There is something undeniably special about the moment a holiday truly begins. It’s not when the plane takes off, or even when you arrive at your destination. For me, it starts much earlier: stepping onto the train with a suitcase in hand, leaving behind emails, errands, the endless to-do list and everyday routines.
That feeling is one of the reasons I love travelling via Gatwick Airport. It feels like a genuine gateway to the world, connecting London and the Southeast with an extraordinary range of summer destinations. Whether you're dreaming of lazy days in the Mediterranean, long weekends away or heading north in search of cooler temperatures, Gatwick opens the door to adventures in every direction.
Why travel to Gatwick Airport by train?
Your journey to the airport should feel like part of the holiday too. Travelling with Southern Railway or Gatwick Express offers a refreshingly calm start, avoiding traffic and the search for parking, leaving you free to settle into your train journey, watch the landscape roll by and start planning your first meal, museum or swim.
Great value
Better still, with the rising cost of fuel, there are plenty of ways to save money too! Depending on your journey, you could take advantage of Advance fares, GroupSave discounts, Railcards or Kids for £2 tickets.
Enjoy airport perks
If you're travelling on Gatwick Express, you can take advantage of free Fast Track Security when you book an Adult First Class ticket to Gatwick Airport. If you book an Adult Standard Class ticket, you can save 20% on Fast Track Security. What’s more, you can enjoy 20% off airport lounge access to over 1,600 locations when booking either an Adult Standard or Adult First Class ticket to Gatwick Airport. Relax in comfortable surroundings before your flight.
With Southern Railway or Gatwick Express sorting the journey, all that’s left is to decide where to go! Keep reading to find out my top tips on destinations, and to hear about a new, emerging travel trend.
Sunshine, sea and timeless Mediterranean escapes
For many travellers, summer escapes have always meant one thing: sunshine. The Mediterranean continues to be one of Europe's most irresistible holiday regions, and Gatwick's extensive network makes reaching some of your favourite destinations super straightforward.
The Greek Islands
The Greek islands remain a classic, and for good reason. Whether it's the whitewashed villages of Santorini, the hidden coves of Corfu or Crete's blend of ancient history and spectacular beaches, each island has its own distinct personality.
One thing I've learnt over the years is not to over-plan a Greek holiday. Some of my favourite memories of Greece are in Rhodes. Getting lost in the old town’s medieval history, being around loved ones over unhurried lunches overlooking the sea, and eating some of the freshest fish and salads I’ve ever had!
If you’re after a beach escape, Kefalonia is another wonderful choice with picturesque fishing villages, peaceful beaches with crystal clear water, and beautiful bright coloured flowers and houses at every turn.
Spain
Spain also offers remarkable variety. Mallorca effortlessly combines beautiful beaches with elegant old towns, while Málaga provides the perfect balance of coastal relaxation and vibrant city life.
Top tip: Málaga is somewhere I fly to regularly, and I've found the best way to make the most of my time there is to hop on a Southern train straight after work to Gatwick. In no time at all I'm at the airport and ready to catch the last flight of the day. It means I arrive in time for dinner at Spanish time, then wake up refreshed and already on holiday, it genuinely feels like I've gained an extra day!
Portugal
Portugal's Algarve continues to charm with its dramatic coastline, golden cliffs and relaxed atmosphere. It is one of those places where you can simply slow down. Some of the best afternoons I've spent there have involved nothing more ambitious than finding a quiet beach café, ordering freshly grilled seafood and listening to the waves.
If you're looking to explore beyond the beaches, Faro's historic centre is well worth a visit, while Lagos offers striking rock formations, boat trips and charming cobbled streets. It's the perfect destination for travellers who want to combine relaxation with a little adventure.
Top tip: If you’re an early bird, until September 7th, Gatwick Express trains from London Victoria to Gatwick Airport start running from 3.40am. This means you can get an early flight out to Faro and be enjoying a pastel de nata with coffee by breakfast time!
European cities which come alive in summer
While beaches may dominate many summer wish lists, city breaks have something special, especially in summer. Some of my most treasured moments are booking a last-minute weekend away and getting lost in the old streets of a new city.
