Ferries to France 'less stressful than planes'

People planning holidays in France this year may wish to consider travelling by ferry as opposed to flying.

In an article for the Daily Telegraph, travel writer Fred Mawer said ferry crossings can be much less stressful than catching a plane.

He said ferry travel is actually one of the reasons he would recommend France as a top holiday destination in 2011.

"Thanks to last year's ash-spewing volcano, BA strikes and soaring Air Passenger Duty, this year is likely to see many converts to maritime travel," he remarked.

"Taking a ferry to France is likely to be less stressful on most counts.

"The amount of luggage you can take will be limited only by how much you can fit in the car, and you're not hit by the punitive baggage charges imposed these days by most airlines."

Aviation disruption may already have encouraged many people to consider ferry travel, as figures from airports operator BAA show that passenger numbers at its six UK hubs were down 11 per cent year-on-year in December.

Severe winter weather caused delays and cancellations at airports across the UK.

Posted by Andrew Smith