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Riding the Rails: The Romance (and Reality) of Train Travel

Riding the Rails: The Romance (and Reality) of Train Travel

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Trains. Most people think of them as part of the daily grind — commuting, delays, and crowded cars. But rail travel can also be magical, maddening, and unforgettable.

In this episode of Explorations All Over, Russ takes you along on four very different train journeys:

🚆 VIA Rail “Yellow and Blue” (Canada) – A cross-country ride through the Rockies and across endless prairies.
🚆 Paris to Barcelona Overnight (Spain) – A smoky, surly, less-than-romantic night on rails.
🚆 Hiram Bingham (Peru) – A splurge from Machu Picchu to Cusco that promised elegance but delivered a mariachi-fueled conga line.
🚆 The Ghan (Australia) – A luxury run from Darwin to Adelaide with Outback stops, champagne sunsets, and even a cattle-truck mishap.

From cramped cabins to unexpected entertainment, from outstanding meals to meh service, this episode is all about the romance — and the reality — of train travel. Russ also shares tips and tricks for booking, what to expect onboard, and why “going with the flow” is the best mindset to have when riding the rails.

Highlights:

  • The highs and lows of service and food on long-distance trains
  • Off-train adventures in the Australian Outback
  • Unexpected mishaps (including a near trip-ending collision)
  • Practical tips for planning your own rail journey

🎧 Whether you’re dreaming of crossing Canada, exploring Peru, or gliding through the Australian Outback, this episode will help you decide if train travel deserves a spot on your bucket list.

👉 Don’t miss the next Far Flung Adventures subscriber episode — we pick up in Africa, leaving Sanctuary Swala for the Ngorongoro Crater and on to the Serengeti. Subscribe today so you don’t miss a moment!

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