• I bought business-class train tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth, Penang. • I loved the private Ruby Lounge for business-class passengers and the comfy seats on the train. • The relaxing journey took four hours and included a meal, snacks, plus coffee and tea service.

My mother, who was a first-class regular on the Paris metro in the 1960s and '70s, has always instilled in me the value of upgrading to the highest class on the train.

At times, she told me, she was practically alone in luxury for just a little bit more money. Though I've been on long train rides in countries from Italy to Morocco, I don't always follow her advice and spring for an upgrade.

However, it felt like a no-brainer during my second trip to Malaysia, one that would take me up the country's west coast,

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