It isn’t a grand idea like the Orient Express or a luxury train through Saudi Arabia (the Dream of the Desert) but a German R&D project piques curiosity on its feasibility to repurpose inner city and suburban railways. It helps urban and suburban renewable and seniors get around.

In New York, old rail lines were turned into The High Line, a gorgeous urban park platform full of urban gardens, art and the best ice cream sandwiches you’ll find in the world. It’s a must when you visit New York. Tel Aviv’s train lines, the ones that travelled from Jaffa to Beirut and from Jaffa to Jerusalem have also got an upgrade — into an urban center and shopping area called The Tachana, or The Station. Dog parks, playgrounds and cafes line the old rail tracks that are still apparent when you take a stroll.

How many cities and suburban areas have out of commission rail tracks?

The German innovators, a collection of researchers and city planners, are hoping to put oil train tracks to use by creating monorail cabs that can traverse the lines already laid down. This is especially important in the countryside where older people don’t drive and small towns are dwindling as people move to the cities for better access to resources. The cabs roll on one wheel, are stabilised by a gyroscope and allow two in opposite directions to pass one another.

They are called Monocab Owls. The pictures speak for themselves. And if anyone has ever lived through an urban improvement period as I have in Jaffa, you will know it can tear down trees (see how ecologists fought the city and won!), it costs millions of dollars, the dust and pollution is horrendous and it takes years of unpleasantness for residents. In Jaffa, dozens if not a hundred retail businesses were decimated in the process of building the cities Light Rapid Train. A Monocab could be a great solution until we all get renewably powered Jetson cabs that fly in the sky.

The Monocab project is a collaboration of many partners and include Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences, the Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, the Fraunhofer IOSB-INA, the RailCampus OWL, and the Lippe district.

The project funding is provided as part of the implementation of the operational program of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in North Rhine-Westphalia, with co-financing by the Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, and Transport of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

We’d love to see this low-cost solution developed in suburban centers allowing residents to enjoy mobility without the cost of developing new infrastructure that can cost millions.

By investing in ideas like Monocab Owl, the EU is revolutionising sustainable commuting. This gyro-stabilised monorail offers autonomous, on-demand transport, boosting rural connectivity. A big yes for the environment.

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While most of us just use the train or bus to get from point A to point B, there are times when the public can move and join together in an event or a mission. Train, subway, and underground rides within cities and between them are the perfect way to add in an experience, either planned or spontaneous. They are moving cabins with a captive audience. Put away your phone and think about the best underground experience you have ever had. My favorite city train ride was on the underground train from Midtown to Harlem in New York City, on a subway train which ended up in acrobatics and a spontaneous dance party. It was the best performance and I was part of the show. No one could plan the art on that train.

Once we bought family tickets to ride the train to nowhere in India. It was pretty funny. We had feet in our faces and got to make friends and eat strange treats, even other peoples’ home cooking. At one point my bag was full of scattered and cooked grains sticking all over it and I dumped it out in a garbage bin on a connecting platform. At that moment my husband said: If they were making a movie about Karin, this would be the opening shot. It was a great memory being on that train.

I love the idea of traveling by train as a sustainable way to do tourism and get a sense of place. There is a lover’s train in Norway, and Saudi Arabia is building the world’s most luxurious slow travel trains as it opens to tourism. But we aren’t looking for love or luxury. Just simple fun: so we took the question to the Internet, and readers responded with some great ideas. What are the best train tourism experiences in the world? There is a techno train, a sauna train, an accordion and beer train, a no-pants train, a supper train and a train where you can speak with professors. Or maybe the surprise train that plays live music and drops you off in an unknown village. All aboard?

Techno Train: Germany’s Eco-Friendly Rave on Rails

In Germany, trains are no longer just for commuting—they’re rolling nightclubs! The Techno Train offers partygoers a chance to dance the night away on a train traveling between cities. This eco-friendly rave is powered by renewable energy and creates a sustainable, low-carbon alternative to driving to music festivals. Not only does it reduce car traffic, but it also promotes eco-conscious partying. While this may seem unconventional, it’s an electrifying way to get more people to choose public transport. Find out about the next Techno Train here.

Scientists on the Trains: Israel’s Physics Professors on Trains

In Israel, professors from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have been known to bring their classrooms to the public transport system. Commuters on specific train lines, at certain times of the year, can listen to free lectures about physics, turning otherwise mundane commutes into educational experiences.

Some explore topics like global warming, the creation of Earth and how the brain works. There was one lecture about the love letters between Einstein and his first and then second wife –– a natural choice since Einstein was one of the founders of the Hebrew University in the 1920s. Einstein gave his first lecture in 1923, and upon his death, donated his collection of material to the university in Jerusalem where it is now located in a special museum. Einstein wrote these letters when he was traveling –– by train.

