Charlie, UK travel blogger, enjoying her Vande Bharat Express trip

NEW DELHI: Charlie, a UK-based travel blogger and train enthusiast has won hearts online after praising the Vande Bharat Express following her recent journey from Mumbai to Goa.Known on social media as @burnessietravels, Charlie called her ride on the semi-high-speed train “an entirely unique experience compared to the other trains I’ve been on!”Sharing her experience through posts and videos, Charlie highlighted the train’s spaciousness, cleanliness, and passenger-friendly services.She was particularly impressed by features like rotating seats, which can be adjusted to face scenic views or locked into a group seating arrangement for passengers traveling together.She noted, “Breakfast, coffee, newspapers, and a rose(?) were included with my ticket. It’s hands down the most space I’ve ever had on a train. The seats spin so you can face the views of palm trees or lock into a four-seat configuration to face each other.”One of the unexpected touches that delighted her was the rose handed to each passenger—something she described as both surprising and charming.Charlie’s post quickly gained attention on social media. Several users appreciated her balanced and positive portrayal of Indian railways. One commenter noted, “Indian bloggers show this on the regular. But it’s nice for the first time seeing a foreigner not going out of their way to show specifically the worst trains or sides of India all the time.”Charlie responded to the praise with honesty, stating, “I’m always gonna be honest about my travels. Some parts of India are incredibly challenging, some are brilliant.”While many wished her a happy journey, the comment section also included some negative reactions. One user wrote, “Why are foreigners still underestimating and surprised?”—hinting at the mixed responses such content often evokes online.Interestingly, Charlie also revealed that the Vande Bharat journey wasn’t her first choice. She had initially hoped to book a ticket on the popular Vistadome train for her Goa trip but found it sold out despite trying well in advance. However, she called her Vande Bharat ride a “pretty great consolation prize.”