**This is a collaborative post**
Going on holiday is usually the highlight of your year. Some travellers prefer to do lots of shorter trips to break up the year, whereas some prefer one big extravagant adventure.
Rail holidays can fit the bill for both types of travellers. Booking train holidays means you can experience beautiful scenery whilst relaxing on a sustainable transport method. Here are some reasons why you should book a rail holiday this year.
Comfort and relaxation
There is nothing worse than undertaking a long journey feeling cramped and uncomfortable. Train travel offers spacious seating for even the longest of legs. If you are taking a daytime trip, the ability to move around the carriages as you please is a great way to keep muscle aches at bay.
Night travelling often surprises people as it is usually comfortable and spacious. Having a bed on a sleeper car feels as nice as being in a hotel for the night!
Train travel also has all the amenities you could need. Many operators provide sockets near or under your seat, meaning you can keep any devices charged to keep entertained – perfect for smaller adventurers. Food and drinks are usually available on longer journeys with a good menu to choose from.
Scenic routes that bring travel to life
There are some truly breathtaking landscapes on our planet, and sometimes train rides are the best way to experience them.
If you wanted to do a different kind of American adventure, the California Zephyr spans from Chicago to San Francisco, which is 2428 miles. The whole line would take almost 53 hours, crossing prairies, deserts and mountains.
The European continent is home to some of the most extensive rail networks in the world. You can hop between countries in shorter journeys, soaking in the different atmospheres. Why not head to Venice from Munich? One train ride takes you through three countries in just over 6 hours.
Sustainable travel for eco-conscious explorers
There is no escaping that the travel industry has some ways to go to be more sustainable. Train travel is significantly more eco-friendly than flights or car journeys. If you were to compare a train journey with a similar flight, there would be up to 96.5% fewer CO2 emissions.
Rail networks are also undergoing significant changes, such as electrification and the introduction of hydrogen-powered trains. Keeping carbon emissions as low as possible allows you to enjoy your journey a little bit more.
Convenient access to cities and remote regions
Many regions across the world are only accessible by train. Utilising this method of transport allows you to visit these places that many don’t and gain a unique perspective on your destination.
It isn’t only rural areas that benefit. For many, booking a holiday to a specific destination means staying there. The convenience of rail travel means you can do day excursions to other cities nearby without planning a complicated transfer or whole other holiday.