As adults our days involve us hitting the ground running non-stop from the time we wake up. So naturally, when it comes to travel, we live by the same motto – grab the quickest flight, land, drop our bags and hit the streets. But in our haste to squeeze in as much as we can in as little time as possible, we actually miss a lot of the beauty this world we’re exploring has to offer.
Train travel allows us to slow things down, unplug a bit and really take in the journey. From gorgeous landscapes to undiscovered hidden gems, there’s a lot to love about rail adventures. Now the thought of traveling by train doesn’t immediately conjure images of luxury, but times have changed. Train journeys now afford you the same comforts and amenities you’d find in your favorite hotel – and the time to enjoy it.
These aren’t your momma and grandmomma’s trains trips. 24-hour butler service, lush suites with comfy beds, gourmet dining, sexy vibes, and epic views await you on some of the most luxurious trains in the world. If exploring by train wasn’t on your bucket list, allow us to change your mind and introduce you to three decadent journeys worth slowing down for.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Europe
Art deco glam, sultry vibes, decadent amenities, top-notch cuisine, and Europe as your backdrop, that’s what you can expect when you take a journey on Belmond’s luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train. Starting at just over $3,000 per person, the train travels overnight between London and Venice, and also offers a longer five day trip between Paris and Istanbul.
Editor’s Suite Choice: Book one of the Grand Suites for euphoric grandeur, private bathrooms, and free-flowing champagne.
Rovos Rail: Africa
The Motherland is vast with so much to explore, and the ability to take it all in is Rovos’ most luxurious amenity. With itineraries that explore South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Tanzania, guest can enjoy highlights like Cape Winelands, game reserves and Victoria Falls. The four-day Pretoria to Victoria Falls journey in the Pullman suite starts around $1,500 per person.
Editor’s Suite Choice: Unwind in the Deluxe Suites with en-suite bathrooms, stocked bar, and 24-hour room service.
Seven Stars: Kyushu, Japan
Known for being the most indulgent train in Japan, Seven Stars in Kyushu is an intimate, 14 suite, 30 person journey that’s so in demand guests are accepted by application lottery only. Seven Stars only offers two itineraries that start around $2,000 per person: a two-day trip around Fukuoka, and a four-day adventure that does a loop of the southern Japan island.
Editor’s Suite Choice: Be sure to ask for one of the 12 Suite Rooms and marvel at the intricate Japanese craftsmanship that includes walls of rosewood and maple, shoji paper screens and sliding glass doors etched with flowers and birds.