REVISIT RAIL HOLIDAYS

In 1972, the Interrail pass was dreamed up by the International Union of Railways (UIC). Cue the young folk of the Seventies and Eighties taking to the rails to explore the cities of old Europe clutching their trusty Lonely Planet guides; another contemporary launch, with Across Europe on the Cheap first published in 1973.

The 50-year anniversary of Interrailing saw a boom in 60-somethings returning to rail, says Melanie King, 64, the founder of popular Facebook group Interrailing for the Older Crowd, which now has 30,000 members. “Sixty-somethings like to visit smaller towns over bigger cities,” she says. “We like food and cultural angles and Germany, Switzerland, France and Italy are popular destinations by rail – as is travelling with your own kettle!”

Over-60s get a 10 per cent discount on Interrail’s classic Global Pass, which allows you to travel to 33 countries over 10 days from £344 (interrail.eu).

If you prefer the security net of a package holiday, those that work for active 60s include Great Rail Journey’s Venice Simplon Orient-Express, Glacier Express and Bernina Express option, which takes in the three iconic trains, travelling from Zermatt to Paris via the Swiss Alps. Eight days costs from £5,175pp (01904 734 154; greatrail.com).

Meanwhile, Canadian Affair’s outdoorsy rail itineraries traversing the Rockies from Vancouver to Calgary aboard the glass-roofed Rocky Mountaineer trains are a hit with 60s and cost from £2,755pp for a nine-day tour (020 3930 4895; canadianaffair.com).

i Meals on wheels: the catering is as enticing as the views aboard the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada