Smart Travel

Traveling to France when schools are on holiday may not be a good idea. This is because tourist resorts are teeming with vacationers during this period that one has to fight (figuratively, of course) for space. The Mediterranean coast and the more than 200 ski resorts are particularly crowded, often translating to lodging shortages. This being the case, it is important to know when schools in France are closed. Note the following five sets of school holidays in a year (the French school calendar year starts in early September): 1. Toussaint break - This is a 12-day school break, in observance of All Saints' Day, that usually begins around the latter part of the third week of October. 2. Noel-Le Jour de l'An break - Schools are closed for 15 days for the Christmas/New Year holidays, from December 20 to January 4. This is the period when ski resorts in France "overflow" with people and finding a vacant hotel room is next to impossible. 3. Hiver break - Another 15-day sc...

Experiencing France for the first time is something a family should do. Touring the main cities and seeing the known landmarks can be quite a memorable experience but what a more exciting one awaits you outside the busy streets of the urban landscape. A family camping experience in France is a great opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and at the same time get a chance to see France in a whole different light. The country’s rural landscape, the scenic vineyards, valleys, beaches and mountain landscapes can give your family the perfect holiday memory that will last them a lifetime. Bringing your whole family to France for a holiday camping trip can be quite tricky. This is especially true when you’re working under a budget. This means looking for various means to shave off the expenses. You need to plan the trip in advance to get discounted airline tickets. The early planning will also help you find a good campsite and will give you some time to book or reserve camp accommodations if...