Welcome to the latest edition of my Vacation Views. This week in my Horizon Scan I examine the growth in demand for rail travel and the luxury rail experiences in particular, share a Traveller Tip on saving money while overseas, and cuing up some Black Friday deals in Sail Savings. So, let’s get started!

Clickety-Clack: Train Travel is Back 

Recently, in Istanbul, Amanda and I found a rare moment of solitude amidst the bustling streets filled with tourists and street vendors competing for attention. Ironically, our peaceful escape was in one of the most central locations in the heart of the city—the Sirkeci Train Station. This station, the original terminal of the Orient Express, now houses the charming Orient Express Restaurant. A step back in time, the restaurant features a bar alongside the tracks, a fine dining experience, and a small museum that pays homage to one of the most famous eras in travel—luxury train journeys.

The first Orient Express route, which debuted in 1883, connected Paris and Istanbul (then Constantinople) by train and ferry. Over the years, many operators have used the name "Orient Express" for various routes, including the Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express, which operated throughout the 1980s and is now being revived.

There has been a resurgence of interest in train travel, especially luxury rail journeys. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, owned by Belmond, is already in operation, and next year, the legendary Orient Express (now owned by Accor) will resume a Paris-Istanbul route. Other iconic rail journeys are also seeing a resurgence in traveller interest, including the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, the Andean Explorer in Peru, Rovos Rail in South Africa, and India’s Maharajas Express.

What these journeys have in common is the experience they offer: a chance to step away from the hectic pace of modern life, much like a Cunard transatlantic crossing aboard the Queen Mary 2. These luxury trains provide timeless elegance and the opportunity to explore new destinations in style. However, the appeal of rail travel is not limited to luxury routes; it's also about efficiency.

Train travel can often be more affordable and less time-consuming than flying, while also offering a more enjoyable experience. With a well-established network of rail lines and multiple operators, trains can be a more efficient and cost-effective option, especially if you're planning a river cruise. Many train stations are located in city centers, whereas airports are often not, allowing you to reach your destination faster. Moreover, an expansive rail system makes it easy to travel between cities without the hassle and cost of flying. Instead of flying back, you can continue your journey by train, saving both money and frustration. For example, after disembarking from the Queen Victoria in Southampton, Amanda and I boarded a train to central London. Within an hour and a half, we had arrived at Victoria Station and were checked into the famous Clermont Hotel (which is also located in the station).

But the glamour of train travel isn’t limited to overnight luxury routes. It also provides a creative solution to overtourism. Train travel allows you to visit less crowded destinations and enjoy a more immersive experience. Just as cruise lines are adding new ports of call in response to overtourism, rail companies are capitalizing on their well-established networks and expanding their luxury offerings to meet the demand for new destinations and unique travel experiences. The most anticipated launch, of course, is Accor’s Orient Express Line, set to debut in 2026. The company has refurbished iconic carriages from the 1920s and '30s and will run a route similar to the original Paris-Istanbul service.

To take a look at more iconic train travel vacation ideas, our Expedia partners at Railbookers have assembled over 500 itineraries for destinations all around the world to inspire you. So, if you're interested in learning how to incorporate train travel into your itinerary, or if you'd like to make a luxury train journey the centerpiece of your vacation, I would be delighted to help you plan it because,-- clickety-clack, train travel is back!

For most modern travellers, staying connected while travelling is more than just posting on social media, but also acts as a GPS, information resource and security blanket too. However, travelling overseas and using your Canadian data plan can cost a near fortune. Fortunately there are a bunch of eSIM companies out there and are able to help at a fraction of the cost.

An eSIM is essentially a digital SIM card that gives you to access carrier networks when travelling and not forcing you to use your ‘plan roaming coverage’ while you are away. As opposed to a physical SIM car, they are downloaded to your device using software. A real benefit is they are easy to install and activate.

Just how much can you save? Well, my Rogers plan offers me $15 to roam like home per day in Europe, whereas the Airalo plan I purchased cost just $28 for 5GB of data and was good for 30 days. The are many companies to choose from offering eSIM cards. The only thing to make sure of in advance of purchasing is that your mobile phone is compatible with the eSIM card.

Sail Savings and other Vacation Values

Here are two offers that I am promoting now. One is the Sun Seekers sale and the other is sneak peak to one I’m particularly excited about!

1. Cunard Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale is going to be offering fares from US$899 with Onboard Credit on select sailings in 2025 and 2026. Contact me if have a particular destination and date in mind.

2. Expedia Sun Seekers sale continues through November 13 and includes Free Resort Upgrades, Resort Credits and Free for Kids under the age of four.

That concludes this edition of my Vacation Views from Crow’s Nest. The next edition will be sent on November 24.  Please reach out to allow me to provide a quote for your next dream vacation and feel free to share this with colleagues and friends!

 Bon Voyage!