In Taiwan the idea has caught on and in 2020, scientists started doing experiments with school kids on the train. So much you can do with a captive audience. What would you lecture about on a train? Would you want that for your city? A nice add to the educational experience is Mail Rail in London.

Accordions and Beer on a Train, with the Music Winkel Express, Germany

The Winkel Express offers a nostalgic journey between the Czech Republic and Adorf in Germany, traversing the picturesque Ore Mountains.

This unique experience features a vintage German Schienenbus, a diesel railbus reminiscent of mid-20th-century travel. Passengers are treated to live accordion music, enhancing the very convivial atmosphere, while enjoying locally brewed beers served onboard. The journey is particularly enchanting during winter, as snow blankets the landscape, creating a serene and picturesque setting. The combination of musical entertainment, cultural exploration, and scenic beauty makes the Winkel Express a memorable excursion for those seeking a blend of tradition and adventure. Or those just seeking beer and accordions. Get info about getting aboard with German hearty cheer here.

Wabi Sabi gardening on the train, Tokyo and Kyoto Japan

In Tokyo, commuters can easily step off the train and be right inside an urban garden. We experienced this in Ueno and Shibuya and some trains have gardens inside them like the Kyoto Garaku train, and others have gardens on the roofs of the trains stations. Tokyo and Kyoto are cities full of secrets that don’t give them up easily.

Some local transit authorities in Japan have partnered with environmental groups to create small green spaces filled with plants and trees at select transit hubs. Not only do these mini gardens serve as beautiful, peaceful places for passengers to relax, but they also promote biodiversity and air purification. The green spaces also help reduce the urban heat island effect, making them a practical solution for sustainable cities.

Japan is just full of surprises. It’s even possible to buy a Suica card and jump on and off the trains in Tokyo, with no plan and choose your next adventure. Of course the bullet train is also an experience in itself. I felt a bit nauseated when on one, but I am told you get used to the speed eventually. 

London also took on the idea of Tiny Parks. This page has more about them if you are in London. There are currently 9 Tiny Parks in former London Underground ticket office windows. They can be found at: St James’s Park, Belsize Park, Wood Green, Kilburn Park. 

No Trousers on the Tube Day, London

London also has the No Trousers on the Tube Day, every year. You might make a note to avoid public transport on London, on that day. The last one was in January so you are probably good until that rolls around again. The annual No Trousers Tube Ride went ahead this year despite the freezing temperatures in London.

Bare-legged passengers could be spotted throughout the London Underground, including in Westminster, Waterloo, and South Kensington. Started in January 2002 by just seven participants in New York, the event has since grown globally, with dozens taking part in this year’s London edition. Charlie Todd, the no-pants founder said:  “The goal is simply to create unexpected moments of joy, delight, and confusion.”

The Supper Club Train in London

Where London in lacking in pants, they make up for in food. A unique supper club experience has been gaining popularity in London, offering a dining adventure like no other—on a train. This innovative concept transforms an ordinary train ride into a gourmet experience, where guests are treated to multi-course meals while traveling through the city or scenic countryside.

The supper club on a train is more than just a meal; it’s an immersive experience that combines the thrill of travel with fine dining. Passengers board a vintage-style train, which has been thoughtfully restored to exude charm and sophistication. The journey takes them to various destinations, with the train’s luxurious setting providing the perfect backdrop for an evening of culinary delight.

Chefs prepare the meals on board, offering seasonal and locally sourced ingredients in beautifully crafted dishes. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, with tables set for intimate dining, accompanied by wines that perfectly complement the courses. Along with exceptional food, the journey itself becomes part of the experience, offering views of London’s iconic landmarks or the tranquil English countryside. The cost is about $85 USD a person.

Book the supper club here

Solar-Powered Trains, India

This is less of an experience and more of a sweet idea: In India, solar energy is powering the lighting of certain diesel-powered trains. The Indian Railways have launched solar-powered trains that help reduce their carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels. Solar panels are not yet able to power a train journey, but do send a nice message about sustainable travel. These trains run lights and charging stations from solar panels installed on their rooftops, providing a clean, renewable energy source.

Interactive Art Installations in Argentina

Buenos Aires is a vast canvas for urban art as well as being an efficient public transport system. The train system underground and above is also a gallery of urban art with 450 artistic projects from 200 artists at stations across the network.Throughout the metro system, passengers can engage with art pieces that involve everything from light projections to touch-sensitive walls.

These installations don’t just provide entertainment; they connect passengers with the culture and vibrancy of the city. It’s a creative way to use public transport as a platform for local artists while fostering a sense of pride in the community. The city also offers free bikes when you get off the train using Ecobici, the 24-hour bike share scheme. Bikes can be taken for up to one hour Monday – Friday and up to two hours at the weekend (you can go for a second spin after a five-minute wait).

