If you’re a keen adventurer, you’ll want to make the most of your trip abroad. Choosing to travel by train allows you to see so much more than if you were to fly – in fact, the journey to your destination becomes an exciting part of the trip itself, allowing you to enjoy every moment. To help you plan your next big escape, here are three reasons opting for train travel means you won’t waste a minute.
Comfortable, convenient exploration
Flights are notorious for being stressful experiences – they can even be harsh on our physical health. But during a train journey, you can get up, walk around and easily access the toilet and cafe carriage (if there’s one available). You have plenty more legroom and room for your luggage, making the whole experience far more comfortable. Plus, it’s a convenient option – you don’t have to worry about your luggage fitting certain weight requirements, or making it through the long security queues like you would if you were catching a flight.
One of the biggest perks of travelling by train is that it allows you to take a more flexible route. Whether you want to stay on the train until you reach your final destination or hop off at different locations along the way, there’s the potential to fit lots of different places and experiences into your trip. Just make sure that any ticket you purchase allows for this – it’s a good idea to speak to train staff before purchasing your ticket in another country, to reduce the risk of miscommunication.
Stunning landscape views
One of the biggest reasons to choose train travel is that the journey doesn’t feel like wasted time. Instead of zoning out in an airport or staring at the back of a seat, you’re actually watching the world go by. Cities slowly turn into suburbs, then open countryside, then somewhere completely different. You pass small towns you’d never stop in otherwise, see how people live outside the big tourist spots, and get a much better sense of distance and place. It makes the trip feel more connected and less rushed, like you’re easing into your destination instead of being dropped there. The ride itself becomes something you remember.
Lonely Planet lists 23 stunning rail journeys to consider for your trip, depending on where in the world you find yourself. Whether you want to see the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies between Vancouver and Jasper, or enjoy sprawling views across the Kenyan savannah between Mombasa and Nairobi, there’s plenty to be seen on a train journey.
A planet-friendly experience
According to Original Travel, the carbon footprint of travel is 35g per kilometer for a train journey, compared to 148g for a long-haul flight. So, if you want to make your trip a more planet-friendly experience, you should definitely consider travelling by train.
To boost the eco credentials of your adventure, make sure to plan your route ahead of time. Some train journeys are more sustainable than others, depending on things like the length of the journey and whether or not the train company is committed to lowering their carbon footprint.
There are so many reasons to choose train travel for your next big trip. Plan your journey wisely, and you can have an adventure that’s convenient, enjoyable, and kind to the planet.
About Peter C.
Peter is a digital nomad who largely writes from Asia, Europe, and South America. Always following the "vibe," he sets up shop in hostels and AirBNB's and continues to entertain us with wild stories from life abroad. Ask him anything in our community forum. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
