Enjoy the journey - five of our favourite destinations to get to by land and sea
Flying has increasingly become the norm when it comes to our holiday travel arrangements. With cheap tickets and speedy journey times, it’s not surprising.
However, our affair with air travel has become responsible for the fastest growing source of carbon emissions, and therefore a major contributor to the climate crisis. This is the case despite the fact that only 5% of the world’s population has ever stepped foot on a plane.With no low-carbon plane waiting in the wings,the responsibility lies with those of us who are lucky enough to fly to take action and stay grounded.
Though it comes with its conveniences, bookending your holiday with neon lit airports filled with nightmarish queues and stressed passengers is far from relaxing. You may find you love low-carbon travel for more than its planet friendly features.
Taking more time travelling can make the journey one of the highlights of your holiday by adding both adventure and more time for relaxation and reflection. Pack up your troubles and start your holiday from the moment you step on the train with our favourite scenic and relaxing journeys to some of Europe’s finest gems… and beyond!
Nice, France
When it comes to soaking up the rays in the French Riviera, there is no better way to get there than via rail.
Travelling from London to Nice is easy, affordable and an ideal chance to relax and enjoy the journey. Your holiday can begin as soon as you sit down in your train seat with a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine!) and a good book. In under 10 hours you can transform your surroundings from busy central London to the beaches of Nice - and no airport security in sight!
1 London to Paris - 2.5 hours
2 Paris to Nice - 5.5 hours
Travelling by train from London to Nice starts at about £73.50 when booking in advance.
For loads more information and top tips for travelling to France by train, here is a really comprehensive and detailed guide.
Tangier, Morocco
If you thought that side-stepping air travel would mean that your holiday destinations would be confined to the European continent, you thought wrong.
The trip to Morocco takes a few days but allows you to stop in on some of Europe’s most exciting cities on the way. You will also pull up right in the beautiful Old Town of Tangier - a rather more romantic entry than the concrete and tarmac of an airport.
1 London to Paris - 2.5 hours (from £29 each way)
2 Paris to Barcelona - 6.5 hours (from €39 each way)
3 Barcelona to Algeciras (1 change) - 7.5 hours (from €55 each way)
4 Bus transfer to Tarifa for Ferry (FREE)
5 Tarifa to Tangier Old Town - ~1 hour but varies depending on the time of day (starts at €18 each way)
For loads more information and top tips for travelling to Morocco by train, here is a really comprehensive and detailed guide.
Berlin, Germany
Travelling from London to Berlin is easy, affordable and an ideal chance to relax and enjoy the journey before hitting Europe’s coolest capital. This journey can easily be made in one day, or you could spend a few days taking advantage of the stops along the way.
1 London to Brussels - 2 hours (from £29 single, £58 return for advance)
2 Brussels to Cologne - 1.5 - 2 hours (from £17.50 for 30 days advance or £26 in the week of travel)
3 Cologne to Berlin - 4.5 hours (from £53 for 30 days advance, or £79.50 for 7 days advance)
If you’re looking for a trip to Germany via rail, check this guide for hot tips .
Lisbon, Portugal
Reaching the home-town of the legendary custard tart, Pasel de Nata, is not only achievable, but a straightforward and exciting journey. By staying grounded you can explore Paris on your way, avoid airport queues and baggage restrictions and enjoy the relaxed pace and changing landscapes on the journey.
1 London to Paris - 2.5 hours (from £29 single, £58 return for advance)
2 Paris to Hendaye (Spanish border) - 5 hours (from £34.50 for 30 day advance to £36 for 7 days advance - so not much in it!)
3 Hendaye to Lisbon - 13.5 hours (from £25 though average price for 30 days advance booking is £62.50, this is a comfortable overnight sleeper train or ‘trainhotel’ - there are some really useful tips on this page for booking and travelling)
Loads of info can be found here for you to plan your perfect trip to Portugal.
Rome, Italy
Travelling from London to Italy by rail is a particularly stunning route and an unmissable way to travel. With comfortable seats, no airport security and breathtaking views of the alps, you’re bound to look back on the journey as one of the highlights of your trip. Take a good book and kick back and enjoy the journey however you please. You could even make the most of the stop in Paris for a stroll around its famous museums and galleries, or a romantic evening dining on French classics - did you know that mussels, when rope farmed, create healthy marine environments and their shells suck up more carbon than trees? Moules frites, s’il vous plaît!
1 London to Paris - 2.5 hours (from £29 single, £58 return for advance)
2 Paris to Milan - 7.5 hours (from £51 return for advance)
3 Milan to Rome - 3 hours (from £9.60 but on average cost £30 if booked a month in advance - watch out as this price can as much as double if left to the last minute)
Get clued up before you go and check out this guide to train travel to Italy. ,
There are a few great resources for train travel - we love Rail Europe for booking our tickets. For loads of advice on routes and insider tips, check out the Man in Seat 61 for an exhaustive guide to train travel in Europe.