Reset and Detox on this Sauna and Surprise Train, Czechia

VlakFest organizes adventurous train trips throughout Czechia and occasionally to neighboring countries, with the twist of surprise destinations. These trips occur throughout the year, featuring themed rides with live music, cultural experiences, and seasonal events like winter wonderland journeys. The adventure also includes saunas on the train, pioneered in Finland, a country known for its sauna culture.

Unique activities include onboard workshops, food tastings, and overnight stays at hidden gems. The sauna car and love music means getting there is 90 percent of the journey. Meet new people and relax. For dates, locations, and booking details, visit VlakFest’s website.

A Conference on Trains, On a Train?

This is something only Europeans could think up and I thank my friends in Finland (remember our cleantech press tour Helsinki?); Tampere University is putting on a conference on alternative experiences by train, on a train that crosses through cities and ends in Istanbul. This is a country that has invented saunas on a train, so you know it’s going to be a wild ride. Have a new idea to share for tourism, art, education or the environment? They are looking for submissions and lecturers in areas such as:

• The railway journey as a narrative trope in literature and film
• Sensory geographies of the railway
• Historical phenomenologies of the railway
• The railway as a multisensory experience in literature and art
• Railways and the aesthetics of speed
• Nostalgic or futuristic railway imaginaries

The CfP for the conference ‘Railway Aesthetics: Experiencing Locomotion across Media and Cultures’ (Vienna-Bucharest-Istanbul, 10-13.09.2025) will be taking place between these cities in September, organized by Tampere University, Sapienza University of Rome, and University of Zurich. The deadline for submissions is May 2, 2025. 

Get on the Folk Train, in England

Folk train fun on the Glossop Line: For a fun evening with a special twist, the all year round program of live music folk trains on the Glossop line in the Peak District of Derbyshire is hard to beat. For just the price of your train ticket, music lovers can sit back and admire the views from the carriage window while being entertained by a live folk music band on board the train. Their Facebook page keeps you updated on who’s running the jam for each month. It’s free with a train ticket. The train leaves Manchester Piccadilly in the evening and returns to Manchester later on.

No extra ticket required – Normal train fares apply. A voluntary raffle is held for a bottle of wine or couple of beers. £2 per ticket plus any other contributions you wish to make, all proceeds go to pay the musicians. There are more folk trains in England. While this page is a bit outdated, there are contacts and links for finding out how to catch folk trains running throughout other parts of England. Groups are allowed but be in touch beforehand. 

Party on the Rampage Express, Belgium

The Rampage Express is a dedicated festival train that takes partygoers from Brussels and Antwerp to the Rampage Open Air festival in Belgium. It’s not just a ride—it’s a pre-party on wheels! The train is filled with excited festival-goers, creating an electrifying atmosphere before you even reach the event. People are decked out in festival gear, music is pumping, and the energy is contagious. It’s a great way to meet fellow fans and get the party rolling. We we

Rampage Open Air is a premier drum & bass and dubstep festival held annually in Lommel, Belgium. The 2025 edition is scheduled for July promising an electrifying experience for bass music enthusiasts. The festival boasts seven stages and over 300 artists, aiming to attract around 60,000 attendees. Book the festival and train here.

The Dutch Sziget Express Party Train from Amsterdam to Budapest

The Sziget Express is a unique party train that transports festival-goers from the Netherlands to the Sziget Festival in Budapest, Hungary. Departing from Amersfoort on August 4, 2025, and arriving in Budapest on August 5, this journey transforms travel into an unforgettable pre-festival celebration. The return trip leaves Budapest on August 12, reaching Amersfoort on August 13.

Onboard, passengers can expect a vibrant atmosphere with DJs, a bar carriage, and ample opportunities to socialize. The train offers comfortable seating, with baggage included in the ticket price. For those traveling with friends, group seating requests are accommodated, provided all have the same ticket type.

Tickets for the Sziget Express start at €299, with package deals available that include festival passes at discounted rates. Given the train’s popularity and limited capacity, early booking is highly recommended to secure a spot on this extraordinary journey to one of Europe’s premier music festivals. Years ago, many years ago when I went to a Rolling Stones concert in Zurich I found myself on a party bus taking us there. Getting the party to a destination festival by rail is so sustainable, leaving out all that space needed for cars that will not be used for days.

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Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and the Italian hospitality company Arsenale have officially unveiled the final designs for the ‘Dream of the Desert’, the first five-star luxury train in the Middle East.

Related: the 5 best slow trains for travel

This milestone follows the 2024 agreement between SAR and Arsenale to bring this groundbreaking project to life.

