Low-Carbon European Holidays: New Exeter Toolkit Targets Rail Booking and Flight Tax Barriers

University of Exeter researchers studied how UK holidaymakers choose between flying and rail travel to Europe, using focus groups with customers of Inghams and Inntravel. Their new toolkit argues that lower-carbon holidays will only take off if booking, infrastructure, and social norms change, not just individual attitudes. The main barriers are familiar: flights are easier to book and often cheaper, while train and ferry journeys feel risky and complicated. The report calls for government investment in UK rail reliability and connectivity to Europe, fairer taxation on aviation, and clearer information from tour operators. Inghams says more than 30% of its resorts can now be reached by train. The research is limited by its sample size, 50 customers from two premium brands, but it points to practical steps that could make rail holidays a realistic default rather than a niche choice.