Flightless Tales
Car, boat or train – but definitely no planes ✈️🚫
We’re travelling from Australia to Europe — without flying.
This is where it all begins.
About us
G’day and welcome to Flightless Tales. We’re Tania & Russell; two Aussies in our Early 60’s who have a serious case of wanderlust … and a firm no-fly policy.
That’s right — no planes here!
Our Stories
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Singapore— More Than a Stopover
We have arrived — and we’re excited to see what Singapore has to offer. Immediately, Singapore feels different. First, there’s the humidity — sitting just one degree north of the equator, the heat wraps around you the moment you step outside. Secondly, everything feels clean, organised and surprisingly safe.
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Experiencing the World Not Flying Over It
The truth is, sometimes the ship itself becomes part of the destination.
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Bali — Russell Survived Bali
After four days at sea sailing along the west coast of Australia, we arrived in Bali, Indonesia at 7am, due to depart again for Phuket at 5pm the very same day. As I’ve mentioned before, Bali was never really on our bucket list. (Russ doesn’t actually have a travel bucket list.) From what friends and…
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Leaving Australia by Sea
Leaving Australia by Sea
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Crossing Australia by Rail: Adelaide to Fremantle on the Indian Pacific
From Adelaide to Fremantle aboard the Indian Pacific, this three-night rail journey across Australia marked the moment our no-fly adventure truly began — through the Nullarbor, Rawlinna Station, and life onboard one of Australia’s great trains.
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Crossing Australia: Where It Became Real
A road trip across Australia that quietly changed everything — long roads, unexpected moments, and the point where our journey became real.
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It Was Never Going to be a Direct Journey
It was a strange mix of certainty and uncertainty—of plans in place, and emotions that didn’t quite settle. The road ahead was mapped, but what it would feel like to travel it, was something we were only just beginning to understand.
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How Did We Even Start?
A white Christmas had always been one of those distant dreams when you grow up in Australia. When it became a real possibility I got excited to start planning But where do we start?
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Why We Travelled from Australia to Switzerland Without Flying
I want to see that one day. Not just snow — but a white Christmas. Hubby’s response was simple: “If you can get me there on a boat, I’ll come.”