Thinking of driving to the Alps? Here's all you need to know about a self-drive trip to Europe!
with our partner

Looking for the ultimate freedom and flexibility? Travel on your terms with a self-drive holiday to the Alps. Why choose self-drive?
- One ticket, all your friends – Fare includes up to 9 people
- Total freedom – No timelines to meet, leave when you want and travel as you like
- Unlimited luggage allowance – No hidden fees or awkward baggage rules
Pack everything up and drive to Folkestone to be transported, hassle-free, across to our Calais terminal where you are free to continue your journey towards the Alps according to your own schedule and itinerary!
Not sure how to prepare? Use our Pre-travel Checklist to make sure you're all set!
Check your travel documents
Valid passport with a recommended minimum of 6 months left for international travel. Full driving license documentation, proof of insurance, and the original Vehicle Registration Document (V5). If your vehicle is borrowed, hired, leased, or a company car, you'll need a Vehicle on Hire Certificate (VE103). For British passport holders, make sure to check how long you can stay in the EU and that you are not at risk of exceding your stay.
Submit your travel details
This is called Advance Passenger Information (API) and is a UK Home Office requirement for all passengers leaving or entering the UK. We'll submit this once it is provided.
Get insurance
Travel insurance is an important part of traveling abroad, particularly when you're heading on a sporting holiday. Don't forget to check that you have motor and breakdown cover included in your policy(s).
Prepare for driving abroad
It's really important to have the right documentation and equipment when driving abroad. For full details, check the latest government advice. You'll need a UK sticker if you're driving from the UK to Europe. When driving in France, you must also have an approved high-viz reflective jacket and a warning triangle in your vehicle, and you should adjust your headlights to drive on the right. If you're planning to drive in one of the Low Emission Zones in France, you will need to buy a Crit'Air sticker and display it on your windscreen.
Check the the lastest travel advice
Things are always changing! Stay on top of things and keep an eye on the UK government website for up-to-date information prior to traveling.
Requirements
Travel insurance is a condition of booking a holiday with Action Outdoors. Having adequate cover is absolutely vital for any foreign trip but especially so for a winter ski or snowboard holiday (or adventure holiday). As well as covering any medical expenses, travel insurance is required to compensate any costs incurred by delayed or missed travel caused by adverse weather conditions or unexpected road closures. Also some travel insurance may compensate for the closure of lifts and ski areas in the event of lack of snow or severe weather conditions.
Action Outdoors and UCPA will not offer refunds or compensation due to travel disturbances, ski area closures or factors out with our control, this is the responsibility of your insurer. Often insurance will provide cover in case of injury or personal tragedy prior to your departure which requires cancellation of your holiday. Therefore we advise you to purchase a suitable insurance policy as soon as you book your holiday. Of course it is vital you read the policy closely and thoroughly to make sure you purchase insurance with adequate cover for all unexpected events. Also ensure you know how to report an incident and make a claim in case of an emergency situation while abroad, otherwise you may risk compromising your cover.
European Health Insurance
If you are a UK citizen it is recommended you carry a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or GHIC card, as well as private travel insurance. The EHIC/GHIC card is free of charge and gives you access to medically necessary, state provided healthcare during your stay in an EU country, including France, under the same conditions and at the same costs as people insured in that country. It is important to note that the EHIC/GHIC card should be used to complement travel insurance in a medical emergency and is not a substitute for travel insurance. Unlike in the UK, healthcare is not free in France, therefore you will still incur a cost when seeking medical care even if you do have an EHIC card. Some insurers now insist a valid EHIC/GHIC card is produced when receiving healthcare abroad. The EHIC/GHIC card provides no other compensation or cover for you holiday except partial healthcare cover.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Join our newsletter and get news in your inbox every week! We hate spam too, so no worries about this.