How 7 Different Countries Approach Travel Comfort

Travelling is one of life’s greatest joys, but let’s be honest, it’s not always the comfiest experience. Whether you’re catching a red-eye flight, stuck in a cramped car for hours, or juggling train connections with a heavy backpack, comfort sometimes takes a backseat to adventure.

But around the world, different cultures take unique approaches to making travel that little bit more enjoyable and, in some cases, more sustainable. From high-tech sleep pods in Japan to the slow, scenic railways of Norway, there’s a lot we can learn about making journeys not just bearable but genuinely enjoyable.

Why does comfort matter for travellers?

Comfort might seem like a luxury when you’re on the move, but it’s actually a key ingredient in helping you feel your best throughout your trip.

It helps to reduce stress

Getting from A to B can be stressful, especially when you’re navigating busy airports, long queues, or unexpected delays. Prioritising your comfort, whether it’s through what you wear or how you prepare, can help lower cortisol levels and keep travel stress in check.

A comfy Trtl Travel Pillow, noise-cancelling headphones, or even just planning ahead can make all the difference to your headspace.

It supports relaxation

Travelling should be part of the fun, not just a means to an end. When you’re physically comfortable, you’re more likely to relax, enjoy the scenery, and arrive at your destination in a better frame of mind. Whether it’s stretching your legs on a train journey or reclining your seat for a snooze, building in time to relax can help your whole trip feel more enjoyable.

It enhances your mood

Let’s face it: being uncomfortable can put anyone in a bad mood. That achy back from an awkward nap on the plane? It’ll follow you around for the rest of the day.

But small adjustments, like wearing breathing layers, packing snacks, or choosing the right travel pillow, can help you feel more positive and energised when you arrive. And that makes it easier to soak up every moment of your adventure.

How do different countries approach travelling comfortably?

Every country has its own travel quirks, from public transport etiquette to the gear the locals swear by. In some places, comfort is all about practicality. In others, it’s baked into the culture of slow, mindful travel.

1. Sweden

In Sweden, comfort and minimalism go hand in hand. Whether it’s the clean, quiet interiors of long-distance trains or the smooth efficiency of Arlanda Express airport transfers, Swedish transport is built for ease.

Swedes are big believers in “lagom” — a lifestyle concept meaning “just the right amount”. The extends to travel too: packing light, dressing in breathable layers, and allowing time for breaks along the way. It’s not uncommon to see travellers pausing for a “fika” — a cosy coffee break — mid-journey.

Top tip: If you’re travelling around Sweden, trains are often preferred over flying for their comfort, scenic routes, and sustainability.

2. Japan

Japan sets the gold standard for travel comfort, especially when it comes to public transport. The famous Shinkansen bullet trains aren’t just fast, they’re smooth, quiet, and impeccably clean, with reclining seats and plenty of legroom.

Comfort also means convenience. Vending machines, heated toilet seats, and lockers for your luggage are standard across stations. And while the pace is quick, Japanese travellers are known for being quiet and respectful in shared spaces, maintaining a calm and almost meditative environment.

Top tip: Many locals wear compression socks on long train rides or flights. They’re great for comfort and helping circulation, especially on extended journeys.

3. Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, comfort comes from slowing down and immersing yourself in the natural world. Travellers here often opt for eco-lodges, hammock naps, and open-air transport that puts you in touch with the elements. Think: jeep rides through rainforest roads or coastal boat taxis.

Comfort is less about plush luxury and more about living “pura vida” — the “pure life”. That means pacing your journey, staying hydrated, and embracing rest as part of the experience.

Top tip: Many eco-tourism providers encourage travellers to pack light, wear breathable clothes, and embrace downtime between hikes ot travel legs.

4. Netherlands

When it comes to comfort, the Dutch are all about practicality. Cities are designed with bikes, trams, and trains in mind, and everything runs on time (mostly).