One of the biggest advantages of a European city break is how easy it can be to fit into a long weekend. With regular flights from Gatwick and convenient rail connections from across London and the Southeast to get you there without thinking about the car, you can leave work on a Friday and be exploring a new city in time for dinner.
Prague
Prague seems to flourish in the sunshine, with life spilling onto the streets and its Gothic architecture glowing in the evening light. Whether you're wandering across Charles Bridge or enjoying a drink in the Old Town Square, the city has an atmosphere that's hard to beat.
Rome
Rome feels particularly magical after sunset, when the Colosseum is bathed in golden light and the daytime crowds begin to thin. There's something special about enjoying an evening gelato as you stroll through the city's historic streets.
Paris
Paris remains a classic choice, particularly in summer when picnics fill the banks of the Seine and long evenings invite leisurely walks through the city's elegant streets.
Top tip: One lesson I've taken from countless city breaks is to leave space for spontaneity. Of course it's worth booking a few headline attractions, but some of the most special moments often happen between the landmarks: stumbling across a neighbourhood bakery, finding a peaceful square where locals gather, or discovering an exhibition you hadn't planned to visit.
These destinations are close enough for a long weekend but rich enough to inspire return visits again and again. Plus, with Gatwick Airport flying to over 65 countries, and convenient Southern railway and Gatwick Express connections from across London and the Southeast, you can take the train straight to the airport without worrying about the after school/work traffic rush, or where to leave your car.
Heading north for a cooler kind of summer
One of the biggest travel trends of recent years has been the rise of the "coolcation". As summer temperatures continue to climb across southern Europe, more travellers are swapping traditional beach holidays for destinations with milder climates. Recent research shows that one in four travellers now plans to seek out cooler destinations, while 42% intend to travel outside the traditional peak season in search of more comfortable weather.
After experiencing several heatwaves, I've found myself increasingly drawn towards northern destinations. Walking for hours becomes enjoyable rather than exhausting, outdoor dining feels pleasant rather than sweltering, and you spend less time seeking shade. And let’s face it, spending time getting ready and putting on your new holiday outfits feels so much better when you can enjoy it instead of sweating the evening away!
Scandinavia
For travellers looking for something a little different this summer, Scandinavia offers a compelling alternative that combines beautiful landscapes, fascinating culture and comfortably mild weather compared to the rising temperatures of the Mediterranean.
Cities such as Stockholm, Oslo and Helsinki perfectly capture this slower, more comfortable style of summer travel. Days are wonderfully long, parks are filled with locals enjoying the evening sunshine, and you actually appreciate the slightly cooler temperatures. I personally love Bergen, it’s much quieter, and I was really taken aback by all the beautiful colours of the houses and green luscious parks.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen has also become one of my favourite summer city escapes. I hadn’t been since I was a child until a few months ago, and now I can’t wait to go back! Hiring a bicycle, exploring colourful neighbourhoods and stopping for coffee beside the harbour offers a completely different holiday experience from the traditional beach break. It feels active, refreshing and I found it surprisingly restorative.
Start your holiday by taking the train to the airport
However far you're travelling, how you begin your holiday can shape so much of the experience. Starting with a straightforward train journey to Gatwick Airport allows you to leave much of the usual travel day stress behind. Rather than focusing on traffic or playing Jenga to fit the kids with all the luggage into the car, you can simply settle onto the train, enjoy the journey and let the excitement gradually build as you approach the terminal.
Better still, travelling with Southern or Gatwick Express can help you make the most of your travel budget. From Advance Fares and GroupSave discounts to Railcards and Kids for £2 tickets, there are plenty of ways to save before you've even reached the airport. And if you're travelling on Gatwick Express, Fast Track Security and Lounge Access can help make your airport experience even smoother.
It's a small shift, but one that makes a noticeable difference. By the time you arrive, it already feels as though the holiday has begun. Whether this summer leads you towards sun drenched Mediterranean beaches, vibrant European cities or the refreshing cool of Scandinavia, there are countless possibilities waiting just beyond the departure gates. Sometimes all it takes is choosing a destination, boarding a train and allowing yourself to look forward to whatever adventure comes next!