What do you do when your plans change, but your ticket’s already booked?
That’s exactly what happened to me this summer. I meant to fly out and pick up my grandchildren, but when the dates shifted, I turned the trip into something else: reconnecting with friends I hadn’t seen in nearly a year and visiting family in Slovakia. I already had a flight to Prague, and since my friends live at opposite ends of the Czech Republic and my family is in the east of Slovakia, the only way to visit them all was to travel by train across Europe.
I have always loved travelling by train because there is something calming and nostalgic about it. Even as a child, I found watching the world roll by through the window exciting. These days, I appreciate travelling by train even more. Trains are clean, quiet, and comfortable, offering me something I never experience when driving: uninterrupted time. I can write, edit photos, listen to podcasts, or sit with my thoughts.
While flying might be faster, and driving gives more control, travelling by train offers an entirely different experience that feels more grounded and present. In Europe, it’s one of the best ways to see the landscape unfold and turn every journey into part of the adventure.
With my husband busy with work, I often travel solo, and honestly, I’ve grown to love it. Something is empowering about setting your own pace, choosing your route, and not having to explain why you want to sit silently, staring out the window. Solo travel allows me to reflect, recharge, and move through places on my terms. And when you travel by train across Europe, that experience becomes even richer.
Last summer, I travelled by train through parts of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary, and it reminded me of the freedom that train travel brings, unhurried, connected, and profoundly personal. So, when my plans changed again this year, I knew how to respond: I decided to turn the disruption into an opportunity to visit the people I love.
Making advantage of changed circumstances
As anyone dealing with low-budget airlines knows, changing flights isn’t easy or cheap. So instead of wasting the ticket or getting frustrated, I decided to make the most of it. I turned the trip into a solo getaway and planned a route to catch up with friends I hadn’t seen in far too long.
My first stop was Prague, a city I’ve always loved — not just for its beauty, but because of the people I know there. I flew in to visit my long-time friend Boris and his family. Although we keep in touch now and then over WhatsApp, nothing compares to sitting down together, face to face. Visiting friends in Europe, especially those who’ve known you for decades, hits differently. It’s effortless with Boris and his wife, and we laugh about anything and everything.
Being around them always feels like stepping back in time, in the best way. The kind of conversations where you pick up right where you left off, even if it’s been a year. After an evening at their place, full of stories, jokes, and that easy comfort only old friends offer, I always walk away feeling lighter, younger — like I’ve just shaken off a decade of stress.
Solo travel in Europe can initially feel uncertain, but moments like this are why I keep doing it. And Prague itself never disappoints. From the cobbled streets to the quiet cafes tucked into courtyards, there’s always something grounding about being there. It was the perfect place to start this unexpected midlife travel journey.
The train journey
The next morning, I caught a train from Prague to Ostrava, my second stop on this short but meaningful train journey.
Travelling by train through the Czech Republic is the most natural way to move. It’s stress-free, scenic, and ideal for solo travel. I had time to review photos, relax with a podcast, and watch the countryside roll by.
If you’re in midlife travel mode and find getting from A to B stressful or overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be that way. It can be calm, stressless, and enjoyable, especially when the journey itself becomes something you actually look forward to. This is particularly true for solo travel, where the freedom to set your own pace and make spontaneous choices can turn even a simple trip into a meaningful experience. All it takes is a bit of planning and knowing where you’re going. And when travelling by train, it’s usually not a big deal even if you miss one or take the wrong connection. It’s definitely less stressful than missing a flight.
NOTE:
I always use mobile applications to buy tickets when travelling by train. It saves time and money, and I can compare fares and pick my seat. I mostly use the Leo Express and RegioJet Apps in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
The 3.5-hour trip flew by, and I arrived just before lunch. Renata was already waiting for me at the train station in Ostrava. Renata and I have been friends for more than 30 years. She lives on the outskirts of Ostrava in a lovely house with a big garden. Her daughter, Gabi, designed a small English-style park next to it. It’s stunning and charming, even though she humbly insists it still needs work. Take a look at the picture below and judge for yourself.
Ostrava has changed so much from its mining days and has become a lively and welcoming city. I can't wait to tell you more about it, so stay tuned!
That afternoon went on exactly as I needed: a refreshing dip in the pool, tea and cake under the pergola, and those effortless conversations that only happen with friends who’ve known you for decades.
Later that evening, we headed to a local pub for a pint of Radegast, the classic Czech lager. It was one of those evenings that remind you how precious it is to have friends who’ve known you through every season of life.
