Published 17th Jun. 2022
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In an era of infinite flight paths and overtourism, there’s an increasing awareness of how travel is impacting our planet and a growing desire to travel better (a trend we wholeheartedly champion with our ‘Travel Less, Travel Better’ philosophy). No-fly holidays involve swapping planes for trains and wings for wheels, allowing you to explore a new country and culture, while also minimising your impact on the environment. The sustainability angle is certainly one of the biggest selling points, yet no-fly holidays aren’t only good for saving the planet. Train travel is imbued with an undeniably romantic feel, while road trips offer a sense of freedom embodied by the vast expanse of the open road. Inhabiting a more unhurried state of mind is another benefit of foregoing flights, with this form of slow travel being as much about enjoying the journey as the destination.
Combine several of Europe’s finest culinary destinations and spend a week sampling their finest fares on a ‘gastrainomy’ trip. From London, take the train to Bordeaux for wine tastings and elegant French cuisine, then head to Madrid for a dose of art appreciation. Follow this with a stay in Seville for the chance to sample the city’s world-renowned tapas (the concept was invented and perfected here) and its culture with guided walking tours, flamenco lessons and a riding safari in the Donana National Park, before taking the fast train to Barcelona to learn about Gaudi’s iconic architecture and sample pica-pica (the Catalan equivalent of tapas). Final stop: Lyon, the culinary capital of France (which is saying something) for serious cuisine and wine tasting in underrated Beaujolais before whizzing to Paris in time for one last classic bistro lunch before taking the Eurostar back to London.
Image by Lucy Laucht
Tour three classic European cities by train as well as some of Italy’s smaller towns and stunning countryside. Stop off at the capital of the French Riviera, Nice, to enjoy a brilliant blend of vibrant culture and gorgeous coastline; discover Florence, the capital of Italy's Tuscany region; and visit Italy’s beautiful capital, Rome. During the second slower-paced portion of your holiday, pay a visit to the five villages in the Cinque Terre coastal area, before finishing off in Umbria to experience the laidback lifestyle and wonderful vineyards.
Travel from London to Puglia through France and Switzerland, enjoying epic mountain views before arriving in Milan. Continue south on the direct Frecciabianca train service, whisking you across the idyllic Italian countryside and past vineyards, olive groves and medieval villages, as you continue on to the charming city of Lecce. Explore the Roman architecture and the coast of Salento with its sea caves, discover the café culture and indulge in the local cuisine – said to be the best in the country.
Explore the hidden corners and well-kept secrets of the French Riviera on a road trip through the Old Port of Marseille, the charming streets of Cassis and the medieval village of Ramatuelle. Spend time relaxing at your hotels’ private beaches, explore the markets before the crowds arrive and take your own boat and skipper out for the day to explore the waters of the Calanques National Park.
Image by Jerome Galland
Spend time touring Norway’s remote Lofoten Islands, an archipelago joined together by a ribbon of roads and bridges. Explore tiny fishing villages, sample incredible fresh seafood, hike the hills, kayak the coastline and stay in rorbuers (converted fishing huts on stilts over the water).
Image by Jerome Galland
Namibia has one of the lowest population densities in the world so is a great choice for a wilderness escape. Begin in the country's capital, Windhoek, and soak up the stunning surroundings as you hop between luxury lodges and wilderness camps. Then spend a few nights in the Namib Desert in a luxury lodge deep in the wilderness. Enjoy a horse-riding safari in a picturesque private nature reserve and climb Sossusvlei's iconic Dune 45 to admire the picture-perfect panoramic views from the top. From here, head to the charming coastal city of Swakopmund for a family-friendly catamaran cruise; discover ancient rock art at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Twyfelfontein; and embark on an incredible safari through Etosha National Park.
Written by Luisa Watts
Header Image by Julie Guiches
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