This was published 6 years ago
The best travel transport of 2017: Planes, trains and helicopters in volcanoes
BEST NEW PLANE SEATS
Singapore Airlines A380
In a year when several airlines continue to try and outdo each other when it comes to luxury at the pointy end, Singapore Airlines again pushed boundaries with its new seats for the A380 superjumbo. The seats, developed over four years at a cost of $US850 million, feature enclosed first class suites with a fully flat bed and a separate leather recliner, allowing passengers to relax upright without having to convert a seat into a bed. For the first time, Singapore has introduced business class seats that convert to a double bed for passengers travelling together.
BEST TRAIN
Tren Crucero, Ecuador
Board the 54-passenger Tren Crucero (Cruise Train) and watch Ecuador spool past at a stately speed as the luxury train chugs between Quito in the Andes and Guayaquil on the coast. The four-day journey is punctuated with hacienda stays and side trips that might include visiting the country's last ice merchant and a rose farm where blooms grow to an astonishing 1.5 metres long. See trenecuador.com
Mantra Sydney Airport
When it comes to airport hotels, most travellers want location, efficient service, fast Wi-Fi, a decent meal and, let's face it, a pre-flight glass of wine. The brand spanking new 136-room Mantra Sydney Airport (Sydney's third on-airport hotel) has these essentials covered and then some: smartly designed, contemporary rooms (half of which offer views over the runway), super-slick service, including express checkout, and the ability to walk to the T2 and T3 domestic terminals. See mantrahotels.com
BEST LIGHT RAIL
Downtown Los Angeles to downtown Santa Monica
If you're planning on visiting Downtown Los Angeles, but want a relaxed beachside holiday, consider basing yourself at Santa Monica and travelling between the two via the new Expo Line light-rail. Connecting the skyline to the coastline in about 45 minutes the extension adds seven new stations to the Metro Rail System. Trains run every six minutes during peak hour and take about 22 minutes; a single ride costs US$1.75 or US$7 for a day pass. See metro.net
BEST PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Moscow
Moscow's massive subway system is clean, efficient and often described as the most beautiful in the world. Building began in 1935 with stations designed as Palaces for the People – many boast chandeliers, intricate plaster reliefs, monumental statues, mosaics and lavish marble and granite detailing. For 32 rubles (about 70¢) you can enjoy a ride that rivals many a museum visit. See visitrussia.com
Credit: Shutterstock
BEST IN-AIRPORT HOTEL
Aerotel Abu Dhabi
You can virtually fall off the plane into bed at this hotel; it's right in the transit area of Abu Dhabi's international terminal. The 52 surprisingly quiet, spacious rooms in this new-concept transit hotel can be booked in six-hour blocks and have all the essentials covered from "power showers" and lounge access to complimentary Wi-Fi and first-class service. See myaerotel.com
Credit: Karim Hesham
BEST SHORT TRAIN JOURNEY
Jose Cuervo Express, Mexico
Every Saturday morning the luxurious Jose Cuervo Express trundles between Guadalajara and Tequila, birthplace of the famous spirit and one of Mexico's fabled ''magical'' towns. Choose between Express, Premium Express or Premium Plus carriages for the two-hour journey while sipping tequila cocktails and enjoying regional snacks. The itinerary also includes a tour of the La Rojena factory, visit to the agave fields of Jose Cuervo and bus transport back to Guadalajara. See mundocuervo.com
BEST HELICOPTER FLIGHT
Reunion
There are helicopter flights … and then there's swooping around the volcanoes, canyons, cirques, waterfalls and scenic rims of fantastical Reunion Island where the peaks top out at 3069 metres. While neighbouring Mauritius has been worn down to nubs no higher than 828 metres, it's a different landscape altogether on Reunion, where you feel like you're flitting across the set of a Jurassic Park sequel. See corail-helicopteres.com
See: Reunion - the amazing, record-breaking island few Australians have heard of
The Cirque de Mafate Caldera on Reunion Island.Credit: Ken Merrigan
CONTRIBUTORS: Keith Austin, Andrea Black, Elspeth Callender, Ben Groundwater, Brian Johnston, Nina Karnikowski, Katrina Lobley, Sally Macmillan, Rob McFarland, Sheriden Rhodes, Louise Southerden, Alison Stewart, Kerry van der Jagt, Guy Wilkinson
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