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The next day, while Renata was preparing lunch for her grandchildren, I took a quiet walk through the surroundings. Just a short stroll from her house, I came across a peaceful pond with quirky sculptures. It was one of those slow, mindful mornings that reminded me why I love travelling by train. It’s not just about getting from one place to another—it’s about creating space in between—space to walk, reflect, and breathe.
I’m sure you have friends from earlier chapters of your life who still bring you joy, even after years apart. For me, maintaining those connections feels more important than ever. You don’t need a large crowd; just a handful of people who resonate with you can make life richer, funnier, and more meaningful. When those friends are scattered across different countries, visiting them becomes part of the joy. Travelling to see them isn’t a chore; it’s an adventure in itself a propper midlife travel experience.
And my train travel adventure continues..
The next stretch was the longest leg of my travel by train across Europe adventure, around six hours from Ostrava to my hometown of Košice, in eastern Slovakia. I was in good hands with Leo Express. This expansion of Trainline, the world’s leading independent digital rail platform, offers excellent booking services and provides a peaceful environment for those who, like me, need to work on the go.
The carriage was quiet, and the Wi-Fi worked (most of the time). The atmosphere was perfect for what I needed: time to myself. That’s one of the things I love most about solo travel—the kind where the journey isn’t just a means to reach a destination, but an opportunity to be with my thoughts and notice the world around me.
I edited photos, jotted down notes for this blog post, planned a few reels, and caught up on a podcast — all while sipping coffee and watching the countryside pass by. Working on the go like this felt effortless and even enjoyable for someone who’s often juggling projects.
The Slovak landscape unfolded outside the window — open fields, quiet villages, and distant views of the High Tatras. It was the kind of scenic train ride that reminds you to slow down, breathe, and take it all in. When I arrived in Košice, only 15 minutes late, which is pretty good, I felt clear-headed and recharged.
My dad and stepmum were already waiting for me in the car park, smiling and waving. Nothing beats a warm welcome home after a long day of travel.
The following day, we headed out to my dad’s cottage in a small village called Smolnícka Huta, nestled deep in the Volovec Mountains of eastern Slovakia. Once a historical mining settlement, Smolnícka Huta is now a quiet escape from modern life, surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, the air smells of pine and wood smoke, and the only sound you’ll hear is birdsong or the occasional rustle of deer in the underbrush.
Many people from nearby towns and cities have built cottages here, using it as a peaceful summer retreat, though a few lucky ones live here year-round. The area is perfect for hikers, nature lovers, and those seeking solitude. There are several marked tourist paths in the Volovec Mountains, offering routes for casual walkers and seasoned hikers alike. From scenic ridgelines to deep forest trails, each path offers breathtaking views and a deep sense of tranquillity.
For me, it was more than just a family visit—it felt like a midlife travel moment of reconnection. Smolnícka Huta reminded me how healing it is to be close to nature, unplugged from the noise of everyday life. Whether you’re exploring solo or with loved ones, this hidden corner of Slovakia offers a kind of peace that’s hard to describe but easy to feel.
Cherishing and relaxing moments in the cottage
I enjoyed soaking up the sun and nature with my dad and stepmom. We had the best time chatting, playing card games, walking, and enjoying delicious home-cooked meals and a pint of draft beer. Being surrounded by nature helped me feel so connected and mindful. It cleared my head and lifted my spirits.
This time at my dad’s cottage was about being together, enjoying quiet moments, good food, and honest conversation with him and his partner.
Now that I’m back in the UK, I feel refreshed and ready to ease into daily life — creating new blog posts and Instagram content, editing videos, gardening, cooking, exercising, walking my dog, and catching up with friends.
But only for a short time! I’m soon planning to join my husband in Dubai for the winter to escape Europe’s cold, wet, and dark winter. Although I love snow and crispy, cold, sunny days, they’re not guaranteed here.
One thing I’ve really appreciated about solo travel is the freedom to follow my own rhythm. I can write, reflect, edit photos, or take in new ideas without distraction, especially when travelling by train, where the time between stops becomes a chance to recharge and create. Thankfully, I can work from anywhere, which means I don’t have to pause what I love just because I’m on the move. I’ll keep myself busy with content creation, exploring new skills, and possibly learning a new language. I’ve fallen for Spanish lately, and there’s something exciting about learning on the go, one phrase or one podcast at a time.
Don’t take me wrong. I love travelling with my husband, sons, or friends, but that’s a completely different story.
✨How do you like to spend your free time outside your daily routine? Have you ever tried travelling solo or travelling by train to visit someone you love? Share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.
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