How to Travel When You Hate Flying

For some people, the idea of jetting off to a new destination sparks excitement. For others, it’s pure dread. If you hate flying — whether it’s due to fear, discomfort, or the sheer hassle — you’re not alone. The good news? You can still see the world, discover new places, and enjoy the thrill of travel without relying on planes — or at least not very often. Here’s how to keep your travel dreams alive while keeping your feet (mostly) on the ground.

1. Know What You’re Dealing With

First, ask yourself: why do you hate flying? For some, it’s a fear of heights or claustrophobia. For others, it’s turbulence, lack of control, or bad past experiences. Understanding your personal “why” can help you make smarter travel decisions — and might even open the door to addressing those fears with the right support or resources (more on that later).

2. Embrace the Alternatives: Land and Sea

Flying isn’t the only way to go global. In fact, travelling by land or sea can be a richer, slower, more scenic experience.

Trains offer comfort, no queues, and plenty of legroom. Europe’s high-speed networks, Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer, or New Zealand’s own TranzAlpine are all examples of rail done right.

Road trips give you the ultimate freedom to go where planes don’t: small towns, coastal stops, and hidden gems you’d never see from the sky.

Cruises and ferries can take you from A to B in comfort — with entertainment and meals included.

You can cruise overseas, but it’s not as straightforward as hopping on a plane. For example, cruises from New Zealand to Canada aren’t common or direct — you’d need to book a longer cruise segment (via Asia or Hawaii) or a repositioning cruise, and allow plenty of time. If time is on your side, it’s doable — and memorable.

3. Travel Close to Home — and Still Feel Far Away

Not every adventure has to be on another continent. There are incredible experiences closer than you think.

Take the ferry to Great Barrier Island or Waiheke. Drive the Southern Scenic Route through Otago and Southland. Cruise across the Tasman to Australia. Train through the Alps in Switzerland, if you’re already in Europe after a non-flying stint.

You can even mix and match: take a ship or train to one country, and explore the rest overland.

4. If You Do Have to Fly, Minimise the Pain

Sometimes flying is unavoidable — but there are ways to make it more manageable.

Fly direct when possible. Fewer takeoffs and landings mean less stress.

Book all flights through one airline (or airline alliance). This way, if there are delays or cancellations, the airline is responsible for looking after you — including accommodation and rebooking. It can save a huge amount of stress and money.

Choose larger aircraft, which tend to feel more stable and less cramped.

Use calming strategies like breathing exercises, noise-cancelling headphones, or relaxing podcasts. Some people swear by a good novel or a glass of wine.

Consider professional help if your fear is severe — including online “fear of flying” courses, therapy, or guided desensitisation.

5. Let a Travel Agent Take the Wheel

If flying gives you anxiety, so can managing cancellations, delays, or last-minute changes. That’s where a good travel agent becomes your best ally.

A trusted travel agent has saved the day more than once — finding alternative flights when cancellations struck, rebooking missed connections, and even securing emergency accommodation when plans went pear-shaped. Having someone on your side who knows the system (and how to work it) can turn travel stress into something close to relief.

A travel agent can also help you:

– Plan alternative routes

– Book cruise or train itineraries

– Bundle travel insurance and backup options

– Get advice on airline policies and traveller rights

6. Plan for Slow Travel — and Enjoy the Journey

One of the joys of avoiding planes is the freedom to slow down. You don’t have to rush from airport to airport — you can take your time between stops, enjoy longer stays, and really get to know a place.

Make the journey part of the experience. Book overnight train cabins, take ferries with onboard entertainment, or add an extra day in a city to unwind. Travelling slowly often ends up being far more rewarding than racing to tick off the next stop.

7. You Can Still See the World

Flying may be fast, but it’s not always fun — and for some, it’s not even an option. Thankfully, there are many ways to travel that don’t involve white knuckles at 35,000 feet.

Whether it’s a road trip, a rail adventure, a cruise, or simply a well-planned route with the occasional carefully chosen flight, you can still explore, discover, and create stories worth telling — all without compromising your peace of mind.