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Selene Nelson February 11, 2026

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Travel is one of life’s greatest joys…but it can be surprisingly stressful. Between delayed flights, long airport queues, and the pressure to cram in attractions, it’s no wonder that many of us have returned from a holiday feeling like we need another break. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

In today’s fast-paced world, where speed and efficiency often take priority, more travellers are choosing to take a slower, more mindful approach. True joy in travel comes not from rushing, but from making meaningful connections; having immersive, authentic experiences; engaging with local culture; and developing a deeper appreciation of a place and its people.

For these travellers, savouring the journey is as important as reaching the destination – and one of the best ways to do this is to travel by train. To explore the joys of train travel, we’ve partnered with Intrepid, who have been helping people explore the world since 1989. On an Intrepid rail adventure, you’ll uncover hidden gems, form new friendships, and create memories that last a lifetime.

And, until March 2nd, you can lock in your trip with a £1 deposit. T&Cs apply.

So, if you’re planning your next holiday, why not consider a rail journey? Here are seven compelling reasons to discover the world by train.

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1. You can visit incredible destinations

You can visit incredible destinations

One of the great joys of train travel is how naturally it fits so many destinations. In Asia, for example, Intrepid’s 10-day Malaysia Jungle Railway Adventure takes you from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore via the scenic route, rolling past tropical forests, rural villages, bustling cities, and limestone cliffs. Along the way, you’ll visit the idyllic Perhentian Islands, the tiger-prowled forests of Taman Negara National Park – where you’ll learn survival skills from local tribes – and feast on mouthwatering street food.

Across the Atlantic, North America offers its own unforgettable routes. The 10-day Eastern Canada by Rail trip connects Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City, and Montreal, combining rail journeys with bike tours, national park hikes, and a scenic Thousand Islands cruise. Uncover the French influence in bohemian Quebec City, take a day trip to Niagara Falls, visit the scenic Ile d’Orleans, and sample delicious local dishes like poutine.

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2. The views are unrivalled

The views are unrivalled

Part of the beauty of train travel lies in the unique perspective it offers. While planes take you high above the clouds and motorways cut right through nature, trains carry you directly into the heart of a country. You glide past rolling fields, along dramatic coastlines, through mountain passes, and into quiet rural villages, catching glimpses of everyday life and beautiful landscapes that would otherwise be missed.

From the lush tea plantations of Sri Lanka to the snow-swathed peaks of the Swiss Alps, trains can take you close to some of the most spectacular landscapes imaginable. Instead of watching the world from thousands of feet above, you’ll have time and space to truly take it in – many trains even feature panoramic windows to maximise views. With no roads to watch or clouds to block the horizon, you can comfortably sit back and let the scenery unfold.

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3. You can meet more people

You can meet more people

Travelling by train encourages you to connect with more than just your surroundings…and one of the more surprising pleasures of rail travel is the way the experience brings people together. In many countries, trains are the most common way to get around, and journeys can present unexpected encounters that add richness and meaning to your experience. On the Classic Rajasthan tour through India, for example, you’re almost guaranteed to meet people from all walks of life.

From striking up a conversation with the person next to you to enjoying meals in the dining carriage, trains create natural opportunities for interaction. Unlike airports, stations are often right in the heart of towns and cities, bringing you closer to the rhythms of local life. From rubbing shoulders with commuters to seeing families go about their daily routines, rail travel immerses you in everyday culture, turning a simple journey into a deeper connection with a place and its people.

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4. It’s more comfortable

It’s more comfortable

Compared with planes, coaches, or cars, trains offer a far more comfortable experience. The seats are spacious, there’s plenty of leg room, and if you feel like stretching, you can simply get up and wander along the carriage without worrying about seatbelts or blocking the aisle. Modern trains are also designed for convenience. Instead of the tiny fold-down trays you find on planes, you’ll have full-sized tables, Wi-Fi, and charging points…perfect for watching a film on your laptop or doing some travel planning.

