European Train Journeys

No matter what your basis on traveling by train, the bottom line is that you are no longer limited to one or two choices, in fact you can deciede for yourself regarding the comfort and convenience while on your trip. The railway services in Europe have done a great job updating their trains including all the on board features that provide guaranteed satisfaction for passengers. The establishment of more lines has virtually made difficulties like transferring from one train to another obsolete. Train Travel has been the favored form of  land transportation for  many years now because train travel suggests more enjoyable and exciting ways to travel.

So if you plan to take train for your next trip, whether it is intended for business or leisure , basically, the total package of enjoyment and many additional benefits are entirely obtainable, most especially if you are passing through places with myriad picturesque landscapes. On European train routes, for instance,  there is an abundance of scenic routes to choice from, and various class options to enjoy.

In a world full of excellent train routes, Europe is still the pinnacle.  Travelers are spoilt for choice, one can be  passing through the glaciers and Alpine sceneries in Switzerland or through the West Highlands of Scotland; equally outstanding a train journey through France reveals beautiful churches, French villages and eye-catching views. Not to be out done, Spain offers some fantastic rail journeys of its own,  the most  popular  being in and around Madrid.

Isn't time you experienced first hand the relaxation and comfort of your very own Rail Journey? TrainTickets.co is on hand for all your booking needs.

The Blue Train Magic

The Blue Train has an aura of mystique about it. Kings and presidents have travelled on this magnificent moving five-star hotel. Its very name has become synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and personal service.
The routes of The Blue Train - both scheduled and chartered - take guests through some of the most breathtaking countryside to be found anywhere in the world.

As the ever-changing scenery flashes past the windows, guests can savour exquisite meals freshly prepared on board by top chefs. Our meals are complemented by the best wines South Africa has to offer.
The suites on The Blue Train live up to its reputation for magnificence and splendour. The finest bed linen, marble tiles and gold fittings in the bathrooms and sheer opulence all ensure that guests will never forget the time they spend on The Blue Train.
When you choose to travel on The Blue Train, you choose to travel in a world of grace, elegance and romance.

India - Palace on Wheels

Do you imagine what it is like to wander in the course of the Rajputs’ majestic empires? How about seeing the gorgeous-looking sights of the spectacular Taj Mahal? These two and many more Indian expeditions will be possible with a trip with Palace on Wheels.
Each country had been prosperous in a variety of aspects during the year 2010. India would not allow itself to fall last in a race since 2010 had also been equally thriving for their country. As a matter of fact, 2010 is considered to be the most glorious year in India‘s tourism.
There were a lot of people from foreign lands who have come to visit since India was the host country for the massive yearly occasion, which was the 2010 Commonwealth Games. But most important of all the year’s accomplishments, Indian tourism truly hit the highest mark when they launched the new features of their globally acknowledged Palace on Wheels.

In 2010, Palace on Wheels unleashed the most up-to-date amenities of this exceedingly popular train. Aside from the world-class services, the train also offers satellite televisions on each of the cabins. In addition, the developers of the Palace on Wheels made sure that their passengers would enjoy their ride as they also provide an access to internet connection. And, there is also a spa located on each of the train’s cabins. Indian Memoirz, which is the only travel agency that offers Palace on Wheels package, introduced their promo so as to advance the already booming extravagance-centered tourism in India.
There are other luxury trains that exist worldwide but Palace on Wheels found its way to the fourth position in the list of the ten most elegant trains. Based on the country’s history, this majestic Indian-based train was established for the purpose of easing the voyage of the royalties in India, specifically the kings of the Rajput kingdom. Moreover, this royal train also took part in serving the high-ranked officials like the Nizams of Hyderabad, leaders of Gujrat, and British India’s Vice-Roy.
The present lavishness of this luxury train may be dated back to the time when this fourteen-coached train was adequately resourced with almost all types of treats of the modern times. And, at a suitable period of time, the train underwent improvements that it was incorporated with highly-advanced and bizarre services.
The journey begins at Delhi and Palace on Wheels will take the tourists to various tourist spots during the trip, which has a length of seven days and eight nights. The route consists of passing through the center of the Rajasthan and other astonishing sites such as Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bharatpur, and Chittorgarh. And, the last stop would be the love’s solid embodiment, Taj Mahal, which is located in Agra. The magnificent trip is brought to a conclusion after the Palace on Wheels’ have its quick stopover at Taj Mahal and when the passengers are then returned to the journey’s starting point, Delhi.

