Flight-Free Vacations – Beautiful Places Are Closer Than You Think
A personal story about family traditions, adventure, and discovering that the best journeys often begin right outside your door.
"Beauty is everywhere – you just need to be willing to hop on a train and go."
A Family Tradition
Every year, we carve out a few days from our busy family and work schedules – between jobs, school, and everything life throws at us. We pack our bags and head to a place my kids have never been before.
The catch? No planes allowed.
Starting from Berlin, we embark on our adventures – mainly by public transport, or by car if it's logistically easier. What started as a simple rule has become a beloved tradition that shows my children you can explore the world without stepping onto an airplane.
By Train Across Europe
Some of our most cherished memories were made on railway tracks:
- Dresden – The baroque beauty of the Frauenkirche and a first taste of art and history for the little ones.
- Venice – Yes, really! Waking up on a night train through the Alps and arriving in a city floating on water – pure magic for children's eyes.
- Pisa & Florence – "Holding up" the Leaning Tower for the obligatory photo, then standing before Michelangelo's David – art class brought to life.
- Paris – The City of Lights is just a few hours away by train. Croissants at the Eiffel Tower? Unforgettable.
The train journey itself becomes part of the adventure. We play games, look out the window, eat snacks, and watch the landscape change. It's slow travel – and that's exactly what makes it special.
Family Road Trips
Sometimes the car is more practical – especially when we have lots of luggage or visit places that are hard to reach by train:
- Efteling, Kaatsheuvel (Netherlands) – One of Europe's most beautiful theme parks with an enchanting atmosphere you have to experience.
- Billund, Denmark – Legoland! Need I say more? The home of Lego is a paradise for children of all ages.
- Travemünde – Baltic Sea beach, fish sandwiches, and the simple joy of watching ships come into port.
- Waren (Müritz) – Germany's largest inland lake, pure nature, and endless opportunities for exploration.
- Harrachov, Czech Republic – Mountains, hiking trails, and a glassworks – a hidden gem just across the border.
- Saxon Switzerland (Elbsandsteingebirge) – Spectacular rock formations, castles, and hiking trails that look straight out of a fairy tale.
- Schlüttsiel & Amrum – A ferry to a car-free North Sea island – endless beaches, dunes, and the scent of salty ocean air.
A Special Adventure
I once even cycled from Berlin to Denmark – no e-bike, just muscle power and endurance. It was challenging, yes, but also incredibly liberating. Experiencing the world at 20 km/h gives you a completely different perspective than flying at 900 km/h above the clouds.
Why All This?
Don't get me wrong – I love to travel and see the world. You can see some of my photos here . Travel gives you so much perspective on the world, on other cultures, and on yourself.
But especially with kids? You can start local and expand as they grow. It's about showing them that beauty is everywhere and that they shouldn't be afraid to simply hop on a train and go.
The environmental benefits are a bonus, of course – a train trip to Paris produces about 90% less CO₂e emissions than a flight. But for me, it's really about showing my children that adventure can begin right outside your front door.
Plan Your Own Flight-Free Journey
Use commute.coach to compare routes to different destinations – including CO₂e emissions, travel time, and cost. Maybe it will inspire your own flight-free adventure!
Try it now!
Tips to Get Started
- 1.Start small – A day trip to a nearby city can be the beginning.
- 2.Use night trains – You save on accommodation and arrive well-rested.
- 3.Be flexible – Sometimes detours lead to the best discoveries.
- 4.Make the journey the destination – A picnic on the train or a stop in an unknown town can become the highlight.
- 5.Mix your transport – Train, ferry, bus, bike – variety is the spice of travel!