The Best Rail Journeys in the World: All Aboard the Relaxtion Express!

Hey there, my fellow train lovers! If you’re like me and think trains are way more than just a way to get from A to B, you’re in for a treat. Let’s talk about some of the most epic rail journeys on the planet—where the journey is just as desirable and enjoyable as the destination. And yes, we’re going luxe because why not? You deserve it.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe)

Picture this team: you’re sipping Lindaeur champagne in a vintage Art Deco carriage, gliding past the Swiss Alps, and feeling like you’ve stepped into an Agatha Christie novel (minus the murder, hopefully). This is the crème de la crème of train travel. Fancy dinners, polished wood decor, and beds so comfy you’ll forget you’re on rails.

The Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)

Mountains, lakes, and forests so stunning you’ll want to glue your face to the window. This one’s all about the views, with glass-dome ceilings so you don’t miss a thing. Plus, the food is top-notch. Pro tip: order the local wine and toast to Mother Nature’s nice job here in Canada.

The Ghan (Australia)

Mate, this one’s a real outback adventure. You’ll chug through the red centre of Australia, past kangaroos, and into the heart of Oz. The luxury cabins are like a five-star hotel on wheels, and the off-train excursions? Bonza.

The Blue Train (South Africa)

Think butlers, fine dining, and suites with bathtubs (yes, bathtubs!). This train takes you from Pretoria to Cape Town, serving up savannahs, vineyards, and sunsets that’ll make you weep into your viognier.

The Maharajas’ Express (India)

This is defintely royalty on rails. Gold-trimmed carriages, gourmet Indian cuisine, and stops at the Taj Mahal. It’s like being a maharaja for a week—minus the crown. The real crown jewel of India is her railway.

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So, who’s ready to trade in their hotel accommodation for a train ticket? Let’s make it happen! Choo-choo, a step back in time and refined luxury awaits. 🚂✨

“How to Save Time and Stress Less: Our Ultimate Guide to Effortless Travel Planning”

In today’s fast-paced world, time is undoubtedly one of our most precious commodities. Between work deadlines, family responsibilities, and the everyday hustle, planning a getaway often falls to the bottom of the priority list. Of course it does. You dream of relaxing on a tropical beach, exploring a funky city, or indulging in a street food culinary experience—but the thought of researching hotels, booking tours, and coordinating transfers feels overwhelming.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many Kiwis spend hours—sometimes days—researching options, only to feel paralyzed by choice. And even when you finally book something, there’s always that nagging doubt: Oh shit did I pick the right hotel? Is there a better tour out there? What if something goes wrong?

At Journeys Retold, we understand the challenges of planning an awesome trip when time is tight. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to take the stress out of travel planning, so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your journey.

The Problem with DIY Travel Planning:

Planning a memorable trip isn’t as simple as booking a flight and a hotel. It’s a complex process that requires time, expertise, and attention to detail. Here are some of the most common feeback we get every week:

1. Time-Consuming Research:
   From comparing hotel reviews on TripAdvisor and Google to reading through endless tour descriptions, the research phase alone can take hours—if not days. And even then, it’s hard to know if you’re making the right choice.

2. Overwhelming Options:
   The internet is flooded with travel options, and while choice is great, it can also lead to decision fatigue. How do you know which hotel, tour, or experience is truly worth your time and money?

3. Risk of Mistakes:
   Booking travel involves a lot of moving parts—flights, accommodations, transfers, activities, and more. One small mistake (like booking a non-refundable hotel in the wrong city) can turn your dream holiday into a freakin’ nightmare.

4. Lack of Personalisation:
   Generic travel packages might save time, but they rarely cater to your unique preferences and needs. Tailor-made travel is all about the details, and DIY planning often falls short.

The Solution: Why Work with a Travel Expert?

This is where Journeys Retold comes in. As proven travel experts, we handle every detail of your trip—from start to finish—so you don’t have to. Here’s how we make travel planning effortless:

1. Tailored Itineraries:
   We take the time to understand your travel goals, preferences, and budget, crafting a personalised itinerary that’s perfect for you. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape to Fiji, a family adventure to Vietnam, or a solo retreat in Bali, we’ve got you covered.

2. Exclusive Access:
   As industry insiders, we have access to top hotels, private tours, and exclusive experiences that aren’t always available to the general public. This means you’ll have a better chance at enjoying perks like room upgrades, VIP treatment, and behind-the-scenes access.

3. Fast, Efficient Planning:
   With years of experience and plenty of grey hairs a network of trusted partners, we can plan and book your trip in a fraction of the time it would take you to do it yourself. No more endless research or decision paralysis—just a seamless, stress-free process.

4. Ongoing Support:
   Your journey doesn’t end when you book your trip. We’re here to handle any last-minute changes, reconfirmations, or emergencies, so you can travel with complete peace of mind.

