Exploring Europe by train: Why slow travel is the new trend

In a world obsessed with instant everything, from same-day delivery to short-haul flights, a new kind of travel is quietly gaining momentum. It’s called slow travel, and it’s all about trading the rush for the ride. Across Europe, more people are swapping airport queues for train carriages, finding that the journey itself can be as rewarding as the destination.

The joy of the journey

Travelling by train across Europe offers something that planes often don’t, the chance to see more of the country you’re visiting, up close. Picture this: you’re sipping your morning coffee as the Swiss Alps roll past your window, chatting with locals in a French café car, or stepping off in a small Belgian town just because it looked charming. Trains allow you to move at a human pace, to notice details and create stories you’d otherwise miss.

Bespoke adventures

For Irish travellers, slow travel isn’t just about slowing down, it’s about travelling with purpose. Think of the classic Irish group tour but reimagined for today. A few ideas already catching on:

• Rugby weekends by rail – Instead of flying in and out of Toulouse for the big match, why not make it an adventure? Take the train from Paris through the French countryside, stopping for wine tastings and local meals along the way.

• Pilgrimage to Lourdes – For many Irish families, Lourdes has long been a special destination. Travelling there by train gives the experience new depth. A reflective, communal journey that echoes the spirit of pilgrimage itself.

• Christmas markets across Europe – There’s something magical about boarding a train in Brussels and stepping off a few hours later into the twinkling lights of a German Christmas market. It’s festive, stress-free, and wonderfully atmospheric.

These kinds of tailored itineraries which are part journey, part experience are becoming the new face of bespoke tourism. They’re not about cramming in as many destinations as possible but about enjoying a trip that tells a story.

Sustainability meets storytelling.

Slow travel isn’t just good for the soul; it’s better for the planet. Trains are one of the most sustainable ways to travel, producing far fewer emissions than flights. For eco-conscious travellers, that’s a big draw but it’s also a chance for travel companies to show how luxury and sustainability can go together.

Why the trend is here to stay.

As European rail networks expand and ticketing becomes more flexible, exploring the continent by train is easier than ever. Platforms like Interrail are being rediscovered not just by students, but by couples, families, and groups who want a richer, more personal travel experience.

For tour operators, this opens up a world of opportunity to design experiences, not itineraries. Think locally guided food tours, train-hopping wine trails, or faith-based group journeys that focus on connection rather than convenience.

Slow travel reminds us that the best trips are not always measured in miles or minutes, but rather in moments. Europe’s railways weave together landscapes, languages, and lives offering a way to rediscover the art of travel. So next time you plan a European escape, don’t just think about where you’re going. Think about how you’ll get there. Because sometimes, the most memorable part of the journey happens between the stops.

While you’re planning your route, don’t forget the practical side of adventure, a good travel insurance policy. Whether it’s a missed departure, lost personal property, or a sudden change of plans, having cover in place* means you can relax and enjoy the journey, knowing you’re protected wherever the tracks take you.

^{*Exclusions apply - available within the relevant policy booklet linked here.} 

^{An Post Insurance Travel Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Chubb European Group SE.}