A nice book, a good bottle of wine, and a comfortable reclining chair.
It sounds like a fantastic night!
But instead of sitting in your living room, you’re speeding past some of the world’s best countryside, a moving mural of lush fields, incredible mountains, and amazing seascapes…all while getting to your next destination!
Mark Smith, better known as the Man in Seat 61, paints the picture of putting the romance and relaxation back in to travel by taking trains, an often overlooked form of traveling by most people, especially Americans.
Mark has created the ultimate train travel resource on the internet, and in this episode, he not only discusses why people should consider train travel but gives incredible tips and real-life examples of how it can be more cost-effective and convenient than taking a flight.
As someone who has used Mark’s website innumerable times over the last few years, and because of this, gotten to experience the joys of train travel, I couldn’t be happier to have him on the show. He is absolutely full of incredibly practical and useful information, tons of which he shares today.
Want to know Mark’s secrets for a more relaxing trip, including some of these favorite trips by train?
Have a listen to this awesome interview.
Right-click to download this episode directly
Check out the entire library of EPoP Travel Podcasts on iTunes (and leave a rating)!
In This Episode:
- Why the experience of train travel dwarfs that of a plane.
- How train travel can be cheaper AND as quick as traveling by plane.
- How to book train tickets early to save up to 70%.
- Which countries are the cheapest for booking your tickets?
- The ins and outs of inclusive rail passes and determining whether they are worth it.
- Picking the right sleeper train.
- The right websites to book train tickets with.
- Combining train and ferry tickets for an even better value and more memorable experience.
- Mark’s favorite train trips, including the one you probably never thought of.
And much more!
Links Discussed in This Episode:
- Seat61.com
- Across the US by train
- Eurail Pass– for non-EU residents
- InterRail Pass– for EU residents
- JapanRail Pass
- Train Travel in Italy
- Glacier Express
- Bernina Express
I Need Your Help
Mark is one of the most knowledgeable guys I’ve ever met and also one of the nicest. Show him some love by click “Tweet This” below:
@seatsixtyone has me dreaming of boarding my next #train! Thanks so much for all the info you shared on the EPoP #Podcast w/ @PackofPeanuts.
I’m giving away $100 once we hit 100 ratings on iTunes, so why not take 1 minute, leave a rating, and enter to win!
Leave a Rating for the Podcast, Win $100! (now fixed so it works).
In most of Eastern Europe trains are still very much the primary method of traveling! I have taken trains “platzkart” (3rd class) across Russia and while it’s not always the most comfortable or hygienic experience, there are few better ways to get a taste of the average Russian lifestyle. So many great stories come from trains and if you ever get to Russia it’s something you have to experience.
@Samantha- That sounds great…I’m actually putting together a post on one of the best train deals in Eastern Europe that no one seems to know or talk about; The City Star Pass. Look for it as an upcoming article!
Thanks for the e book. Happy travels.
@Peter Crowe- No problem!