Travelling by train can be an excellent way to discover beautiful parts of the world along scenic routes, and a much less stressful process than flying.
While rail travel can prove costly, those looking for a more relaxing and slower-paced holiday can enjoy watching stunning views pass by them as they head to their destination.
Those who want to take train travel to the extreme can expect a colossal new expedition to look forward to in the future, one that’s being touted as the longest in the world.
The route stretches from Portugal to Singapore with an estimated travel time of 21 days, though factoring in timetables, potential delays, and stops in various cities en route, the actual trip could span several months.
Spanning 11,650 miles, this epic journey weaves through Europe, Siberia, and Asia.
However, due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, this dream journey remains just that, as all rail connections from the EU to Russia are currently halted. Nonetheless, the route is entirely viable should the railways reopen.
The journey contains culturally and historically significant sites, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The possibility of this epic journey has only recently been realised with the inauguration of the new Chinese-built £4.7 billion Boten-Vientiane railway in Laos, linking China to Southeast Asia.
The voyage begins in Lagos’s southernmost Portuguese port town, meandering north through Spain and onwards to Paris.
A connecting route then takes travellers west across Europe until they reach Moscow. Here, hop on the famed Trans-Siberian railway line, which takes six nights to arrive in Beijing.
A lengthy journey south through China leads to the newly established Boten to Vientiane line. From Vientiane, travellers will go to Bangkok, beginning the final leg through Malaysia and ultimately into Singapore.
Rail travel experts estimate that the basic cost of the trip would be around $1,200 (£946.21), roughly equivalent to a direct flight from the UK to Singapore.