There's something wonderfully nostalgic about train travel.
Unlike flying, where the journey often feels like something to endure, traveling by rail invites you to slow down. Mountains rise outside your window, villages appear and disappear in the distance, rivers wind alongside the tracks, and suddenly you remember that getting there can be just as memorable as arriving.
It's also one of the few ways to travel where reading feels perfectly at home.
Whether you're crossing the Swiss Alps, exploring the Italian countryside, or gliding through the Scottish Highlands, here are a few books that pair beautifully with a rail adventure.
🇨🇠Switzerland
The Great Alone at Europe's Heart
Switzerland seems almost designed for train travel. Panoramic windows reveal turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, flower-filled valleys, and tiny villages tucked into the mountains.
Read:
🇮🇹 Italy
Where Every Station Has a Story
Italy's rail network makes it easy to wander between historic cities, vineyards, and coastal villages.
Read:
🇬🇧 Scotland
Castles, Highlands & Misty Mornings
Watching Scotland unfold by train feels like stepping inside a novel.
Read:
🇫🇷 France
Cafés, Countryside & Classic Literature
From Paris to Provence, France invites you to linger.
Read:
🇯🇵 Japan
Quiet Moments Between Cities
Japan's famous rail system is efficient, peaceful, and beautifully designed.
Read:
📖 The Perfect Train-Day Essentials
Before boarding, tuck these into your day bag:
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A good paperback (or e-reader)
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Noise-canceling headphones
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A travel journal
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A warm layer for cool train cars
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Snacks from a local bakery
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A window seat whenever possible
Then simply watch the world go by.
Why I Love Rail Travel
As someone who loves both travel and books, rail journeys feel like the perfect combination of the two.
There isn't the rush of an airport or the focus required to drive. Instead, you're free to read another chapter, sip your coffee, watch villages drift past the window, and simply enjoy being present.
Sometimes the most memorable part of a vacation isn't the famous landmark—it's that quiet afternoon spent watching the countryside roll by while turning the pages of a great book.
If rail travel has been on your bucket list, I'd love to help you find the right itinerary. Whether you're dreaming of the Swiss Alps, Italy, Scotland, Japan, or beyond, there may be a Globus Rail Tour that's the perfect fit.
Happy travels—and happy reading! 🚆📚