5 Things to Know When Booking Rail Vacations
There are few things we love more than boarding a train and exploring a new country, watching new sights pass us by right outside the window. But booking a successful train vacation is not as easy as it seems. If you’ve never booked a rail journey before or simply need a refresher, here are some essential tips to keep in mind.
1. Rail travel is growing more popular.
Since 2019, travelling by train has only grown more popular as people seek out more sustainable and convenient ways to explore the world. As well, as the world gets busier, slow travel has become a more appealing way to get around. There are few better methods of slow travel than rail travel, as a rail journey lets you sit back, relax, and take in the sights at an unhurried pace.
2. Know the differences between classes.
Not all rail classes are made equal. The general gist holds true across continents: first class is better than second class, and business class is typically better than both (although in North America, first class is the most premium level of service). But the specifics vary from continent to continent and country to country. For instance, in Europe, second class still comes with adequate seating and legroom; you aren’t getting your own private compartment, but you aren’t cramped. However, in parts of South Asia and Africa, second class can mean big crowds and little privacy.
Know what your clients want and tailor their rail class to what they need, meaning that second class might do on a train journey across Ireland, but first class is essential if travelling across India. Also, there are some rail journeys that go beyond premium to truly become an elegant adventure in their own right. These include The Ghan, Indian Pacific, and Spirit of Queensland trains in Australia and Rovos Rail in Southern Africa.
3. Take advantage of rail passes.
Rail passes might not be as outrageously affordable as they were in decades past, but they can still save your clients a lot of time and money if they know how to use them. While each individual rail pass varies, they typically allow unlimited travel on specific trains between specific dates, making it very easy for your clients to connect between cities and go on day trips outside major centres. Familiarize yourself with the various rail passes available in parts of the world, such as the Japan Rail Pass, the Eurail Pass, the BritRail Pass, and the Swiss Rail Pass to save your clients money and help them explore more efficiently.
4. Rail is a sustainable and exciting way to get around Europe.
There’s arguably no better way to get around Europe than by train. Sure, the discount airlines make jet-setting from one city to another affordable, but with the threat of delays and missed baggage and connections, there are better ways to get around. Enter rail travel, which is a calm and sustainable way to connect from city to city. Furthermore, there are some exceptional trips across Europe, including the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, which ventures to some of the most popular sites in the Swiss Alps, including the Matterhorn, Interlaken, and Lake Geneva. The journey promises panoramic views of mountains, exceptional service, and convenient access to all the best spots. Railtours Ireland First Class is also a great way to get around Ireland from Dublin to Killarney to Galway and beyond. It’s affordable, efficient, and the most comfortable way to travel.
5. Rail travel is great for bucket list vacations.
If your clients want to plan a bucket list vacation or explore destinations off the beaten path, they should consider a rail vacation. For instance, a journey aboard Rovos Rail takes travellers from Cape Town through the heart of Southern Africa en route to Victoria Falls and eventually the coast of Tanzania. The Ghan cuts through the heart of the Australian outback from Darwin to Adelaide, with opportunities to stop off at Uluru and Alice Springs. As well, rail can take your clients along the legendary Silk Road through The Stans of Central Asia. These countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, are rarely visited by westerners, but hold enormous historic and natural treasures.
Help your clients explore by rail and see the world in comfort and style.