Travelling by bike is not only sustainable, but surprisingly comfortable thanks to dedicated bike lanes, flat terrain, and well-connected routes. Even local trains have specific carriages for silence or extra legroom, catering to people’s different comfort preferences.

Top tip: Dutch transport infrastructure makes it easy to skip stressful driving and instead enjoy a scenic, smooth ride across the country.

5. Finland

In Finland, travel comfort is all about calm and quiet. Trains and buses are spacious and rarely crowded, and many travellers carry noise-cancelling headphones or book silent cabins for a more peaceful experience.

Long-distance trains often have sleep carriages, while airports include rest zones and even saunas! We’re not kidding, Helsinki Airport actually has a sauna you can book before your flight.

Top tip: Layer up with thermals in winter. Comfort here is about staying warm, rested and unbothered by the chill.

6. Canada

With such vast terrain, Canada puts a strong emphasis on long-distance travel comfort. Whether you’re travelling by VIA Rail sleeper train, a comfy long-haul bus, or a spacious domestic flight, comfort is key when you’re covering serious ground.

Canadians often travel with practical comforts like travel blankets, snacks, and entertainment apps for offline use. And in colder regions, it’s all about dressing smart — layers, waterproof gear, and warm accessories are essential.

Top tip: If you’re flying within the country, pack a travel pillow and an eye mask — many domestic flights are early and cross time zones.

7. Norway

Norway might just be the capital of scenic, slow travel. Whether you’re sailing through fjords, riding the famous Flåm Railway, or taking a bus through mountain passes, journeys are designed to showcase the view.

Comfort here is about presence — warm clothes, thermoses of tea, and plenty of stops along the way. Public transport is clean and reliable, and trains often offer panoramic windows to help you soak up the surroundings.

Top tip: For added comfort on overnight trains, upgrade to a sleep cabin; the cost is worth the extra rest.

Why is comfort important for long-distance travel?

When you’re heading off on a longer journey, comfort becomes more than just a nice-to-have. It can have a real impact on your physical wellbeing, energy levels, and how enjoyable your travel experience is overall.

• Promotes better sleep — Let’s face it, quality sleep is hard to come by when you’re stuck in an upright seat for hours. But comfort-focused travel gear and habits — like a supportive travel pillow, blackout eye mask, or even just choosing a quieter seat — can help you grab some proper rest en route.
  
  Catching even a short nap can leave you feeling refreshed, reduce the effects of jet lag and make those first few hours at your destination a lot more enjoyable. And let’s not forget: the more rested you are, the more resilient and upbeat you’ll feel when things (inevitably) don’t go to plan.
  
  

• Improves the travel experience — Comfortable travel allows you to actually enjoy the journey rather than just endure it. That could mean soaking up the scenery from a train window, feeling cosy in your travel clothes, or being able to focus on a book or podcast without constantly shifting in your seat.
  

  It’s also about reducing the little niggles that wear you down over time — from tight waistbands and aching necks to loud environments and poor seating. Investing in a few comfort upgrades can turn a long haul into a relaxing reset.

What are the health benefits of prioritising comfort when you travel?

Comfort isn’t just about feeling cosy; it can actually have a big impact on your physical and mental health while you’re on the move.

1. Reduces physical pain

Spending hours in the same position — whether it’s cramped in a car seat or folded into a budget airline row — can take its toll on your body. Common complaints include stiff necks, sore backs, and tight shoulders, especially if you’re carrying heavy luggage or sleeping in awkward positions.

Comfortable seating, regular movement, and ergonomic travel accessories can help reduce this strain and support better posture. Even something as simple as adjusting your seat angle can make a big difference.

Find out more about the health impacts of poor ergonomics on places with our blog.

2. Improves circulation

Sitting still for long periods can cause your circulation to slow down, particularly in your legs and feet. This can leave you feeling sluggish, swollen, or, in extreme cases, increase the risk of more serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Wearing compression socks is a simple and effective way to support healthy blood flow during long-distance travel. Our Trtl Compression Socks are designed to reduce swelling and keep you comfortable from take-off to touchdown.

