Hopping on your first rail adventure can be thrilling, with epic landscapes viewed from your cabin and the ability to pit stop in captivating places along the way. That’s the simple part, but how do you go about planning it all? And can you save money by looking in the right places? Read on…
Where do I start?
Where exactly to begin is a problem most would-be rail trippers have. “The first thing you need to consider is what type of journey is right for you,” says Matthew Lucas of traintravelexpert.com. “No two journeys are alike – the beauty of the Glacier Express in Switzerland provides a different experience to spending long days on the Trans-Siberian railway, as Europe melts into Asia.”
Working out your budget and timeframe, however, can help narrow down your options significantly, says Mark Smith of The Man in Seat 61 website (seat61.com): “You can also start planning at any time, there’s no need to book years ahead. Most trains only open for bookings 90 days before travel although some, such as the Eurostar, open up to 180 days ahead.”
Plus, in this digital age, train travel is finally catching up with flights and hotels, and now you can book seats for most rail journeys across the world with a simple press of a button. That in itself offers you flexibility as to when you book – you could seal your seat as soon as they’re made available, right up to (in theory) the day the train departs, without having to queue for hours at the ticket office.
If you’re still unsure where and for how long you’ll be away, then a rail pass is the best option for you. It lets you move about flexibly during any period of time. The Interrail Pass (interrail.eu) is the best known in Europe, but many others exist worldwide.
How can I save money?
Bu hikaye Wanderlust Travel Magazine dergisinin May 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Wanderlust Travel Magazine dergisinin May 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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
