Travelling Sustainably to the European Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Conference

The journey started at London’s St Pancras station with the Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord. From there, I made my way across the city to Gare de l'Est for the next leg to Strasbourg. While the journey involved a change in Paris, the process was surprisingly smooth and gave me the added bonus of seeing more of the city — even if just for a brief moment (and a pastry). Compared to the stress of airports, the train journey felt far more manageable and enjoyable.

One of the standout perks of travelling by train is the comfort and freedom it offers. There’s more space to stretch out and work, the ability to walk around, and no need to queue endlessly or worry about the logistics of checking luggage or security lines. The overall experience is less rushed and more mindful. I found myself gazing out of the window, taking in the French countryside with its rolling hills and fields. You don’t get that from sitting in a plane.

Despite the advantages, there were moments of challenge. Planning the journey required more attention — making sure connections lined up and factoring in buffer time in case of delays. In fact, there were long delays on the Eurostar, which initially raised concerns about missing the connecting train. But with some forward planning and flexibility, everything worked out. It reminded me that while train travel can require a little more effort in logistics, it’s rarely as complicated as it seems, and the rewards are well worth it.

The conference itself was a fantastic experience. Strasbourg is a beautiful, walkable city filled with history, culture, and a vibrant academic atmosphere. ESCAP 2025 offered the perfect setting to dive into innovative research in child and adolescent psychiatry and connect with like-minded researchers and clinicians from around the world. Exploring Strasbourg after arriving by train made me appreciate the journey even more — it felt like a natural extension of the experience, rather than an isolated, tiring transit.

One unexpected outcome of the trip was a shift in how I think about sustainable travel. Initially, I had assumed taking multiple trains would be more stressful than a single flight. But in reality, the train journey was more enjoyable, less exhausting, and offered a deeper connection to the places I passed through. It made me realise that sustainable travel doesn’t have to be inconvenient or less comfortable — in many ways, it’s actually the opposite.

With extreme heat during the trip, climate change was front of mind. Choosing an eco-friendly travel option felt even more meaningful. It’s easy to forget the environmental impact of our travel choices until we experience the alternatives firsthand. This journey has definitely changed my perspective. I’m significantly more likely to consider trains for future trips across Europe — not just for sustainability, but for the experience itself.

In the end, travelling by train to ESCAP 2025 wasn't just about reducing my carbon footprint. It added richness to the trip — turning transit into a valuable part of the experience. I’d highly recommend others consider train travel for their next European conference. It’s better for the planet, and it might just be better for you too.