People travelling long distances frequently have to decide whether they would
prefer to go by land, sea, or air. Hardly anyone can positively enjoy sitting
in a train for more than a few hours. Train compartments soon get cramped and
stuffy. It is almost impossible to take your mind off the journey. Reading is
only a partial solution, for the monotonous rhythm of the wheels clicking on
the rails soon lulls you to sleep. During the day, sleep comes in snatches. At
night, when you really wish to go to sleep, you rarely manage to do so. If you
are lucky enough to get a sleeper, you spend half the night staring at the
small blue light in the ceiling, or fumbling to find your ticket for
inspection. Inevitably you arrive at your destination almost exhausted. Long
car journeys are even less pleasant, for it is quite impossible even to read.
On motorways you can, at least, travel fairly safely at high speeds, but more
often than not, the greater part of the journey is spent on roads with few
service stations and too much traffic. By comparison, ferry trips or cruises
offer a great variety of civilized comforts. You can stretch your legs on the
spacious decks, play games, meet interesting people and enjoy good food -
always assuming, of course, that the sea is calm. If it is not, and you are
likely to get seasick, no form of transport could be worse. Even if you travel
in ideal weather, sea journeys take a long time. Relatively few people are
prepared to sacrifice holiday time for the pleasure of travlling by sea.#
Aeroplanes have the reputation of being dangerous and even hardened travellers
are intimidated by them. They also have the disadvantage of being an expensive
form of transport. But nothing can match them for speed and comfort.
Travelling at a height of 30,000 feet, far above the clouds, and at over 500
miles an hour is an exhilarating experience. You do not have to devise ways of
taking your mind off the journey, for an aeroplane gets you to your
destination rapidly. For a few hours, you settle back in a deep armchair to
enjoy the flight. The real escapist can watch a film and sip champagne on some
services. But even when such refinements are not available, there is plenty to
keep you occupied. An aeroplane offers you an unusual and breathtaking view of
the world. You soar effortlessly over high mountains and deep valleys. You
really see the shape of the land. If the landscape is hidden from view, you
can enjoy the extraordinary sight of unbroken cloud plains that stretch out
for miles before you, while the sun shines brilliantly in a clear sky. The
journey is so smooth that there is nothing to prevent you from reading or
sleeping. However you decide to spend your time, one thing is certain: you
will arrive at your destination fresh and uncrumpled. You will not have to
spend the next few days recovering from a long and arduous journey.&