While dreaming may be the best way to travel, it is not really feasible here in the physical realm. I read recently that a luxury sleeper bus has been implemented for those traveling between Washington and Memphis. Similar forms of travel have already become more common in parts of Asia. Clearly, we need to come up with travel solutions. The maze of congested highways crisscrossing everywhere, coupled with an ever-increasing human population, cannot endure. Automobiles have contributed to global warming, air pollution, horrendous accidents, and the slaughter of millions of animals. They are becoming more and more expensive to buy and to maintain. Unexpected repairs can set a person back financially for months. Our lives; however, are dependent upon our mobility.
Air travel leaves much to be desired. Airplanes are cramped and uncomfortable. It takes a lot of money to maintain and fuel the planes, not to mention the need for airports, runways, baggage storage ,and employees. Getting to the airports often involves long car rides. Your gate is often a long hike from where you entered the terminal and flights are often delayed, leaving people stranded in airports for hours. The noise and air pollution they create is huge and they are the cause of death for millions of migrating birds. Flying is without a doubt, an expensive way to travel and it is not exactly pleasant. Trains are also loud and big polluters, as well as being inconvenient.
Horse travel was the quickest way to get around prior to automobiles, but many horse owners treated their horses very cruelly. Ideally, the most sustainable form of travel is on foot, or by bicycle. I have spent many years using a bicycle as my main means of travel, but it is not a safe way to travel if you live near, and must ride, on country roads.
Highways, roads, fences, and the parceling of land have resulted in the decline of many species because they cannot cross these barriers to find food, water, and shelter. Humans need to slow down and stop being in such a hurry. Luxury buses with ample sleeping compartments may be one way to offer people a calmer, more affordable travel experience, that would result in less automobiles on the highways and fewer accidents. For now, reducing unnecessary driving is a good start.
