SINGAPORE — There’s probably no better person to talk to about travelling on trains than Michael Williams. The British writer has written four books on rail journeys, including his most recent, The Trains Now Departed: 16 Excursions Into The Lost Delights Of Britain’s Railway.

“My previous books looked into a set of train journeys, observing Britain from a train carriage window, while my present book is about the joys of the railways, which I feel we no longer have,” said Williams, who was recently in Singapore as an ambassador for travel company Country Holidays.

“I absolutely love exploring train travel in all corners of the planet; there are so many unique journeys. The best thing about a slow train is that the whole experience is a holiday, enabling you to relax and unwind in true comfort and style while traversing unique terrains that would otherwise be inaccessible.”

Q: You’re working with Country Holidays to promote its luxury train journeys. What are some of your favourites from its offerings?

A: I have been on many of these journeys, which are among the best in the world. I have travelled on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and the Eastern & Oriental Express — I was on its first trip to Laos. I have also travelled across the Australian outback on the Ghan and the Golden Eagle train in Europe. These are among my top 10 favourite rail journeys in the world. With Country Holidays, you will also be able to complement these journeys with meaningful tour extensions — for a complete experience of the region or destination, which makes the itinerary even more personal.

Q: Do you worry that slow trains might disappear in Britain and Europe?

A: I don’t worry any longer. Rail travel is starting to come back into fashion and we are starting to value them again. It’s great to see a revival of luxury train travel and the growing appetite from consumers to experience such iconic journeys.

Q: So what’s the most memorable train journey you’ve had?

A: A trip on the steepest railway in the world. It’s in Norway and called the Flam Railway. It’s scary!

Q: And the best train route in Britain?

A: The best in Britain is the scenic route over the Pennines between Leeds and Carlisle.

Q: Any slow train journeys you hope to go on in Asia?

A: I’d love to do the fabulous Nilgiri mountain railway in Tamil Nadu, India. It still uses steam engines.

Q: What are the best ways to prepare for a slow train journey?

A: Unwind, be patient and don’t expect to get anywhere. The pleasure is in the travelling not the arriving. Pack lightly and prepare to smile at strangers. Some of the best friendships you will make will be with people on trains.

Q: Does this mean you dislike travelling on planes?

A: Believe it or not, I do like travelling by plane — especially First Class on British Airways! It’s the airports I don’t like. My worst holiday was the one ruined by a three-hour wait to get back though immigration at Heathrow into my own country. Serene Lim