Ferry bosses reveal that summer bookings across UK passenger routes have benefited from the government’s Covid exit roadmap and the growing number of people who have received a vaccination.

While there is still a question mark over global travel, the announcement has led to a surge in interest for breaks closer to home, with ferry operators reporting an average increase of 116% in bookings1 since the plan was unveiled on 22nd February 2021. To inspire holidaymakers, industry body Discover Ferries has compiled the dream destinations that Brits might not believe are on their doorstep – proving that some seemingly exotic locations are actually ferry local.

Abby Penlington, director of Discover Ferries, says: “The government’s roadmap to ease Covid restrictions has encouraged excited holidaymakers to start planning their next trips, which has given operators a much-needed boost. Due to uncertainty over travelling further afield, it makes sense that consumers are looking to stay closer to home and considering trips in the British Isles and neighbouring European countries that are progressing well with their own vaccination programmes.

“By no means does staying locally mean that travellers need to miss out on exotic experiences, as there are plenty of extraordinary locations within reach of our shores. From daytrips and staycations to European getaways, ferry travel offers passengers the freedom to explore and a feeling of escape – quite literally the breath of fresh air we all need after staying home for so long. These destinations prove that there are some remarkable locations surprisingly close by.”