Each theme is scored on what diarists actually wrote after the trip, not before it: how often a place was recommended without reservation, how specific the praise was, whether people said they would return, and how many regrets were logged (weather, crowds, cost, logistics). Editors then verify the practical details — airport, season, stay strategy — against operator sources. Rankings are refreshed as new diaries come in.
Switzerland: Bernina & Glacier Express loop · Switzerland
The Bernina Express over the Alps to Tirano and the Glacier Express across the Oberalp — the best window in Europe, bookable with a Swiss Travel Pass.
- Best time
- June–September; winter for snow
- Signature
- The Landwasser viaduct; the Bernina Pass lakes.
- Where to stay
- Chur, St. Moritz, Zermatt.
- Watch out
- Reserve panoramic seats months ahead; the regular trains on the same lines are cheaper.
Japan: Tokyo–Kyoto–Hiroshima–Kanazawa · Japan
Shinkansen punctuality, the Thunderbird to Kanazawa, and the Sea of Japan coast. Diaries call it the least stressful rail trip on earth.
- Best time
- October–November, March–May
- Signature
- Mt Fuji from the Shinkansen (right side heading west); the Kanazawa gardens.
- Where to stay
- Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kanazawa.
- Watch out
- The JR Pass is no longer a bargain for every itinerary — price it.
Sri Lanka: Kandy to Ella · Sri Lanka
Tea hills, waterfalls and the Nine Arch Bridge on a slow train that diaries rate the most beautiful ride in the world.
- Best time
- January–April
- Signature
- The Kandy–Ella observation car; Ella Rock at dawn.
- Where to stay
- Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella.
- Watch out
- Reserved seats sell out; second class unreserved is the authentic option.
Scotland: West Highland Line & Jacobite · United Kingdom
Glasgow to Mallaig across Rannoch Moor and over the Glenfinnan viaduct, then a ferry to Skye.
- Best time
- May–September
- Signature
- The Glenfinnan viaduct; a Mallaig fish supper.
- Where to stay
- Fort William, Mallaig, Skye.
- Watch out
- The steam Jacobite books out; the regular ScotRail train runs the same line.
Canada: Vancouver to Jasper (Rocky Mountaineer or VIA) · Canada
Two days of mountains and rivers, either in luxury with the Rocky Mountaineer or in VIA's dome car.
- Best time
- May–September
- Signature
- The Fraser Canyon; Mount Robson from the dome.
- Where to stay
- Kamloops (Mountaineer) or on board (VIA), then Jasper.
- Watch out
- VIA's Canadian runs limited days; book far ahead.
Europe by night train: Paris–Vienna–Venice · France / Austria / Italy
Nightjet sleepers link Paris, Vienna and Venice, turning transport into part of the trip and skipping airports.
- Best time
- April–June, September–October
- Signature
- Waking up to the Alps; arriving in Venice by water.
- Where to stay
- Central hotels near the stations.
- Watch out
- Sleeper compartments sell out months ahead; book at 6 months.
Rankings summarise what travelers wrote after their trips, cross-checked by our editors. Seasons, prices and conditions change; confirm entry rules, weather windows and bookings before you commit. Nothing here is a guarantee of an experience.
- Personal travel diaries, trip reports and traveler notes (aggregated, anonymised)
- Tourism-board seasonal data and operator pages for practical details
- Editorial visits where noted