The normal way to travel to and from Spain is by air with Ryanair, Easyjet, Monarch, Jet2.com, BMI Baby and countless other budget airlines offering deals. There is no set way to get a good deal, put yourself on the airline mailing lists for offers. This is perhaps the best way to save money if you are thinking of having your holidays in Gran Canaria with Travelsoon, since airfare prices can go up or down, so booking early does not always guarantee you the best price.

Thankfully the new terminal at El Altet airport in Alicante is now open, with the other two terminals now closed. The new terminal is about six times the combined space of the older two. This means a big increase in airport capacity which will see around 20 million passengers passing through the airport each year. Check-in desks total 96, rather than the 52 in previous use. So, less congestion at departures, and with more luggage carousels in arrivals this should make things go a bit faster there too. Another good thing is a new car park has been built to add to the old one which is still in use.

Another airport served by some carriers is the one at Murcia. Although the airport is on the Costa Cálida, it is ok for those travelling to parts of the Costa Blanca, Where we lived was pretty much the same distance away from Alicante and Murcia airports, though I have only used Murcia airport a couple of times. It is only quite small, and is used by both passenger and military aircraft.

Ryanair has the reputation for offering very low-cost flights. But, be sure to add up all their 'extras' such as online checking in, charges for paying by credit/debit card per person per journey, and baggage. Sometimes it is worth paying a little extra if you get the flight you want though, as some of the flights by the various carriers are quite early in the day, or late at night.

Of course, there is the other way to travel, and that is by road and ferry. This way will always work out dearer, but if you want to use your car in the UK instead of paying car hiring charges it can balance itself out.

There are several ways to go overland. The first is to go to Santander or Bilbao ferry ports which are about 600 miles from the costas, so the price of petrol and toll road charges in Spain has to be calculated, along with the ferry charge which is approximately £250 each way. For this, you get a cabin included in the price, and remember it is a 24 hour journey on the boat. When you arrive in Portsmouth/Plymouth the petrol cost to your home has to be taken into account. The alternative, if you do not like travelling for a long period on the ferry, is to drive through France which is a further 600 miles to Calais etc. The toll charges in France are dearer, the petrol is more expensive, and you will be advised to stop off at a Travel Inn on the border.

The room, although basic, is clean and welcome after so much driving and will cost about 30 euros for the night. The ferry cost from France varies greatly, according to time of departure. Avoid early evening because of the Brits coming back from their day trip for cheap booze. This is usually the most expensive time. Going the long way via France can be the start of your holiday, and if you allow at least two days a bit of sightseeing on the way can be fitted in. If you do decide to go by road, driving through the night is best for economy and speed. A lot of petrol stations are closed at night so remember to top up as often as possible, especially if you travel the back roads to avoid paying toll charges.

Whichever way you choose to travel you do have the same duty-free allowances from the legal standpoint. When returning to the UK as long as the age requirements are met each qualifying passenger is allowed to bring in to the country unlimited amounts of certain goods, including alcohol.

But, they have to be for your own use. In other words no selling it on when you get home. You should also be prepared to show Customs & Excise that you have paid the relevant duties and VAT on those items in the other EU country.

Although in theory the amounts that can be brought in are unlimited, obviously there is a limit on the amount any one person can carry. If you are flying then realistically you are not going to be able to carry a great deal. If travelling by car, however, you will likely pack much more in to your luggage. There are definite advantages to travelling by car for expats who like a drink.

The guidelines are that if you have more than the following you are probably going to get questioned if stopped about the reasons for the high levels.

# 10 litres of spirits 

# 20 litres of fortified wine

# 90 litres of wine

# 110 litres of beer.

You may also be asked questions about how much you normally drink, along with other questions which are designed to make sure what you are carrying into the country is for your persoanl use. If you don't meet these conditions, the goods (and any vehicle that transported them) may be seized.

 

 

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