Visit the charming mountain resort town of Whistler by Rail

Canada rail holidays are a great way to experience this exciting country, which combines stunning scenery with friendly locals and vibrant cities. And by taking trips on the famous Rocky Mountaineer, you can visit the gorgeous town of Whistler - famous for being the perfect year-round destination.

By opting for tailor made rail holidays over other forms of travel, you can enjoy the romance of the railway and venture across historic routes, seeing some of Canada's most famous sights.
Starting your journey in Vancouver, you will have time to explore this exciting city before setting off on your first rail adventure. One of the best places to visit while you are there is the Gastown, which is home to restored Victorian buildings that are a delight to explore.
Making your way to north Vancouver by crossing Lions Gate Bridge, you can visit one of the city's most famous sights - the Capilano Suspension Bridge. This fantastic feat of engineering spans a dramatic gorge sitting on the edge of the Canadian wilderness - and is an absolute must-see during your trip.
And while you're in the area, don't forget to explore a little more and discover its fascinating museums and excellent shopping facilities.
Meanwhile, you may be particularly interested in the Vancouver Aquarium if you are travelling with children, who will undoubtedly love seeing the dolphins, sea otters and other marine life it is home to.
Departing Vancouver, you will board the famous Rocky Mountaineer for the first time to begin your railroad odyssey. Travelling past the British Columbia Mountains on one side and the sea on the other, you will find no shortage of amazing sights during your journey.
Arriving in Whistler in the early afternoon, you can set about exploring this world-renowned resort, which achieved new heights of fame when it co-hosted the Winter Olympics in 2010.
It is known for being a fantastic destination no matter what time of year you visit, making it the perfect place to stop on any break. Whether you want to take escorted tours of the area, walk in the mountains or simply explore the local village, you will find something to occupy your interest at every turn.
Those keen to see the very best views of the region can board the gondola, which will take you some 6,000ft above sea level - sure to be a highlight of any Whistler trip.
Once you've finished exploring the Alpine delights of Whistler, you can climb back aboard the Rocky Mountaineer to see some more of Canada's top sights. Chugging past the beautiful Anderson and Seton Lakes, the train will carry you alongside the powerful Fraser River, which flows through the Rockies all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
Spending the night in Quesnel, you will board the train once more in the morning to travel to your next destination - Jasper National Park. During your journey you will pass the highest point in the Rockies, Mount Robson. This towering peak reaches up a staggering 12,972 ft.
Arriving in Jasper National Park, you will be able to see an incredible range of sights and animals, such as elk and bighorn sheep. Some of the park's most beautiful attractions include the glacier-fed Maligne Lake, which is widely considered one of the most picturesque spots to be seen here.
Sharing its name is Maligne Canyon, which is also something of a must-see, this huge gorge is 150 ft deep and is home to fascinating formations of rock, as well as pretty waterfalls.
Leaving the park, you can travel along the well-known Icefields Parkway, famous for its glimmering turquoise lakes which reflect the gorgeous mountains above. Don't miss the chance to stop off at the Columbia Icefield en route, while you can speed on to the glacier itself on a giant snowmobile if you wish.
Your penultimate stop will be Banff, where you can sample the delights of the local hot springs and learn something of their history. The Upper Hot Spring is constantly at between 37 and 40 degrees C, making it a wonderful option for those keen to relax in beautiful surroundings.
And once you have finished exploring all that Banff has to offer, you can travel to Calgary to bid Canada a fond farewell and board your flight home.