Designed by architect and interior designer Aline Asmar d’Amman and her studio, Culture in Architecture, the train’s interiors draw inspiration from desert landscapes and traditional Saudi architecture. The design features exquisite craftsmanship, earthy tones, luxurious textiles, and intricate details, evoking iconic landmarks such as Hegra and Hail.

The train comprises 14 carriages, including 34 luxurious suites, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for travelers. Departing from Riyadh, it will traverse the Northern Railway network, allowing passengers to explore Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and stunning natural sites.

Onboard, guests will enjoy specially curated cultural programs developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, transforming the journey into an immersive celebration of Saudi traditions.

Set to launch by late 2026, Dream of the Desert is not just a luxury train—it symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s bold vision for the future of tourism.

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The Egyptian National Authority for Tunnels has contracted a consortium to renovate its Cairo Metro Line 1. The group includes France-based Colas Rail, Egypt‘s Orascom Construction and Japan’s Hitachi Rail in an 800 million EUR) ($1.1 B USD) contract, split between the three companies.

The Line 1 in Cairo metro is the oldest underground train line in Egypt and is the heart of the city’s urban transport system, carrying 1.5 million people daily. The new investment will increase capacity on the line.

“We are proud to have supported the National Authority for Tunnels over more than 40 years in the construction of reliable, low-carbon urban mobility infrastructure in Cairo and Alexandria,” said Hervé Le Joliff, Chairman of Colas Rail. “The modernisation of line 1, which Colas Rail helped to build in the 1980s, represents a new challenge. Over the next few years, many of the world’s major cities will have to modernise their underground railway lines to keep pace with the growing demand for mobility among the population.”

Under the contract, Colas Rail will work with Orascom to modernize the electric power supply and electromechanical systems in stations, tunnels and on the rail track.

Related: Ecological news from Egypt

Hitachi Rail will upgrade the signaling, control and telecommunications infrastructure.

This work will be completed during the day while maintaining commercial operations on the line. The project is expected to start in October 2024 and will run for 64 months.

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Starting operations in 2025, this train will offer scenic journeys across Saudi Arabia’s deserts from Riyadh to Qurayyat in 40 custom luxury cabins, embracing the growing trend of sustainable, slow travel.

In the realm of travel, speed often reigns supreme. From bullet trains hurtling across continents to supersonic flights whisking passengers across oceans, the modern traveler is accustomed to reaching their destination swiftly and efficiently. Trains are the most common way of getting around countries in Europe and between cities in India, but it isn’t so for more places in the world.

But as luxury standards change to sustainable and slow a new train is emerging from the sands of Saudi Arabia – a country renowned for its opulence and penchant for the extravagant – where plans are underway for a leisurely journey aboard the “Dream of the Desert,” the kingdom’s first luxury slow train experience.

Scheduled to start at the end of 2025, the Dream of the Desert is crafted in Italy by the prestigious hospitality company Arsenale Group, and commissioned by Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), this 40 cabin train promises to traverse the kingdom’s awe-inspiring desert interior at a leisurely pace, offering passengers an unparalleled blend of comfort, luxury, and cultural immersion.

Spanning 800 miles of existing railway lines, the Dream of the Desert will embark on a journey from the capital city of Riyadh to Al Qurayyat in the northern province of Al Jawf, with stops along the way. The meticulously planned route, spanning one to two days, will encompass cultural gems such as Al Qassim, Hail, and Al Jouf, culminating near the border with Jordan, close to the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Nature Reserve.

Interestingly, the inception of the Dream of the Desert comes at a time when the global travel landscape is undergoing a paradigm shift. As the world emerges from the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic, travelers are increasingly seeking meaningful and immersive experiences that are authentic.

Luxury train cruising, with its emphasis on unhurried exploration and indulgent hospitality, is poised to emerge as a prominent trend in post-pandemic travel, offering discerning travelers an opportunity to savor the journey as much as the destination.

With aspirations to attract 150 million visitors by the end of the decade, the kingdom has embarked on a flurry of initiatives aimed at showcasing its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and boundless hospitality.

From the ancient oasis city of AlUla, with its awe-inspiring sandstone monuments, to the pristine shores of the Red Sea coast and the futuristic allure of the Neom gigaproject, Saudi Arabia beckons travelers with a tapestry of experiences waiting to be unraveled.  Read more about Saudi Arabia and travel with: THE LINE, a linear 15-minute city that represents the future of urban living; Trojena, its year-round mountain destination and the first outdoor ski experience in the GCC region; and Oxagon, a floating port city.

