Flying is high on the list for many but I guess it can depend on your seating class and which airline you’re flying with. Sailing is popular too. I'm certainly partial to a cruise, but for some, spending several days on a ship with limited time on land can be a turn off. 

So what about by rail? Well, I struggle to find the negatives when looking at the quality options abroad. Most of my enquiries for Japan require at least one experience on a bullet train, and many use them as their main mode of transport for travelling across that wonderful country. However, if you want to elevate your time on the tracks to a higher level of service, where should you turn to? 

The British have been fascinated by the Venice Simplon Orient Express for many decades and it’s difficult to look past this 1920’s masterpiece, especially when you can board from either London or Paris. However, let’s look beyond the obvious and explore some of the world’s greatest rail journeys:

In Canada, the Rocky Mountaineer combines breath taking scenery viewed through glass-domed coaches with gold-leaf service. A journey I'd love to take.

India, a country becoming more accessible as a premium leisure destination, features the Maharajas Express. It's pure luxury and includes must-see places such as the Taj Mahal in Agra and the much feted city of Jaipur.

Fancy Peru? The Andean Explorer features luxury cabins and an outdoor viewing platform to take in the vibrant diversity of this stunning country.

Back in Japan you have the Seven Stars in Kyushu. It is one of Asia's most exclusive trains, featuring a beautiful harmony between refined Japanese design and modern technology.

For me, Rovos Rail in Southern Africa takes the top spot. Also known as the 'Pride of Africa,' this isn't a fixed point-to-point routing. This train safari takes various routes across the region, mostly starting from Pretoria in South Africa and heading toward Victoria Falls, Namibia, Mozambique plus Cape Town or Durban. This really is a journey back to a golden age of leisure travel. With just 36 suites and a maximum of 72 passengers, you won't feel crowded and the experience is world class. And the scenery? Well, let's just say it's wild!