Is there anything more beautiful than arriving at your destination by land instead of air? In this solo episode, host Clara Francken shares exactly how she traveled from Greece to Germany without flying - using ferries, regional trains, high-speed trains, and even the most stunning Flixbus ride of her entire life.

This episode is a mix of stories, practical tips, cost breakdowns, and slow-travel inspiration. Whether you dream of doing an Interrail trip, want to reduce your travel footprint, or simply love hearing about chaotic but wholesome journeys… this one’s for you.

✨ Total cost: €254.80
✨ Route: Greece → Italy → Switzerland → Liechtenstein → Austria → Germany
✨ Best part: The views. The views!!

What we cover:

• Why I traveled overland instead of flying
• Ferries between Greek islands & Italy
• Night ferry experience (and the €9 hack!)
• Italy’s magical coastline trains
• A small meltdown in Bari’s train station
• The most beautiful Flixbus route I’ve ever taken
• Crossing Liechtenstein’s tiny railway
• Austria’s stunning Railjet trains
• Final reflections on sustainable travel

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• Follow the podcast on Instagram @traveldevilpod
• Connect with me on Instagram @clarafrancken
• Watch more on my YouTube channel

AI is transforming the way we travel, from how we plan our trips to how we book hotels and trains. But is it really sustainable?

In this solo episode of Travel Devil, host Clara Francken explores the climate footprint of artificial intelligence and its growing role in tourism. From ChatGPT to Gemini, she looks at how AI tools can both harm and help our planet - AND how travelers can use them responsibly.

We break down:

• How much energy AI actually consumes compared to Google
• Tips on how to use ChatGPT to plan your sustainable travel
• What travelers can do to limit the footprint of their tech use
• How AI can improve route planning, eco-hotel booking & local experiences
• Tools like EasyTrips, Biliki AI, GoodWings, Exploreo and Komoot making travel greener
• Why AI might one day fix its own carbon problem
• The balance between tech innovation and climate anxiety

This episode is for curious travelers, digital nomads, and eco-conscious listeners who want to explore smarter, without guilt.

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Want more?

• Follow the podcast on Instagram @traveldevilpod
• Connect with me on Instagram @clarafrancken
• Watch more on my YouTube channel

Have you ever imagined camping for free in someone’s backyard? In this episode of Travel Devil, host Clara Francken talks to Manon from "Welcome To My Garden", the Belgian non-profit platform that connects travelers with locals who offer their gardens as camping spots.

Together, we talk about how the project started, why it’s revolutionizing slow travel, and what it means for the future of sustainable tourism in Europe. Clara also shares her own experience cycling across Belgium and staying at Welcome To My Garden spots.

📌 In this episode:

• How Welcome To My Garden was born and what it stands for
• Why free camping empowers both locals and travelers
• The rise of community-led sustainable travel
• How to find or host your own garden on the platform
• Lessons learned from cycling from Belgium to Tokyo
• How small ideas can reshape tourism systems
• Difference between Welcome To My Garden and campsites or courchsurfing
• Future goals for the community

Whether you’re a cyclist, hiker, or just someone who loves meaningful travel, this episode will inspire you to slow down and reconnect, with nature and people.

🎧 Episode 44 of Travel Devil is out now on all podcast platforms!

sustainable travel • slow travel podcast • welcome to my garden • WTMG • eco travel • belgium travel • free camping europe • green travel ideas • cycling in belgium • responsible tourism • community-based travel • travel differently • backyard camping • local travel tips • travel devil podcast • clara francken podcast

Write us your thoughts on the show

Support the show

Want more?

• Follow the podcast on Instagram @traveldevilpod
• Connect with me on Instagram @clarafrancken
• Watch more on my YouTube channel