I spent $35 on a business-class train ticket in Malaysia. My trip was a wildly good value, from the private lounge to the tasty food.

"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."

"We started our trip at the main Kuala Lumpur train station, KL Sentral. The transit hub had plenty of seating areas, plus several shops and restaurants, from Kentucky Fried Chicken to Rest 'N Go stations with massage chairs. We had about an hour to burn before our train left and were tempted to fit in a quick meal at KFC, which we'd heard was excellent in Malaysia."

The business-class KTM ETS service from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth, Penang provided a four-hour, relaxing journey with comfortable seats and onboard meal, snacks, and coffee and tea service. Business-class tickets cost about 150 Malaysian Ringgit (roughly $35) and offered access to the private Ruby Lounge at KL Sentral. The transit hub featured seating, shops and restaurants, including KFC and Rest 'N Go massage chairs. The traveler booked about two months in advance to secure one of 36 premium seats. The upgrade cost roughly double the basic fare but was considered a reasonable price for the added comfort and amenities.

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