Take a car-free trip through Europe to ease your environmental awareness and improve your mood

There is something very satisfying about reaching a destination on your own. Getting from point A to point B just through fitness and excitement can often be as rewarding as spending time where you want to reach.

According to RAC estimates, 25% of the UK population does not have a driving license. A much higher number would probably admit that they would be happier not to be behind the wheel abroad.

Then, of course, there is the environmental aspect to consider. With sustainability quickly becoming a priority for travelers, one of the easiest ways to reduce our carbon footprint is to switch from planes to trains, or from cars to buses or bicycles.

Many countries have invested heavily in public transport systems in recent years. Norway, for example, has an excellent fleet of electrically powered public ferries.

The growing popularity of walking and cycling vacations also makes it much easier to explore without turning the key in the ignition. In addition, there is the advantage of improving physical condition at the same time.

If you’re looking to swap motors for muscle power on your next vacation, here are some options for visiting parts of Europe without a car.

Pedaling through pretty England

Cycling in the UK can be a gamble at any time of the year. But even if sunshine is never guaranteed, golden landscapes are sure to be present this fall. Starting along the Oxford Canal, this gentle cycling tour continues through the villages of the South Cotswolds including Minster Lovell with its Cotswold stone and thatched cottages on the River Windrush, the medieval town of Burford and Bibury – described by William Morris as “the most beautiful village in England”. End in Bath, home to the historic Roman Baths.

How? ‘Or’ What: Headwater (headwater.com; 01606 369 416) offers an eight-night self-guided Oxford to Bath cycle from £ 1,679 per person (two people) including accommodation with breakfast, bike rental, maps GPS route and navigation application, as well as the services of a local representative.

Freewheeling in Estonia

A predominantly flat country with over 6,500 kilometers of trails, the majority of which are off-road, Estonia is an ideal destination for cyclists. For those who wish to cross the country by bicycle, the 981 km EuroVelo 10 starts near the Latvian border in the south and passes through Pärnu, Tallinn, Lahemaa, Estonia’s oldest national park, and ends at the Russian border. For a shorter journey, try the 18 km circular route around Kihnu Island, a former seal hunting and fishing island, where women take care of the preservation of the island’s cultural heritage while men fish.

How? ‘Or’ What: Exodus Travel (exodus.co.uk; 020 3993 7598) offers an 11-day Baltic States cycling tour from £ 1,549 per person (two people), including accommodation with breakfast, rental of bikes and a guide throughout. For more information on routes and cycling in Estonia, visit visitestonia.com/discovercyclingroutes.

Let go in Menorca

Home to an abundance of winding coastal paths, peaks and rugged coves, Menorca’s varied landscape and spectacular scenery make it a prime hiking destination. Hikes include the iconic Camí de Cavalls, a historic trail that runs along the entire coastline of the island. Built initially for military purposes, it has seen many improvements thanks to investments from the sustainable tourism tax. Stay at Hotel Morvedra Nou, an elegant, family-run 17th-century Spanish finca near Ciutadella.

How? ‘Or’ What: Responsible Travel (responsibletravel.com; 01273 823 700) offers an eight-day walking holiday from £ 1,145 per person (two shares) including flights and half-board accommodation. For more information on visiting Menorca, visit menorca.es.

Walk around Guernsey

A tan landscape and amber light provide the perfect backdrop for one of Guernsey’s most beloved events, the Fall Walking Festival. Over 40 guided morning, afternoon and evening walks will take place from September 11-26, exploring the islands of Guernsey, Herm and Sark. Learn from local experts about their history and attractions, as you tackle inland hikes or hike rugged coastal trails. The walks vary in difficulty and length (ranging from one to five hours, including an all-day Sark option) and are suitable for all ages and abilities. Prices from £ 10 per person.

How? ‘Or’ What: Channel Islands Direct (channelislandsdirect.co.uk; 0800 640 9058) offers a four night B&B stay at The Duke of Richmond from £ 435 per person, including flights from London Gatwick and across the travel base in September. Alternatively, with a ferry trip from Poole, the cost of the trip is £ 365. For more information about the festival, visit guernseytravel.com.

Clear your way in Switzerland

Travel on tracks and trails on an adrenaline-filled journey to Mont Blanc, the Swiss mountain. As part of its commitment to reduce carbon emissions, Exodus Travel has expanded its train travel offering with more than a third of all travel now available without a flight, including a 15-day adventurous mission to explore the one of the most emblematic peaks in Europe.

The journey from London to Geneva by train takes around seven hours and, after a train change in Paris, the journey continues through fascinating mountainous terrain, crossing the spectacular Cize-Bolozon viaduct above the Ain gorges. . Spend the next 10 days walking with three rest days set aside to sit and enjoy the scenery.

How? ‘Or’ What: Exodus Travel (exodus.co.uk; 020 3993 7598) offers a 15-day Tour du Mont Blanc camping trek from £ 1,799 per person (two shares) including covered camping, train travel from London and most meals. Various departures in 2022.