Why you should book a family ferry holiday

No fly, cost-effective family travel made easy

Travelling with the kids has never been so hassle-free

With travel firmly back on the agenda for 2023, holiday planning is top of the to-do list for many families looking for some special time away together. Popular resorts throughout Europe including France, Italy and Spain have timeless appeal.

With the increasing cost of living, many families will be looking to travel in the most cost-effective way. Soaring package, flight and car hire costs will impact the decision as to whether a family holiday can be afforded, or not. Consumer group Which? reported that the cost of booking a summer package holiday has gone up by an average of more than 19 per cent compared to the same time in 2022. Greece prices have risen by up to 30 per cent and holiday costs to Italy, Spain and Turkey have gone up by a fifth or more. The ONS reported that the cost of airfares rose by 44 per cent last year, the largest rise since records began in 1989.

Look no further than ferry travel, which is the answer to travelling comfortably, cheaply, sustainably and stress free. It’s also the most fun – as everyone gets to explore and experience holiday life on the road – and boat! No tricksy and costly luggage allowance, travel at your own leisure in your own vehicle (with options for bicycles and a roof box) – and room for all the paraphernalia that being in a family entails. You can even take the family dog for a well-earned break!

Ships are equipped with restaurants, TV lounges, cinemas, children’s playrooms and duty-free shops. And for overnight crossings or some peace, rest and privacy, en suite cabins.

Driving and taking the ferry to a family holiday destination makes for a beautiful road trip, with total freedom, flexibility and control. Everyone can get involved in the planning and deciding on where to go and stop off along the way. You can even plan to stock up at the larger supermarkets to save money before arriving at your chosen destination.

As the world’s largest ferry ticket booking site, with access to live ferry timetables throughout the Mediterranean, Irish Sea, English Channel, Scandinavia and further afield, Direct Ferries offer crossings with a wide range of facilities onboard suitable for families of all age groups.

Here are 8 Inspiring travel routes by sea and road to experience the world at your own pace, in your own time, to discover the world in a meaningful and mindful way.

Some example crossings and costs for a family of four travelling to Europe:

A family of five travelling from Dover to Calais for a week in May half term from £198 return

A family of four travelling from Dover to Calais return for a week in July 2023 with a roof box starts from £201 return

A family of three travelling from Portsmouth – Caen for two weeks in August with a bicycle rack and overnight cabin starts from £517 return

A family of four travelling from Plymouth - Santander return with a roof box and overnight cabin for two weeks in August starts from £1804 return  

No fly for a lower carbon footprint

No fly is the travel of choice for families looking for more sustainable holiday options to reduce their carbon footprint. Ferry travel allows travellers to make greener and more eco-friendly choices. A single foot passenger travelling on a ferry produces only 19g of CO2e per kilometre compared to 154g for the average short-haul flight passenger (Department of Energy, Food and Rural Affairs). 

The Direct Ferries Carbon Calculator allows passengers to calculate their carbon footprint, travelling by train and ferry, car and ferry (petrol and electric) and short-haul flight, so they can see the positive impact they are making in just a few clicks.  

Visit www.directferries.co.uk for live booking information. Current discounts, offers and incentives from Direct Ferries can be  viewed here