Famous slow train journeys for travellers

1. The Orient Express:

Step aboard the Orient Express, and you’re instantly transported to a bygone era of glamour and intrigue. This legendary train has been synonymous with luxury travel since its inaugural journey from Paris to Istanbul in 1883. With its plush carriages, sumptuous interiors, and attentive service, the Orient Express epitomizes the golden age of rail travel.

Today, the Orient Express continues to captivate travelers with its meticulously curated itineraries through Europe’s most enchanting destinations. From the romance of Venice to the grandeur of Budapest, passengers can immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the continent while indulging in gourmet cuisine and fine wines.

2. The Marrakesh Express:

Venture into the heart of Morocco aboard the Marrakesh Express, a train journey that embodies the vibrant spirit of North Africa. Departing from the bustling city of Marrakesh, this iconic train winds its way through the scenic landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, offering breathtaking views of rugged terrain and traditional Berber villages.

As the train meanders towards its destination, passengers are treated to a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and flavors. From the bustling souks of Marrakesh to the serene beauty of the Moroccan countryside, each moment aboard the Marrakesh Express is an exploration of the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

3. The Trans-Siberian Railway:

Spanning over 9,000 kilometers across Russia, the Trans-Siberian Railway is the ultimate rail adventure, offering a journey through the vast expanse of Siberia and beyond. From the bustling streets of Moscow to the remote wilderness of Siberia, this epic train journey traverses diverse landscapes, including dense forests, sweeping plains, and majestic mountains.

Passengers aboard the Trans-Siberian Railway can immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of Russia while enjoying the comfort and luxury of the train’s cabins. Whether savoring traditional Russian cuisine in the dining car or gazing at the endless horizon from the comfort of their compartment, travelers are bound to be enchanted by the beauty and grandeur of this iconic railway.

4. The Blue Train (South Africa):

In South Africa, the Blue Train is synonymous with elegance, luxury, and unparalleled hospitality. Journeying between Pretoria and Cape Town, this iconic train offers a glamorous way to explore the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of the country.

With its opulent furnishings, gourmet cuisine, and attentive service, the Blue Train promises an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Whether sipping champagne in the lounge car or marveling at the rugged beauty of the South African countryside, passengers aboard the Blue Train are treated to a journey of a lifetime.

5. The Glacier Express (Switzerland):

For travelers seeking a scenic escape, the Glacier Express offers a breathtaking journey through the Swiss Alps. Connecting Zermatt with St. Moritz, this iconic train winds its way through snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and picturesque villages, offering panoramic views of Switzerland’s most stunning landscapes.

As the train makes its leisurely journey through the heart of the Alps, passengers can relax in the comfort of their seats and soak in the beauty of their surroundings. From the iconic Matterhorn to the majestic Rhine Gorge, every moment aboard the Glacier Express is a celebration of Switzerland’s natural beauty and alpine charm.

6. The Royal Scotsman (Scotland):

Step aboard the Royal Scotsman, and you’re transported to a world of luxury and refinement amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland. This boutique train offers an intimate and exclusive way to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage, from historic castles to whisky distilleries and scenic landmarks.

With its elegant furnishings, gourmet dining, and personalized service, the Royal Scotsman promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Scotland. Whether enjoying a traditional Scottish ceilidh or savoring a dram of single malt whisky, passengers aboard the Royal Scotsman are treated to a truly immersive experience that captures the essence of Scotland’s charm and hospitality.

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We all know that traveling isn’t the most environmentally-friendly activity. But, hey, this planet is still too beautiful to ignore. As a result, eco-friendly travel should always be a top priority for us. We want to preserve the planet’s beauty for future generations to enjoy.

What exactly is sustainable travel?

Sustainable traveling, also referred to as eco-friendly traveling, is more than just another travel trend; we are working to reduce our carbon footprint at home and on the road, as well as broadening our understanding of what it means to travel.

Following are the ways to travel sustainability:

Select the locations and destinations that are sustainable. 

Once it comes to travel, the closer you are to home, the lesser your carbon impact. People are preparing to travel further afield when the world reopens. Consider how much importance a country places on sustainability when determining where to move.

Consider taking alternatives like bus or train.

If it is extremely important to fly, use a reputable provider to offset your carbon footprint. You can even cancel your carbon footprint for bus and train travel!

Countless organizations provide carbon offset programs for travelers. You should, however, investigate which specific projects are supported and whether these projects are sustainable. It’s pointless to plant a tree if it’s cut down a few years later.

Make sure to travel slowly and cover longer distances. 

Traveling over longer distances, you are more likely to choose more environmentally friendly modes of transportation to get around your destination. A bus or a rail trip may take longer than a domestic flight, but it is more environmentally friendly and, if you have the time, provides a far more engaging travel experience. By staying overnight, visitors may visit famous sights before or after day-trippers, reducing their own tourist footprint.

