Travellers are seeking much more than time away and great weather when it comes to choosing their next holiday. Instead, soaking up a destination's true culture and making more of the journey itself is high on the agenda - a trend known as slow travel.
Setting a relaxing pace from the outset, and ensuring you get a taste of local life from the heart of a destination, it's clear to see why slow travel is becoming increasingly more popular, with a rise in the trend.
Whether slow travel is already second nature to you, or you're considering how you can approach your next adventure slightly differently, it's worth keeping in mind the many benefits that can be achieved when you go slow.
Never miss a thing:
Slow doesn't mean you have to miss out, instead it's quite the opposite.
Remove your head quite literally from the clouds with a flightless holiday, giving you the opportunity to see far more than you would have otherwise done from the air. You can fully immerse yourself as you travel through panoramic views and breath-taking scenery, truly highlighting the beauty of rail travel.
Slow travel provides you with a new perspective, offering a greater ability to soak up authentic experiences as you get to grips with the local life at the heart of a location. What's more, you might just meet the locals and pick up a tip or two about some hidden gems to explore whilst you're there.
With an everchanging landscape always on view, rail travel allows you to experience a full spectrum of picturesque scenery, from mountain tops to the hustle and bustle of city living.
From the comfort of your carriage, as a rail passenger you have access to landscapes and views simply unreachable by car or plane, ensuring you never have to miss out on the beauty of a destination.
Switzerland's famous Jungfrau Express which takes you on a route from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station, is just one example where you can experience just that. Opened in 1912, the Jungfrau Railway climbs the remaining six miles to just below the summit of the Jungfrau Mountain, at 11,333 feet high. Marvel at the breath-taking views, only previously accessible by mountaineers.
Relaxation from the outset:
Airports are often associated with a stressful start to a trip, and the opportunity to remove them from our travel plans completely is welcomed by many. Skip the queues at the departure gates and avoid the experience altogether. Slow travel allows you to relax along the way, making the most of your holiday from start to finish as you enjoy the tranquillity of rail.
Avoid being confined to your seat or cramped into a small space - enjoyable travel should begin the moment you step out of your front door.
Originating from the concept of 'slow food', an idea which was born from the Italians' desire to fight back against the concept of 'fast food' and the universal madness associated with the fast-paced lifestyle, Italy is just one example of a nation that have truly embraced slow travel. With classical cities, tranquil lakeside towns, laid-back rural landscapes and the waterways of Venice, Italy encapsulates everything you could need for a relaxing rail holidays, encouraging you to slow down the pace and allow yourself to be immersed in your surroundings. It's clear to see why it's such a popular choice!
It's not just overseas where you can make the most of the slow travel trend, instead there are plenty of great options right here on your doorstep. For those in search of an enchanting rail holiday, why not consider travelling by steam. Embarking on a steam train holiday draws you into an idyllic world where everything slows down around you. Soak up the views of the lakes and valleys from the beautifully restored carriages, which perfectly reflect a bygone era and allow you to relax in your peaceful surroundings.
