Imagine joining Aline, Luca, and Simon on their remarkable journey from Switzerland to Finland—an adventure without flying that has redefined the idea of corporate slow travel.
Today, we’re taking you on a thrilling adventure from Switzerland to Finland without using air travel. This experience is part of the Bachelor's program in Business Economics at Business TeamAcademy, offering students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a three-week learning journey in Finland.
Concerned about reducing their ecological footprint, fully enjoying the journey, and creating unforgettable memories together, part of the class decided to undertake this trip without flying.
An Extraordinary Adventure
Imagine stepping away from the familiar setting of your office in Switzerland—not to rush to the airport, but to begin a journey to Finland, filled with discoveries, shared moments, and a slow progression toward your destination. This is the adventure my team and I chose to embrace, favoring rail over air, winding roads over direct flight paths—for a truly unique slow travel corporate experience.
The Departure: A Bold Decision
It all started with a slightly crazy idea during a team meeting: Why not turn our upcoming business trip to Finland into an opportunity to strengthen our bonds, explore new horizons, and practice slow travel—an approach that values the quality of the experience over the speed of the journey? The idea took root, and we decided to rise to the challenge.
The Itinerary: Between Rails and Roads
Our journey began with a scenic train ride through the Swiss Alps—an experience in itself, filled with breathtaking views and unforgettable shared moments. Each stop was a chance to discover a new city, a new culture, and to truly live the journey. We then took a night train to Hamburg and then Stockholm, followed by a ferry crossing the North Sea. For the return, we traveled by bus from Helsinki to Warsaw, then made our way back to Switzerland by train via Berlin.
Slow Travel in the Corporate World: A Positive Takeaway
This adventure reshaped our concept of business travel. By choosing the road less traveled, we not only discovered new ways of working together, but also learned the value of slowing down, reflecting, and opening ourselves to the world. The benefits to our team cohesion, creativity, and overall well-being were undeniable. Aside from the bus ride, we’d repeat the entire journey without hesitation—whether for business or for pleasure.
In Conclusion: An Invitation to Travel
Our flight-free journey from Switzerland to Finland was a revelation. It proved that it’s possible to combine professional goals with a more conscious and enriching approach to travel. This experience changed how we view slow travel in a corporate context—not as a limitation, but as a chance to rediscover the joy of traveling, working, and connecting with others and the world.
So, are you ready to try slow travel for your next business trip?
Live the experience with your team