Spending money at local restaurants and motels also ensures that income stays in the local community rather than going to major hotel chains or out-of-town travel agencies.

Try bringing your own water bottle.

It’s time to say goodbye to plastic waste, which is extremely simple to reduce. One of our favorite eco-friendly travel tips is to invest in a reusable water bottle to avoid contributing to even more plastic waste.

Plastic waste may not be a problem in countries such as Germany and Switzerland, but developing countries such as Cambodia and Vietnam are suffering from uncontrollable plastic garbage in oceans, waterways, and on beaches. You’ve heard about how plastic trash is endangering marine life in the oceans. As a result, it is critical to discontinue the use of single-use plastics such as water bottles, cutlery, bags, and other non-biodegradable products. If you are going to have a RV traveling, you can also choose Waterdrop gravity water filter.

Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying a throwaway one every few hours to prevent polluting the environment. To decrease plastic waste, consider bringing your own toiletries, reusable shopping bags, and so on.

Consider purchasing from small local stores.

Various nations rely greatly on the tourist industry. As a result, they suffer much more during the epidemic. If you want to show your support for the locals on your next vacation, buy and eat locally rather than at a large supermarket or an international fast food business. Seasonal, regional, and organically grown foods not only support the local economy, but also bring visitors closer to the local food culture than shopping centers and food courts. Purchasing locally not only provides people with economic opportunities but also reduces a product’s negative environmental impact. Shipping products outside of the country of origin pollutes the air and water, so try to support local businesses and buy handmade items whenever possible. 

Discover a few languages in order to communicate with the locals.

Attempting to learn the local language of the destination you’re visiting not only demonstrates respect for the culture but will also make it much easier for you to get around and interact with locals.

You might even meet a few new people who will later become your friends! Another advantage of learning a foreign language is that it promotes better listening and memory skills.

Spending more time to get to know the locals will also open many more travel opportunities, for example, accommodation-wise. It’s better to stay at someone’s house rather than a hotel. In addition to saving your money, you might also get valuable advice on where to go and what places to visit first. Just remember about your safety, put yourself first and think twice before spending the night with someone you just met. If possible, look them up online to check whether they are being authentic about who they are. You can also use Nuwber for such purposes.

Wildlife is extremely important, you must respect it.

Since you’re going somewhere where you’ve never seen wildlife before, be respectful by not getting too close, refraining from feeding wild animals, and speaking quietly around them. Respect is one of the most important sustainable travel tips.

Each species serves a purpose in the ecosystem and helps us maintain a healthy ecological balance. However, as more and more animals become endangered, please remember to respect wildlife and learn about what else you can do about this while traveling.

Most Sustainable travel Destinations for 2022

As traveling is becoming more accessible than ever before, it is our collective obligation as travelers to travel wisely. Traveling is a highly personal experience, yet it may have far-reaching consequences for others and the world around us.

Which is why, throughout time, there has been an upward trend toward more ethical, sustainable travel—there is an obvious demand for it. We’d like to walk you through some of the favorite places that go above and beyond to deliver eco-friendly, ethical, or sustainable experiences for visitors.

The destinations:

• Botswana 

• Vietnam

• Norway

• Costa Rica

• New Zealand

Conclusion

Obeying variety, minimizing effect, avoiding excessive consumption or waste of water, and paying attention to how spaces exist at a destination to ensure visitors do not disrupt local life are all important aspects of eco-traveling.

Accepting your social responsibilities as a traveler entails being aware of social and cultural concerns wherever you travel, as well as knowing that your presence in a location has an influence on the environment and the people you encounter. Accepting that duty entails making an attempt to have a positive effect everywhere you go in the world.

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Kénitra is a port city about 35 miles north of Rabat in Morocco.

The design references vernacular Moroccan architecture and makes America’s Amtrak look like a dinosaur in comparison.

The trio’s striking collaborative design took first place in an international design competition that called for a state-of-the-art and sustainable 10,000 square meter high speed railway station complete with an assortment of amenities and retail facilities.

There are two entrances to the station – one from Place du 11 janvier and another from Place de la Maamara, and there are also two levels.

The lower levels contain the shops, kiosks, cafes, and waiting areas, as well as a central ticket office and even boutique stories. From there passengers can access the railway station via escalators that lead to a U-shaped ‘grand passerelle’ or elevated bridge.

Related: Stop TGV campaign challenges Morocco’s high speed rail initiative

In addition to incorporating geometric designs familiar in vernacular Moroccan architecture, the lacy pattern diffuses sunlight and ensures plenty of natural light and ventilation throughout the station. This is really important as anyone who has ever traveled by train in Morocco can tell you.

