At a glance:
Cruises
A straightforward way to visit several destinations in one trip. Many ships offer onboard medical facilities, step-free access and pre-planned itineraries, making them a good fit if you manage a health condition or prefer structured travel.
Rail journeys
High-speed and long-distance trains offer spacious seating, predictable timetables and level boarding at many major stations. They’re often the smoothest way to travel long distances without the strain of airport queues.
Coach tours
Ideal if you want everything arranged for you. Routes, accommodation and daily excursions are planned in advance, with regular breaks and luggage handled for you.
Other low-stress options
Ferry-and-rail combinations open up Europe without flying, and UK breaks remain a simple choice if you’d prefer to stay closer to home.
If you’ve been on the lookout for holiday deals recently, you’ve probably noticed that flight prices have increased significantly. When you’re trying to plan a break you’ve been looking forward to, it can make the whole idea of getting away feel that bit more limited, especially if you’re balancing a set budget.
For some travellers, it isn’t just the cost. Flying can feel challenging if you live with a complex medical condition, want to avoid airport queues, or would prefer not to deal with the hassle of getting a fit-to-fly certificate. And for a small number of people, flying can be altogether impossible because of their health.
The good news is that you don’t need to board a plane to enjoy an amazing holiday. From luxury rail journeys to scenic cruises and coach trips, there are plenty of ways that can take you further than you might think.
Why are flights expensive right now?
There are many factors driving up your ticket costs, such as:
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Rising fuel prices and operational costs
Airlines are dealing with higher expenses for fuel and increasing operating costs for staff maintenance. These costs are often passed directly to passengers through higher fares.
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Increased demand
Demand for holidays has surged following years of restricted travel, and this is especially noticeable during peak months.
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Reduced flight capacity
Some airlines reduced their fleets during the pandemic. While demand has bounced back quickly, capacity hasn’t risen at the same rate.
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Airspace restrictions and political factors
Political unrest in certain regions has caused airlines to reroute flights, taking longer – and more expensive paths. These longer, more indirect paths create more expensive flight times and add to overall operational costs, pushing fares up even further.
Inspiring alternatives: travel without flying
There’s more than one way to travel the world, and if you know where to look, you’ll find some great alternatives to pricey air travel. If you’re after a holiday that skips the airport crowds and long security queues, here are some of the best options to consider.
Cruises
As well as avoiding airports, hotels and connections, cruises let you see far more in one holiday. You can visit several places in one trip, with routes covering Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, Iceland, the Canary Islands and transatlantic crossings to the Caribbean or North America.
Life onboard is designed to feel smooth and comfortable. Everything is in one place: cabins, dining, entertainment and medical support if you need it. Larger ships tend to have step-free access, lifts and quieter areas, which can make travelling easier if you have mobility needs or prefer a more relaxed experience.
Whether you opt for an ocean cruise from Southampton, Tilbury, Liverpool, or Portsmouth, or choose a river cruise from easily reachable European ports via Eurostar or ferry, you’re in for a magical way to explore. And with cruise insurance in place, you’ll be covered for situations such as itinerary changes and cabin confinement.
Rail journeys
If you love sightseeing while travelling, rail holidays offer one of the most rewarding ways to go. You’ll get to sit back, relax and watch some of the most spectacular landscapes roll by your window. There are several iconic rail journeys worth adding to your travel list, such as the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the lavish Belmond and La Dolce Vita trains, the Glacier Express route to Switzerland, or adventures with Interrail passes across Europe.
Closer to home, you can experience the Caledonian Sleeper or ride the Jacobite Steam Train through the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. With spacious seating, easy boarding, and generally less stressful onboarding environments, rail travel is also a fantastic and considerate option for those with mobility needs.
Coach holidays
Today’s coach holidays offer a sophisticated way to explore, with plush seats, onboard Wi-Fi, and expert tour guides to enhance your experience. Simple, affordable, and incredibly comprehensive, these tours feature a stunning variety of itineraries across the UK and Europe. Whether you’re hoping to visit famous Christmas markets, wine regions, or unwinding at coastal retreats, there’s is a coach holiday suited to your travel needs.
Ferry and rail combinations
You can reach France, Belgium or the Netherlands without ever setting foot in an airport.
When you pair a ferry crossing with trains on the other side – you can easily explore destinations like:
- Paris, Lille and Bordeaux
- Bruges, Ghent and Brussels
- Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague
UK holiday destinations
The UK is full of beautiful places to visit, and staying closer to home can be just as rewarding as travelling abroad. Popular routes and destinations include:
- Cornwall’s beaches and coastal towns
- The Lake District’s mountain passes and lakeside villages
- Edinburgh and York for history, culture and easy city stopovers
- The Cotswolds’ quiet villages and country roads
- Snowdonia’s scenic trails and viewpoints
- Scotland’s North Coast 500 for wide-open scenery and dramatic coastal drives
Whether you’re planning a road trip or letting the train take the strain, travelling within the UK gives you the freedom to set your own pace.
Did you know Avanti covers UK holidays, as long as you have at least two nights of pre-booked, paid accommodation? That means you can be covered for cancellations, baggage and more on a UK staycation, just as you would on an overseas break.
Travel with confidence with Avanti by your side
Whether your next adventure takes you across the sea, through Europe by rail, or somewhere closer to home, travel insurance can be your safety net. Avanti policies are designed to give you reassurance with:
- cover for pre-existing medical conditions
- up to unlimited medical expenses
- 24/7 medical support
Ready to take on your next no-fly adventure with confidence?
