When you think about summer holidays, your brain is probably jumping directly to airports - queues in safety, appearance sandwiches and griped by looking at your link because it's 120 ml instead of 100. Fun, right? Now this picture: You roll on a boat, under the windows, playlist on the bag in the trunk (no limit to the goods here), and within minutes you hover in open water with a coffee and zero tension in your hand. Looks better than already, right?
A summer ferry trip is one of the smallest ways to travel. This is not just a way to transport - it is part of the holiday. Whether you are going to France for wine and cheese, imagine a beautiful ocean flight without a tulip and bicycle, or a beautiful ocean flight without fancy, the summer ferry trip calls your name.
So if you dream of a summer ferry trip, then you need everything you want to know -, important summer ferry trip and some personal hack things to keep even sailing (yes, punishment).
First off, it’s chill. And I mean that both literally and emotionally. Ferries give you space to stretch out, enjoy the sea air, and avoid the chaos of airports altogether. You can bring your car, your bike, your dog, or even that oversized inflatable flamingo no airline will ever let you check in. It’s freedom in the purest, salt-sprayed form.
And in summer? It’s a whole vibe. The sun sets later, the decks are lively, and there’s just something magical about watching the coastline fade behind you as your adventure begins.
Here’s where you can go—and trust me, there are more options than most people realise:
Dover to Calais (France): Classic. Fast. Affordable. Perfect for a weekend in Paris or a drive down to Provence.
Hull to Rotterdam (Netherlands): Night ferry = you sleep while you travel. Wake up in Europe. Genius.
Newcastle to Amsterdam (Netherlands): Ideal if you’re up north and don’t fancy a long drive south.
Parsmouth to Bilbao or Santnder (Spain): Long journey, but it works as a mini cruise - if you want to fly and put your head straight to Spanish sunlight.
(Northern Ireland): A fantastic journey in the Irish Sea, perfect for nature lovers.
All of these routes get a glow-up in the hot months, which consists of updated summer ferry trip, more sales and extra entertainment on board.
If this is your first time planning a summer ferry trip, here’s what you’ll want to know before you go:
1. Book in Advance (Like, Now)
Summer’s the busiest season for ferry travel. The good tickets—especially on popular routes—get snapped up quickly. Booking early doesn’t just guarantee your spot, it also locks in the best prices. Nobody wants to overpay just because they hesitated.
2. Check the Summer Ferry Schedule—Twice
Ferry times can change depending on the day, the route, and the operator. Summer ferry schedules usually offer more frequent departures, but they also fill up fast. Double-check return options so you’re not stranded (unless that’s your plan, in which case… go you).
3. Pack Like a Pro
You've found more space than a plane, but don't go wild. Bring layers - even summer ferry trip evenings in the sea can find Breasty. Sunglasses, sunscreen and a good book are needed. And if you easily get the seesian, you throw some movement in the disease tablet. Better safe than green in the face.
4. Arrive Early, Especially with a Vehicle
If you carry the car, bike or campperman on the ship, you can give you a lot of time to check and set up. Most of the boat operators suggest arriving at least 90 minutes before departure. Trust me, it's less stressful than running at the last minute.
5. Don’t Skip Onboard Amenities
Most ferries these days aren’t just floating parking garages. You’ve got cafes, lounges, bars, shops—and even mini cinemas on some long-haul routes. Explore a bit, grab a drink, enjoy the view.
Let’s compare.
Baggage freedom? Ferries win. Pack what you want, no one’s weighing your toothpaste.
Stress levels? Way lower. No TSA-style checks, no sprinting through terminals.
Eco-friendliness? Ferries tend to be greener than flights, especially if you’re traveling as a group.
Flexibility? You can take your car, stop where you like, explore local villages on your terms.
Plus, if you're the type who loves slow travel, watching the sea roll by as you sip on a hot chocolate (or something stronger) is pure therapy.
Look, summer ferry trip holidays should feel like a break—not a military operation. And ferry travel gives you that: room to breathe, flexibility, comfort, and a little bit of that old-school romance that flying just doesn’t offer anymore.
Whether you're crossing to France for pastries, heading to the Netherlands for a cycling tour, or setting your sights on Spain for tapas and tan lines, there’s a ferry route for you.
And the best part? Companies like P&O Ferries make it ridiculously easy to plan the whole thing—from checking the summer ferry schedule, to booking your ticket, to answering all those “what if” questions.
So this year, skip the airport drama. Plan a summer ferry trip instead. It’s slower, it’s smoother, and it’s exactly the kind of travel story you’ll want to tell again and again.
1. Which countries can you travel to by ferry from the UK?
Quite a few! France, the Netherlands, Belgium (via France), Spain, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and even the Channel Islands. If there’s a coast, there’s likely a route.
2. Is travelling by ferry better than flying?
Depends on your vibe. But for summer, when airports are packed and tempers are high? Ferry travel is calmer, more scenic, and honestly—more fun. Plus, you can bring your car, your dog, your kids, and not pay a fortune in extra charges.
