Ferry maps and guidance
Nowadays, the ferry has become a very popular means of transport. This makes the task a little more complicated, not only when it comes to booking, but also when it comes to choosing the best route.
The key to success lies in looking beyond the most obvious crossings and paying attention to those that actually fit the convenience according to the travel schedule. In this sense, FerryGoGo represents a practical tool to compare options.
How to choose the best ferry routes?
Nowadays, there are multiple opportunities offered by this form of transport. Therefore, sometimes it is worth driving a little more by car and taking shorter ferry crossings, as it means a substantial reduction in travel time and even money.
Although at first glance it may seem a simple process, lack of planning and information can become a headache, fortunately, there are a number of basic tips that simplify the decision.
Establish priorities
The first thing to keep in mind is that there is no perfect route, only the one that best suits your needs. Define what is most convenient for you based on the following four criteria:
- Trip duration: ferry routes can last from a few minutes to long crossings. Time availability is what defines the most suitable one.
- Timetable: although it may seem an elementary tip, some users forget that certain routes only operate on certain days of the week or times of the year, so it is advisable to check the timetable.
- Price: just like timetables, ticket prices can vary greatly according to the route, as well as depending on the season and the shipping company. If you are on a tight budget, it is best to compare the different offers before booking.
- Comfort: this point is especially important if you intend to make a long crossing. Some ferry routes offer more amenities than others, if the priority is comfort, then you should check the presence of bars, restaurants, stores and accommodation.
Research the different routes
Once you are clear on what matters most and fits your needs, it’s time to learn about the possible options. Thanks to the Internet, we now have a number of resources that make researching easier.
Firstly, visit the websites of the shipping companies, most of them usually provide access to all the information regarding routes, prices and schedules.
Other good options are travel forums and ferry comparison platforms. While the former combine relevant data about the crossing and opinions of other travelers, the latter allow you to compare several services in one place.
Compare prices and offers
At this point, the next step is to narrow down the list of options to the routes that arouse the most interest and start comparing the price/quality ratio. Also, verify the possible discounts or special offers offered by the shipping companies, either by the season of the year or if you make the reservation well in advance.
Likewise, keep in mind that the companies frequently reduce the value of the tickets if the users buy the outbound and the return ticket, instead of two outbound tickets.
Pay attention to the booking process
After comparing and deciding on the indicated route, the last step is to book the ticket. To do so, you have the option of doing it directly with the shipping company, through travel agents or using the same platform where you compared the different services.
In any case, before starting the process you must have specified the type of ticket you want to buy, the number of people traveling, the date and the exact time of travel. As a rule, the providers also ask for the names and surnames of the users, an e-mail address and a telephone number.
It doesn’t matter if the ticket is digital or you have it in your hand, check that all the information is correct. The least you want is to have problems at the departure as a result of a wrong piece of information.
Get ready for the travel
You have already booked your ticket, what remains is to start preparing for the trip, and we are not just talking about luggage. Avoiding mishaps requires you to take into consideration the following aspects:
- Check the entry requirements of the destination country.
- Take out travel insurance.
- Arrive at the port in plenty of time.
Put all the tips into practice, choose the best ferry route for your needs and dedicate yourself to enjoying a comfortable, pleasant and, above all, trouble-free crossing.