What makes for a great holiday if you don’t want to fly?
More and more travelers are asking themselves: can I have an amazing vacation without getting on 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 voyage, there are plenty of ways to discover the world without ever occupying an airplane seat.
A vacation without flying is no longer a compromise. For many travelers, it is actually a deliberate choice that leads to richer, more meaningful experiences. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about traveling without a plane, from practical options to the best alternatives to a traditional cruise.
Why are more and more people choosing a vacation without flying?
People are increasingly choosing vacations without flying because they are more conscious of their ecological footprint, but also because they want to rediscover the joy of traveling itself. For many vacations, the flight has become a necessary evil, while the journey to the destination can actually be part of the adventure.
The growing movement around flight-free travel is not driven solely by environmental awareness. Many travelers are also simply tired of the stress of airports, the anonymity of flights, and the feeling that a vacation 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 appealing. High-speed trains connect European cities faster than ever, night train services are making a comeback, and cruises and sailing trips offer a completely different travel experience. The vacation starts at departure, not on arrival.
What are the best alternatives to a fly-away vacation?
The best alternatives to flying are the train, the ferry, a cruise, or a sailing trip. Each option has its own character and appeals to a different type of traveler. The right choice depends on your destination, the length of your trip, and what you want to get out of the experience.
Traveling 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 single day’s journey. Night train connections to cities such as Vienna, Prague, and Zurich make it possible to sleep comfortably and arrive well-rested.
Traveling by ferry or cruise
For longer distances or destinations across the sea, ferries and cruises offer excellent options. Ferry routes connect the British Isles, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean to the European mainland, among other destinations. A cruise or sailing trip adds an extra dimension: 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 across 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 travelers with a little extra 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 travelers, that time at sea is a major part of the appeal. You arrive in the Caribbean not as a tourist stepping off a plane, but as a traveler who has crossed an ocean.
Closer to home, the options are even more plentiful. The Mediterranean, the Atlantic coasts of Portugal and Spain, the British Isles, and the Norwegian fjords are all easily reachable without booking a single flight. Europe alone offers enough to explore for a lifetime.
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 ship, 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. You know the crew by name, you watch the sails being raised, 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 traveler. You are dependent on the wind, the weather, and nature. Anchorages are determined by the conditions. That lack of control is, for many travelers, precisely what makes it so special: you learn to let go and live in the moment. For those who find that appealing, a luxury sailing cruise is an enriching experience compared to any traditional cruise.
What makes a sailing cruise in the Caribbean special without flying?
A sailing cruise in the Caribbean without flying is special because the journey itself becomes an adventure. Instead of being transported from Amsterdam Airport to a tropical island in eight hours, you experience the crossing of the Atlantic Ocean as a true expedition. You arrive with a story to tell, not just a suitcase.
In the Caribbean itself, a sailing vessel provides access to places that are out of reach for large cruise ships: secluded bays, quiet anchorages, and small islands that lie well off 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 dinner on board.
The combination of adventure and comfort is what makes it truly special. Snorkeling in crystal-clear water, day trips to white-sand beaches, cocktails at sunset, and a warm meal prepared by the on-board chef. It is not a choice between luxury and adventure — it is both at the same time.
What should you consider when choosing a vacation without flying?
When choosing a vacation without flying, there are a number of practical factors to keep in mind. 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 great trip and a disappointment.
Keep the following points in mind when making your choice:
- Travel time: Traveling without a plane takes longer. Plan generously and treat the journey as part of the vacation.
- Comfort: Check the accommodations along the way, whether that is a train compartment, an on-board cabin, 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 transportation options if this is an important consideration for you.
Beyond these practical considerations, it is also worth asking yourself what kind of traveler you are. Are you someone who thrives on structure and certainty, or do you get energy from the unknown? That question largely determines which alternative suits you best.
How the Stad Amsterdam helps you vacation without flying
We offer an answer to the question of how to have an unforgettable vacation without setting foot on 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.
Here is what you can expect from us:
- A maximum of 28 passengers across 14 cabins for an intimate and personal atmosphere, far removed from mass tourism.
- Luxury cabins and a high standard of service, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails prepared by our chefs.
- Authentic sailing with an engaged, enthusiastic crew who brings you into the real life on board.
- Access to secluded bays and islands that are unreachable for larger vessels.
- Activities such as snorkeling, beach excursions, 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 sailboat. It is an iconic three-masted clipper ship with a rich history, a warm crew, and an atmosphere you will not find anywhere else. Whether you dream of a crossing to the Caribbean or a sailing journey along the European coastline, we are happy to explore the possibilities with you. Get in touch with us and discover which voyage is right for you.