Rail travel is increasing in popularity, especially if it's luxury rail travel that offers a throwback to the golden years. Enter Pullman Rail Journeys, whom Travel Agent spoke with during the tradeshow portion of the 2012 Luxury Travel Exchange. The luxury rail line, which features restored cars from the 1920s, 30s, 40s and 50s, runs back and forth between Chicago and New Orleans.
As of 2013, the line will operate trains twice a week, every week, year-round starting January 18. Southbound trains will run Tuesday and Friday, and northbound trains will depart Thursdays and Sundays.
Ticket prices are all-inclusive and feature the rail, accommodation and food and beverage (including alcohol and 24-hour dining).
"We want to encourage people to be social," says Angela Arias, vice president of sales and marketing. "We want to take people back to the classic age of travel."
In keeping with this, Pullman porters are trained from original manuals, which date back to the mid-late 1800s and set the tone for standards during that time.
"People are looking for amenities, comfort, value and the experience of the journey," says Arias.
Visit www.travelpullman.com.