Can I go on holiday by train?
Air travel is under increasing pressure for several reasons. More and more people find it difficult to make air journeys when they are not strictly necessary. But of course, we still want to go on holiday and, according to statistics, we prefer to do so abroad. So what alternatives are there to flying and do they offer a good experience to get to your holiday destination?
Because train travel is becoming so popular, there are also more and more possibilities to fill in this train journey. Whether it’s about booking a ticket for a very cheap or very luxurious train journey, or even fully arranged train round trips! It is all available in the market today. Especially on short and medium distances flying is becoming less popular, the train is a very good alternative.
There is also a growing call to ban short-haul flights, or else make them very expensive. This is partly because of the inconvenience and the environmental impact of air travel. For distant journeys, a good alternative is not easily found, but for shorter journeys you could try the night train. It might be much better than flying.
The advantage of travelling by train is that you get on at a station. This is often closer to home than an airport, and security requirements are also much less stringent. As a result, you do not have to be present as long in advance as you are required to be at an airport. So it can happen that a train journey may seem longer, but your final actual travel time from A to B may not be all that different from a flight.
Another advantage is that the location of many train stations is much more convenient than that of airports. Airports are often remote and out of town, while at some train stations you can get off right in the middle of town. This way, your journey starts right after you leave the train, instead of spending another hour in a bus or taxi to get to your hotel.
Apart from the practical considerations and the pleasure of travelling, the environmental impact of your trip can also be an important reason for you. There are several websites where you can calculate exactly how much more or less impact your trip will have depending on the transport you choose. In this way, you can also travel with a good feeling without feeling guilty about having too great an impact on the environment and nature.
Are you wondering if it makes sense to take the train and are you going on a medium-length journey? A good rule of thumb is to travel 750 km. If you stay below that, it’s a good choice to at least see if the train can be an option. This is partly because the take-off and landing are relatively the most polluting part of your air trip. Once a plane is in the air, the impact is much smaller.
Your choice for another mode of travel is of course also related to the comfort that a mode of transport can offer. It is also important to be able to travel stress-free and without worries. If you have to change trains a lot or have to keep an eye on things while you are on the road, it is not a nice way to spend your holiday. Therefore, let yourself be surprised by the many companies that nowadays offer holiday trips by train, boat, night train or bus.
Because travelling by bus or car can also be a much cleaner and nicer way of travelling to certain destinations. Here too, it is important to find out in advance so that you can make a well-considered choice. Also here it can sometimes surprise you how nice and special a trip can be, maybe even the highlight of your holiday! A car journey through a beautiful area or a train journey where you can enjoy the view to the fullest.
Are you curious about travel organisations or companies that can arrange your unique holiday or train trip? As in any industry, there are good and bad companies. That is why it is always wise to read the reviews of these companies first. Make sure these reviews are written independently. Only then can you find out what other customers thought of the experience and make the best choice. After all, a holiday is a big expense and it doesn’t happen that often. So it pays to take some time to make your decision. Have a nice holiday!