A new map has been published of the Alps showing how the rail network connects with ski resorts.
The "SkiRail Map of the Alps" provides information on the 120 resorts with their own train station, as well as the position of more than 400 resorts across the Alps.
The map brings together a wealth of information, enabling the adventurous, independent skier to discover the Alps with a low-carbon winter sports holiday.
SkiRail Map of the Alps researcher, and sustainable transport specialist, Neil Guthrie, told OnTheSnow, "There's never been a better time to travel by train to, and through, the Alps. Vast swathes of the UK are now within just a few hours of the Alps thanks to an ever evolving, high-speed rail network. Increasing numbers of Europeans are voting with their (ski-boot clad) feet by choosing to take the train, making the journey one of the highlights of their holiday."

With the inclusion of journey times to the Alps from cities in more than 10 European countries (for example, nine hours from London), and comparisons of carbon emissions (rail travel typically generates 10 to 15 percent of the equivalent trip by plane), the map provides a powerful incentive to travel to the mountains by train.
The map is available in shops such as Waterstones and Stanfords.

Train Lovers perfect retreat at Dent

New for Easter 2011 - two historic stone-built ‘Snow Huts’ – luxury self catering holidays available at Dent - England’s highest mainline railway station.

Dent is England's highest mainline railway station.  Situated on the legendary Carlisle to Settle railway line, this classic Victorian station building has been sympathetically restored and is available as luxury holiday accommodation.  Sleeping six, it is especially suitable for families.

New for 2011 and the perfect retreat for couples, are two historic Snow Huts.  Just 100 yards ‘down the line’ from the station and occupying a low, thick stone-walled building, the Snow Huts both sleep two, and formerly provided shelter for 15 navvies working on the railway.

This rare Grade II Listed property, located in beautiful Dentdale, Yorkshire, promises to provide a distinctly different self-catering experience.  Where track workers once sheltered from the driving snow and often ate and slept there for weeks at a time, guests can now enjoy the creature comforts of modern day living.  Underfloor heating and a central brick fireplace provide more than enough warmth, while a contemporary kitchen, marble lined bathroom, beautiful leather sofas and crisp white linen create the perfect escape - and such a far cry from their historic use!

This is a holiday destination that will not only attract those who want to get away from it all, but want to do so in style.  The perfect vantage point from which to take in some of the Dales’ most breathtaking scenery, it’s great for watching nature at large and ideal if you have a passion for railways.

Some eight miles north of the famous Ribblehead Viaduct, Dent Station and its Snow Huts were opened in 1877.  Occupying an acre of land alongside the railway line that weaves its way from the infamous Blea Moor Tunnel four miles away, the station sits 1,150 ft above sea level.  Steam excursions run on the line during weekends, and it’s even possible to arrive at your holiday destination by train, about 4 hours from London!

Around five passenger trains in each direction link Carlisle and Leeds and stop at Dent daily, and the line is regularly used by freight trains.  Dent Station is a great place from which to explore the Dales by train, with seven-day rover tickets affording access to the surrounding towns and villages, while the trip from Settle to Carlisle is regarded as one of the most scenic and quintessential railway journeys in the world.  Dent village itself is four miles down the valley and has its own brewery.

Bergen to Oslo - one of the greatest rail tours in the world

If you want to see everything beautiful Norway has to offer - from vibrant city life to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world - then rail tours are the perfect way to do it.

While attempting to tour a country by road can be difficult, involving expensive hire cars, having to tackle tricky foreign motorway signs and spending time working out the route on a map, riding the railway means that all the hard work is done for you.

Indeed, this is why Europe train holidays are among the best getaways to choose if exploring several towns and cities, rather than staying at one resort, is your idea of the perfect break.

If you are planning to see Norway in this way, there are a number of options from which to choose from. You can travel from Bergen to Oslo or vice versa, or you may prefer to take a shorter rail tour for just part of the route.

The Bergen Railway, which links the Norwegian capital of Oslo with the country's second largest city Bergen, allows you to sit back and relax as you race between two tourism hotspots, stopping off at several exciting destinations on the way.

Journeying to a high point of 1,222 metres above sea level, the track is among the highest altitude railway lines in the world - allowing you to take in spectacular scenery from the comfort of your seat.

If you begin your journey from Bergen, you should spend a few days in this lively city before you board your train.

