European Rail Travel - Kinder to the planet

There is an increasing trend amongst travellers to be more eco-conscious and to reduce carbon emissions. An easy way to do this is to switch to rail travel whenever possible. Trains are powered by electricity or diesel engines, which produce fewer pollutants and greenhouse gases compared to the combustion engines in planes. Europe has an extensive and well-developed rail network that connects many countries and cities across the continent. The quality and efficiency of rail links can vary from one country to another, but in general, European rail systems are known for their reliability and convenience. There are numerous international train services, such as the Eurostar connecting London to Paris and Brussels, as well as trains connecting major cities like Berlin, Vienna, and Prague. Several European countries have high-speed rail networks that allow for fast and efficient travel between major cities. The most well-known high-speed rail systems include the French TGV, the Spanish AVE, the German ICE, and the Italian Frecciarossa. These trains can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph) or more, making them a popular choice for long-distance travel.

Here are ten examples of the amount of carbon emissions that can be saved by switching to rail travel, based on a journey from Newcastle: - Cologne, Germany - save 227.9 kg - Paris, France - save 229.0 kg - Prague, Czech Republic - save 373.5 kg - Krakow, Poland - save 478.8 kg - Madrid, Spain - save 503.6 kg - Budapest, Hungary - save 513.5 kg - Rome, Italy - save 553.1 kg - Lisbon, Portugal - save 585.9 kg - Dubrovnik, Croatia - save 618.9 kg - Athens, Greece - save 835.6 kg

In addition to helping the environment, rail travel has other benefits too: - Train travel allows you to experience local culture and landscapes up close, enhancing your travel experience. - Train stations are often located in the heart of cities, making it more convenient to access your final destination without the need for lengthy transfers to and from airports. - European rail networks offer numerous daily departures, allowing for greater flexibility in choosing your travel times. - Train travel typically involves fewer security checks and less waiting time compared to air travel, reducing travel-related stress. In some cases, train tickets can be more affordable than airfare, especially when booked in advance or when considering additional costs like baggage fees or airport transfers, and rail travel often includes fewer hidden fees and charges, making it easier to budget for your trip. - For shorter distances or routes with direct trains, rail travel can be competitive with or even faster than flying when considering time spent at airports, security checks, and transportation to/from airports. - Trains offer more space to move around, larger seats, and the ability to walk, stretch, and even dine on board. - Europe has a tradition of night trains that offer overnight travel options between distant cities. These trains typically have sleeper cars or couchettes, allowing passengers to sleep during the journey and save on hotel costs.

It is worth considering switching to rail travel when you next travel within Europe. If you would like a free, no-obligation quotation, please get in touch via any of the methods on this link, and you can see the difference for yourself. Images: Stock Photos ©Julie at Worldwide Explorer Travel Holidays, September 2023