How to do it and why it unlocks hidden upgrades
From east to west, north to south, Europe is dotted with great heritage and beauty that’s just waiting to be experienced. The ideal way to do it? Responsibly because doing so unlocks a whole new upgrade for you, the mindful traveler! It’s also the way we preserve it for the present and future. In this article, we’ll tell you about why responsible travel is the most enriching, how to go about it, and hidden tips that will upscale your journey to a new level.
How to venture to the heart of Europe responsibly
Using the incredible train, metro and bus systems across Europe is a fast and responsible way to see iconic and hidden corners of this continent. Did you know that according to Time Out, Europe’s public transport system is one of the best in the world? You can move at speeds of over 300km/h and even explore some 30,000 destinations in 33 countries with a single Eurail pass. Public transport offers some key benefits: it cuts away the stress of navigating congested streets, searching for parking, or chasing after flights. Long distance trains take you straight into the center of most European cities, so you’ll emerge from your journey refreshed, calm, and already where you want to be. Given the density of transport networks, you can reach just about any town or village, giving you a true glimpse at authentic, rural life. And of course, we can’t forget that traveling by train and bus cuts your impact on the environment enormously and reduces air pollution, traffic congestion, and noise. All this makes travel less disruptive to landscapes, local life, and wildlife.
Find offbeat culture, forge bonds with locals, help create vibrant communities
Luckily, most trains allow you to bring bikes on board. This adds another option for your green travel, giving you more opportunities to interact with residents, foster cultural exchange, and arrive at a deeper understanding of local life. But before you get off, savor the upgrade you get by using trains. Watch as remarkable nature unfolds around you outside. See meadows and pastures, rivers and lakes, great mountains covered in snow or dense forests. Take some time for self-care: read your favorite book in the dining car, close your eyes and feel the hum of the engine, let your worries flitter off into the landscape around you. Then, once you’ve reached your destination, you’ll encounter the small shops, family-owned restaurants and cultural traditions that you’d miss in the big hotspots. It’s in these places where you have the chance to have an authentic, deep, and lasting experience. Where will you find the best Austrian cutlet or Polish dumpling or French croissant? It’s in these hidden places that you stumble upon while riding your bike from village to village. It’s here where you’ll eat at little inns or pubs where grandpa is working the stoves, grandma is at the bar, and their grown children are working the front of house. The other great benefit to traveling in this way? You support the resilience of the community, helping to ensure that these essential places exist a hundred years from now.
Consider these responsible routes!
On your next trip to Europe, take the Bergensbanen from Oslo to Bergen for a front-row seat to exclusive views of unforgettable nature. Connect deeply with the great nature of Flanders atop a bike. Board the Nightjet sleeper train from Amsterdam to Vienna for a luxurious and crowd-free journey through a rich part of the continent. If Italy is more your style, tour the country by Frecciarossa for one-of-a-kind access to untouched natural beauty. See the great history and art of Luxembourg without a hit to your wallet thanks to free public transport.
