Epic Train Explorations: Two Journeys That Redefine Travel
Two unforgettable train rides — one across the US in a private cabin, the other through Kenya’s wild landscapes — show how rail travel can turn a journey into the highlight of the trip.
Forget cramped airplane seats and airport layovers — these two train journeys prove that the rails can offer luxury, adventure, and even a touch of magic. Whether it’s riding across the American East Coast in your own private room or gliding past elephants on a Kenyan safari train, these stories from Business Insider are everything your wanderlust needs right now.
🛌 30 Hours, 45 Square Feet, One Private Amtrak Adventure
In a world obsessed with speed, Insider reporter Joey Hadden took a different approach: slowing down. Her journey aboard Amtrak from Miami to New York lasted 30 hours — but the experience was anything but boring.
Spending $1,000 on a private bedroom (yes: with a full bathroom), Joey found herself in a surprisingly spacious 45-square-foot cabin complete with a fold-out bed, sofa, sink, vanity, and even a closet for her travel wardrobe. With wide windows offering cinematic views and thoughtful amenities like a pull-out table and multiple lighting options, this "tiny hotel room on wheels" was designed for comfort.
The best part? It included meals. And not just a plastic-wrapped sandwich — Joey's favorite was a braised short rib dinner, turned into a mini gourmet sandwich. The trip blurred the line between transit and travel experience, making the journey just as important as the destination.
“I could stretch out, work on my laptop, eat a full meal, and even sleep with privacy. It’s like having your own world rolling down the tracks.”
Here is the link to the full article on Business Insider
🐘 A First-Class Safari... by Train in Kenya
Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, travel writer Suzie Dundas was boarding Kenya’s Madaraka Express — and stepping into what felt like an airborne first-class suite on rails.
For just $66, Suzie rode in a premium-class coach from Voi to Nairobi, through landscapes filled with giraffes, elephants, and history. Think lie-flat seats, personal outlets, sleek interiors, and massive windows framing Tsavo’s sprawling wilderness.
From a soft seat angled perfectly toward the scenery, she sipped coffee and spotted wildlife — including the legendary Tsavo Railway Bridge, haunted by tales of lion attacks during colonial construction. Even breakfast was an adventure: eggs, yogurt, and tomatoes served shortly after departure.
“It was like combining a game drive, a first-class flight, and a comfy living room — all for the price of a budget airline ticket.”
Here is the link to the article on Business Insider
🚉 Why These Stories Matter
In a time when travel often feels like a race, these train journeys remind us to slow down and look out the window. They’re immersive, eco-friendlier, and deeply rooted in the landscapes they pass through. And whether you're chasing luxury, nostalgia, or wildlife — there's something magical about a train.
So next time you're planning a trip, ask yourself: what if the journey was the destination?
Want more train stories like these? You might enjoy:
🚂 The Glacier Express: Switzerland’s Most Beautiful Ride
🌉 Overnight Trains in Japan: Futuristic Meets Tradition
🏞️ Rocky Mountaineer: Canada’s Window to the Wilderness