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Day trip
From: Dover
To: Calais
 
 
Day trip
 
Day trip

Exploring Staycation or Abroad Holiday Options

With P&O Ferries, travelling across the channel is easy, flexible, and perfect for family trips, short breaks, or longer adventures.

Let’s compare the two, consider seasonal options, and explore staycation ideas versus European getaways.
charming European street

Staycation Vs Abroad Holiday Destinations

Travelling with a car to Europe
Pros and Cons of Staycations

Pros:

  • No passports or long flights

  • Easy packing and planning

  • Can support local businesses

Cons:

  • Popular destinations can get crowded in summer

  • Limited new experiences

  • Accommodation can be surprisingly expensive

Take Cornwall, for example. A family trip in peak summer can cost more than a family ferry trip to Calais, especially once you factor in hotels, attractions, and meals. Summer staycations are convenient, but cost-conscious travellers may be surprised by how quickly prices add up.

Cosy cottages in the Lake District, festive breaks in Edinburgh, or a quiet weekend in the Cotswolds. While charming, heating, seasonal closures, and higher accommodation prices during festive periods can make even a short staycation pricey.


Travel to Brittany with P&O Ferries
Pros and Cons of Holidays Abroad in Europe

Pros:

  • Explore new cultures, languages, and cuisines

  • Wide range of destinations for different seasons

  • Often cheaper than some UK staycations, especially for families

Cons:

  • Travel planning and passport checks required

  • Travel time is longer than hopping in the car for a UK trip

Staycation or Going Abroad - What is the cost?
 A family ferry trip from Dover to Calais can often cost less than a summer week in Cornwall, and once you’re in France, Belgium, or the Netherlands, accommodation and meals can be more affordable than UK hotspots. With P&O Ferries, you can bring your car, making it easy to explore at your own pace.
Children on Ferry Deck
Bruges park in winter
Winter Breaks in Europe
France’s Alsace region is perfect for festive Christmas markets, the Dutch countryside is picturesque under frost, and Belgium offers cosy cities with fewer crowds than in summer. Winter trips to Europe are ideal for families seeking festive charm or couples seeking quiet city breaks.
Sun shining over the sea
Summer Breaks in Europe
Enjoy Mediterranean coastlines, tulip fields in the Netherlands, Belgium’s historic towns, or the French countryside. Longer daylight hours and warm weather make these trips great for outdoor adventures, cycling, and dining al fresco, often at a lower cost than peak UK seaside destinations.
Beach in North France
Staycation Ideas Vs European Adventures

There are lots of different places you can go visit when you have a break away. Below are just examples of different places you can go whether you decide on a staycation or holidaying abroad throughout Europe:

  • Cornwall vs Northern France: Cornwall in summer is stunning but expensive. A week in Calais or Normandy can be cheaper for a similar coastal holiday experience.

  • Lake District vs Belgian Ardennes: Hiking trails and cosy villages in the Ardennes offer fresh scenery and fewer crowds at a comparable cost.

  • Edinburgh Christmas vs Alsace Winter Markets: Enjoy festive charm abroad with slightly lower accommodation costs and unique cultural experiences.

Tip: For families, couples, or groups, compare accommodation, dining, and activities. Often, the cost of travelling to Europe via P&O Ferries is lower than staying in crowded UK hotspots while offering new experiences and longer daylight hours in summer.

Staycation or Abroad?

With P&O Ferries, travelling is easy: take your car, enjoy comfortable crossings, and start your adventure the moment you step onboard. From winter breaks in Europe to summer escapes, there’s a perfect destination for every traveller, regardless of your budget. 

So this year, think beyond the familiar; your next holiday could be just a ferry ride away.


Staycation or Abroad FAQs

1 Is it cheaper to stay in the UK or travel in Europe?
 It depends on your destination. Popular UK hotspots like Cornwall can be more expensive than a family trip to Calais or Dunkirk, especially in peak season. However, how much you spend depends on what you choose to do, which also helps determine which destination to choose, as well as the activities and sights available.
2 What are good European destinations for winter breaks?

France’s Alsace region, Belgium’s cities, and the Netherlands’ towns offer festive markets, cosy streets, and fewer crowds, ideal for winter breaks in Europe.


3 What are good European destinations for summer breaks?
Mediterranean coastlines, tulip fields in the Netherlands, Belgium’s historic towns, and France’s countryside are perfect for summer breaks in Europe, offering longer daylight hours and outdoor adventures.
4 Are European holidays family-friendly?
 Absolutely. Many destinations offer family attractions, outdoor adventures, and indoor options for rainy days, making them ideal for family holidays in Europe.