A smart travel hack for squeezing more out of your annual leave — and getting an early start On That European Road Trip.

We all want to make the most of our precious time off from work, and by applying this tip when taking an overnight ferry crossing will help you do this.

🚢 Our Story: From Work Desk to the Road in France

Last summer we had a fantastic time on a European road trip. That trip included stops in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. But, we so much to see and miles to cover we were really looking to maximise our time.

So, we opted on for an overnight ferry crossing o the same day we finished work for our holiday. Rather than waiting to start the trip on the next day.

Basically, I finished work at 5pm, loaded up the car and we were then at the ferry port by 8pm in the evening.

We boarded our Brittany Ferries ship around 9pm and had time for a quick drink in the bar before heading off to our cabins.

The Travelbetter team enjoying a drink on a ferry.
Relaxing on our overnight ferry.

By the time we woke up early the next morning we were in France. In France on the first day of our holiday with a nice early start to make some progress on our epic road trip.

It may have been a bit of a stressful rush to make it from work desk to ferry in a few hours but the benefit of crossing the channel overnight was immense.

As a result, on our first day of the holiday we were able to travel through France and Belgium and make it to our hotel in Luxembourg with plenty of time for stops to enjoy a Cafe Au Lait or three (it was a very early start), Belgium triple cooked fries and lots more.

A cup of espresso coffee with a jug of hot milk to make a cafe au lait.
One of many delicious café au lait. This one was in Amiens.

We strongly recommend that if you are able to take a similar approach you should.

🧠 Why This Ferry Travel Tip Works

  • Time efficiency: Travel while you sleep.
  • Cost-saving: Avoids the need for an extra night in a hotel.
  • Great for longer drives: Especially useful if your destination is far from the coast.
  • Less stress: No scrambling to leave the house at 4am.

🧭 Planning Your Own Overnight Sailing

Not all routes offer overnight sailings, here are a couple of options:

  • Portsmouth to Caen
  • Plymouth to Roscoff

However, if you want to explore more overnight ferry options then take a look at our Cross Channel Ferry Routes Guide, or for more detailed analysis of what each ferry route and operator can offer then use our unique Ferry Finder Tool. This tool allows you to filter your ferry search by your unique needs like Overnight Crossings, Quiet Space, Pet-Friendly and more.

👉 Why This Tip Is Good For Neurodiverse Families

If you are travelling with children or other neurodiverse family members, taking an overnight crossing can be an excellent way to reduce sensory overload and transitions.

This is becuase you are not waiting around in very busy public spaces, there will be less food smells as the resturants won’t be busy, if open at all, and you will spend less time rushing around in the early morning at home or being stuck in queues.

Join the Travelbetter Community

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Additionally, as a member of the Travelbetter Community you will have early access to all of our travel tools. Tools designed specifially to help quiet, anxious and neurodiver families explore more and worry less.

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