There hasn't been this much excitement about locomotion in Europe since George Stephenson's Rocket was breaking records in the late 1920s. It's a perfect storm. The climate crisis has combined with a host of other factors to make train travel more popular than ever, and many railways are now recording higher passenger numbers than before the pandemic.
There are many reasons for this: the value placed on slow travel, environmental awareness, flight shame, airport queues and new rail services are just a few. Added to these is a new wave of ticket offers. Anxiety over climate change has led many progressive governments to offer lower prices on public transport, and some of these are available to visitors. In Germany, the £43 D-Ticket confers free use of local public transport for a month; in Spain, short- and medium-distance RENFE trains are free in 2023. For the latter, a small deposit (£9-17) is required, which is then refundable after 16 trips; and while a tourist is unlikely to use the pass enough to earn the refund, the saving made on two journeys can be enough to justify the outlay. Proof positive that travellers like the idea of exploring by train is the selling out in 2023 of the six-day itinerary of the new Le Grand Tour luxury train in France, despite its eye-watering cost. Developed by the Puy du Fou themepark team, this Belle Époque-style train travels 4,000km and takes in some of the country's most famous sights.
A rival at the top end of the market will be the Orient Express La Dolce Vita in Italy, for which a start date has yet to be announced. Created by Accor Hotels, the train's interiors are inspired by Italian decor from the 1960s and '70s. Eight one- and two-night itineraries are planned.
Esta historia es de la edición June/July 2023 de Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
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Esta historia es de la edición June/July 2023 de Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
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Vermont, USA
The Wanderlust team relocated to New England for part of this issue, as we explored a lush state filled with outdoor escapes, historic towns... and lashings of maple syrup
Unique North America
See a side to the USA and Canada beyond the big cities and discover incredible stories and special wildlife with our pick of the trips
The call of the Rockies
From historic ski lodges to rustic backcountry cabins and a mock-Scottish castle, we pick the stays in Canada's Rocky Mountains that make the most of their setting
A new dawn for the Garifuna community
When the Garifuna people settled in Belize, they had to carry their traditions and culture with them; now a new trail is inviting visitors to explore this heritage through local communities
On the edge of history
In south-west Colorado lies the largest archaeological preserve in the USA, a series of vast cliff dwellings whose residents 'vanished' overnight. But was the answer to their disappearance in plain sight?
Tigers burning bright
As India celebrates 50 years of its Project Tiger conservation scheme, we visit the reserves of Madhya Pradesh to see how its success has impacted a tiger population that once looked in danger of disappearing
SEASON'S GREETINGS
From fiery fall foliage to art fairs and harvest festivals, opens up a wealth of across the USA and Canada autumn experiences
Waking a sleeping GIANT
A slow drive along the North Wales Way, from the English border to Anglesey, reveals not only a land of incredible local food and castles, but a region that is slowly reimagining itself
The rebirth of old JEDDAH
As efforts to restore Al-Balad, Jeddah's historical district, take hold, we get an exclusive peek at how art and culture are taking centre stage
Star-studded escapes
Wilderness, history and wildlife combine at some of Britain's most iconic stargazing sites, as more and more travellers are looking to the heavens
