RUNNERS-UP

BELMOND, GREAT RAIL JOURNEYS

The website of the Vancouver-based Rocky Mountaineer train company presents a dilemma when it comes to selecting your preferred level of service on its signature journeys through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. “Choose between excellent and extraordinary,” it suggests – the words it modestly uses to describe its SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf options; both offering fantastic views, food and service. Telegraph readers clearly concur, having voted the Rocky Mountaineer the Best Rail Operator for 2019, a step up from its runner-up award in the two previous years.

Now approaching its 30th year, Rocky Mountaineer prides itself on offering maximum viewing potential by arranging overnight stays in hotels along the way. It offers three key routes – First Passage to the West, Journey through the Clouds and Rainforest to Gold Rush – in a range of packages of different duration and optional off-train experiences that, as of this year, have included a heli-hiking possibility.

Another company that has long been a byword for luxury rail travel (and, indeed, a previous winner of this category) is Belmond, the operator of the legendary Venice Simplon-OrientExpress and a host of other sumptuous rail adventures. The other runner-up this year is Great Rail Journeys, which offers an extensive range of guided tours by rail worldwide. Adrian Bridge

BEST CAR HIRE PROVIDER AUTOREISEN

full insurance with a zero excess are all included in its rates. It doesn’t require a deposit when you pick up the car, makes no charge for child seats or boosters and has a completely transparent fuel policy.

Second is Zest – a Norfolk-based broker that negotiates its hires with suppliers around the world and either includes no insurance excess or an excess reimbursement insurance policy in its prices, so you won’t be stung by additional overpriced insurance when you pick up your car. Third is CICAR, another Canary Island specialist that operates a similar clear, no-nonsense charging policy. NT

BEST SHORT-HAUL AIRLINE

JET2.COM

The low-cost carrier has been a steady riser for the past few awards and this year makes its debut at the top at the expense of Swiss, which slips to second. The Leeds-based operation, first branded as “the airline of the north”, flies from nine UK airports, with a focus on the holiday markets of mainland Spain and the Canary Islands. It promises “friendly low fares” and the spoils of its positive approach are worth all the more knowing that Ryanair, not renowned for its customer service, is once again stuck to the foot of the table. EasyJet, the UK’s other main budget airline, rose from 13th to ninth.

Elsewhere much of the top 10 remains unchanged, with Europe’s flag carriers such as Icelandair, KLM, Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines again dominating and showing there is still prestige in a national airline. As for our own, British Airways has not experienced a centenary surge, instead falling two places to 12th, no doubt hindered by the long-running feud with its pilots this summer. Hugh Morris

BEST LONG-HAUL AIRLINE

SINGAPORE AIRLINES

no small feat, and it’s clear from the consistency of Telegraph readers’ favourite long-haul airlines that the secret lies in service. Eight of the top 10 are based either in Asia or the Middle East, where there is a pronounced emphasis on highly trained cabin crew catering to the comfort and needs of the passenger.

Leading the pack is Singapore Airlines, which takes top spot for the third year in a row, again pipping Emirates at the post. Singapore Airlines has one of the youngest fleets in the industry, with cabin offerings upgraded regularly to match. It also benefits from a well-placed hub, connecting British holidaymakers with South-east Asia and Australasia. Air New Zealand, long a Telegraph favourite, fell two places to fifth. Its decision to scrap its London-to-Los Angeles flight from next year could see its time in the top 10 cut short.

Extra credit goes to Virgin Atlantic, the only European airline in the top 10, climbing from seventh to six. It, too, has invested in new planes, launching its A350 this year, and benefits from a loyal customer base. Its British stablemate British Airways will no doubt be disappointed in its ranking on its 100th birthday. The UK flag carrier – which slips a place to 32nd, despite a year spent trumpeting a £6.5billion investment across its fleet, welcoming the A350 along with a new Club World suite – will hope its birthday bounce comes next year. HM

BEST RIVER CRUISE LINE UNIWORLD RIVER CRUISES

the most popular river – together they account for 58 per cent of passenger numbers – with the Mekong holding the top spot in Asia.

Uniworld, this year’s Best River Cruise Line winner, is known for offering some of the most luxurious vessels in Europe, Russia, China, Vietnam and Cambodia, Egypt and India. The company has gradually been refurbishing its older ships and transforming them into “super ships” that have additional dining options, larger suites and more luxury finishing touches. In April, River Royale was rechristened SS Bon Voyage and next year River Countess will become SS La Venezia. The

HAUTE CUISINE Food was one reason why Singapore Airlines won Best Long-Haul Airline

SCENIC ROUTE Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer offers the most stunning views