The Rise of Rail Part 2- Luxury Rail Travel: The New Golden Age with Gareth Jones and Tyler Wallinger
Rail is having a moment and not just as a way to travel, but as a way to experience the world differently. As part of Rail Month, we are diving deeper into the category in this second episode of our The Rise of Rail Series with Railbookers, this time focusing on the return of luxury rail.
Luxury rail travel is back, and it is no longer just about getting from point A to point B. Dan sits down with Railbookers leaders Gareth Jones, Director of Product Development, and Tyler Wallinger, Director of Virtual Events, to unpack what “luxury” really looks like on rails today, from elevated service and spacious suites to curated off train excursions that feel private, personal, and unforgettable. Along the way, we spotlight some of the world’s most iconic journeys, including the Venice Simplon Orient Express, Glacier Express Excellence Class, Rovos Rail in Southern Africa, and India’s Maharaja Express.
We also get practical about how a luxury rail itinerary actually comes together, why some journeys allow for five star hotel extensions and multi city add ons, while others are designed as fully immersive, all in experiences with limited cabin inventory and carefully choreographed schedules. Gareth and Tyler share why culinary is at the heart of luxury rail, with fine dining in intimate settings, locally sourced ingredients, thoughtful wine pairings, and seamless accommodation of dietary needs. It is hospitality on rails, where attention to detail and consistent service create an experience that can feel even more personal than a traditional luxury cruise.
Finally, we explore who today’s luxury rail traveler really is, from milestone celebrations like anniversaries, honeymoons, retirements, and birthdays, to a growing segment of repeat guests who experience one iconic train and immediately plan the next. For travel advisors, this episode offers clear positioning language to help sell the category, including how luxury rail compares to river and ocean cruising as a luxury land cruise, blending scenery, culture, and storytelling just beyond your window.
Learn more at Railbookers.com and Rail Month.
Be sure to join us next Tuesday for the final episode in our Rail Series with Railbookers.
