Letter of the week: You asked for classic rail trips (“The world’s greatest rail journeys — on any budget”, last week) — we travelled from Norfolk to Lake Maggiore, in Italy, via 12 trains, all of which were bang on time. In eight days, we saw some of the best of Europe: Paris, Zurich, the Alps, Tirano, the Gotthard Tunnel and Milan, where a kindly attendant let us join the last group of the day to see Leonardo’s Last Supper. Travelling in comfort, no one shouting at us, no frustrating waiting around and mind-numbing delays, no garish shopping “opportunities”, no queues, no near-strip searches... instead, polite, experienced staff, wine and lovely picnics on board, superb scenery — in short, everything air travel is unable to offer. We’ve just booked our next train trip to the south of France. Roll on!
Paddy Buckley, Dorchester
The only overnight rail journey I have ever made was from Moscow to St Petersburg on a school trip, aged 15. The bunks were snug and the toilets an experience, but the scenery was sadly overlooked in favour of boys. One tip: don’t leave your angst-filled teenage travel journal under the pillow when you disembark. I’ve often wondered what its discoverer must think of English girls.
Sarah Thomas, via email
On a sleeper from Hanoi to Hué, in Vietnam, we found comfy-ish and clean beds, and the train ran like clockwork. Waking up to see the golden beaches of the South China Sea felt like a dream, but the highlight was the dining carriage. If you could see past the chain-smoking locals sitting under “No smoking” signs, the food was excellent — soy-marinated pork belly, rice and morning glory for a pound. You won’t get that on a plane.
Joanna Kang, via email
Travelling with Rovos Rail in South Africa, our cabin was better than any hotel room, the fridge held champagne and gin, the food and wine was magnificent — and it was all included in the ticket price. This was sheer escapism from our technology-driven lives.
Adriaan and Angela Posthuma, via email
Take the Adirondack from Montreal to New York for the stunning scenery. The one-way fare was just $69, and when the train stops at the US border, there’s no need to wait in a queue — the customs and immigration officers come to you. A rather more relaxed way of getting into the country.
David Scully, via email
Indian Railways is supposed to be one of the biggest employers in the world. Couldn’t the company find jobs for a few toilet cleaners?
Rosemary Greenlaw, via thesundaytimes.co.uk
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For real luxury, try the four-day Eastern & Oriental Express from Bangkok to Singapore. We dressed up for the piano bar, ate fabulous meals and, on Christmas Day, crossed to Penang, in Malaysia, to visit a temple, followed by Pimm’s on a hotel lawn in the late-afternoon sunshine. Then, as a farewell gift, we were given two engraved champagne flutes.
Roy Messenger, London E17
On the Coromandel peninsula, in New Zealand, a tourist office told us the last Driving Creek Railway departure was about to leave; they held the train so we could drive to the station. It was a highlight of our trip. Built by a potter to bring clay and firewood to his kiln, the line is an amazing piece of engineering — right up to the “Eyeful Tower” at the top.
Sarah King, Oxfordshire
Write to Travel and win flights with Monarch
Congratulations to Paddy Buckley, whose letter of the week wins him a pair of return flights with Monarch to any destination on the airline’s network. Monarch flies from five UK airports to more than 40 destinations abroad, including Porto, Zagreb and Stockholm (monarch.co.uk).
For a chance of winning the same prize next week, email travel@sunday-times.co.uk or write to Travel, The Sunday Times, 1 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9GF, including your name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited.
Prize T&Cs: ages 18+; UK residents only; flights non-transferable and subject to availability; full T&Cs at thesundaytimes.co.uk/travelletters