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We’ve all heard the saying, “it’s about the journey, not the destination.” In 2025, navigating the chaos of airports can make that destination feel miles away, both physically and spiritually.

Good news for fellow wanderers: the golden age of train travel isn’t just back, it’s soaring to new heights. With flight prices doing their best impersonation of a rocket launch, more travelers are rediscovering the sheer magic of the rails.

Forget cramped seats and endless lines. Picture panoramic views, gourmet dining, and service that makes you feel like royalty. This year, we tapped into the collective wisdom of millions of globetrotters. We pored over countless reviews and surveys from the world’s most discerning passengers to bring you the crème de la crème of locomotive adventures.

Travel Off Path’s selection of the top three train journeys for 2025 was determined through a comprehensive analysis of extensive traveler reviews and satisfaction surveys, focusing on exceptional service, unique experiences, and overall value as reported by discerning passengers worldwide.

Ready to pack your bags and begin the journey?

The Rocky Mountaineer – U.S. and Canada

Imagine snaking through the majestic Canadian Rockies or vibrant American Southwest. This isn’t just seeing the scenery; it’s immersing yourself in it. That’s the magic of the Rocky Mountaineer, a moving luxury hotel designed for optimal scenery-soaking.

With its signature glass-domed coaches, you’ll be gawking at imposing peaks, turquoise lakes, and dramatic canyons from every angle. What truly sets it apart, according to delighted travelers, is the impeccable service. Staff members know every peak, every story, and exactly when you need another cup of coffee.

And the food? Forget microwaved meals. Travelers rave about the gourmet, regionally-inspired cuisine served right at your seat. You travel by day, then disembark for a comfy hotel stay each night, with your luggage magically appearing in your room. No schlepping required – just pure, unadulterated adventure.

Popular routes like “Passage to the West” (Banff to Vancouver) or “Rockies To The Red Rocks” (Moab to Denver) offer luxury starting around $1,500, making for an unforgettable escape.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train – Europe

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a Hercule Poirot novel (minus the murder, hopefully!), the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is your ticket. This isn’t just a train journey; it’s a time machine. It whisks you back to the glamorous Golden Age of travel.

Picture exquisitely restored 1920s carriages, gleaming with polished wood and Art Deco flourishes. Every detail screams timeless elegance. Travelers consistently crown this as the ultimate in luxury rail. They cite unparalleled white-glove service and exquisite gourmet dining, often with celebrity chef collaborations.

The sheer theatricality of the experience is legendary. Champagne flows freely, live piano music drifts from the bar car, and evening attire makes you feel like a movie star. Whether gliding through the Swiss Alps en route to Venice or embarking on a multi-day epic to Istanbul, every moment aboard is designed to be an unforgettable event.

Yes, tickets for a journey like London to Venice can start from around $5,000. But as travelers often attest, you’re investing in a legendary experience that will be talked about for years.

The Ghan – Australia

Ready for an adventure that truly takes you to the heart of a continent? Australia’s legendary Ghan train delivers. Named after the Afghan cameleers who once navigated Australia’s vast interior, this epic journey cuts through diverse landscapes.

It travels from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the tropical north (or vice-versa). Travelers are captivated by the ever-changing scenery. Expect everything from South Australia’s verdant valleys to the dramatic, fiery red deserts of the Outback, and finally, the lush Top End.

But it’s not just about the views; The Ghan offers an all-inclusive luxury experience. Expect gourmet meals featuring local produce, fine wines, and unique off-train excursions. Imagine exploring Katherine Gorge or experiencing Alice Springs, all seamlessly integrated into your rail adventure.

Passengers consistently praise the spacious cabins, the camaraderie in the lounge cars, and the sense of awe inspired by the vastness of the Australian landscape passing by. Prices for this multi-day, cross-continental odyssey start from around $1,800 USD, offering an unparalleled way to connect with the spirit of Australia.

So, there you have it: our top three train journeys for 2025, as chosen by the very travelers who’ve experienced their magic.

From North America’s majestic peaks to Europe’s historic glamour and Australia’s rugged heart, these aren’t just modes of transport. They are destinations in themselves.

Each offers unforgettable adventures and a gentle reminder that sometimes, the best part of any trip is indeed the journey. All aboard for an epic 2025!

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I’ve been traveling for years and am definitely guilty of overlooking certain destinations because I assume right away they are out of my price range (looking at you Dubai)…

But what if I told you the wealthiest country on Earth is actually a super affordable travel destination?

Yep, I was just as surprised as you probably are.

Luxembourg—a gem nestled between France, Germany, and Belgium—boasts the highest GDP per capita in the world in 2025 according to a new report from World Atlas.

Yet, despite this, it’s refreshingly easy on the wallet for a traveler.

