While traveling by air still seems to top as the most common and favored way to travel, one more mode comes in competitively close, and it is traveling by train. In fact, there’s no better way to travel to many parts of the world than on a luxury train. Not only does it offer more accessibility, ease, and comfort, but more trains can reach scenic destinations you can’t see when traveling by air.
If you value the journey as much as you do the destination, booking yourself a cabin on Aussie Trains luxury train opens you up to five-star service, a great ride, and, most of all, breathtaking views. Akin to traveling business or first class in an airplane, riding luxury trains takes a different packing strategy, so you’re not just ready for the long hours of travel, but you stay stylish and elegant during the trip.
If you’re packing for a luxury train ride set any day soon, you can benefit from these tried-and-tested packing tips below from those who’ve loved and mastered the art of traveling on a first-class train.
Because you’re going on a luxury train ride, aim to at least look the part. Now’s not the time to huddle in your old and plain sweatpants and sweatshirt, no matter how comfortable those may feel. The rule of thumb is to come in smart casual clothes and pack an extra set, especially for overnight train rides.
While there’s no need to bring stiff suits and skirts, packing relaxed, smart casual clothes like pants, blouses, and dresses, show that you respect other passengers on the train. You’ll look and feel a lot more confident about yourself, too. Following a smart casual dress code also keeps you ready for lunches and dinners on board the train, where, like on a cruise ship, you’ll also have to look presentable.
Like air travel, having a small carry-on suitcase with you on the train is a good idea. This must be separate from the bigger luggage to stow away in the train’s luggage compartment. This small carry-on will be your best friend with all your essentials, like a change of clothes and a toiletry kit.
Packing a toiletry kit will come in handy because one of the perks of traveling on a luxury train is having your own mini bathroom in your cabin or suite. Make use of those available amenities by freshening up once in a while, but you can only do that if you bring your toiletry with you. You are on a luxury train, after all. The last thing you’d want is to be the source of any unpleasant odor while on board.
Luxury train companies each have their respective amenities, so it pays for you to check and ask about those, too. If they offer bedroom slippers, then you can skip this tip. For reference, hotels around Bridgestone Arena are sometimes offering free tickets to events. However, if such isn’t available, bring a pair of slides.
Slides, or comfortable flip-flops, are better to wear around the train’s sleeping or lounging quarters, so you can also give your feet some room to breathe. Change to shoes only when it’s time to hit the restaurant, where more ‘presentable’ footwear is called for.
Packing slides or slippers is also functional and practical, as it saves you all the trouble of tying up laces or wearing shoes in the middle of the night when you have to get out of your bed or your cabin.
Most luxury trains will have their own forms of entertainment available, but you can’t go wrong with bringing your own. The longer the train ride, the more entertainment you’ll need. This can be an e-book, a tablet, a smartphone, and even your laptop.
You can also count on luxury trains to provide a stable, top-notch Internet connection. If you have some work to do, you can take this time to do some tasks, albeit not overdoing it. Stop occasionally to relax, enjoy the train’s amenities, and, most of all, enjoy the view. Rest should also be your priority. Given the train’s cozy bedrooms, you will surely be tempted for some nap time.
Rather than resigning to an even longer road trip or a stressful airplane ride, why not consider booking a luxury train instead? If you can find one that takes you to your country or city of choice, you’ll soon find that opting for trains, and a luxury one at that, is one of the best ways to travel. It takes careful planning and packing, but you’ll soon get the hang of it. Remember the insights above, so you’re ready to gaze out the window at unrivaled views while maximizing comfort and style in some of the best and most luxurious train rides that service the globe.