Gigi On Earth

Let me start by saying: I get it. The reason more people in North America don’t take trains is pretty straightforward. They’re often slow, not very frequent, and don’t always go where we actually want to go.

But—and it’s a big but—I can’t help but feel like North America has this lingering Silicon Valley mindset that makes us believe trains just aren’t cool enough yet. Like maybe we need some hyper-speed capsule contraption (yes, I’m side-eyeing Elon Musk here). There’s so much chatter about what futuristic tech we need for trains, but honestly? I think we’re missing the point.

Trains, as they are, already offer something cars and planes can’t: comfort. And if we just leaned into that comfort, trains could be an incredibly attractive choice for so many more people.

Take one of my favourite examples from Finland: their inter-city trains have dedicated play cars for kids. Imagine being a parent and not having to deal with antsy, seatbelt-strapped toddlers for hours on end. Instead, they’re happily playing in a safe space while you get to sip your coffee in peace. Bliss.

Or how about long-distance car trips? They’re never as short as the map says. There are bathroom breaks, snack stops, and those unavoidable “okay, we’re pulling over because everyone’s cranky” moments. But on an overnight train? You can just… sleep. Some European trains have couchettes or rooms that feel like tiny hotel rooms. Compare that to a red-eye flight where you stumble off the plane, groggy and desperately hunting for coffee. Overnight trains let you arrive refreshed and ready to go.

And then there’s Japan, which fully understands the power of vibes. Their “Joyful Trains” aren’t just a way to get from point A to B—they’re an experience. My favourite? The Kairi train, where you can watch beautiful scenery roll by while enjoying local cuisine from Niigata. It’s not just travel; it’s a memory.

At the end of the day, I love train travel. But I love it even more when it’s designed with people in mind—when it’s family-friendly, more comfortable than a cramped airplane seat, and genuinely excited to share the journey with us. Because trains aren’t just about the destination. They’re about making the ride itself something special.