From free public transport to cheaper hotels and even castles you can explore without spending anything, Luxembourg is proof that you don’t need millionaire status to live like one.

Here’s why visiting the richest country on the planet won’t empty your wallet:

You Can Travel Everywhere For Free (Seriously)

You know that awkward moment when you can’t figure out how to use a foreign ticket machine and you’re just randomly jabbing buttons in a panic?

Yeah, that won’t happen in Luxembourg—because public transport is completely free.

No catch. No fine print. Just free buses, trains, and trams across the entire country.

Since 2020, Luxembourg became the first country in the world to make public transport free for both locals and tourists.

So, whether you’re zipping around Luxembourg City or heading out to explore the countryside, you’ll never have to fumble for coins or stress about ticket prices.

Pro tip: The only thing you’ll need is a form of ID, as conductors occasionally ask to see it. Otherwise, just hop on and go. It’s basically like having a golden ticket, but for regular folks.

5-Star Hotels That Won’t Break The Bank

For a country that’s so loaded, I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable the accommodation is—even the fancy stuff.

I found 5-star hotels in the heart of Luxembourg City for under $300 a night (the Hotel Sofitel Luxembourg Europe), which is a steal compared to other popular European cities.

And we’re talking proper luxury—gorgeous suites, rooftop terraces, and spas that’ll make you consider missing your train home.

On a budget? No problem. You can easily snag a cozy hotel or guesthouse for around $100 a night, even in prime locations.

And if you’re feeling extra thrifty, there are plenty of affordable Airbnb options scattered around the countryside.

Free Castles, Cheap Museums, And Scenic Walks

You know what’s better than visiting a castle? Visiting a castle for free. And Luxembourg is full of them.

The country is basically one giant fairytale backdrop, with over 70 castles surrounded by forests and rolling hills. Many of them are free to explore from the outside, and even the ones with admission fees are pretty cheap compared to castles in neighboring countries.

Here are some of my favorite budget-friendly activities:

• Vianden Castle: This stunner looks straight out of a fairy tale, you half expect to see a dragon fly overhead, and entry is only €10 (about $11 USD).
• Free museums: Several museums along the Museum Mile in Luxembourg City offer free entry to their permanent exhibits.
• Scenic walking trails: You can stroll along the Chemin de la Corniche, aka “Europe’s most beautiful balcony,” for panoramic city views—completely free.

Oh, and if you’re a sucker for cityscapes, the Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator offers one of the best views of Luxembourg City (i.e. the pic below)—and yep, it’s free too.

You Can Hop Over To France, Germany, Or Belgium In Under An Hour

One of the coolest things about Luxembourg is its ridiculously good location. It’s like the ultimate European basecamp.

From the main train station, you can be in:

• Trier, Germany in 40 minutes
• Metz, France in 50 minutes
• Brussels, Belgium in just over 2 hours
• Paris in less than 2 hours (if you take a high-speed train)

So, if you’re feeling spontaneous, you can have breakfast in Luxembourg, lunch in Germany, and be back for dinner.

Luxembourg’s Countryside Feels Straight Out Of A Storybook

I’ll be honest—I expected the capital to be charming (which it is), but Luxembourg’s countryside totally steals the show.

Once you leave the city, you’ll find yourself surrounded by rolling green hills, medieval villages, and hidden valleys that look straight out of a Tolkien novel.

Some must-visit countryside spots include:

• 🌳 Mullerthal Trail: Known as “Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland,” this region is perfect for hiking, with woodland paths, rock formations, and waterfalls.
• 🍷 Moselle Valley: Famous for its vineyards and wine tasting, this area is a must for anyone who enjoys sipping a glass of Riesling with a view.
• 🏰 Beaufort Castle: A charming, partially ruined castle surrounded by forests—ideal for a peaceful day trip. Though this one is not free, it is really affordable at 7 Euros per person.

Why Luxembourg Is Worth It (Even If You’re On A Budget)

Luxembourg may be the richest country in the world, but it’s surprisingly affordable for tourists and travelers like us.

With free public transport, reasonable hotels, and free attractions all over, it’s one of the best-kept secrets for budget-conscious travelers.

Plus, it makes the perfect home base for exploring Europe without the hassle of moving hotels every night.

So, next time you’re planning a Euro trip, don’t skip past Luxembourg.

Tyler Fox

Tyler is our Managing Editor and Writer. After spending years reading, writing, and obsessing over travel (while taking trips as often as possible of course!), he aims to give readers the best and most balanced experience possible when exploring the site.

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Last Updated 2 days ago

It’s not every day we get to report on a country going from being violence-torn and one of the most dangerous in the world to one of the fastest-growing, recognized for its enviable advances on the security front and decreased criminality…

Yet here we are.

