Trainline, the leading European train ticket booking platform, has partnered with Yoto, the award-winning children's audio platform, to launch a creative travel initiative designed to enhance the family rail experience. Announced on 8 July 2026, the collaboration offers a free series of audio draw-alongs called Yoto Daily Draw Along with Trainline, available until 1 September 2026.
The series includes 12 guided drawing episodes, seven of which are new tracks, voiced by Jake Harris, host of the Yoto Daily podcast. Each episode combines storytelling with drawing prompts inspired by travel scenes, providing a screen-free entertainment option for children on train journeys. Renowned children's book artist Oliver Jeffers also contributes sketching tips, encouraging families to observe their surroundings during travel.
Addressing Screen Dependency in Family Travel
Hannah Randall, Country Manager at Trainline, emphasized the importance of making travel part of the adventure. “Our research shows 82% of parents are conscious of their child's behaviour on trains abroad, and 77% still rely on screens to keep boredom at bay,” she said. The partnership with Yoto offers a creative alternative to nurture children's creativity during travel.
Trainline's booking data reveals July as the most popular month for family train travel among US users. Popular destinations include Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Windsor, and Marseille, offering scenic routes that inspire young imaginations. The initiative aligns with broader trends in family travel, where operators are increasingly seeking ways to reduce screen time and foster engagement with the journey itself.
For travel professionals, this partnership highlights a growing demand for family-friendly amenities that go beyond traditional offerings. Similar creative programming has been seen in other sectors, such as Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi's weekly ladies nights, which expand exclusive experiences for specific demographics. The Trainline-Yoto collaboration could serve as a model for rail operators and travel companies looking to differentiate their services for family travelers.
Oliver Jeffers, whose books have sold millions worldwide, emphasizes the value of observing surroundings during train journeys. “Creativity often starts with simply looking closely,” he said. His involvement adds credibility to the initiative, which aims to turn travel time into a creative opportunity rather than a passive screen experience.
The draw-alongs are accessible via Trainline's website, and the partnership is expected to drive engagement among families planning summer rail trips. For travel agents and tour operators, this initiative underscores the importance of incorporating creative, screen-free activities into family travel packages, a trend that is gaining traction across the industry.
As the travel industry continues to evolve, partnerships like this one between a digital rail platform and an audio content provider demonstrate how technology can be used to enhance, rather than replace, the travel experience. The initiative also reflects a broader shift toward mindful travel, where the journey itself is valued as much as the destination.
