Trends: Escape from the sardine can

In a reaction to sardine-like economy travel, consumers are embracing slower forms of travel.

At sea, cruise firm Butterfield & Robinson (www. butterfield.com) is responding to a surge in interest with small, stylish boats capable of holding 30 passengers; though, at up to £500 a day, it's not cheap.

Elsewhere, liner company Silversea (www.silversea.com) is hooking up with fashion house Salvatore Ferragamo and men's Vogue to offer a cruise for the sartorially obsessed that includes access to the Ferragamo family home. And 21st Century Airships ( www.21stcenturyairships.com) is developing a luxury airship that will initially fly on sightseeing journeys to sites such as the Grand Canyon, but will eventually offer 18-hour flights across the US.