was more than wonderful because this time, unlike all the previous trips,  I knew I would never return, never have the flying experience again. Having cut right down on flying (I've just worked out I've had 11 flying holidays in my life) I fully embraced land travel last year, after a big family gathering in America. My final flight was unenjoyable enough for me to not miss it: the kids slumped sideways across the seats, me trying to sleep on the floor where it was noisy, hard and cold! Although the views of clouds from above are amazing, I dislike the overall experience of flying and always prefer travelling by train. It feels like such an adventure and I love the foldy out beds etc. My family doesn't really understand why I won't be flying but seem to accept it. There's talk of the next gathering being in mainland Europe - in our ancestral home of Italy. However, the Americans will all be flying over :( Great post, Sara and as I've just commented on Teen's post ( http://www.transitionnetwork.org/stories\\... ) I won't repeat myself but I do agree that the way to change people's behaviour begins with getting them to think about their carbon use - not to feel guilty about it. The negative feelings of guilt can make people switch off from a topic altogether. So I like the idea of a reduction pledge, a committment to ration one's carbon - save carbon as well as money before you