Then you might want to visit one of three Goulburn Valley libraries over the next week, where freelance travel writer and Lonely Planet guidebook contributor Tim Richards will speak about just that.
Mr Richards has travelled to various corners of the globe over the past 20 years as a freelance travel writer and is keen to share his knowledge.
His library talk will be focused on his experiences during his European trip in 2019.
“This Europe trip ranged from urban attractions to the glories of nature, all linked by trains,” Mr Richards said.
“In Switzerland, I ate a seven-course meal aboard the Glacier Express while admiring mountains, and in Scotland, I made my way to a tiny Highlands station without road access, from where I caught a sleeper train to London.
“Between these highlights were a German beer tour, a visit to where Sherlock Holmes died, three nights in a princely micro-state, and an unlikely ride in a tuk-tuk while eating fondue and drinking wine.”
As on many of his trips, Mr Richards travelled through Europe via train, visiting five countries.
He is a big advocate for train travel, so much so that he’s even written two books on his train travel experiences, Heading South: Far North Queensland to Western Australia by Rail and Ultimate Train Journeys: World.
Mr Richards said travelling by train had given him a lot to write about, plus it was the best way to travel these days, especially when moving from country to country on continents such as Europe.
“Also, from an environmental perspective, it’s better than flying, and there’s a big resurgence in Europe of sleeper trains, which is a better way to travel,” Mr Richards said.
“You’re in the landscape but not captured in it, and you can see it close up.”
Mr Richards began his career as a travel writer 20 years ago, after finishing a job and taking a trip overseas.
“I was working at an office job, and coming out of it, I did a bit of travel and study of freelance travel writing,” he said.
“I had a payout from a previous job, so I thought I’d travel and give it a go, and I just kept going.”
Mr Richards said freelance travel writing had been a rewarding career, leading him on many adventures.
He encouraged anyone who might be interested to come along to a library talk.
“The event is for anyone who loves travel and is curious about travel, writing or doing both,” he said.
“We will also talk about how travel writing works and show the behind-the-scenes.
“I will talk people through the process I went through to publish stories.”
To attend any of his library visits, visit gvlibraries.com.au to book through its Eventbrite links or call Goulburn Valley Libraries on 1300 374 765.
Library visits
Yarrawonga Library: Monday, April 8 at 1.30pm
Mooroopna Library: Monday, April 8 at 7pm
Violet Town Library: Tuesday, April 9 at 1.30pm
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