How it Works:

Curious about how we turn your travel dreams into reality? Here’s a step-by-step look at our process:

1. Share Your Vision:
   Tell us about your travel goals, preferences, and budget. Whether you’re dreaming of a Pacific Island beach getaway, a cultural city break maybe in Asia or Europe, or an adventurous safari or expedition, we’ll create a trip that’s tailored to you.

2. We Handle the Details:
   From researching the best hotels and tours to coordinating transfers and activities, we take care of every detail. We’ll present you with a curated and beautiful itinerary, and once you approve it, we’ll handle all the bookings.

Enjoy Your Journey:
Sit back, relax, and enjoy your trip knowing that every detail has been taken care of. We’ll be there to support you every step of the way, from the moment you leave home to the moment you return.

Why Choose Journeys Retold Travel?

With so many travel agencies out there here in NZ and abroad, why should you trust Journeys Retold with your own travel plans? Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Personalised Service:
   We treat every trip as if it were our own, paying attention to the smallest details to ensure a seamless experience. We promise we won’t join you though.

2. Industry Expertise:
   With years of experience in the travel industry, we know how to create unforgettable journeys that exceed expectations.

3. Exclusive Perks:
   Our partnerships with top hotels and tour operators mean you are more likely to get perks like room upgrades, private tours, and VIP treatment. We request the best for our travellers.

4. Peace of Mind:
   From the initial planning stages to the final reconfirmations, we’re here to handle every detail, so you can travel with 100% confidence.

Your journey starts here. Let’s make it unforgettable.

Game on: Top 5 Sports Events to Travel for in 2025

Last week I was asked which international sports events I would like to attend next year. After the initial brain explosion of possibility, I identified 5 different events that promise magic moments of travel and sport.

The Open - Portrush, Northern Ireland

The Open returns to Irish soil in 2025 for the first time since 2019. Will Rory McIlroy finally win another major, and do it at his home course? Can he bounce back from the US Open nightmare with his fellow countryman, 2019 champion Shane Lowry, also in the mix. While the 16th hole - nicknamed Calamity Corner - is brutal, the atmosphere is guaranteed to be electric. Golf at its finest.

(photo credit: CBS Sports)

Itinerary add-on:

Take the Coastal Route from Belfast to Derry - stopping at castles, archaeological sites, the Giant’s Causeway (World Heritage site), and the world’s oldest distillery.

Women’s Rugby World Cup - United Kingdom

Who remembers the 2022 final when New Zealand won a lineout at won the World Cup at a sold-out Eden Park in full voice? The English were left heartbroken after their unbelievable run of 30 wins (thirty!) finally ended at the hands of the Black Ferns. Revenge is best served on home soil, and a rematch looms with Twickenham as the host in 2025. This World Cup is ripe to take the nation by storm and go down as one for the ages.

(photo credit: Simon Chapman)

Itinerary add-on:

There are 8 venues for this event, so following your team in group stages carves out an itinerary for you. Beyond that, I suggest The BritRail Pass - an unlimited rail ticket you can use on the entire UK network.

Beach Soccer World Cup - Victoria, Seychelles

It might come as a surprise that this will be the 20th edition of the Beach Soccer World Cup. It might not come as a surprise, however, that Brazil are the current champions. So why attend this one? Well, it’s the first time it will be held in Africa (Shakira theme song of 2010?), and not just anywhere in Africa but in the Seychelles - an Indian Ocean paradise. Perfect weather, amazing water and nature, and beautiful resorts and villas.

(photo credit: M. Mishina)

Itinerary add-on:

Island hop on a boat cruise between several of the 115 tropical islands. Add a fishing component to this or include an experience with the giant tortoises.

Super Bowl LIX (59) - New Orleans, USA

If you’ve ever wanted to see America’s pinnacle of sporting events, then 2025 is the right time to lock that in. Why, you ask? It will be hosted at the Big Easy, the birthplace of jazz, home to French heritage, Mardi Gras, and bourbon. Super Bowl LIX is set to provide a carnival-like experience, and don’t skip the half-time show entertainment: If the Kansas City Chiefs are anywhere near the final, then expect Taylor Swift to leave her mark on the event in some way too.

(photo credit: Stephen Luke)

Itinerary add-on:

February just might be the best time of year to cruise the Caribbean. Take advantage of the low February rainfall, warm temperatures and seasonality outside of US public and school holidays.

Australian Grand Prix - Melbourne, Australia.

Hear me out. There are 3 reasons why this particular race on the calendar is best enjoyed in 2025. Firstly, due to Ramadan, Bahrain will not host the 1st race of the season - Melbourne will. That means better race conditions, warmer weather and longer days in case of red flags or incidents. Second, it’s the last year before new regulations change, among other things, the shape and capacity of the cars - the end of an era, perhaps! Finally, if common sense prevails, Liam Lawson will be flying the Kiwi flag on the track, so get over there and support the young man!

(photo credit: F1 2022)

Itinerary add-on:

Early March is gorgeous in Victoria. For coastal folk, take a trip west down the Great Ocean Road or east to the Mornington Peninsula. Or head inland to the Yarra Valley for some vino tasting and B&Bs.