TravelAlternative.eu

In 2019, Deutsche Bahn ran a brilliant campaign with Ogilvy: they showed famous international destinations next to similar-looking German alternatives you could reach by train. Bali rice terraces next to the Moselle Valley. The Grand Canyon next to Saxon Switzerland. The punchline? The German version cost €19 by train.

We thought: why limit this to Germany? Europe has everything. Arctic wilderness, Mediterranean coves, ancient ruins, modernist architecture, primeval forests, dramatic canyons, and food scenes that rival anywhere on Earth. All reachable without stepping on a plane.

So we built TravelAlternative.eu. For every famous destination far away, we show a stunning European alternative. Not to tell you what to do — but to show you what's possible. The European version is almost always cheaper, easier to reach, and takes less time. That it's also better for the planet? That's a bonus.

It costs less money. It takes less time. It's less hassle. You don't need a visa, you don't need to go through security, and you can bring your own water bottle. Your phone works, your insurance covers you, and you can take the dog.

The European alternative isn't a compromise. It's often the smarter choice.

We research and curate each destination pair carefully. The key question: does the European alternative deliver the same feeling? The same dramatic cliffs, the same turquoise water, the same ancient atmosphere, the same culinary excellence?

We then photograph (or source photos from) both destinations from a similar angle and perspective — inspired by the original Deutsche Bahn campaign. The side-by-side comparison should make you think: “Wait, aren't those the same place?”

For each pair, we show the real costs: ticket price, distance, CO2 emissions, and the hidden environmental costs that nobody talks about.

A €200 flight doesn't cost €200. When you factor in CO2 emissions, air pollution, noise, and other environmental damage, the real cost is much higher. We call this the “True Cost”.

Our calculations are based on peer-reviewed research:

Flying anyway? Consider paying the true cost via the Future Friendly Fund. Your contribution funds sustainable aviation innovation and biodiversity projects.

We're not an NGO, not a campaign, and not here to lecture anyone. TravelAlternative.eu is a practical travel tool. We show you cheaper, closer options — and let you decide.

Our side-by-side visual comparisons (inspired by DB's original campaign) make the case without words. When you see Bryce Canyon next to El Torcal from the same angle, you get it immediately.

We include booking links so you can act on the inspiration. We show the true cost so you understand the full picture. And we do it in 5 languages because Europe is for everyone.