The Antidote to Airport Fatigue
For decades, leisure travel was characterized by a rush to get there. Low-cost airlines promised fast, cheap routes across Europe, but at a high cost: long security lines, cramped seating, baggage fees, and the environmental impact of aviation. In response, a growing community of travellers is opting to slow down and take the train.
The slow travel movement is not just about reducing carbon emissions; it is a philosophy that embraces the geography, culture, and rhythm of transit.
“The train allows you to watch the landscape change, towns bleed into countryside, and borders dissolve. It makes the continent feel real.”
Jean-Luc Morel, Travel Writer
Sleeper Trains: The New Golden Age
Night trains are experiencing a massive renaissance across Europe. Operators like ÖBB Nightjet are expanding networks to connect cities like Vienna, Paris, Brussels, and Rome overnight. Travelling in a private sleeper cabin turns transit time into restful sleep, saving a night’s hotel cost and maximizing daytime exploring.
Two Iconic European Rail Routes
- The Bernina Express (Switzerland to Italy): A spectacular alpine journey crossing high glaciers and traversing tight circular loops down into palm-tree valleys.
- The Semmering Railway (Austria): The world’s first mountain railway, featuring brick viaducts, tunnels, and dramatic pine-forest scenery.