5 train routes you should try this year
These days when most people start planning their holidays they turn to budget flights as the quickest, cheapest option. And while this is often the case, one thing you don’t get when you’re flying with a budget airline is a sense of adventure, like you get when you’re standing at a platform waiting for your train to come in.
Train travel is becoming an increasingly popular option for intrepid seniors looking for a holiday with a point of difference, and there are more options than you might think. Here’s our rundown of the rail adventures that were big in 2017.
We’ve also included a rundown of five emerging rail-based destinations that aren’t on traveller’s radars yet.
1. The Rocky Mountaineer – Canada
The Rocky Mountaineer was one of the best sellers last year, and if you look at some of the scenery these trains wind through it’s easy to understand why. With a range of itineraries available, the Rocky Mountaineer looks like it’s going to be just as popular in 2018 with travellers looking to get acquainted with the natural beauty of Canada.
2. The Ghan – Australia
The Ghan may well be Australia’s most famous train journey, and if you haven’t experienced it yet 2018 is shaping up as a great year to give it a try. Rail Plus reported a 75 per cent surge in interest for Australian based train trips last year, and few routes showcase the rugged beauty of our sunburnt country as convincingly as The Ghan.
3. The Canadian – Canada
Interest for rail travel in Canada is surging, and The Canadian provides a luxurious option for those who are looking to explore the country’s five most southern provinces; British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.
4. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express saw a substantial increase in interest last year, with travellers turning away from the sardine treatment of European budget airlines, to enjoy a more refined look at the history and culture of the continent.
5. Grand Train Tour of Switzerland
Switzerland isn’t the cheapest destination to visit by any stretch of the imagination, but senior travellers are making huge savings by utilising the value of a Swiss Travel Pass. With it, you get unlimited travel on all Swiss public transport and a range of the country’s most idyllic scenic routes, as well as bonus discounts and add-ons.