What’s the best way to see the world? Up in the sky, looking down as you fly to your destination? Or maybe you like to be in your own car, travelling at your own speed? Or is it by the oldest one of all, the train?
Train travel lost its glamour in the mid-20th century, but what was once passé is once again looking like the best way to travel around the country – and the globe. Train travel trumps any other kind in comfort, ease and luxury.
As the most energy-efficient way to travel, it’s also the smartest option as well. Let’s consider the benefits, and establish exactly why travelling by rail is the only way to do it.
Spacious And Comfortable
If the modern idea of travel instantly conjures up memories of an achy back, limited leg room and the distinct feeling of being a sardine, then travelling by rail is the way to go. Great Rail Journeys provide large, comfortable berths with your own bed.
And with a large picture window to watch the scenery roll by, there’ll be no neck craning or feeling of being hemmed in. You’ll have plenty of space on board and stretching your legs when on a long journey is always a pleasure.
Greener
In a day and age where we are increasingly aware of the effects our lifestyle can have on the planet, we have to understand the true cost of travel. The fact is, CO2 emissions caused by air travel just simply don’t add up to the idea of being a conscientious citizen of the world.
No matter how many trees you plant to ‘offset’ your hauls, travelling by rail ensures that the beautiful places you visit stay that way, meaning your travelling can be undertaken without a guilty conscience.
Sociable
Rail travel is a marathon, not a sprint, but that may be its virtue. Slowing down the pace a little allows you to explore the regions you visit, really getting to know where you are.
Many trains have dining cars and bars, so if you want to get to know your neighbours, you can pop out and mingle with your travel companions, truly embracing the adventure.
Avoid Airport Stress
This is an important one that many travelers consider a huge deal breaker. These days, there’s no getting around the tight security checks and the ensuing queues when boarding a plane.
On the other hand, trans-continental rail travel, departing from St. Pancras international, is entirely devoid of the stress and headaches caused by overzealous security.
See The Sights
Perhaps the greatest thing about travelling by rail is being able to see where you’re going. You can sit back and relax, watching the scenery change until you reach your destination.
Look out for travel tours as well, where tour managers are able to take you on guided tours of the stops along the way and provide you with the information and insight that will take your visit to a new level.
What is your preferred way of traveling?
(photo credit: 1)
Diana says
Can you give us any traveling by train recommendations? 😉
meghan says
Great article. I much prefer train travel to air travel when time and money permits! Would you be willing to caption the photos with locations? Those look like some beautiful trips!
Sofia says
Sure, just send me your questions in the contact form and I look forward to helping out. 🙂
Sofia says
Hi Meghan, glad you liked the article!
All photos are from Switzerland, the first two are from the Swiss Charter Trail on the Golden Pass line, the second one of Landwasser and the fourth one is taken in Canada.
Beautiful isn’t it 🙂
Andi says
Couldn’t agree more!
Kath says
I agree, with you to a point. Our trip on the Glacier Express was beautiful, but then there are the point to point trips where you see back gardens, recycling facilities, and the back side of every town. Still train travel how often can you say that your airplane was stopped due a cow on the tarmac?
Sofia says
Haha yeah I guess that’s true, but then again isn’t that part of the whole cultural experience? 😉
I loved traveling by train in Switzerland, if the train was ever as much as one minute late they apologized for the inconvenience..!
Debbie @ European Travelista says
Oh I do enjoy traveling by rail! It really is a very special way to travel for all the reasons you explained. There are times when driving is just necessary so sometimes you’ll see me zooming past you in a car 🙂
TO ABHA says
My love for trains will never die for various reasons, including comfort and convenience. Trains, probably safer than airplanes, unfold a rare opportunity to gaze at both beautiful and (sometimes) boring countryside that changes quickly in every long-distance journey and is not accessible otherwise.
Amit says
Traveling by Train is an adventure in its own..
I became habitual of train traveling.