Despite the whole of Europe suffering from a rather chilly Spring, many of us will be eyeing up the continent for our Summer holidays, in the hope that glorious sunshine will eventually arrive. And for many, France will be the destination, or will at least be driven through en route to somewhere else.

But what’s the best way to get there – by ferry or by EuroTunnel?

Price

Probably the biggest consideration for most motorists is price. There are many deals available on both the EuroTunnel and the ferries, so it is not always easy to compare. But at the time of writing, the cheapest two day Calais-Dover return on P&O Ferries on 1st June 2013 cost £110 (2 adults and car). The Tunnel, on the other hand, offers a two day return for £60 at the time of writing (Folkstone-Calais) on the same date. However, when longer journeys are booked, Eurotunnel pries can rise considerably higher than ferry prices. Different ferry routes can also make comparisons difficult.

Convenience

For speed, the Eurotunnel is of course far quicker than the ferry, which means you get to spend more time on holiday in your destination country. The ferry takes longer to load and longer to make the crossing.

Experience

Many people complain of the stuffiness of the Tunnel, and the fact that there is nothing to do but wait. That said, it only takes 35 minutes. On the other hand, the ferry arguably offers a more exciting experience, especially for younger travellers. It gives drivers a break, and a variety of activities can be pursued on board, such as eating, drinking, going to the cinema or enjoying the sea views.

Whichever of the above you choose, don’t forget to take out European breakdown cover before you leave the UK!