7 reasons ferries are great for family travel

I remember hearing about a new flight route to Brittany a couple of years ago, and wondering why anyone would want to take a plane to this lovely part of northern France when there are so many reasons ferries are great for family travel.

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There are plenty of reasons to visit Brittany, of course – as well as the beaches and coastline, including the evocatively named pink granite coast and some beautiful islands, it has a long history from the days before it was part of France.

But when it’s so easy to travel by sea, I can’t imagine choosing the plane – especially for family ferry holidays.

On my own childhood trips, I remember us taking the ferry to St-Malo and stopping at the lovely walled medieval citadels before discovering the ancient standing stones at Carnac. The menhirs, as they’re known, were erected long before the pyramids.

Then there’s the seafood, including fabulous mussels, and endless crepes, of course. In fact, for years, driving off the ferry in Brittany marked the start of our family summer holiday, venturing every further south down the French coast.

I’ve got equally fond memories of Normandy too, with a whole string of trips starting in Caen before heading south to explore.

Find the cheapest routes with a comparison site like Ferryhopper

So whether it’s our long weekend jaunt to the Isle of Wight or the traditional cross-channel journey, boarding a ferry instantly makes me feel excited to escape.

On those childhood family ferry holidays we used to camp, so I’d be sitting on at least one sleeping bag on the way, but these days there are even ferry packages including cottage accommodation.

When the ferry is so easy and so practical if you’re travelling as a family, I’m not sure why you’d consider battling security, struggling with suitcases and hanging around in an airport before boarding a plane.

Especially when you could be enjoying the sea views and cafes, or the play areas and free wifi – which definitely weren’t a feature when I was a kid. 

So while I’ve found myself on more low-cost flights than ferries recently, I’m rediscovering all the reasons why ferries are great for family travel.

There’s no packing limit

Taking a car means as much luggage and paraphernalia as you want. There’s no inventive packing, no panicky weighing, no straining your shoulders lugging it all around, plus the knowledge that it’s only in the boot if you need something urgently.

The only problem is resisting the temptation to squeeze in the kitchen sink as well…

Flexibility

Having the choice of more than a few flights per day to your destination is a happy surprise – and even popular destinations may not have a daily flight, especially outside peak season.

Ferries, meanwhile, spoil you with options – from Dover to Calais, P&O alone has 23 sailings per day. For the Isle of Wight, it was rare to have more than an hour between departures.

Space

You have to get out and stretch your legs on board, with space to run around indoors and out (complete with changing scenery and lovely sea views) or seats with plenty of leg room.

Some ferries even have play areas and kids’ clubs. Wriggly toddler heaven.

No endless hanging around

Not only can you get on and off quickly, you normally only need to turn up half an hour before. Then France is as close as 90 minutes away.

But you can take your time

I remember the wildly exciting experience (for a child) of sleeping in bunks on an overnight crossing to France. The romance might have faded now but it’s still a big improvement on an economy seat and ideal for lengthier crossings, such as the ones to the Netherlands or Spain.

There’s a choice of food

It might not all be Michelin-star quality but there’s more to ferry cuisine than chicken or fish in a plastic tray. Best of all, you can eat when it suits your kids’ routine rather than the airline schedule…

Fellow passengers are often more relaxed

I’ve had generally good experiences on planes with a baby and toddler, but enduring security and seat shortages in airports, boarding queues and packed overhead lockers, can mean frayed tempers.

On ferries? Unless someone accidentally drove into the side of the ship on the way on, you should be fine.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission. All opinions about family ferry holidays are my own

Images copyright MummyTravels

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