What makes for a great holiday if you don’t want to fly?
More and more travellers are asking themselves: can I have a wonderful holiday without taking a plane? The answer is a resounding yes. Whether you choose a train journey through Europe, a cruise across the Atlantic Ocean, or an adventurous sailing trip, there are plenty of ways to discover the world without ever occupying an airline seat.
A holiday without flying is no longer a compromise. For many travellers, it is a deliberate choice that leads to richer, more meaningful experiences. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about travelling without a plane, from the practical options available to the best alternatives to a classic cruise.
Why are more and more people choosing a holiday without flying?
People are increasingly choosing a holiday without flying because they are more conscious of their ecological footprint, but also because they want to experience the act of travelling itself again. For many holidays, the flight has become a necessary evil, whereas the journey to the destination can actually be part of the adventure.
The growing movement around avoiding flying does not stem solely from environmental awareness. Many travellers are also simply done with the stress of airports, the anonymity of flights, and the feeling that a holiday only begins once you land. They want to feel the transition from home to destination, not skip over it.
On top of that, the alternatives are becoming increasingly attractive. High-speed trains connect European cities faster than ever, night train services are making a comeback, and cruises and sailing trips offer an entirely different experience of travel. The holiday begins at departure, not on arrival.
What are the best alternatives to a flight-based holiday?
The best alternatives to a flight-based holiday are the train, the ferry, a cruise, or a sailing trip. Each alternative has its own character and appeals to a different type of traveller. The choice depends on your destination, the length of your trip, and what you want to get out of the holiday.
Travelling by train
The train is the most accessible alternative for short and medium distances within Europe. From the Netherlands, you can reach Paris in under two hours, London in three hours, and Barcelona in a day’s journey. Night train connections to cities such as Vienna, Prague, and Zurich make it possible to sleep comfortably and arrive refreshed.
Travelling by ferry or cruise
For longer distances or destinations across the sea, ferries and cruises offer excellent options. Ferry connections link the British Isles, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean to the European mainland, among other routes. A cruise or sailing trip adds an extra dimension to this: the sea itself becomes part of the experience.
How far can you travel without taking a plane?
Without a plane, you can travel surprisingly far. From the Netherlands, destinations throughout Europe, North Africa, and even the Caribbean are reachable via a combination of train and ship. A transatlantic crossing by sailing vessel or cruise ship is a realistic option for travellers with a little more time.
A transatlantic crossing takes an average of two to three weeks, depending on the vessel and the route. That may sound like a long time, but for many travellers that time at sea is a large part of the appeal. You arrive in the Caribbean not as a tourist stepping off a plane, but as a traveller who has crossed the ocean.
Closer to home, the possibilities are even broader. The Mediterranean, the Atlantic coast of Portugal and Spain, the British Isles, and the Norwegian fjords are all easily reachable without booking a single flight. Europe offers enough to spend a lifetime discovering.
Is a sailing trip a good alternative to a traditional cruise?
A sailing trip is an excellent alternative to a traditional cruise, but it is a fundamentally different experience. Where large cruise ships revolve around entertainment, buffets, and crowds, a sailing trip is about the connection with the sea, the vessel, and the people on board. It is more intimate, more authentic, and more adventurous.
On a traditional cruise ship, you are one of thousands of passengers. On a sailing vessel like the Stad Amsterdam, there are a maximum of 28 passengers on board, spread across 14 cabins. You know the crew by name, you watch the sails being hoisted, and you feel the ship respond to wind and waves. That is a fundamentally different feeling.
A sailing trip also asks something of you as a traveller. You are dependent on the wind, the weather, and nature. Anchorages are determined by the conditions. That lack of control is, for many travellers, precisely the most beautiful aspect: you learn to let go and live in the moment. For those who find that appealing, a luxury sailing cruise is an enrichment compared to any traditional cruise.
What makes a sailing cruise in the Caribbean special without a plane?
A sailing cruise in the Caribbean without a plane is special because the journey itself becomes an adventure. Instead of being transported from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to a tropical island in eight hours, you experience the crossing of the Atlantic Ocean as a true expedition. You arrive with a story, not just a suitcase.
In the Caribbean itself, a sailing vessel provides access to places that are unreachable for large cruise ships: secluded bays, quiet anchorages, and small islands that do not feature on the mass-tourism circuit. During the day you sail from island to island; in the evening you drop anchor in a tranquil bay and enjoy a dinner on board.
The combination of adventure and comfort is what makes it special. Snorkelling in clear water, day trips to white sandy beaches, and a warm meal prepared by the chef on board. It is not a choice between luxury and adventure: it is both at the same time.
What should you look out for when choosing a holiday without flying?
When choosing a holiday without flying, there are a number of practical matters to take into account. Think about travel time, comfort along the way, the type of destination, and what you want to experience. Good preparation makes the difference between a wonderful trip and a disappointment.
Pay attention to the following points when making your choice:
- Travel time: Travelling without a plane takes longer. Plan generously and see the journey as part of the holiday.
- Comfort: Check the accommodation along the way, whether that is a train compartment, a cabin on board, or a ferry.
- Group size: Smaller groups offer more intimacy. Pay attention to the maximum number of passengers on sailing trips and cruises.
- Season: Weather and wind conditions play a major role in sailing trips. Ask about the best travel period for your destination.
- Sustainability: Compare the environmental impact of different transport options if this is an important criterion for you.
In addition to these practical considerations, it is also worth asking yourself what kind of traveller you are. Are you someone who prefers structure and certainty, or do you thrive on the unknown? That question largely determines which alternative suits you best.
How the Stad Amsterdam helps with a holiday without flying
We offer an answer to the question of how you can enjoy an unforgettable holiday without taking a plane. On board our three-masted clipper ship, we combine the adventure of authentic sailing with the comfort of a boutique hotel at sea.
This is what you can expect from us:
- A maximum of 28 passengers on board, spread across 14 cabins, for an intimate and personal atmosphere, far removed from mass tourism.
- Luxury cabins and a high level of service, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by our chefs.
- Authentic sailing with an engaged, young crew who bring you into the real life on board.
- Access to secluded bays and islands that are unreachable for larger vessels.
- Activities such as snorkelling, beach trips, and relaxation at locations you will not find in any mass-tourism travel guide.
The Stad Amsterdam is not an ordinary cruise ship and not a standard sailing boat. It is an iconic three-masted clipper ship with a rich history, a welcoming crew, and an atmosphere you will not find anywhere else. Rates are tailored exclusively to season, suite category, and trip duration — get in touch for a personal quote and discover which voyage suits you. Contact us and we will be happy to explore the possibilities with you.