Originating from the
deprived areas of Manila adjacent to the railway paths, the classic jeepney was my preferred mode of transport, gaining popularity post-war. Following my move to the United States, traversing the continent in an RV, and exploring the globe, I have encountered various other transportation systems that cater to every traveler. Here are the top choices that stood out: the American highways and the European rail systems.
The Extensive Road Network of North America
Our extensive
8-year RV journey across the United States, Canada, and Mexico provided us with remarkable experiences on the expansive North American road grid. The key component is the US highway system, renowned as the most extensive globally, stretching approximately 165,000 miles. It accommodates 90% of tourist traffic in the US.
Heading north, the Trans-Canada Highway complements the US system, establishing a transcontinental federal-provincial network spanning all ten Canadian provinces from the Pacific to the Atlantic, covering 4,860 miles, one of the lengthiest globally.
In the southern region, Mexico’s road network, particularly with the enhancement of Hwy 15 linking to Arizona, is impressive. Featuring 72,577 miles of paved roads, it stands as the largest paved network in Latin America, housing 6,508 miles of multi-lane expressways, including six-lane stretches.
This outstanding
North American road system is accompanied by a range of campgrounds and motels/hotels, offering unmatched lodging choices worldwide. Traveling by road in America is exceptionally convenient, with RV models ranging from compact camper vans to opulent motorhomes. A similar gratifying experience was encountered on the Australian road network.
The Dependent European
Rail System
The European
Railway network encompasses:
Tier One:
Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Austria, Sweden, and France.
Tier Two: Great Britain, the Netherlands, Luxembourg,
Spain, the Czech Republic, Norway, Belgium, and Italy.
Tier Three: Lithuania, Slovenia, Ireland, Hungary,
Latvia, Slovakia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, and Bulgaria.
We have utilized
all seven systems from Tier One, six out of the eight from Tier Two, and three of the
ten from Tier Three. Our train explorations through various Tier One destinations, such as Llubijana and Bled in Slovenia, Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck in Austria, Munich and
Oberstaufen in Germany, St. Gallen in Switzerland, Vaduz in Lichtenstein, Paris
in France, and Brussels in Belgium, were immensely enjoyable. These were covered in just over 4 weeks.
Our train experiences encompassed both economy and first-class services, transporting us to small villages and major cities seamlessly connected to buses, taxis, and Ubers. Punctuality was impeccable, with some stations resembling airports in larger cities, and charming shops clustered around them in smaller towns forming delightful pedestrian areas. European train journeys hold a special place in my heart.
Bill, too, relished the journey as it relieved him from driving concerns and presented stunning views of rural and urban landscapes – from miniature apple trees and quaint garden sheds to rolling hills. The expansive windows occasionally opened to allow for better photo opportunities. We also savored the amenities of the dining and bar cars. On one occasion, I found soothing comfort food for my queasy stomach during a train ride from Innsbruck to Vienna. Trains significantly surpassed the experience of driving rental cars on the opposite side of the road and narrow UK lanes.
The aviation sector has expanded its offerings with increased flight frequencies, including budget options, in both Europe and the US, gaining popularity. Nevertheless, my husband and I maintain a strong preference for road tripping across America and train travel throughout Europe!
