Recapturing The Magic Of Pullman's Luxury Train Travel

Worldwide expenditure and investment in luxury travel increases substantially every year, and the industry of luxury train travel is certainly no exception to these developments. Picturesque views are just one of the numerous comfort-benefits that travelling via luxury train affords keen overland travellers, tourists and business people alike.

The most infamous of all was the "Orient Express, " the very first luxury train in Europe and the setting for Agatha Christie's book entitled, "Murder on the Orient-Express." Its earlier inclusion in Bram Stoker's novel, "Dracula, " is perhaps what lends the industry of luxury train travel to associations with a lifestyle of intrigue, romanticism and opulence - features which continue to add value to modern-day vessels modelled to replicate the same ambience and Edwardian elegance of the industry's formative years.

As lavish as this transport service may be today, its beginnings in 1864 began with the building of a single railway carriage known as the, "Pioneer." It was the first of its kind to provide comfort and transport simultaneously, and included sleeping and dining facilities for travellers. Its creator, George Pullman later founded the, "Pullman Car Company, " which held a monopoly in this industry in Britain since its establishment in 1882. Pullman's influence and legacy remains evident in modern-day versions of this railway carriage.

Pullman's legacy is eternalized in modern-day luxury trains, with elegantly designed wooden-panelling and antique room finishes, reminiscent of the glories of the golden era. However, modern features create an enhanced travelling experience with the inclusion of carriage air-conditioning, and fully-equipped bar fridges. Visions of sipping champagne, resting on illustrious day-beds and relishing breathtaking views and scenery as they roll by, are brought to life by the developments of this mode of travel.

Fortunately for luxury travellers, cuisine options on-board these upmarket locomotives, surpass the usual choice between, "chicken or fish." In fact, most premium train services include five star quality catering in addition to twenty-four hour room service, provided by professional chefs who ensure that quality levels are maintained.

Passengers on these trains are free to move around at will, as they are not restricted to seats or limited sections of space. On average, luxury trains allow a passenger capacity of 72, with approximately half the amount of carriages, which ensures that for every two people there is a single carriage, depending on the passenger's chosen suite.

It is no co-incidence that an increasing amount of travellers are investing more in this mode of transport with global awareness of earth conservation on the rise. Travelling by train is a way of reducing the carbon emissions of airplane trips along the same distances. In fact, choosing to travel by train whether for business or leisure, emits a tenth of the amount of carbon dioxide that is usually emitted by air travel.

The global threat of carbon emissions is producing a significant migration from luxury air travel to luxury train travel. Although the development of budget airlines is on the rise, further investment in trains seems to suggest a downward trend in pricing for this form of transport, in the hopes of reducing the carbon footprint that the travel industry continues to make on the planet.

Published March 26th, 2011

Tags: luxury, train, travel