to think it should be financially rewarding not to fly

[blameitonthecaffeine]

I know there's probably no way round it but it annoys me that not flying is so much more expensive than flying.

After 2 years of not going abroad, I felt too guilty about the environmental impact to jet off again this summer so we've booked a holiday in Greece and are going there via trains and ferries.

Per adult, (children cheaper obviously) it has cost me around £350 for the train tickets and £140 for the ferry. So total £490.

I had a look at flights and a cheaper end (but direct) flight, with add ons of hold luggage and booking the seats would have been about £175 per person.

I'm very fortunate that I can afford this choice but really, it's hardly surprising that flying is so popular is it?!

Is there a way of making other transport options cheaper do you think or is it just the way it has to be?

I'm not even sure trains are that much better than planes after all this faff, time and money! It's 48 hours of travelling instead of around 4 for a start! Although we can see interesting places on the way (and build up more costs with additional nights accommodation!)

(I'm tempted to take a little day trip to Italy with my spare day!)

@crackofdoom

(I'm tempted to take a little day trip to Italy with my spare day!)

Do it! Think of it as a free trip to Italy! you'd be mad not to!

I'm checking out various Youth Hostels, the kids loved the one in Ambleside, we went in January. They even have private rooms etc. Perfect no frills!

They will be 9 to 11 yo in August so I'm thinking of a couple of days to see Paris, to see some of the sights, and then head to the south where there are campsites with "ready tents" etc

This could really be happening....

Reading your post for flights coming to £175 and I don't know where you found this price for flights ?
We're going to the Italian lakes this summer and flights per adult were about £300 each there and back. So not that much difference.

cigarettes I was looking early July as my children are in private schools so finish earlier. I'm sure prices jump hugely in time for regular school holidays. Another very unfair aspect of private education, I guess- cheaper holidays for the sector of society that need them least!

@blameitonthecaffeine

cigarettes I was looking early July as my children are in private schools so finish earlier. I'm sure prices jump hugely in time for regular school holidays. Another very unfair aspect of private education, I guess- cheaper holidays for the sector of society that need them least!

I've long thought that the summer holidays ought to be staggered, with some regions breaking up as soon as exams end, and some restarting at the end of September, like in Germany. Not only would it reduce prices by spreading out the peaks, but it would also make seasonal work more viable.