All of your reasons for focusing on a longer rail trip are appealing, MalFr—particularly the point about not having to worry about turbulence, which terrifies me.
If I can get my luggage down to a single backpack, a rail trip would be incredibly appealing. I am determined to keep myself to carryon luggage but will likely have a small roller bag and a backpack and would not want to lug that around while trying to enjoy a city for an afternoon. I am not a very experienced traveler (this is probably obvious by now, ha). Are there good and safe options for securing luggage during a rail stopover that may not include an overnight stay?