TORONTO — Geckos Adventures says it’s seen an uptick in North American millennial bookings on its By Rail trips in 2017. In response, the company has more than doubled its itineraries from seven to 17 for 2018.
“This year, we saw a 10% increase in North American travellers booking our By Rail trips because they want to experience a destination and its often-unseen sights by train, but also want the guidance of a leader and a set itinerary” said Leigh Barnes, regional director of North America for Geckos Adventures. “Travelling by train has become increasingly popular because it is environmentally friendly, it allows travellers to journey long distances without traffic and the busyness of a city, and it highlights beautiful sites and unseen views from the window.”
Geckos’ trips are geared to vacationers ages 18 to 29. While travelling off-the-beaten track to different cities, the 10 brand-new trips will include a leader-led visit to local markets. The trip leader will begin the visit with language instruction and then send travellers to shop for a picnic lunch using their new skills.
Rome with Geckos Adventures
“The By Rail trips allow travellers to cover more ground and really get under the skin of a destination,” said Barnes. “We want to offer this type of experience in more destinations, to appeal to millennial travellers who are craving this experience of visiting as many local cities in one trip.”
The new 2018 itineraries include: St. Petersburg to Budapest by Rail , St. Petersburg to Athens by Rail, St. Petersburg to Rome by Rail, St. Petersburg to Venice by Rail, Berlin to Budapest by Rail, Budapest to Venice by Rail, Budapest to Athens by Rail, Budapest to Rome by Rail, Berlin to Venice by Rail, London to Budapest by Rail.
Returning trips from 2017 include: London to Berlin by Rail, London to Athens by Rail, Italy by Rail, Berlin to Athens by Rail, Berlin to Rome by Rail, London to Rome by Rail and London to Venice by Rail.
Most trips include affordable accommodations in hostels or family homestays and do not include most meals, allowing travellers to spend as much or as little as they would like on food, and to reduce the overall cost of their trips, says Barnes.
