Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
that develop the self with three strong themes: communion with nature; com-
munitas - a sense of belonging to a group; and personal growth and renewal
of self - a rediscovered sense of self, acquisition of new skills and mastery.
Similar experiences are common to other forms of active water-based travel
such as sailing, canoeing and kayaking. On the other hand, larger vessels
provide more passive forms of involvement, with boat travel providing
memorable encounters with wildlife, with deep experiences emerging during
reflective moments of travel (Curtin, 2009a; 2009b).
Ferries
In many tourism contexts ferries are unavoidable. For instance, prior to the
Channel Tunnel, aside from air travel, the only way to leave the UK was by
ferry. Despite initial concerns about competition from the Channel Tunnel, a
large number of ferries still operate from the UK to France and Belgium. For
many island communities, ferries are still the main option to leave the island.
The range of ferries is very diverse. At the smallest scale there are vessels
operated by one man which might link a community split by a river, carrying
less than ten passengers. These small ferries perform a very useful tourism
function as they minimize distances travelled overland. For instance, walkers
on the South West Coast Path in the UK can make use of a number of small
ferries which dramatically reduce the distance that would need to be walked
to circumnavigate estuaries, such as the River Fowey in Cornwall. At the same
time, such ferries provide interesting views from the river and a memorable
experience. The same is true of many small vehicle ferries, such as the ferry
across the Gironde from Royan to Pointe de Grave in France. In an urban con-
text, ferries have remained important in many historic ports, such as in Hong
Kong, China and between New York and islands on the River Hudson.
At the other end of the scale are huge car ferries with the capacity to move
several hundred vehicles between counties. Within Europe there are major
routes across the English Channel, Baltic Sea and Mediterranean, while in Asia
there are many high-speed ferries between Sumatra and Malaysia/Singapore.
There are, of course, a wide range of intermediate-sized ferries performing a
range of functions, many being essential for day-to-day travel in both devel-
oped and developing countries. While certain types of ferry have a relatively
high carbon footprint, especially the fast hydrofoils, ferries are a necessary
component of slow travel in a number of contexts where water-based travel is
inevitable.
Sea crossings provide intensely memorable arrivals and departures.
Passengers can be absorbed by views of the harbour and all the activities sur-
rounding a departure. Then there is the immediate experience of leaving the
port as the land recedes gradually into the distance. People wave from both
ship and land and there is a shared excitement and anticipation of the voyage.
While at the other end, the approaching land can be gazed upon in expecta-
tion. Passengers can relax on board, take meals, sleep and form plans for the
journey ahead. Depending on the length of voyage, there may be entertain-
ment. All in all, ferries are an essential and memorable component of slow
travel. Lambert et al (2006, p483) comment:
