Shhhh… Listen! Do You Hear The Sound Of Travelling?

Got a bit distracted with courses and all-things writing but the lockdown has not taken the best off of me yet.

The days have noticeably become bigger. Bigger and sunnier.

It’s still a bit chilly but it’s starting to look a lot like Spring. Finally we see the light!

We can say we know to a degree what it is like to come out of a hibernation period, because it felt like it.

Spring is around the corner and the lockdown is easing its way out too. I can ‘t help but start thinking about all the things I want to go back to. Or start doing as soon as I can. 

If there’s one thing this lockdown made me realise was that nothing is assured. We never know when we’re going to be in another pandemic lockdown again.

But, for now that’s water under the bridge and we must look into the future with a strong faith. The brighter days are coming and we have a lot to look forward to.

Seeing family and friends is right at the top of everybody’s Out-of-Lockdown bucket list.

Travelling will be the big one. The free movement is something we’re all looking forward to.

I’m thinking of going back to one of the old ways of travelling. I’ve always loved travelling by train. You get to see the landscape, you get time to sleep, to read, you can stretch your legs, you can have a drink. Gosh, they even have wifi and plug sockets!

 I never dreamt of flying for holidays. My first holiday travel goal was always Europe, by train. I have always thought that would be the best way to get to know old Europe. Hands-On.  The live experience.

You still get from many A to Bs with only half of the airport’s hassle. The children will love a change. And it’s ever so affordable. No excuse. So based in this one article from Euronews I have done some light maths, for one adult travelling only. It gives you a good idea. Walk with me here. 

• In Paris (France) in 2 hours for about £50.
• Or in Bordeaux (France) in over 5 hours for under £100.
• In Brussels (Belgium) in 2 hours, also for about £50.
• In Cologne (Germany) in 5 hours, for about £100.
• In Bern (Switzerland) in 8h 25mins, via Paris for about £100.
• In Florence (Italy) in 20 hours, via Paris from about £100.
• In Amsterdam (Netherlands) in 7 hours, via Paris for under £100.
• In Vienna (Austria) in 15 hours, via Paris for just over £100
• In Seville (Spain) in 15 hours, via Paris for under £150.

Without too much thinking, if we multiply that by a family of four (not even accounting ages) we can get the trip paid for under £500. And if we take advantage of advance booking.

Isn’t it tempting?

Next step will be to change our mind set to travelling with the least luggage, which we are no longer used to. It will be an interesting experience to cut down on our travelling essentials. To even THINK what are currently essentials to us is going to be a challenge.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not completely removing the flying option. We know there are trips that would be too time-consuming without it. And I’m no Willy Fog. But I would like to consider that option where possible. 

I believe it could be a valuable experience for us all.