New Interactive Map for Travel Planning

UK ferry operators are increasingly observing a trend in travel where tourists prefer visiting multiple destinations on their trips. Dubbed ‘port hopping’, these travelers aim to “sea more” during their journeys by utilizing transport to connect various locations.

Recently, Discover Ferries introduced a route-planning map that facilitates these multi-destination itineraries, streamlining the booking process for customers seeking to explore more than one site during their vacations.

Director’s Insights

Abby Penlington from Discover Ferries highlights the changing landscape of travel, pointing out that recent years have shown a growing preference for immersive travel experiences over traditional direct routes. More travelers are embracing the flexibility offered by ferry services and are eager to engage with local culture.

Penlington states, “The rising interest in ferry and land-based travel allows holidaymakers to explore off the traditional tourist path, and we anticipate this style of travel will gain traction in 2026.”

The Great Island Hop

The highlighted itinerary, illustrated as The Great Island Hop, includes visits to 28 ports throughout the British Isles, allowing travelers to experience a vast array of locations, including the Isle of Wight, Channel Islands, and beyond.

As ferry journeys grow more appealing, Discover Ferries also rolled out Rail, Sail and Away Itineraries, enabling those without cars to enjoy scenic day trips while connecting picturesque destinations effortlessly.

2026 Travel Outlook

Looking forward, ferry operators note that adventure-driven itineraries and authentic local experiences will dominate travel plans for the next year. Travelers are shifting their focus from mere sightseeing to creating rich, diverse experiences across multiple countries.

Discover Ferries is committed to supporting this evolution in travel, providing tools to maximize the journey for all adventurers.