You might think that it is only serious coaster geeks that would travel long distances to experience a ride but that is not always the case. The journey can lead people to visiting destinations that they otherwise would not have considered and that is often a very good thing. Travelling to theme parks does not have to be about the park alone and can inspire a love for the entire region in which the park is located.

Germany

I had never had a great interest in visiting Germany. This was a country that I generally flew over or drove through en route to somewhere else until I succumbed to the need to visit Europa Park because I wanted to ride Silver Star. I had a great time at the park and wanted to return again and again but it was a long way from anywhere else I would normally go and so I decided to explore Southern Germany a little further to make the long journey more worthwhile. Since childhood I had been keen to see Schloss Neuschwanstein, the castle featured in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and travelling to Europa Park gave me the chance to do this. When I arrived in Bavaria I really loved the region and now I would like to travel more extensively in the area. The Castle was really amazing and I would have missed something very special had I not made that trip.

Italy

I was mad enough to ravel to Gardaland to ride Raptor shortly after it had opened. I probably wouldn’t normally have made the trip but the ride was the first B&M wingrider coaster and the park where I worked was to install a similar attraction the following year. I thought I would go on an exploratory mission knowing that the area around Lake Garda would be a wonderful place to stay. I had spent a lot of time in the area in the past and had been to Gardaland before but even I got a surprise. I stayed in Sirmione, a place I had not seen before, and discovered this most beautiful and historic town which I would love to experience again. I sat on the shores of the lake eating a rather splendid ice cream and thought that any coaster fans visiting Gardaland would surely be inspired to explore the wider region further.

Sweden

I now find that I want to visit Sweden. The Liseberg Amusement Park in Gothenburg is opening a new coaster in 2014 which is a Mack ride reminiscent of the brilliant Blue Fire at Europa Park. I have not considered travelling to Sweden before but the desire to try out the new ride has inspired an interest in the country and I now wonder why I did not consider a holiday there before. Time will tell whether I take to the place or not but I think a short break in Gothenburg with a visit to the park and some retail therapy would be very enjoyable. Knowing the Scandinavians, the park will be efficiently run and I am great fan of Scandinavian furnishings and homewares and so I really cannot lose on this trip!

I can’t speak for other coaster enthusiasts but in my case the international trips are certainly not all about the roller coasters. A theme park may inspire the trip but the actual holiday is rarely just about the rides.

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Article by Sally Stacey