Train travels: Advice from travel specialist on what to expect and how to prep

Singaporeans are a well-travelled lot and many are seeking out alternative ways of travelling. In this article, Yahoo Life Singapore spoke exclusively to luxury travel specialist Koo Ying Ying from Scott Dunn on all things train travel. From picking the right train travel provider, the different types of train travel, how to seek out the best train route, what to wear when travelling, the types of currency required, and more. Read on if you are curious about train travel or planning one soon. To save you the effort of trawling the Internet, Yahoo Life Singapore helps you pick out the right items you can bring on your train travels.

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Yahoo Life Singapore: How does one go about picking the right train travel route and train travel provider?

Koo Ying Ying: I'd recommend train journeys to people looking for a slower pace of travel or who just want to experience a destination from a new perspective. Train journeys are an opportunity to slow down and take a breather from our fast-paced lives, and it's a great way to reconnect and spend time with loved ones just watching the world go by. As for picking the right route or provider, it depends on what you want to do or see. There are train journeys that allow you to disembark along the route for immersive excursions and others that provide elevated onboard experiences while transporting you from one place to another.

For adventurous travellers, I would recommend the Eastern & Oriental Express, which brings you across remote areas of Malaysia before arriving at a stunning island or the mysterious jungle. Guests also have plenty of chances to disembark and explore the area: I recommend hopping on the back of a Vespa to immerse yourself in the local culture and street art, or to take a dip in the sea at the best snorkelling spots in Malaysia.

Switzerland's Glacier Express is also the perfect choice to experience different landscapes and scenery. It's often named one of the world's most beautiful train rides, and I wholeheartedly agree: The views of the Alps will take your breath away. It's also a very popular choice for our guests, especially during the year-end period — what better way to end the year than to sit back, relax, and admire the incredible views from a glass-covered carriage?

Indonesia’s first luxury sightseeing train is also one that I would recommend, specifically, onboard the Kereta Api Wisata in the plush private train carriage from Aman, the luxury hospitality group. The trip begins in Jakarta and ends in Yogyakarta, famed for its rich Javanese arts and culture. Meals onboard are prepared by Amanjiwo — so you’re guaranteed a delectable, locally-inspired meal — and guests are also accompanied by Amanjiwo’s resident anthropologist, who is on hand to share insights on the historical sites that the well-appointed train will pass along the way.

The Andean Explorer — the first exclusive sleeper train in South America — is also a memorable experience. This is one of the highest train journeys in the world, and you'll have an up-close view of the dramatic landscape of the Peruvian Andes, as well as opportunities to explore the ancient kingdoms in the region, like Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital. I love how luxurious the cabins are — they feature hand-woven Peruvian fabrics and wonderfully soft Alpaca wool! There's also a separate lounge car fitted with large windows and lovely, comfortable seating, as well as an observation car — complete with an outdoor deck — that has some of the best views of the ever-changing scenery.

What and how do we pack for a train trip to ensure maximum comfort and safety?

If it’s a long train ride with several nights onboard, I’d recommend packing comfortable accessories that will help you get a night of good sleep, such as eye or sleep masks, and earplugs or noise-canceling earbuds. I also like packing some extra entertainment — such as a book I’ve been wanting to read — when I’m not admiring the scenery or enjoying the trains’ amenities.

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It’s also good to separate and pack your belongings wisely. I like to have a carry-on bag for all essentials, such as money, passports, tickets, a camera, medication, and any valuables, like jewellery. This bag should be kept with you at all times and it's best if it can also be secured with a lock if needed. The rest of your belongings, such as change of clothes, footwear, and PJs can then go into an overnight luggage or carrier.

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What sort of clothes do we bring along? Is any thermal wear required?

This does depend on where your train journey takes you! At Scott Dunn, we always do a pre-departure briefing call with our guests to set the right expectations or mention any precautions to take — this is when we also share packing tips depending on the season or destination they are travelling to for their trip. As an added tip, wrinkle-free clothes always come in handy on train journeys, so it's something I'd highly recommend!

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How to stay safe and comfortable during a train trip?

As with all travels, do dress comfortably and pack weather-appropriate outfits, but make sure you check if there are any dress codes too! Most luxury trains have a relaxed attitude towards attire in general, although many ask that guests dress up to a degree for evening dining. For example, on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express that travels through Europe, guests usually don black tie and glam up for dinner. Luggage space can be limited so it's good to plan your outfits wisely and in advance! As for comfort, some of my favorite accessories are my earplugs, a sleep mask, and a light cardigan or shawl that always keeps me cozy if I am feeling a little chilly.

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How do we ensure our valuables/items are secure on the train?

In my travels, I always carry an extra luggage lock for any carry-ons. I also keep a small pouch of my personal belongings with me at all times.

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What sort of gear/cameras are suited for train travel?

I’d say you don’t need a special camera for train travel; most smartphones are equipped with great cameras, though I do suggest bringing along a tripod to get the most stable shots — these come in very handy, especially for those gorgeous scenic videos.

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What sort of food can we expect onboard?

Onboard menus are usually adapted to the destination and may change according to the season. The concept also varies on different trains. If you're into whisky, check out the Royal Scotsman which does a five-day Scotch Malt Whisky Tour that includes three-course lunches and four-course dinners as well as tasting opportunities and private distillery visits.

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Do we need to prepare different currencies? Will there be opportunities to disembark and use the local currency?

Credit cards are widely accepted now, especially in major cities where these trains travel. Though it is always advisable to bring local currencies – these come in handy if you disembark for excursions to local villages or if you want to leave tips for good service.

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About Koo Ying Ying, Europe & Asia Luxury Travel Specialist at Scott Dunn

Having been in the travel industry for some 12 years, the adventurous Ying has hiked, dived, and explored some of the world’s most stunning destinations. As the team’s Europe & Asia Luxury Travel Specialist, the sharp-eyed Ying is always sensitive to the needs and wants of her well-heeled clients, and always has a finger on the pulse of what’s hot and trending in the luxury travel sphere.

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