Not only do the ventilation techniques reduce the station’s energy demand, but they make waiting for the trains in stations that are packed with people (unlike in the United States, where many people think they are too cool to show up in anything other than a car) infinitely more comfortable.

Lastly, the design team has incorporated rainwater harvesting systems into their design, a smart, passive water conservation technique that is becoming increasingly necessary and common in Middle Eastern and North African architecture projects.

Morocco’s ubiquitous public transportation initiatives, albeit contentious among those who believe they do not serve the interests of all communities, put the supposedly more advanced and progressive United States to shame!

:: World Architecture News

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Public transport is a must, even for people who live under the toil of troubles and conflict. The Israeli town Sderot that borders the Gaza Strip has just got its first train station, linking them in a sustainable way to the center of the country.

The “mad” upside to this train station is that it’s been built with security in mind, and comes equipped with a dual functioning “armour” to protect locals from the regular barrage of rockets flying overhead.

We don’t like to dwell on conflict at Green Prophet but we are bringing this story up in the context of public transportation. Even though there is a seemingly no end in sight to the Middle East conflicts over here, it is good news that municipalities and governments plan for the interim.

Sometimes planners say, well let’s wait for the war to be over to think about trains, or the environment. In this case, the country has decided it must live with this reality of conflict and brace for it.

Rockets from Gaza have become a bizarrely “normal” way of life for people living in Sderot, Israel. The periphery town is cheap to live in, people are established there so they don’t want to move.

Schools and factories nearby are already outfitted with bomb shelters, as are peoples’ homes, so when planning their latest train station it had to be made to withstand rocket attacks.

Developed by architect Ami Shinar, the station is equipped with an extra long corridor (100 meters) which can be turned into a bomb shelter if the alarm sounds. The station was built bigger than an average train station to protect people if they need to run into the station for cover. Its walls are made from poured concrete about half a meter thick. It cost $14 million USD to build and it’s likely the only one of its kind in the world.

This station will open up more jobs and study opportunities for the people of Sderot. It will take them less than half an hour to reach Tel Aviv, which takes about an hour and a half by bus. For the next three months, residents of the city will get to use the train for free. 

Some 20,000 people live in the city of Sderot, and if we can dream, this station might serve as a link one day to Gaza City –– in times of peace and prosperity for all. Let’s hope the children of our children will look at this station, built to withstand rockets, as a strange reminder of the times.

And of course the station will be out of service, because we’ll all be riding on Elon Musk’s Hyperloop! 

Now we’re really dreaming. 

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Plans to expand the railway network in Jordan have been given the go-ahead after an assessment that it will cost JD2.8 million

Seriously excited to hear that plans to expand the rail network in Jordan have been approved. According to news reports, the Amman-Zarqa light railway project has been announced by the transport minister who also told employees of the Aqaba Railway Corporation that technical and environmental studies related to the project have been completed. The railway tracks will stretch across 950 kilometres and connect Jordan with Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. It also believed that the project will save the Jordanian treasury around JD 219 million annually.

Taher Investment Group Chairman Fathi Taher told Petra News that about 95,000 cars travel between the two cities and so a railway network would help ease traffic jams. He also added that around two thousand people would be employed during the construction and another 300 people to operate the railway network at a later stage.

The planned Aqaba-Amman rail network is expected to transform transport in the region and will carry cargo and then passengers at a later stage. It will link the Red Sea port of Aqaba to Syria via Amman and link the country to Saudi Arabia and Iraq via stations at northern Jordanian cities such as Irbid.

Transport Minister Alaa Batayneh confirmed that the cost of the National Railway Network would be around JD 2.8 billion. He also added that the Jordanian government are now working on securing financing for the scheme’s infrastructure through the international private sector- particular in countries such as China and the Gulf.

The Gulf has seen some impressive railway projects in recent times including the Mekkah Metro project which aims to reduce the congestion during the busy Hajj season. Indeed, Jordan has about 507 kilometres of track itself dating back to the Ottoman period in the 1900’s. The Hijaz Railway project was initiated under the Ottoman Empire to help pilgrims get from Syria through Jordan to Mecca/Medina for Hajj.

Donations were collected from around the world- some say up to twenty five million Ottoman gold liras- but the project was never completed due to the outbreak of World War One and the subsequent collapse of the Ottoman Empire. According to a report by the Jordan Times, the track was designed by German engineers and cut down the journey pilgrims would have to make from a couple of weeks by camel caravan to just 52 hours on train.

Today, the Hijaz railway (usually) runs on a weekly basis between Amman and Damascus but the service is so irregular that you have to buy tickets on the day. When I was last in Jordan in 2008, the trains weren’t running but I have heard that they are now operating on a weekly basis.