Many trains also have dining cars where you can enjoy a proper sit-down meal, while some offer sleeper cabins, transforming long journeys into cosy overnight adventures. There are plenty of Intrepid trips that utilise sleeper carriages, especially in Asia. The Scenic Vietnam tour includes two nights on overnight trains as it takes you from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. On the Tibet: Beijing to Kathmandu Overland tour, you can admire views of moonlit, snow-dusted peaks as you travel by night along the world’s highest railway.

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5. It’s less stressful

One of the biggest perks of train travel is that it’s much less stressful than flying. Because stations are usually in the city centre, you can skip the long transfers, crowded motorways, traffic jams, and the hassle of parking. The check-in experience is more relaxed, too; there’s no need to arrive hours in advance, security is quick and easy, and you don’t have to worry about liquid limits or luggage weight. Perhaps best of all, there’s no frantic dash to reach an unexpectedly distant departure gate.

While delays do happen, they’re generally far less disruptive than at airports. Your luggage stays with you and, if you’re waiting around, you can step out and explore the town instead of being stuck in a soulless terminal. On the Best of Italy tour, for example, you’ll travel from iconic cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice by rail. And for nervous flyers, trains offer another comfort: no turbulence, no white-knuckle takeoffs or landings…just a smooth journey where you can sit back and enjoy the ride.

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6. It’s greener

Many of us are looking for ways to live more sustainably, and Intrepid’s research shows that 87% of travellers would consider alternative transport if it reduced their carbon footprint. Fortunately, train travel is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to do that. Compared with cars and planes, trains can produce up to 80% fewer carbon emissions, making them one of the greenest travel options available.

For trips that begin in Paris, like the Paris to Rome by Rail, you can even hop on the Eurostar from St Pancras, avoiding the need for planes or cars altogether. And as Intrepid’s rail journeys prove, travelling sustainably doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. Instead, it’s an effortless way to shrink your environmental impact while gaining a more immersive travel experience.

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7. It’s more romantic

Finally, there’s a unique, timeless romance to train travel, even if you’re travelling solo. Maybe it’s the countless farewell scenes on station platforms in film and literature, the rhythmic clatter of wheels on the tracks, or the nostalgia of lamplit stations and the whistle at departure. Plus, legendary journeys like the Orient Express only heighten the allure, evoking images of old-world glamour, with sophisticated passengers, elegant carriages, and lavish meals served in style.

Unlike planes, which remove you from the world, or cars, which demand constant focus, trains invite you to gaze out of the window and enjoy the intimacy of the journey. There’s a sense of intrigue in watching strange towns pass by, and observing unknown people boarding and disembarking – more quiet reminders that the journey is just as important as the destination.

Final thoughts…

In a world fixated on speed and instant gratification, there’s something quite magical about choosing to travel slowly. More than any other mode of transport, trains encourage you to pause, savour your surroundings, and notice the details you might otherwise miss.

Rail travel is also kinder to the planet, gentler on stress levels, and creates opportunities for deeper connections – not just with your destination, but with the people you meet along the way. It isn’t just about getting from A to B; it’s about rediscovering the joy of the journey itself.

With Intrepid’s rail adventures, each trip becomes an experience in its own right, filled with beautiful scenery, meaningful encounters, and memories that will last a lifetime. So, whether you’re dreaming of visiting far-flung countries like India, Thailand, or Vietnam, or staying closer to home and exploring places like Italy, Spain, or Scotland, why not consider travelling by train?

Often, the greatest joys of travel are found when you slow down, and with an Intrepid rail tour, you’ll have the chance to savour every moment.

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Selene Nelson

Selene Nelson is an author, freelance journalist, and lifestyle writer for Rest Less. After graduating from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature, Selene began contributing to many major newspapers and websites, and has written for the BBC, The Sunday Times, The Independent, Town & Country, and HuffPost. Her specialist subjects include food, travel, and health, though she enjoys writing about a wide range of topics (e.g. her two books are about veganism and psychopathy, respectively!). She enjoys cooking (particularly pasta and Asian noodle soups), reading, travelling, hiking, attempting to keep fit, and watching animal videos on YouTube.

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