Staycation Vs Abroad Holiday In Europe
When planning your next holiday, the big question often comes down to a staycation or going abroad. Staying in the UK is convenient and familiar, but holidays abroad in Europe offer a chance to explore new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes, sometimes for less than you’d expect.
Help - Pets
Pets
Please enter the number of pets you are travelling with. 'Pet Lounge' and 'Pet in car' options can be added to your booking in the Add Ons section.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Pets
Please enter the number of pets you are travelling with. 'Pet Lounge' and 'Pet in car' options can be added to your booking in the Add Ons section.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Small dog
Small Dog less than 20kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Large dog
Medium Dog 20kg to 35kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Extra large dog
Large Dog 36kg to 45kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Small Pet
Cat or Ferret. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Other pet
Please contact our friendly customer service team on +44 (0)1304 44 88 88 to ensure we can accommodate your pet.Help - Pets
Small dog
Small Dog less than 20kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Large dog
Medium Dog 20kg to 35kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Extra large dog
Large Dog 36kg to 45kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Small Pet
Cat or Ferret. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Other pet
Please contact our friendly customer service team on +44 (0)1304 44 88 88 to ensure we can accommodate your pet.Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
On our Cairnryan to Larne route pets are welcome and can travel free of charge at all times. Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the crossing. Commercial pet travel should be booked via our freight website, for more information and guidance on if your journey is commercial, please click here.Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
On our Cairnryan to Larne route pets are welcome and can travel free of charge at all times. Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the crossing. Commercial pet travel should be booked via our freight website, for more information and guidance on if your journey is commercial, please click here.Please note
More than 9 of you travelling?
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Special assistance required
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Please enter the number of pets you are travelling with. 'Pet Lounge' and 'Pet in car' options can be added to your booking in the Add Ons section.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Please enter the number of pets you are travelling with. 'Pet Lounge' and 'Pet in car' options can be added to your booking in the Add Ons section.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
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.
Staycation Vs Abroad Holiday Destinations
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.
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
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.
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
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.
We hold this item for 30 minutes