Luxury Train Travel: Planning A Unique Vacation

By Neil Ryberg

In the days when train travel was the standard means of transportation, luxury train travel was available to those with the money and time to enjoy it. Today, you don't have to be rich or famous to experience the same time of luxurious appointments when traveling by rail. In Europe, North America, Australia and Asia you can choose private railway cars for your trip. The reason for the trip doesn't have to be earth-shaking, some people choose a birthday, anniversary or business meeting with a unique location.

Private rail cars are available in various styles. The restored cars can date back to the 1900s, but the restored in everything from Victorian to the the 1950s. Typically, the cars provide nostalgia but are also exceptional in including all the comforts of a moving hotel suite.

A private rail car includes such things as multiple private bedrooms, a shower, meal buffet, cocktail lounge, television and VCR players. If you prefer your music via tape deck or a CD player, that's just a part of the amenities provided on today's luxury cars. In addition to all the creature comforts, you get the benefit of the scenery surrounding the tracks on which you travel.

A business boardroom can be on wheels if you choose a railway car. Chartered trains can be selected that includes an experienced chef to take care of the kitchen. If you and your fellow executives need to work, but don't need to be confined to a smoky room, make your next business meeting an adventure not just a conference.

In Europe, travelers often choose train travel in private railway cars to get a group from home town to a sporting event. While traveling to watch your favorite football team or racing event, choose a railway car for luxurious surroundings and full amenities. You don't have to make a pit stop or fight traffic, just climb on the train and enjoy the trip.

When traveling by luxury car, you will be able to enjoy trips as short as an hour or two, sometimes including a catered meal. Those who have more time to spend can charter a day car. This is suitable for business meetings or short trips to points of interest for a group. You may rent a car that works well for a single family vacation set up for all the needs of a family, but with awesome scenery at no extra charge.

Perhaps the most well-known luxury train travel from history is a trip on the Orient Express. Whether or not you get a chance to make a similar trip, the idea of luxury in a train trip is intriguing. It may be echoed with trips today on railways around the globe.

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