August 11, 2025, by Isa de Laat

Women-friendly train travel through Europe and beyond

By train, Suitcase stories
August 11, 2025, by Isa de Laat

Women-friendly train travel through Europe and beyond

Why female-friendly train travel? The answer is simple. We all yearn to slow down. No rush, no crowds, no overflowing inbox. Just peace. At the same time, that gnawing urge to see, taste, and feel the world continues. But in a way that feels right, preferably slowly, consciously, and purely. At that intersection lies slow travel: travel where not only the destination matters, but also the journey. Train travel fits perfectly into this. Large windows, even larger views, a good book on your lap, and time for yourself. The landscape passes by in slow motion. And sometimes, just sometimes, the journey itself is even more beautiful than the destination.

Nature

Nature

SWITZERLAND is a fairy tale
When you say winter, you say the Alps. But when you say Bernina Express, then you say fairytale. If you book a ticket for the panoramic train, you'll ride, essentially gliding through snow-capped mountain peaks. The Bernina Express winds along Europe's highest railway line from Chur to Tirano (but you can get on and off wherever you like).

Along the way, you'll cross no fewer than 55 tunnels, 196 bridges, and breathtaking views. And thanks to the enormous windows, you'll literally have a front-row seat to a nonstop nature documentary. The views here are postcard-perfect.

SCOTLAND where the journey is more beautiful than the destination
The West Highland Line is another train journey where you'll say, "I want to go back there." Not necessarily because of where you end up, but because of the journey. From Glasgow Queen Street, you depart for the rugged north of Scotland, passing rivers, forests, mountains, lochs, and increasingly less asphalt. At Tyndrum, the train curves along the foot of Ben Doran, offering a breathtaking view. 

And then, as the icing on the cake, you arrive at the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Famous from Harry Potter, but in real life, the viaduct is a thousand times more impressive.

Places

Places

IRELAND along pub, cliff and babbling brook
If you really want to get to know Ireland, take the train. For example, from Rosslare to Galway: a route that begins on the southeast coast and takes you through rolling hills, tranquil streams, and green plains to the rugged west.

Along the way? Stop off. Pop into a pub. Have a pint, listen to live music by a fire, order a bowl of soup. And then continue your journey, via Dublin, to the edge of the world: the Cliffs of Moher. Those imposing stone walls, rising straight from the ocean, are the ultimate finale to this dream route.



SUITSUIT: Empowering women through travel

SUITSUIT: Empowering women through travel

Female-friendly train travel isn't just about the destinations, but also about how you travel and what you take with you. SUITSUIT shows that travel can be a source of empowerment. With their mission “we're in business to empower women through travel” They inspire women to discover new places, boost their self-confidence, and be open to new experiences. From stylish suitcases and travel bags to sustainable collections made from recycled PET, SUITSUIT combines practical travel solutions with a conscious lifestyle.

Furthermore, the brand supports women worldwide, both on the road and in tourism, proving that travel and personal growth can go hand in hand. Read more about SUITSUIT.

Active

Active

AFRICA for a safari on rails
Experience safari in style with the Rovos Rail. You'll travel not only through the landscapes of southern Africa but also through time. On board, you'll find art deco interiors, suites with freestanding bathtubs, evenings in formal attire, and a no-phone policy that will help you unwind.

Along the way, you'll make excursions to safari parks, colonial towns, and historical sites. You can choose between the 15-day trip from Tanzania via Zambia and Congo to Angola, or the shorter trip to Cape Town.

PORTUGAL with steam, wine and music
The Douro Valley train ride is not far, but it's a world-class journey. It takes only three hours, but it takes you through the heart of the Portuguese wine region. The wooden benches gleam, the windows open, and every now and then the old steam locomotive hisses and puffs.

Along the way, you'll pass vineyards, the Douro River, and small stations where musicians play accordions and guitars. You'll stop for a tasting, of course, and then continue on to the next station.

Sleep

Sleep

VENICE NAAR LONDON in a dream

The Venice Simplon-Orient Express isn't a train, but rather a dream and a bucket-list trip. From Venice to London (or vice versa), you travel in art deco carriages with lavish dining and exceptional service.

At night, you sleep in beds you never want to leave. During the day, you stare out the window with a glass of champagne in hand. And every now and then, just for a moment, it feels like Hercule Poirot is peeking around the corner.



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