Would you take a daytrip from Ireland to Europe?

On Lunchtime Live this morning, one listener said flying into Europe for the day is a “cost-effective” and “adrenaline-filled” way to travel.

Matthew told the show that when his sister first began taking day trips, he thought it was “an absolutely crazy idea.”

“Then I went and did it and it was honestly the best idea,” he said.

“You're able to get so much done in that city in one day.

“You're straight in – you don't have any suitcases with you, you don't have to check into any hotel, you're just straight into the city and getting stuff done.”

Climate emergency

Travel writer Joan Scales said she started doing day trips a few months ago.

“This my fourth one in the last two months,” she said.

Flying is responsible for around 2.5% of the world’s CO2 and when other gases and the vapour trails produced by aircraft are taken into account, the industry is responsible for around 5% of global warming.

That is in a world where only a tiny proportion of the population fly regularly, with studies showing that even in richer countries, only around half the population fly once in any given year and just 12-15% are frequent fliers.

France last week banned domestic short-haul flights on routes where train alternatives exist – with French consumer group UFC-Que Choisir warning that a flight emits around 77 time more CO2 per passenger than the train on those routes.

A Ryanair flight takes off from Dublin Airport's North Runway. Picture by: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie

Ms Scales said concerns around the impact of air travel on the climate crisis can be counteracted by Ryanair’s work toward greener travel.

“Ryanair has the lowest CO2 emissions and in Europe because they have the newest aircraft,” she said.

“You can also offset your CO2 emissions if you feel that's important as well.”

Early flights

Matthew said the excitement of travelling negates the exhaustion from the early morning flight.

“There's an adrenaline rush there to get stuff done, you're on a mission to get stuff done,” he said.

“We planned out a few things and made an itinerary, but you discover things as you're walking by and the itinerary is always kind of messed up.”

Matthew said the travel is cost-effective because you do not have to pay for accommodation.

“You're not paying for any suitcases, you're not paying for accommodation … first flight over, last flight back,” he said.

‘Bring your backpack’

Michaela told the show she travelled from Ireland to London to see a concert.

“I just went over, booked a €20 flight and headed over in the morning,” she said.

“I took myself for a nice day-date and then flew out the following day after eating my way through Camden town.

“Just bring your backpack, get your early flight and the adrenaline keeps you going.

“See something different rather than just sitting in your garden.

“It won't replace obviously a lovely sun holiday full of cocktails but it's definitely nice to have little trips to look forward to.”

Cheap and easy

Katie made the most of her day trip to Pisa when she stopped over on her way home from Malta to Ireland.

“I flew from Malta to Pisa for €14 and then I went off and got myself some wine and pizza in Pisa,” she said.

“I saw the Leaning Tower of Pisa and in total, I spent €26 when I was there.

“It costs a lot to bring people [on holiday] so the day trips are cheap, easy trips away.”

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