Help me persuade my boss that train is best
10 September 2007
My boss and I are attending a three-day meeting in Vienna this December, and I need to arrange the transport. How can I find out how to get there without flying?
I know my boss will say that it’s not worth taking the train as it will take too long and probably be more expensive than flying. Do you have any suggestions of how to persuade her that it’s a good idea?
Emily Morrell, London
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Comments
I would rather go by boat
I would rather go by boat because last time I went on a royal caribbean cruise and I simply fell in love with the sea, but of course the train is the best mean of transport by land and has affordable prices.
I have used seat61.com as
I have used seat61.com as well to find the best rate from Wienna to Rome last summer. rome accommodation
Eco Travel Advice
I share your concerns with current travel methods, why not have a look at www.EcoTravelling.co.uk, I have found it really useful.
They have a great article called "Plane or Train?" which gives some very sound arguments.
Tell your boss you're scared!
I managed to get out flying to a meeting in Brussels by:
a) Telling my boss I was terrified of flying (which I am but not for the reasons she thinks), and;
b) Emphasising the slightly longer but more comfortable journey would allow me to work , whereas a journey by air would mostly be spent in check-in, security checks, and departure lounges, etc.
And if you boss is worried about the time of the journey, why not get an overnight train?
Do you need to go?
Demand for transport is a derived demand, in this instance brought about through the holding of a meeting in Vienna, requiring attendees to travel a large distance to attend. Would the best way not be to reduce the demand for travel at source? A wide range of e-tools are available nowadays in order that meetings can take place without everyone being in the same place - could this not be done via a conference call?
Good news
While it's great to see the previous poster's concern for countyside and animals, Vienna already has good rail links, so no new tracks would be needed to accommodate Emily.
And the Channel Tunnel means she wouldn't have to switch to ferry.
Good news all round!
Jess - Editor
travel
Although you don't mention what part of the UK you are travelling from your best bet could well be easyjet direct from london luton to vienna.
To take the train you will be advocating building of new tracks through countryside harming animals uasually declared safe. You will also need to travel by ferry - these ships pump out all sorts of pollutants into the marine atmosphere as well as contamination the water with oil residues.
Please just think of the planet and fly
Train or plane
If you're that disinterested in travelling, to the extent that you'd inconvenience your employer, why not get a job where you won't be expected to travel anywhere. Or you could try VIDEOCONFERENCING.
Look at carbon emissions for the whole business
Would try to persuade management that as a responsible, progressive employer they should be reducing overall emissions from heating, electricity, travel etc. Get some external speakers in at lunch time. Create some carbon champions. Have a look at this guide about greening your office from LSx. Get staff to work out home emissions. You want to create an environment in which even your boss doesn't think she should fly to Vienna. Best of luck.
Seat 61.com
I'm surprised no one has mentioned it yet, but seat61.com will provide you will all the travel information you could wish for (and then some!).
If you're going to travel by rail through Europe, go by overnight sleeper. Leave late, arrive early - meaning that instead of being up at 4:30 and slogging it to the airport, you can leave work after lunch, board the train, sleep for most of the journey and arrive at a reasonable time in the morning.
To be in Vienna by 8:40am, you'd need to leave Waterloo by 3:15 in the afternoon the day before. Yes, it's slower - but you can work on the train (good for your boss, bad for you!).
Seat 61
Have a look at seat61.com for excellent advice on travelling long distance by train and ferry cheaply.
http://www.seat61.com/Austria.htm#Vienna
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