It feels untrue even as we type this out, but El Salvador, historically known as a drug and murder capital and a no-go zone for most Americans, is now officially one of the safest countries for tourists to explore, not only in its tiny Central American nook but the entire Global South.

So how did El Salvador achieve this remarkable feat, and most importantly, how has the situation on the ground changed over the years?

El Salvador Is The 2nd Fastest-Growing Destination Globally

On January 27, El Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele sent shockwaves through X (formerly Twitter) when he publicly celebrated a major milestone for his country:

El Salvador is now the second top performing country worldwide on the tourism front, with a year-on-year increase in visitor numbers of 81%, ahead of fellow hidden gem Albania, which posted an 80% growth, and just behind Gulf nation Qatar, with 137%.

The figures are UN-issued, and Bukele’s exact words were ‘from the murder capital of the world to the second highest-performing tourist destination in the world‘:

From the murder capital of the world to the second highest-performing tourist destination in the world 🌎

De la capital mundial de los homicidios al segundo destino turístico con mejor rendimiento en el mundo 🌍 https://t.co/oCyfHzaZL0

— Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) January 27, 2025

In his X post, Bukele refers to a badge, or dare we say, a stain, El Salvador ashamedly wore for many decades, as it has been historically considered one of the worst countries for crime in the whole of the Western Hemisphere.

In 2015, the most dramatic year for crime, it had a homicide rate of 103 per 100,000 inhabitants, and this has been gradually decreasing since, reaching a significant turning point in 2019, when Bukele himself became President.

During the first year of his term, the country’s homicide rate stood at 36 per 100,000.

Fast forward to 2024, and it’s a shockingly low 1.9.

On X again, Bukele vowed that this year, the murder rate would be below 1 even, so how did he achieve it, and how does visiting El Salvador feel like in 2025?

How Did El Salvador Get Here?

From his inauguration onward, the right-leaning El Salvadorian set out on a full-fledged war on crime:

Be it the aggressive crackdown on gangs, which used to run the streets in El Salvador, or the much-controversial declaration of a State of Emergency that granted the Government broader powers to speed up criminal procedures and prosecutions.

If you’re wondering where exactly the controversy lies, given the Bukele administration’s excellent outcomes, some of his fiercest critics have pointed to human rights violations, such as mass incarcerations, overcrowding in prisons, and supposed abuse of power.

According to the opposition, Bukele’s tough stance on crime inevitably undermines constitution-guaranteed individual freedoms by oftentimes suspending due process and, in many cases, does not address the root of the gang violence problem, namely poverty or lack of opportunity.

They can run as many opinion articles as they want, but the effectiveness of Bukele’s zero-tolerance approach is undeniable, at least as it pertains to homicides: El Salvador has never been safer since records began, and that’s just cold, hard, unbiased fact.

You don’t have to believe us: believe U.S. authorities.

For the first time in years, the White House has downgraded El Salvador from a blacklisted Level 4 to Level 2, in recognition of the progress local authorities have made in reducing insecurity.

In non-technical terms, prior to Bukele’s widespread purge, Americans were advised to avoid visiting El Salvador at all costs––now, they are simply told to exercise ‘increased caution,’ essentially the same advice applying to a bunch of European nations traditionally considered safe.

Think England, France, Spain, Italy and the like.

What Does Visiting El Salvador Feel Like In 2025?

El Salvador is a very different country than what it used to be 10 years ago, or even 5 or 3.

If you’ve visited during the height of the gang violence, you might remember certain precautions you were required to take, be it booking chaperones or tour guides to be accompanied at all times when doing outings, avoiding certain areas altogether, and never, ever commuting during the night.

As the crime rate has plummeted to new record lows, all that tiptoeing around safety and a state of hyper-awareness has been replaced with the usual common sense.

You still can’t rule out pickpocketing, and although largely uncommon now, you should keep a watchful eye on your belongings in crowded areas and beaches, especially if there are no police patrolling nearby.

Similarly, you shouldn’t leave your hotel with flashy valuables, and this includes expensive watches and jewelry, to not draw unnecessary attention to yourself.

The U.S. State Department continues to advise tourists to use only major highways and roads and minimize travel beyond the limits of metropolitan zones after dark, as well as strongly discourage hitchhiking and resisting robbery in the (now less likely) event it happens.

In sum, is El Salvador one of the safest countries in the world?

It certainly is no Switzerland: crime can occur, albeit on drastically-lower levels than before.

That being said, your chances of falling victim to the rampage violence that was oh-so-ordinary to observe on the daily have been reduced to a minimum.

All in all, El Salvador is a beautiful country comprising vast rainforest-clad landscapes, imposing volcanos, and endless miles of golden sand beaches hugged by the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, and it’s never been this friendly and inviting to foreigners.

Political disagreements aside, El Salvadorians and tourists alike have an unwaveringly patriotic, ambitious Bukele to thank for.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.