3. Boosts the immune system

Travel can be tough on your immune system. Changing climates, disrupted sleep, and exposure to new environments (and germs) can all leave you feeling run-down. But comfort can help here, too.

When you’re rested, hydrated, and not battling physical discomfort, your body is better equipped to fend off bugs. Little touches like dressing for the climate, staying warm on chilly flights, and packing a few home comforts can go a long way in keeping you well.

4. Helps reduce anxiety

Travel anxiety is a real issue for many people, especially when there are delays, tight schedules, or unfamiliar surroundings involved. Building in comfort can help ease some of that anxiety by giving you more control over your experience.

Whether it’s listening to calming music or choosing seats that make you feel safer or more at ease, these small acts of comfort can help you stay calm and centred during your journey.

Does comfort influence the way you travel?

The way you approach comfort on the move doesn’t just shape how you feel during your journey; it can also change the kinds of trips you take, the choices you make, and even how long you’re willing to be away from home.

• It can encourage longer trips — When you know you can travel comfortably, you’re more likely to book longer journeys. The better you feel, the easier it is to stretch out your adventures; little luxuries like a good book or travel snacks can turn a daunting long-haul flight into something more manageable.
  
  
• Changes travel habits — Comfort can shape the way you move around once you’re abroad, too. Some travellers build in rest days between excursions, while others prefer slower modes of transport — like trains over planes — simply because they’re easier on the body and mind. Over time, these choices become habits, influencing the kind of traveller you become.
  
  
• Impact the choice of transport — If we’re being honest, we all weigh up comfort when deciding how to get somewhere. A budget flight might be cheap, but if the idea of a cramped seat for hours makes your shoulders ache in advance, you might choose a train instead. Likewise, some travellers happily pay a little extra for priority boarding or extra legroom seats because it makes the whole journey feel smoother.
  
  
• Affects accommodation choices — It’s not just how you get there, comfort often guides where you’ll stay, too. Some travellers look for hotels with big, cosy beds, blackout curtains, or wellness extras like spas and saunas. Others opt for eco-lodges or homestays, finding comfort in the slower pace and sustainable setup. However you define it, comfort usually ends up being the deciding factor between “that’ll do” or “this feels like home.”

How do different types of transportation affect comfort?

Not all journeys are created equal. The way you travel can make a big difference to how comfortable you feel along the way. Each mode of transport comes with its own perks and pitfalls.

• Planes — Flights are often the least comfortable option, especially in economy, where space is limited, the air is dry, and you might be stuck in one seat for hours. But there are tricks to make the experience better. A supportive travel pillow, plenty of water, and moving around the cabin when possible can help fight stiffness and fatigue. If you can, choosing an aisle seat gives you a bit more freedom to stretch your legs.
  
  
• Trains — For many travellers, trains are one of the most comfortable ways to get around. You’ve usually got more legroom, the chance to get up and walk around, and windows that turn the journey into part of the adventure. Some trains even offer sleep cabins or a quiet carriage for extra relaxation on the move.
  
  
• Cars — Road trips can be incredibly flexible and fun. You get to stop when you want, blast your favourite playlist, and enjoy the scenery. But being in the same seat for hours can cause back and neck aches if you’re not properly prepared.
  
  
• Buses and coaches — Buses and coaches tend to be the least spacious option, but they’re usually a more affordable option and well-connected, especially across Europe and South America. Overnight buses can actually save you the cost of accommodation, if you’re looking to budget.

Approach travel comfort differently with Trtl Travel

When it comes to travel, comfort is key. From reducing stress and boosting your mood to improving sleep and supporting your health, prioritising comfort can genuinely transform the way you experience your journey.

From our Packing pods to the comfort of the Trtl Travel Pillow, we’ve got the tools to keep you organised wherever the road takes you.

For more inspiration, check out our blog.