THE annual booze cruise - or train trip these days - is as much a part of Christmas as turkey and trees. With four weeks to go, now is the time to think about heading to the continent to stock up on beer, wine, champagne and food gifts.

By the time you've paid to get to the continent from the North-East, it's arguable how much you actually save - but it's still a good excuse for a short break before the mayhem of Christmas really begins.

The only problem is deciding the best means of getting to France or Belgium with the car, so we've put together a list of the most obvious ways. Once you're there, one of the most popular places to shop is Cite Europe, the largest shopping centre in the Pas-de-Calais with more than 100 shops including a Carrefour hypermarket. It's a five-minute drive from the Eurotunnel terminal. Later this month and throughout December, French hypermarkets will open on Sundays.

As well as the usual hypermarket run there are plenty of Christmas markets in France and Belgium, all within a 90-minute drive of Calais:

Calais, December 2 & 3 (five minute drive from Eurotunnel): The Place d'Armes in Calais is filled with entertainment, including a Christmas village of 100 stalls.

Gravelines, December 16-24 (20 mins from Eurotunnel): Market stalls (usually beach huts) selling food and crafts from all over France including regional specialities.

Bourbourg, December 8-10 (35 mins from tunnel): Market selling local produce such as foie gras and a variety of cheeses.

Boulogne, December 19 (35 mins): A Medieval Christmas market with street entertainment and a pig roast.

St Omer, December 17-24 (40 mins): Home to France's largest brewery, hosts a Christmas market in the town square.

EUROTUNNEL

From Folkestone to Calais, this is the quickest way to get to France. But remember, if your car is powered by liquid petroleum gas, it cannot travel through the tunnel.

Shopping: Last minute bargains can be picked up at World Shopping in the Eurotunnel terminal which promises savings on high street prices of up to 50 per cent on beer and up to 40 per cent on spirits and tobacco. It's possible to pre-order goods in Folkestone and collect them on your return. It's not possible to buy on board the train.

Departure times: Masses, and your fare will depend on the times you choose.

Fares: Check out the website for the latest special offers but some examples are: leave before 8pm return before midnight same day £49; leave after noon, return before 4pm next day £69. £2 reduction on each fare if you book on-line. All prices are for a car and passengers.

Reservations: 08705 353535

Travel information: 08000 969 992

Website: www.eurotunnel.com

P&O NORTH SEA FERRIES

Sailings from Hull to Zeebrugge are overnight on the outbound and return journeys with a full day in Belgium. Onboard facilities include lounge bars with live music, restaurant, cinema, casino and 'cruisebuys' shopping.

Shopping: The Auchan hypermarket in Dunkirk is 55 miles away on the motorway.

Departure times: 5pm from Hull arriving at Zeebrugge at 8.30am. Return sailing departs 6.15pm arrives at 8am.

Fares: P&O has a hypermarket run special offer of £99 for two passengers and car travelling on consecutive evenings with a basic economy cabin but no meals. Friday travel carries a £15 supplement per person. A longer stay of up to five nights for two adults and two children aged four-15 is £174 plus £62 for a cabin and no meals. This offer must be booked at least seven days in advance.

Reservations: 0870 129 6003.

Website: www.ponsf.com

HOVERSPEED

A number of services daily to Calais and Ostend in Belgium, both from Dover. Crossings to Calais on the Seacat take 50 mins; Ostend takes about two hours.

Shopping: Hoverspeed promises savings of 50 per cent on high street prices at its Hoverstores in Dover, Calais and Ostend and on board the Seacats.

Fares: for a car and up to nine people - Calais £45, Ostend £39, both carry a £10 supplement for Saturday travel.

Reservations: 0870 241 3873

Website: www.hoverspeed.com

P&O STENA LINE

Operates a fleet of seven superferries with up to 30 trips a day each way from Dover to Calais.

Fares: Departure after 3pm and return before 1am £29; a 12-hour day trip costs from £42; a 24-hour fully flexible ticket costs £62 including a bottle of champagne. All fares are for a car and up to five passengers.

Reservations: 0870 600 0600

Website: www.posl.co.uk