22 years after I first took Eurostar from London to Paris, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel on some of the most incredible rail routes in Europe and North America. From the legendary Glacier Express in Switzerland and the epic Southwest Chief from Chicago to Los Angeles to snaking alongside the Mediterranean on the Cote d’Azur and travelling past sparkling lakes and high reaching mountains through the Alps to Italy, the list goes on! Travelling by train is so much more than getting from A to B.
1. You see more when you take to the tracks
Whether it’s winding through the Swiss Alps, passing the Italian Lakes, taking in the Norwegian Fjords, arriving into one of Europe’s historic cities or crossing the Great Plains of America, the view is ever-changing. Travelling by train means you travel through these incredible open spaces and spectacular vistas rather than flying over them. It’s a relaxing, sometimes surprising, beautiful window to the world as you sit back, relax and watch a view that is often only possible by taking the train. And with wide, panoramic windows and in some cases, dome cars and observation carriages, you’ll want your camera at the ready for all that you’ll see from your seat!
2. Go on, treat yourself
Celebrating a special birthday or anniversary? Consider upgrading to First Class! On several rail routes around the world, the cost to upgrade can be minimal, so it’s a great way to get extra legroom, more space and more comfort for less than you might imagine.
3. Have an adventure and travel overnight
Take a sleeper train – not only is this a great way to experience rail travel in its most authentic form but it’s also a cost saver as you won’t need that night in a hotel. When you opt for one of the sleeping classes onboard Amtrak in the USA and VIA Rail in Canada, not only do you have private sleeping accommodation but all meals onboard, freshly prepared by private chefs, are included at no extra cost. And trust me those breakfast pancakes should not be missed, ever!
4. Multi-country made easy!
With interweaving high-speed networks throughout Europe, it truly is seamless to combine multi-country and multi-city trips. Berlin to Prague, onto Vienna and then to Budapest is effortless, easy and stress-free by rail. Think of it as cruising by land - it’s a wonderful way to see any number of iconic cities in different countries all on the same holiday – without the need to navigate between destinations!
5. City Centre to City Centre
There are no lengthy transfers with rail. Travel by train and you’ll arrive in the heart of your destination ready to start the next part of your adventure. Whilst those at the airport will still be waiting for their luggage at the carousel, you’ll be checked in at your hotel and enjoying a cold glass of something in a historic piazza.
6. Wheels all the way
Your luggage travels with you when you take the train and you’ll find ample storage space onboard by your seat. To make life easier around stations and getting on and off your train journeys, be sure to bring a suitcase with wheels! And as for what you can take on board, there are no liquid restrictions on rail. Why not take a bottle of Bordeaux to go with the baguettes you’ve picked up at one of the bakeries in the station to enjoy on the way to your next stop?
7. Closer than you think?
Breakfast in London, late lunch in Lyon. There are so many wonderful destinations that are just a few hours away from home. Whiz to Paris in just over 2 hours or Brussels in a little less and any number of fabulous destinations are within reach with just one easy connection - Bruges, Avignon, Cologne or Strasbourg to name just a few. Whilst right now we have to wait until we can explore again, there are so many incredible places to be seen and experience. Why not reach them by rail and turn a holiday into an unforgettable adventure?
