Budget airlines are cutting winter flight routes this year, citing increased jet fuel costs, leading travelers to seek alternative methods for reaching warmer destinations. EasyJet announced a reduction of 1.3 million to 1.4 million seats, while Ryanair plans to decrease its 2027 traffic target.
This shift is driving interest in no-fly travel options, including cruises and train journeys, for those seeking winter sunshine without the expense and hassle of air travel.
Winter Sun Without Flying
Several destinations are accessible from the UK without boarding a plane. Morocco, particularly Agadir, offers mild winter temperatures with daily highs around 23C (73F) in December. Travelers can opt for no-fly cruises from Southampton or Liverpool. For example, Fred Olsen offers a 16-night cruise to Spain and Morocco from Liverpool in November, starting at £2,199 per person, and a 12-night journey to Morocco from Southampton in February from £1,399.
Spain can be reached via a two-train journey. A Eurostar from London to Paris connects to high-speed trains heading to Spain. Barcelona, with November highs of 18C (64F), and Valencia, reaching 24C (75F) in October and 19C (66F) in November, are among the accessible cities.
IMAGE2 Head to Villefranche-sur-Mer on the French Riviera by train
The French Riviera also presents a flight-free option. After taking the Eurostar to Paris, travelers can board a TGV to Nice or Marseille, which see November temperatures around 18C (64F). These cities can serve as bases for exploring the region, including Villefranche-sur-Mer, which is tranquil in November. Events like Beaujolais Nouveau Day in mid-November and the Monte Carlo Jazz Festival from November 18-29 offer seasonal attractions.
IMAGE5 Take a cruise to the Canary islands for winter sun and beaches galore
The Canary Islands remain a popular winter sun destination for Britons, with December highs reaching 22C (72F). P&O Cruises offers a 16-night cruise from Southampton to Spain, Madeira, and the Canary Islands in October from £999, and a 14-night cruise through Tenerife, Cadiz, and Lisbon in December for £799.
IMAGE1 Finally, take the ferry to your winter sun holiday destination
Ferries from Portsmouth to Santander or Bilbao in Spain provide another no-fly route. Bilbao, with October highs of 22C (72F) and November highs of 17C (63F), is highlighted as a destination with gourmet food and cultural attractions. Brittany Ferries operates a roughly 32-hour crossing from Portsmouth to Bilbao, with prices starting at £158 for a two-night sea journey.