This is a travel day using Blacklane car service from the United Kingdom to The Netherlands. Since there are three of us traveling, it made more sense to not travel the ‘traditional’ way: limo to Heathrow, wait at airport for flight (hope it is on time), fly from Heathrow to Schiphol, then taxi to hotel. Traveling with three people and luggage, the car service seemed to me to be a better way. Farewell Southhampton!

We are traveling in a luxury Mercedes Business Van with less hassle: climb into a Business Van at the port, luggage loaded once, driver takes us to Dover ferry terminal, board the ferry, roam the ferry while crossing the English Channel, and back in the van to complete the trip with 3 or so hour drive to our Amsterdam hotel. Relaxing, some napping, reading, writing my blog, enjoying the scenery, and bathroom stops as needed. (Note: The Chunnel would have been about 45 minutes to an hour shorter but the driver tells us that it was sold out today, a Sunday.)

The last time I took a ferry across the English Channel was 1974 – and it was rough and the ferry seemed old. Now it’s luxury travel ferry – smooth sailing with restaurants, duty free shopping, lounges, and even a casino. With the white cliffs of Dover in the distance the ferry sails for Calais, France.

Once off the Ferry, the time has moved forward again an hour. Thankfully for the last time on our adventure! Our driver is wonderful. Highly recommend Blacklane. He tells us that last week, he drove an American family from Southhampton to Paris and they also took the ferry. It is a nice break from the car – for all of us and a good time to have lunch.

Back on the highway, the view out the van window is of the French, Belgium, and The Netherlands countryside as we head to our destination, Amsterdam. Four countries in a day! 🇬🇧🇫🇷🇧🇪🇳🇱

No different in many ways from traveling on the USA Interstate system. The Truck Stops are similar as well – gas pumps, Burger King, restrooms, and snack store. The only difference is you have to pay one Euro to use the bathroom, credit cards accepted.

Traffic is heavier in the city centers but for the most part, we are cruising at the speed limit. Our journey ends at the beautiful Sofitel Legend The Grand Hotel. Tomorrow, off to explore Amsterdam.