Daily Daydream: Orient-Express

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto: "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at [email protected].

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Close your eyes and imagine traveling without the TSA, long security lines, and body scans … plus legroom, gourmet meals, and beautiful scenery. It’s not just a fantasy—the classic Orient-Express journey offers all of this and a way to see four great cities.

Paris-Budapest-Bucharest-Istanbul is the classic journey, and it takes six days. Onboard the train, you’ll have a private cabin that transforms from a sitting room to a bedroom at night, and is attended by cabin stewards. There’s also French chefs to prepare meals made from fresh, local supplies gathered during the journey.

Lounge in the bar car enjoying classic cocktails while some of the world’s most amazing scenery rolls outside. Don’t worry, you’ll get to do more than just watch, as the train stops along the way, giving you time to explore the destinations.

Where is it? The classic journey travels from Paris to Budapest to Bucharest to Istanbul. Fly to Paris to begin your journey (check prices).

Where to Stay? Luxury hotels will be provided in each city along the route, except the final night, which will be spent aboard the train.

What Else Should I Know? This classic route is only offered once per year, so book early (and be prepared to pay—trips start at $14,710 per person).

Who’s it For? Train-lovers, the 1 percent, anyone who doesn’t get motion-sick.

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