Polar Express

Family traditions are wonderful, but they can make the holidays somewhat ... predictable. Maybe this is the year to break out and try something new. Here are a few of my favorite things that would make for a great mini-vacation between now and New Year's Day. Who knows? Maybe you'll start a new tradition.

By rail: Hop aboard the Polar Express, a.k.a. the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, Ariz. The train ride features the telling of the children's Christmas story, along with hot chocolate, cookies and more. Where does the train go? The North Pole, of course, complete with reindeer and Santa. Most dates are booked, but when I last checked, there were still 8 p.m. departures Dec. 28 through 30. The ride costs $29 for adults and $19 for children 2 to 15 (not including tax).

New Eagle model railroad display open through holidays

Visitors are welcome to take part in the continuing tradition of the Mid-Mon Valley Model Railroad Club by stopping by its Holiday Open House through Jan. 9. The open house tradition began soon after the club found its first home in the 1980s.
Each Saturday and Sunday, with the exception of Christmas and New Year's days, from noon until 5 p.m. train lovers can enjoy the elaborate, detailed layouts with trains that navigate through three rooms. Many of the scenic details are true to the area.
Also on display are historical railroad artifacts along with photographs and a view from the cab of a model locomotive as seen by the model engineer.
The suggested donation is at least $1 per person. More generous donations help to offset those who are unable to give. All donations will help further the efforts to preserve the history of the middle Monongahela Valley.
Everyone enjoys watching a train display. Visit alone, with a friend or take the family. It's fun to do during the Christmas season, but better yet to begin as a tradition.
The club is located at 159 Main, St. in New Eagle. For information, call the Werner residence at 724-379-8584.

Snow cripples UK Airports, Roads and Trains

The Blue Train South Africa

THE BLUE TRAIN, CAPE TOWN TO PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA

There isn’t much you won’t love about The Blue Train. From the moment you step into the pre-departure lounge, it’s quite obvious that this is going to be a journey unlike any other.

Butlers in uniform quickly whisk away your luggage, and you’ll be served tea, coffee and gourmet snacks while you wait to board. There’s a tangible excitement in the air of the pre-departure lounge. As one of the passengers said, “No matter who you are, travelling on The Blue Train is a special occasion!”

Once your butler has shown you to your room, you’ll be treated to a welcoming letter, perfectly chilled Simonsig Rosé champagne, and a fresh fruit platter. During the day, your suite has a couch, chair and writing desk, and more than enough space to move around in. At night, the couch is converted into a double bed with fine linen, and space becomes a lot… cosier. Still, with high ceilings and a large panoramic window through which to watch the world go by, it doesn’t feel cramped. In fact, it feels delightfully luxurious, a cocoon of comfort with giant windows to let the outside in, and the reassuring rumble of the train constantly in the background. 

Traveling by Train in Europe

European Train Travel
There's no need to fly from the UK to anywhere in Europe.  It's surprisingly easy, quick and comfortable to travel overland by train from London to just about anywhere:  Spain, Italy, Greece, Prague, Helsinki, Moscow...

Kick start with Eurostar

Eurostar is the excellent high-speed passenger train from London's St Pancras station to Paris & Brussels through the Channel Tunnel.  Most journeys to Europe now start with a trip on Eurostar to Paris or Brussels.  All 1st class fares include complimentary drinks and a meal, and all passengers have access to a bar car serving drinks and snacks.

Remember that you need to check-in for Eurostar trains at least 30 minutes before departure (10 minutes for passengers with certain types of premium 1st class ticket, 60 minutes for Eurostars to Avignon or the French Alps) to allow for an airline-style security check.  Eurostar does not run on Christmas Day.
Changing trains in Paris: 

Train journeys from the UK into Europe often involve a change of train and station in Paris.  Eurostar arrives at the Gare du Nord, which is a short walk from the Gare de l'Est but a metro or taxi ride from the other Paris stations.  The Paris metro website is www.ratp.fr.

If you want to spend some time in Paris, by all means take an earlier Eurostar on the outward journey or a later one on your return.  There are left luggage lockers at several Paris rail stations if you need to leave your luggage somewhere. You can avoid the hassle of crossing Paris when travelling to many French destinations, by changing at Lille.

Changing trains in Brussels:

Eurostar arrives at the main Brussels station, Bruxelles Midi in French, Brussel Zuid in Flemish, Brussels South Stn in English, it's all the same place.  After stepping off the Eurostar, you walk past the front of the train off the end of the platforms and down the escalators, exiting the Eurostar terminal onto the main station concourse. All long-distance trains use Brussels Midi station, including trains to Amsterdam, Cologne, Paris and all other destinations in Belgium, so changing trains is easy and only takes a few minutes.