But in reality, both in terms of cost and overall time, it isn’t always the case. Railways, after all, are found right in the heart of our towns and cities, meaning you don’t necessarily have to pay for further transport; buses, taxis etc.

But the plane can really bog you down. Unless it is a keenly contested route, coach/train companies charge a lot to get to airports. And after you’ve been ripped off by them, you go through the very drawn out process of check-in, security and finally – waiting for the plane. And it’s true what they say, the airport authorities like to get you to the airport early so you can spend your left over currency on pretend-discount perfume.

What am I saying here? I’m saying that if you book in advance, the train can be a much more pleasant and speedy experience than the plane. One of the main advantages is that you settle in for the entire duration (usually), you don’t get on a bus, then check-in, then go through security, then wait to board the plane – and then do much the same at the other end. With a train, you get on, sit down and you get some genuine quality time with yourself – whether it’s reading, writing or just vegetating as you watch the British countryside flash past.

Don’t forget the train.

The little train obsessed rascal has been giving his mum and dad a real headache, culminating in him attempting to purchase a real train ticket at his local station. They are concerned that one day his fascination with trains will end up with him sneaking onto the Tonbridge Express and making his escape for good.

Clearly no one has sat Toby down and enlightened him as regards how much the train to Tonbridge costs – indeed, how much the train to anywhere costs. When he finds out that his entire train set is worth less than a return trip to Tonbridge, he may well start developing a fascination with toy cars instead.

If he did manage to stow aboard a train, imagine his little face when he wanders up to buffet car and orders a can of Stella, only to be confronted with a £3 price tag. That’s more than his entire coal truck collection combined. Don’t even look at the cheese and pickle sandwich.

Someone should buy Toby the new M25 Matchbox set as soon as possible, to put a stop to his lofty public transport ambitions.