The Allure of Train Travel: Exploring the Journey Beyond the Destination

When it comes to exploring new and different ways of travel, train journeys offer a unique appeal that’s hard to replicate. Whether winding through the scenic countryside of Europe or navigating urban hubs, train travel provides an enriching experience that is equal to transportation and adventure.

What is the allure of travelling by train?

1. Direct Access to City Centers
Unlike airports that often sit on the outskirts of cities, train stations drop you right into the heart of the action. This means less time commuting and more time exploring.

2. Comfort and Convenience
Spacious seating, legroom, and ample luggage compartments make trains a haven for travelers looking for a relaxed journey. Some trains even offer dining cars, private compartments, and entertainment options, elevating comfort to luxury.

3. Sustainability
Train travel boasts one of the lowest carbon footprints in the travel industry, making it a preferred choice for eco-conscious travelers. High-speed trains, in particular, are incredibly energy-efficient, combining speed and sustainability seamlessly.

4. Scenic Transit
Forget cramped flights; train journeys turn transit into an experience. Whether you’re traveling through Europe’s rolling vineyards or along the dramatic coastline, the views are unforgettable.

Challenges to Keep in Mind from a personal perspective

While train travel offers a wealth of benefits, it’s not without its challenges. In Europe, delays caused by strikes and extreme weather can disrupt itineraries, while in South Africa, issues such as power outages and cable theft have historically posed problems, often linked to past load-shedding schedules.

My wife and I experienced this firsthand during a journey on the Rovos Rail from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg. Traveling through Zimbabwe was seamless, but once we entered South Africa, challenges arose. Cable theft and power outages forced a reroute through Hoedspruit, ultimately requiring us to take a bus from Mbombela (Nelspruit) back to Johannesburg. While the detour wasn’t ideal, the excellent food and free-flowing drinks on the train helped soften the blow—except for one complication: I had an MBA thesis deadline looming, which added an extra layer of stress to the trip!

That said, it’s worth noting this was back in 2019, a time when many systems in South Africa were under significant strain. Since then, considerable progress has been made, especially in stabilizing the country’s power supply, making such disruptions less common today.

Making the Most of Train Travel

Planning is everything. Booking tickets well in advance secures better fares and availability, especially for popular routes like the Eurostar. Understanding fare conditions and investing in refundable options where possible can also help navigate unexpected disruptions.

At Checkout Travel, we’re here to help you plan the ultimate train adventure, ensuring that your journey is as memorable as your destination.

Ready to explore the world by rail? Let’s get started!

PS…the goggles are what you get when you travel on Rovos so you can stick your head out the window and not get knocked out by debris flying around 🙂