Global Arab Network explained that the Jordanian initiative is part of a wider regional expansion of the rail network. Across the Middle East and North Africa region, 33,000 kilometres of rail tracks are currently planned which would almost double the existing network rail. A ‘MENA Rail Report 2011’, found that more than $250 billion of planned investment had been committed by governments and rail operators in the region.

:: Image via Xavi Talleda/ Flickr.

For more on trains and railways in the Middle East see:

Travellers Want Trains – What Is the Middle East Doing?

Swanky New Train Will Get Passengers From Jeddah To Mekkah In Under 30 Mins

Gulf Invests $106 Billion in Six States of Rail Connections

The post Jordan Railway Plans On The Right Track appeared first on Green Prophet.

Survey results published this week reveal that the majority of international travelers would prefer to take trains instead of aeroplanes, if they had the opportunity. The poll of 300 consumers, conducted for train technology company Silverrail, showed that 79% would choose trains over planes if high-speed rail options are available, and 61% would choose rail over air if the cost were the same or lower. Two-thirds said that they would add an hour onto train times when comparing them with flights, because they would be spared the time and hassle of check-in queues and increasingly stringent air security.

In Europe, trains are already challenging short-haul flights on routes in France, Spain and Germany where fast rail travel is already well established. But, said travel technology website Tnooz, few tour operators were taking account of customer preferences, with only specialised eco- or train enthusiast organisers offering rail options.

But what about the Middle East? How is the region doing in terms of making train travel a viable alternative for both tourists and locals?

– in Saudi Arabia, the ‘Mekkah metro’ high-speed train, designed principally to ferry hundreds of thousands of Hajj pilgrims between Muslim holy sites, was part-launched for Hajj 2010, and should be fully operational by November 2011;
– in the Gulf, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain have announced plans to invest a total of $106 billion in rail networks around the region
– in Lebanon, campaign groups are pressing for a modern public transport system;
– and in Israel, the centre of the country is increasingly accessible on the train network, but it doesn’t extend far enough to challenge flights to Eilat, and the expansion of the rail network has been blamed for destroying beautiful natural environments.

Seat61.com, the website of international train travel guru Mark Smith, has information (including timetables, ticketing instructions and traveller reviews) on train trips all over the world. It shows that the situation across much of the rest of the Middle East is patchy, but improving. In Egypt, for example, sleeper and seat accommodation is available between major destinations such as Cairo, Alexandria and Aswan. Most trains are modern and comfortable. The trains in Morocco are described as “some of the best in Africa, and they’re the ideal choice for getting around between cities. Fast, modern, air-conditioned” and the Tunisian railways are also said to be “comfortable, modern and air-conditioned”. The website also includes information on how to get to North African countries like Morocco and Tunisia by rail and ferry from Europe, rather than by air.

Of Turkish train travel, Seat61 declares that: “Guidebooks may tell you that Turkey has a good bus network and that ‘buses are faster than trains’. The thing is, do you really want to spend 12 hours in a bus? When you can travel on a civilised inexpensive air-conditioned train, with a bed to sleep in in your own private sleeper, a restaurant car for your meals & space to move around, through fantastic Turkish scenery that’s unspoilt by roadside development? Travellers who take the train, ignoring the misguided advice to always ‘take the bus’, rave about their train experiences.” The website also states that major improvements and the addition of some high-speed lines have reduced Istanbul-Ankara train times to just 5 hours, and that by 2013 they’ll be down to 3 hours – faster than travelling by plane.

Travellers coming from Europe can also head from Turkey south to Syria, a route which stops in Aleppo with changes for trains to Damascus and Latakia. Repairs to the historic Hijaz Railway route now mean that since 2010 travellers can extend their journeys even further south by rail, reaching Amman in Jordan and even further south to major tourist destinations such as the Nabatean city of Petra. However, travellers are warned that this route is still often disorganised and subject to delays or timetable changes. And as well as travelling by train from Istanbul south to Syria and Jordan, it’s also eminently possible to use railways to go east to Iran, via Ankara and a ferry across Lake Van, on smart modern trains with comfortable couchettes.

One deterrent to many prospective train tourists is probably, however, the difficulty in buying tickets. Many countries still only sell tickets in person; internet systems are confined to one country’s services. In Europe a slowly-increasing range of websites offer such a service (RailEurope is one example). But, as Tnooz noted from the results of the Silverrail survey, “90% say they would like to see rail fares displayed alongside flights when searching for prices on travel sites”, and it may be that integrated ticket sales could be one of the biggest steps which Middle Eastern countries could take to tempt train travellers.

(Photo by Paul Dandini on Flickr)

Read more about public transport on Green Prophet:
Gulf States On Track To Build “European-Style” Rail System
Why Masdar’s Personal Transport System would have been great
How To Live A Car-Free Existence

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