Robert La Bua: Travel Writer

Knowing with Eurail I was able go almost anywhere I wanted makes someone with an overactive imagination like me giddy with the possibilities. I loved rocking up to the train station, looking at the Departures board, and picking a place to explore on a spontaneous daytrip. Germany, where reservations are not necessary for high-speed ICE trains, is my favourite country for this kind of last-minute adventure. It's just so easy. In countries like Sweden, where internet is available in First Class, you can stay in touch with friends or find a good hotel before the train pulls into the station.

I am happy to see a resurgence in respect for passenger rail travel growing in Europe in conjunction with the expansion and convenience of high-speed travel. For too many years, the ease and stresslessness of rail travel has been dismissed in favour of the perceived superiority of air travel. I love planes, too, but trains to me are the most relaxed form of travel; in this day and age of congested airports, flight delays, unbearable traffic on roads packed with crazy drivers, I'd rather be in First Class speeding along at 300kph enjoying the scenery or a good book.

Not all the pleasure comes from speed; I loved getting off the iron highways and exploring backroads of the European rail system. In a country like Switzerland, where the network is extensive, the many picturesque small towns and villages are easy to reach. I was surprised to find that some of the most famous scenic trains in Switzerland are included in Eurail Pass travel as are some of the ferries between Sweden and Finland.

Though flying all over the world for more than half the year sounds glamorous, the reality of air travel these days is tough. That's why I was extremely pleased to be able to travel with a Eurail Pass—no queues, no embarrassing and annoying repacking of overweight baggage (those press kits pile on the kilos faster than the delights of a French bakery) , and no overbearing official to tell me my favourite snacks that are culinary delights in one place are food non grata upon arrival in another.