Often travel advisors believe they need in-depth knowledge of international rail networks to sell rail vacations confidently, as Ivan Mansanet, Railbookers’ National Sales Manager, tells Travelweek. “That’s where Railbookers comes in. We simplify it all and handle every part of the booking process,” he says in this edition of Take 5.

1. What travel trends or destinations are currently seeing the most demand at Railbookers?

“We’re seeing tremendous interest in European vacations; Switzerland continues to dominate as the top destination for our Canadian travellers. However, we’re seeing growing interest in UK and Ireland itineraries, as well as right here in Canada!

“Travellers are gravitating toward scenic rail experiences like the Grand Tour of Switzerland onboard the Glacier and Bernina Express, and seeking curated packages that combine local culture, convenience and breathtaking landscapes. The Best of Eastern Canada is a top itinerary for travellers looking to stay closer to home by exploring their own backyard!

“The trend toward longer, more immersive vacations is also strong. Our guests are choosing rail travel as a way to slow down and experience more of a region – often combining multiple countries or pre and post rail vacations for added value and longer journeys.”

2. How is Railbookers making it easier for travel advisors to book complex rail vacations?

“Railbookers is the one stop shop for advisors. We take care of the rail, hotel, sightseeing, transfers and more. We handle all of the logistics and make our travel agent partners look like the experts!

“Whether your clients are after a luxury escape or a scenic adventure, our team builds custom itineraries, so you don’t have to piece it all together. With over 4,000 ready-to-book packages online, we take the guesswork out of planning.

“Agents benefit from fast quotes, flexible booking windows, and expert support – saving you time, boosting your commissions, and helping you deliver standout service. With Railbookers, you’re not just booking a trip – you’re creating seamless, high-value travel experiences your clients will love.”

3. What are the key advantages of booking a rail holiday versus other types of trips?

“Rail vacations offer a unique combination of comfort, convenience, and connection to place. Rail lets travellers move city centre to city centre, eliminating long airport waits. The journey itself becomes apart of the adventure – panoramic windows, spacious seats, and stress-free boarding making it ideal for travellers of all ages.

“Europe alone has over 26,000 rail stations connecting even the most remote towns, giving you endless options for your itinerary. Plus, frequent departures mean you’re not tied to rigid schedules.

“There’s also flexibility. If your customers decide to stay an extra day in one city, we can simply adjust their plans. Want to incorporate a rail trip either side of their river cruise? We can do that. Take an itinerary in reverse? No problem!”

4. How do Railbookers’ cruise extensions help advisors increase their clients’ overall travel value?

“Cruise extensions allow advisors to turn their clients vacations into a truly multi-dimensional travel experience, whether it’s a few nights in Venice before a Mediterranean cruise, or a scenic rail journey up through Alaska after disembarking the ship in Anchorage or Seward.

“Our packages are designed to complement all major ocean and river ports globally to elevate the customer’s overall journey. This boosts client satisfaction while also increasing commissionable value for advisors – thanks to longer stays, added services and a seamless booking experience.

“For cruise travellers wanting more depth and land-based value, our extensions are the perfect solution.”

5. What are some common misconceptions about booking rail, and how does Railbookers simplify the process?

“Booking rail – especially across multiple countries – is complicated and time-consuming, and many advisors believe they need in–depth knowledge of international rail networks to sell these types of vacations confidently.

That’s where Railbookers comes in. We simplify it all and handle every part of the booking process. By taking the complexity out of the process, Railbookers offers expertly crafted, pre-packaged itineraries that are fully customizable to suit individual traveller needs.

“The itineraries don’t just include train tickets, but also hand picked, centrally located hotels, curated sightseeing experiences, and 24/7 support throughout the journey. With our global team, we ensure YOU look like the expert.”

For more information check out Railbookers.ca. Travel advisors can also log into Railbookers’ Travel Agent Portal here.