Few days within two hours

[ShatnersWig]

I loathe flying. Only been out of the UK twice and I'm 44, both within the last six years - once to Italy and once to Brussels. Went with a friend at the time which made it bearable and meant I had someone to talk to to take my mind off it and help pass the waiting at the airports.

I have next week off and would love to go somewhere for a few days, preferably somewhere that has a couple of things to do or see but also nearby a beach - but not anywhere too busy/touristy and within two hours flying from London. Seeing the sea is important.

Any suggestions (whether I'll actually pluck up the courage is another matter, but some thoughts about possible places might spur me on).

@carrotcake121 I wasn't too bad with the flight itself last time although I did think having "Knocking on Heaven's Door" was perhaps not the best choice of music in the departure lounge.... It was more the endless waiting around in the airport for ages before hand and my brain went into overdrive when the plane we were going to get on was 45 minutes late because my first thought was "what's wrong with it?"

I know it is statistically the safest form of transport. You wouldn't know I was nervous when I am on it, but that's because I've been with someone who knows me well and can talk rubbish as required to fill in the time and keep my brain occupied in a way music or reading doesn't. It's more trying to do it solo and not turn the car around on the way there!!

I don't have lots of places I actually really want to go to, to be honest.

Why not download a 'speak (Spanish) app' to listen too so it keeps you focused

Actually, if you really hate flying, I might get eurostar to Calais and then get a bus from Calais to Le Touquet. It only takes about 40 mins, and thats a glorious beach and a fab little place

Prague is fab and 2 hours, possibly less

La Rochelle and Ile de Ré. Gorgeous and close enough.