Podcast Summary: All Of It with Alison Stewart
Episode: Your Favorite Train Trips Part 2!
Date: January 16, 2026
Host: Alison Stewart
Featured Guest: Tom Hall, Vice President & Editor, Lonely Planet
Overview
This episode of "All Of It" continues the popular conversation about memorable train journeys. Host Alison Stewart welcomes back Tom Hall of Lonely Planet to share stunning rail experiences from around the world. Listener calls and stories are woven throughout, highlighting both the romance and practicalities of rail travel. From the Swiss Alps to New Zealand, and advice on booking and journey logistics, the episode is a celebration of culture, scenery, and community—on rails.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Allure of Train Travel (00:31)
- Listener nostalgia: The episode opens with the idea that train journeys evoke strong feelings and stories, encouraging listeners to call in with their favorites.
- Unique experience: Unlike planes or cars, trains allow for immersive travel—scenic views, cultural encounters, and a sense of unhurried exploration.
Booking Logistics & Practical Advice (01:25)
-
Booking Windows:
- Domestic & short-haul: 3–6 months in advance, occasionally up to a year for select international routes.
- Dynamic pricing similar to flights—booking earlier typically means better fares.
- For less-traveled routes, sometimes tickets are bought at the station.
- Quote:
"The earlier you book, the better value that you get."
— Tom Hall (01:48)
-
Class & Accommodations:
- Most trains offer at least two classes (Economy/Second & First).
- In Switzerland, even economy is quite comfortable.
"Second class is pretty good, economy class is pretty good and you might get open windows and you would still be able to access things like the dining car."
— Tom Hall (04:10) - Upgrading matters most on sleeper/night trains for privacy and space.
The Glacier Express, Switzerland (02:31)
- Highlights:
- 8-hour journey from St. Moritz to Zermatt
- Passes through over 100 tunnels and nearly 300 bridges, offering spectacular Alpine views.
- Not about speed—focus is on scenery.
- Tip: Regional trains on the same route can be faster/cheaper but lack panoramic windows.
- Best Time to Go:
- May/June for blooming meadows; winter offers stunning snowy landscapes but risk of clouds.
- Quote:
"You will just have incredible snowy landscapes which would be jaw droppingly beautiful."
— Tom Hall (05:05)
Listener Call-in Highlights: Diverse Train Journeys (05:31–07:57)
- Mexico’s Copper Canyon Train:
- Compared to the Grand Canyon; overnight stops; rich exposure to local cultures.
- Australia’s Transcontinental Train:
- 3 days across wilderness from Perth to Adelaide and then Cairns. Stargazing described as "fantastic."
- Kyle Line, Scotland:
- Noted for dramatic, rapidly changing landscapes and a helpful mile-by-mile guide for passengers.
New Zealand’s TranzAlpine Train (07:57)
- Crossing the South Island from Christchurch to the West Coast.
- Open-air observation cars enhance the journey with fresh, changing mountain air.
- Gateway to adventure sports and natural wonders on the West Coast.
- Caller Frank’s Reflection:
- "It was absolutely spectacular. You're going through some of the most rugged mountainous terrain and forests in the whole world." (09:24)
Food & Dining on Trains (10:07)
- Variation by Country & Train Type:
- Amtrak long-distance trains: Social dining, communal tables, classic service.
- European trains: Buffet/dining cars common (especially Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic).
- Modern/high-speed trains: Food options may be downgraded; premium services still offer gourmet experiences.
- Quote:
"Polish and Czech dining cars are probably the best in the world. They're really fantastic. So, and very good value..."
— Tom Hall (11:17) - Special mention: Day-trip luxury ‘Orient Express’-style excursions from London.
Eurail Passes & Modern Ticketing (12:22)
- Eurail passes still exist; now app-based.
- Best for extensive travel, rather than just a few journeys.
- Versions available for young travelers, adults, and seniors.
Additional Listener Trip Highlights (13:15–14:25)
- Peru’s Trains (Cusco to Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca):
- Described as beautiful, cultural, and high-altitude.
- Canadian Rockies by Rail:
- VIA Rail (regular) and the Rocky Mountaineer (premium).
- September recommended for fall colors, fewer crowds.
- Quote:
"That time of year is very good for fall foliage, and you get fewer crowds than you would do if you were doing the trip in July or August."
— Tom Hall (15:02)
The Caledonian Sleeper: London to Fort William, Scotland (15:27)
- Overnight luxury, waking in the Highlands, with whisky and breakfast available onboard.
- From Fort William, the Jacobite steam train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct (famously seen in Harry Potter).
- Travel romance vs. reality: Missed connections are possible; build in flexibility.
- Quote:
"You awake in the Scottish Highlands, with this rugged, remote scenery on a single track line. Maybe spotting deer from the train..."
— Tom Hall (15:41) - Advice:
- Trains often arrive in city centers, making improvised overnight stays easier in the event of delays.
Final Listener Call: Norwegian Mountain Waterfall Journey (17:13)
- Bergen Line:
- Miradal to Flåm, passing dramatic waterfalls; options to walk or bicycle alongside the track.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the value of early booking:
"The earlier you book, the better value that you get." — Tom Hall (01:48) -
On the Glacier Express scenery:
"Over 100 tunnels, almost 300 bridges, through archetypal Swiss scenery." — Tom Hall (02:42) -
On breathtaking moments in New Zealand:
"Open observation car that you can go and stand in and it's fresh air that slowly gets colder as you go up and then warms up again as you're descending..." — Tom Hall (07:57) -
On the unique social dining of Amtrak:
"You're served a meal and you just get to chat to people. It's a really pleasant way to enjoy the journey." — Tom Hall (10:42) -
On the Caledonian Sleeper experience:
"You doze off as you're chugging through The English Midlands. But you awake in the Scottish Highlands...with this rugged, remote scenery..." — Tom Hall (15:41)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 01:25 – Booking logistics and dynamic pricing
- 02:31 – Glacier Express, Switzerland: Scenic details and insider tips
- 04:58 – Train class comparisons: economy vs first class
- 05:30 – Best time of year for the Glacier Express
- 05:36 – Listener recommendations: Mexico, Australia, Scotland
- 07:57 – TranzAlpine, New Zealand: Route and features
- 09:24 – Caller Frank on NZ’s Southern Alps ride
- 10:42 – Food, dining options, and best rail cuisine countries
- 12:22 – Eurail pass discussion and recommendations
- 13:19 – Peru’s epic train rides from listener Susan
- 14:25 – Canadian Rockies rail trip (VIA Rail/Rocky Mountaineer)
- 15:41 – Caledonian Sleeper, London to Fort William
- 17:19 – Bergen Line, Norway: Flåm and mountain descent
Tone and Style
The episode is warm, enthusiastic, and packed with both expert insights and heartfelt listener reminiscences. Alison Stewart maintains an inviting, community-oriented tone, encouraging dialogue and curiosity, while Tom Hall delivers practical knowledge blended with contagious passion for train travel.
Conclusion
"Your Favorite Train Trips Part 2!" transports listeners around the world by rail, with vibrant descriptions, practical tips, and community energy. The episode is both a guide and an inspiration for anyone considering their next journey by train—whether across continents or within their own country.