The open seas, the wind in your hair and sails, and the scent of the ocean spelling (and smelling) a lot like freedom…no wonder that the popularity of boating holidays is on the rise across the UK.
Maybe it’s the 18 months or so we’ve all had, cooped up on dry land that’s brought about this increased interest in all things nautical, riverine and canalled.
Or, perhaps boating holidays have always been amazing, and the country has finally caught on. And our next prediction for seafaring sojourns? For those with the pocket money to play with, industry insiders are expecting boat charter holidays to be making waves next year and beyond.
It shouldn’t come as any surprise after the trials and tribulations of the pandemic; a boat charter is a great way to create your own tailor-made holiday, safe from crowds and big on adventure. You choose the destination, you choose the route, and you choose where and when to drop anchor. What could be better, hey?
The guys over at Borrow A Boat tell us that holiday boats are available to hire just for your own use – or you can include a skipper if you don’t have the know-how yourself. They will be a qualified and experienced sailor who will sail the boat for you – leaving you free to relax and enjoy yourself.
If you are new to boat chartering, it’s worth following these experts’ tips:
- Find an established and reputable charter operator
- Ensure their policy is that all boats meet the safety and insurance standards in the country where they are chartered
- Use one of the major operators in order to find the biggest choice of boats and locations
- Check that the boat hire company only deals with sensible and trustworthy boat owners
And once you’ve commandeered your vessel, it’s plain sailing from here on in; all you have to do now is decide on your destination and set a course for freedom! With that in mind, here are 5 ideas for a boating holiday full of fun and adventure.
A Narrowboating Holiday In The UK
Last year, narrowboats saw a 150% surge in bookings for ‘bubble’ holidays; trips that saw families or friends who were in a ‘support bubble’ setting sail on a COVID safe, socially distanced holiday along the UK’s canals.
Indeed as the trend for staycations continues at pace, boating Britons are taking to the water and exploring the UK from a different viewpoint.
Although there are more than 2,000 miles of inland waterways to explore in Britain, it’s best to book well in advance so as not to avoid disappointment for next summer.
When planning your route, don’t be too ambitious, this is all about taking things slow, after all, and be realistic about how many miles you’re going to do and how many locks you fancy tackling. Give yourself time to get out and visit scenic spots and historic sites along the way…bliss.
For inspiration on just where to dock, let us direct you to our article on 5 IDEAL tips for narrowboating holiday in for England.
A Barge Holiday In France
If you’d like to embrace this spirit of being on the move but also kick back while you’re doing it, then why not enjoy one of the many luxury barge holidays that France has to offer?
On a French barge experience, you will visit some of the country’s most beautiful canals, rivers and countryside, negotiating France at a refined, regal pace and enjoying the place at its most serene. What’s more, tackling the country’s canals allows you to take things at your own pace, as most luxury barges are self-drive.
In fact, France has over 8’000 km of canal, meaning you’ll be spoiled for choice if this is the kind of trip which gets your slow-revving diesel engine purring. Some of the top canals to cruise along in the idyllic French countryside include the Canal de Bourgogne in the illustrious wine region of Burgundy, the Canal du Nivernais which takes in the Yonne River, and the Canal de la Marne au Rhin, which allows you to traverse the River Marne in Vitry-le-François with the River Rhine in Strasbourg.
Read more about this type of luxury French canal cruise here.
Yachting In Monaco
The second smallest independent state and the most densely populated sovereign state in the world, with a population of just over 38,000, you’d be forgiven for underestimating Monaco. Located on the French Riviera and with France bordering the state on three sides, Monaco has a total area of only 2.2 square kilometres, making it roughly the same size as New York’s Central Park.
No wonder, then, that so much of the best action in this world-famous place spills out into the ocean. Since it’s a city-state so defined by its water, there are a wide variety of yacht chartering options available to you in Monaco. Check out our article on 4 ideas for a yachting holiday in Monaco.
Read: 10 IDEAL destinations for a yacht holiday
A Sailing Holiday In Greece
Sailing around Greece, the azure Ionian lapping against the stern and the smell of sea bream wafting off the barbie, is unquestionably the best way to experience the country’s islands. The Greek Islands are spread across the four seas around the mainland – the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, Cretan Sea and Mediterranean Sea – and many of the most isolated, unexplored coves, beaches and caves are accessible only by boat, and superb for exploring while on board.
What’s more, by organising your own sailing holiday in Greece, you can plan your own route, avoiding the crowded, ponderous local ferries and the hefty queues. Instead, you can hop from island to island, drop anchor in little bays, swim and snorkel, and moor up in time for dinner at a beachfront taverna. Heaven!
Read: 5 tips for your sailing holiday in Greece
Gulf Of Thailand Island Hopping
The Gulf Of Thailand contains some of the world’s most idyllic holiday destinations, full of beautiful beaches, coral reefs, incredible limestone formations, and island towns that boast their fair share of incredible restaurants, markets and parties.
An island hopping adventure here, taking in Thailand’s Koh Phangan, Ko Samui, Ko Samet, as well as Vietnam’s Phu Quoc and Cambodia’s Koh Rong, is one of the best boating holidays you’ll find anywhere in the world.
Check out these 5 of the most popular islands in Thailand for travellers to whet your appetite for such an adventure.