We sometimes forget that there is an alternative the ferry. And when airlines are increasingly charging for baggage and adding other fees, it can be just as cheap. For instance, a family of four can travel from Dover to Dunkerque in France on a Norfolkline ferry for as little as 29 each way. And there are other added bonuses of taking the ferry instead of flying.
Weve taken a look at six of the ferry best reasons for setting sail rather than taking flight. If your home is in Provence, or youre house-hunting there, you can let the train take the strain as Eurostar has just begun its weekly direct service from London StPancras and Ashford International to Avignon. Standard-class tickets start from99 return. The service runs until 5 September 2009.
Ferry vs Flying | |
| No extra costs | Extra charges for baggage and more |
| No luggage restrictions | 20 kilos per person is the maximum (not including hand luggage), but it may cost you |
| Plenty of eating options including hot food | An in flight meal or sandwiches and snacks |
| Freedom to explore and walk around on board | A trip to the loo is as exciting as it gets |
| There are more diversions to keep the kids happy | A crying baby on a packed flight is every parent's (and passenger's) nightmare. |
| No waiting on arrival - you're on holiday | Your first stop at your destination...is the baggage carousel |