boat holidays

No mode of transportation can compare to being on the water, and unless you’re landlocked, plan at least a small part of your trip on a boat, boat, catamaran, dinghy, longtail boat, or skiff. (I suggest skipping the lifeboat.)

The need to reserve tickets for ferry systems within the state, within the country and between countries varies. Washington State has an extensive ferry route where advance purchase is not necessary for most trips (in fact, it’s first come, first served), trips (where you’ll want a private stateroom), and more trips. short when you need a confirmed seat.

The major ferry systems often allow online booking. The FAQ sections on each ferry system’s website should answer your questions about whether it’s possible to book in advance, whether you can book online, and what your chances of getting tickets are if you plan to buy right before departure.

Unless you’re traveling during peak season, you’ll find it easy to book your tickets for short-distance boat trips just a few days in advance (if not the same day). Of course, if you must be in a city for a specific event, the earlier you book, the more confident you can be that you will arrive on time. Buy your tickets directly from the ferry company, as travel and reservation agents will add additional charges to cover their services. However, there are times when it may be worth having someone else handle ticketing on your behalf, especially if you don’t speak the language.