No-fly Holiday Ideas for Summer
Looking to escape the airport queues in Europe this summer caused by new travel entry rules, or just not keen on flying full stop? Try one of these No-fly holiday ideas for summer 2026 for an incredible experience without the fuss.
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The benefits of a no-fly holiday
Flying might be the easiest way to reach far-flung destinations, but you don’t need to travel a long distance to discover extraordinary places. In fact, starting from or staying within the UK means you make the most of every second of holiday time.
Using other modes of transport, like car or train, means moving more slowly but also reduces boring wait times and negates frustrating security checks, while turning journeys into valuable parts of the trip.
On top of this, no-fly holidays are often less stressful and cheaper to organise. What’s not to love?
UK-Starting Cruises
Looking for the perfect balance of culture and relaxation? Check out cruises that start from the UK. We love cruising, and cruising from the UK could not be easier! Drive to ports such as Southampton ot even Tilbury and you will be whisked away to the other side of the world.
There are several ports in convenient coastal locations running regular services to global hotspots, like cruises from Southampton to Europe and the Caribbean via major lines like Royal Caribbean and Cunard. You can enjoy the indulgence of all-inclusive catering and the excitement of multiple destinations in one.
Rail Journeys
Brilliant engineers have created many great rail journeys through spectacular landscapes, carving a path through remote locations that are otherwise inaccessible. Discover the brilliant blue lakes and striking pines of British Columbia on the Rocky Mountaineer, take in glorious snow-scenes on Switzerland’s Glacier Express or experience the heritage, beauty and luxury of the iconic Orient Express.
Via the Eurostar, you can travel by train all the way to connect with these amazing journeys, some of which are several days long with sleeper cabins on board. Sit back and relax in the care of experienced staff and watch incredible views unfolding through the window.
Walking holidays
Do you enjoy being active? Drive, ride the rail or sail to a beautiful rural destination and spend your holiday on an extended hiking excursion.
Many companies run group or self-guided point-to-point hiking holidays, during which your luggage is transported between hotels for you, leaving you free to roam unencumbered. Otherwise, you can strap your possessions to your back and walk freely, finding your way as you go, with hostels, huts and wild camping spots offering respite.
Favourite hiking destinations in Europe include the Dolomites, Italy’s northern peaks, the French Alps, primarily Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest peak, Austria’s lake country and Norway’s fantastic fjords and remote Lofoten Islands.
Road trips
Let’s face it, there’s no beating the rush of clambering into a car with friends and heading off to explore new places together. While children might find this form of travel dull, it’s a great bonding experience for groups of adults that allows for plenty of spontaneity and bonding activities.
The UK is blessed with some of the best road trip routes in the world, including the North Coast 500, a 516-mile journey along the northernmost coast of Scotland that starts and ends in Inverness, the cultural capital of and gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Other notable options include the:
- Coastal Way through Wales’ Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
- Atlantic Highway via the Jurassic Coast between Devon and Cornwall
- Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route.
You could even hop on a ferry to the Eurotunnel and explore Europe, then drive to Spain. The choice is huge!
Local getaways
Desperate to forgo the hassle of travel completely? Take a trip to London or stick close to home and delve deeper into familiar locations on the doorstep. You might be surprised how fun it is to act like a tourist for a day in your own city, and there will be a wealth of spectacular countryside spots nearby that are hiding in plain sight.
Try to time your trip with events to make it even more special, such as festivals. Historic sites will run exhibitions throughout the year, including options suitable for children of all ages, and every September, special sites are available to visit for a short time only through the Heritage Open Days scheme.
