Make tracks for Europe: eco-friendly ‘traincations’

So we’ve had vacations, staycations, bleisure trips and, now, there’s the ‘traincation’ – thanks to the growing trend for budget boutique breaks and eco-luxe getaways, rail travel is experiencing a renewed surge in popularity. Of course, new high-speed rail links into Spain and Italy (not to mention trusty Eurostar destinations) help a fair bit. If train travel makes you think of soggy sandwiches and grubby seats (or, if you’re a parent, Thomas the Tank Engine), think again: these days, it’s all sleek check-in desks, designer laptop docks and three-course meals. Not to mention never having to remove your shoes, no stomach-churning turbulence and tree-studded views from your seat.

In an effort to encourage all you jetsetters to trade airport hell for train-travel heaven (and do your bit for planetary wellbeing at the same time), climate-change awareness group Global Cool has launched a ‘Join the 100mph club’ campaign, with a series of video diaries that follow celebrity holidaymakers on jaunts to Europe by rail. Check out the latest Traincation video diary, of Rick Edwards’ and George Lamb’s trip to Barcelona – featuring one of Mr & Mrs Smith’s favourite stylish Spanish stays, Grand Hotel Central (pictured below).

For traincation inspiration, check out the Mr & Mrs Smith Eurostar hotel collection, our round-up of the best boutique hotels in Europe you can reach by rail – including Le Placide and Hotel Particulier Montmartre in Paris; Clos du Léthé and Jardins Secrets in Languedoc-Roussillon; and Hotel Julien in Antwerp. GoldSmith members can get exclusive Leisure Select fares, too…