by buying tickets beforehand. You may also save by getting return tickets instead of single tickets. It might be cheaper to buy a railcard just for this trip. During busy times reserve seats but remember that the return flight may be delayed. If available get the upgrade to first class as the additional room will be useful if you have bulky luggage. Check for engineering works or changes in the timetable (especially if travelling during weekends).
• By taxi / bus. Find out how long the journey will take at that time of the day and add a bit for delays.

2. Flight

For the flight you have the choose of full or low cost airlines or charter.

Some package holiday companies allow you to just book the flight with or without the transfers to the resort.

Larger departure airports go to more destinations than the regional airports but regional airports may be more convenient. If you are travelling to and staying in Switzerland, it is possible to check your luggage in at the airport as normal and it will be delivered to your hotel.

3. Journey to the Resort

The accommodation you are staying at may offer airport transfers. If not you have the choose of:

• hire car
• train
• taxi / bus

Air Passenger Duty Increase

From 1 November 2010 the UK Government increased the Air Passenger Duty (APD) on flights. There are 4 Bands each with 2 rates.

• Reduced Rate is for the lowest class of travel and the seat pitch is less than 1.016 metres (40 inches)
• Standard Rate is for classes of travel except the lowest class

For full details, see “HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Notice 550, Air Passenger Duty”, which is available on the HMRC website. Appendix 1 details which band each country is in. From Nov 2011 direct long haul flights from Northern Ireland are Band A rate.

APD rates were not increased in 2011 but will increase in line with RPI from 1 April 2012 as announced in the April 2011 Budget.

Reduced Rate = Economy; Standard Rate = Premium economy, Business and First

Airport Security Measures

All passengers departing from UK airports have to follow the latest security measures.

See UK Government Air Travel for more information.

You can travel by train to a large number of destinations throughout Europe. From the UK you can take the Eurostar service to France and Belgium and then travel by train throughout Europe.

You may need to make several changes so leave enough time for changing platforms / stations and late running.

Travel by Car

You can take your own car and travel directly to your chosen resort. You will need to book either a cross channel ferry or by Eurotunnel through the channel tunnel.

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A Fielding
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