[Originally published on 9 April 2015]

This weekend I made a 150 km journey for family reasons. In such circumstances, people usually take the fastest route, which means taking the fastest means of transportation as well. I had three choices: going by car, by bus or by train.

The fastest way was definitely by car. I would get in my car in front of my house and would drive to my family’s street directly taking the highway. Problem: it is also the more expensive. Petrol is getting more and more expensive and I would have to pay tolls. So, this time I considered other options… less expensive.

From the other two alternatives, bus would be the fastest. It would be pretty much like taking the car but cheaper. Plus, the bus schedule was more extended. Train ticket had a similar price that bus ticket but the journey would take twice as long. So, train would be the dumbest choice. And I took it… Why?

First, I love to travel by train and it’s been a while since I took it, except to make urban little journeys, which don’t count. And I don’t like to travel by bus. Second, it would be an adventure! I would have to take a different route and know different scenery. Third, I would have a chance to clear my head and just breathe and watch the world going around.

I did take the train and it was exhausting but amazing. I loved it. I got to know another side of my own country and picturesque lovely train stations. It was just like doing tourism in my own country and during my “normal life”.

Actually, there are more people who think like this: The shortest paths to happiness. Literally

Check other articles related to travelling.