Forget the plane, take the train

The Baird family from Warrington recently visited friends in Luxembourg. But instead of flying Dina Baird persuaded her husband and three children to go by train.

The Baird family at Waterloo station.

They began their journey by catching a train to Euston. After an overnight stay in London they braved the rush hour on the underground to get to Waterloo.

All aboard

The Bairds checked in for the Eurostar and before they knew it were through the tunnel and on the way to Brussels.

The boys were a little disappointed as they went under the sea. They had been expecting to see sharks and fish swimming by the windows.

Dina Baird

A real bonus of their new found traveling freedom was the chance to explore Brussels. The family stayed overnight before taking their connection to Luxembourg to meet their friends.

 

The Baird children on the train to Luxembourg

A positive change

Dina believes the benefits of their journey are huge. Going by train didn't cost as much as flying and the environmental savings are even more valuable.

All the trains were on time and the children had more space to play and walk around.

It really is time to change the way we think about traveling. Taking the train is part of the adventure and can be a real, romantic and enjoyable experience.

Dina Baird

In 2005, four out of five of all visits abroad made by UK residents were to Europe. Making these short haul journeys by train can help us meet our targets for cutting CO₂ emissions.

On the way back the Baird family did it all in one day - three kids, three capitals and three countries.

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Main image © Dina Baird