Railbookers is featured in an exclusive three-part podcast series exploring the resurgence of rail travel and why more travelers are choosing the journey as part of the experience. Hear from Railbookers leaders and industry experts on what’s driving renewed demand for rail vacations, how rail travel is evolving, and what it means for the future of travel.
Press the play button to listen to the full conversation below.
May marks Rail Month, a celebration of train travel and the growing demand for more relaxed, immersive ways to explore the world. With 31 days of festivities, including Rail Week (May 11–17), there’s no better time to spotlight why rail is having a global resurgence.
In this first episode of our 3-part Rail series, we sit down with Railbookers leaders Jim Marini (SVP, Strategic Partnerships) and Matt Foy (Senior Director, Rail and Transportation) to unpack why train travel is booming again—and why the best rail vacations make the journey just as meaningful as the destination. The clouds may look the same on every flight, but rail offers a front-row seat to the world. If you’ve ever wanted a trip that feels smoother, more scenic, and less rushed, this conversation is your roadmap.
We dive into what makes a rail journey truly iconic: the history, the cultural pull, and the onboard experience that transforms travel into something memorable. Switzerland and Italy quickly take center stage, with legendary routes like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, along with the small decisions that elevate the experience, premium classes, panoramic dome cars, and regionally inspired dining. We also explore the often-overlooked social side of train travel, and why meaningful human connections tend to happen more naturally on rail than in the air or on the road.
From there, we expand into some of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Think Alaska with upgraded Gold Star service, and landscapes rail does best, lakes, mountains, fjords, and valleys. Matt shares why destinations like New Zealand and Norway are especially powerful by train, and why arriving in Venice by rail is a moment in itself. We also cover Railbookers’ expansion into Asia, the growing demand for Japan’s bullet trains, and how locally hosted support makes complex itineraries feel seamless.
Plus: what defines a “grand tour,” why luxury rail is on the rise, and how travel advisors can streamline planning by packaging rail, hotels, transfers, and experiences into one cohesive journey.
Learn more at Railbookers.com and Rail Week.
Be sure to join us next Tuesday for the second episode in our Rail Series with Railbookers.
Join us as we uncover five of the most breathtaking train journeys through Switzerland, where the...
Five comfortable, flexible, and scenic rail vacations perfect for senior travelers, where every...
Discover some of the world’s most iconic luxury train journeys, from the Venice Simplon-Orient...
Join the worldwide celebration of train travel.
Discover breathtaking destinations and enjoy up to $700 in savings on rail, hotels, and sightseeing when you book a vacation during our early access Rail Week sale!
From trip planning guides to maps and brochures — view and download everything you need to plan a great trip!