With several museums and art galleries waiting to be visited - including the Bergen Art Museum, home of several pieces by Edvard Munch - you may also wish to spend some time walking around the huge outdoor fish market.

Norway is renowned for its seafood dishes and this could be the perfect way for you to sample some of the national cuisine for yourself.

After enjoying a hearty meal, visitors could head to Bergenhus Fortress - Norway's best preserved fort and once the home of the country's king - or the Unesco World Heritage site of Bryggen.

Once you have finished exploring Bergen you can board the train and let your rail adventure begin.

Departing from the city, you will be transported in comfort and style up into the rugged mountains of Norway, where you will be rewarded with outstanding bird's eye views across the forests and fjords.

Your train will race along as you stay warm inside and the journey will include the exhilarating experience of blasting through several tunnels that have been carved through the mountains - including the 5.5-mile Trollkona tunnel.

After a few stops, including the beautiful suburb of Arna nestled in the foothills of Norway's highest mountain, Gullfjellet, you will reach Voss - a firm favourite with winter sports enthusiasts due to it being regarded as one of the country's premier ski resort destinations.

Next stop is the mountain station of Myrdal, where your journey will continue on the Flam Railway - one of the most beautiful lines in the world that will see you enjoying views of waterfalls, deep ravines, fast-flowing rivers, sheer slopes, Alpine farms and snow-capped mountains through your window.

The track is also one of the steepest in the world and as it twists and turns through mountain tunnels you are sure to wonder at this feat of Norwegian engineering.

Once you have snaked through some 20 tunnels - the majority of which were hand-drilled - you will reach the literal high point of your trip, Taugevann, situated 4,267 feet above sea level.

The highest station on the route is Finse - a town that is so remote no roads lead to it, meaning you can appreciate how lucky you are to spend time in this quiet and snowy spot that is still packed full with things to see and do.

Next on your trip you will be able to enjoy the scenery as your train snakes through the Hallingdal Valley past the Hallingdalselva River to Lake Kroderen, where you will be greeted by the mountain of Norefjell.

In addition to this awe-inspiring sight, you can expect to travel through a wild landscape on this part of your trip and you may even be able to indulge in a little nature-spotting through your window.

The end of the line is Oslo and you are sure to appreciate the chance you had to relax in comfort while on board the train, as this vibrant capital city is made to be explored.

Among the attractions you may wish to take in is the Royal Palace - which can be toured during the summer - the cathedral and the opera house.

Once your holiday is over, you are sure to take home with you memories that last a lifetime.

Train Tickets sales in China

People wait in line to buy train tickets at a temporary ticket office in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province, Jan 9, 2011. Ningbo Railway Station started to sell tickets for the 2011 Spring Festival travel season on Sunday. The travel peak will start on Jan 19. During the 40-day Spring Festival travel rush, from Jan 19 to Feb 27, about 230 million trips are expected on Chinese railways. 

Spring Festival, which starts on Feb 3 this year, is China's biggest holiday, during which people return home to be with family.

Railway Children

Railway Children exists to help vulnerable children in grave circumstances. Our objective is to provide relief to children and young people who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress and in particular to those living on the streets.
For these children, the streets are often the only means of support available but also where they suffer abuse and exploitation.

Since their inception in 1995, Railway Children has helped many thousands of children and young people living alone and at risk on the streets.
Their belief is that early intervention is a crucial aspect of preventing children living on the streets coming to harm, and reaching street children before an abuser can is a vital element of their work.
Railway Children recognises that only a multipronged approach will create sustained change for street children and that's why their 3 Step Change Agenda forms the backbone of their work and the way they aim to achieve their goals. Most pressingly, the immediate needs of children living on the streets in the here and now must be met. Concurrently Railway Children aspires to create a safer, brighter future for our children and believe that to achieve this they must effect the sustained change that can only come about by educating communities and lobbying governments.

No trousers Tube Ride in London - 9th January 2011

The No Pants Subway Ride is a global event started by Improv Everywhere in New York in 2002. For a history, see: http://improveverywhere.com/missions/the-no-pants-subway-ride/

Last year, over 30 Londoners took part. The 2nd Annual No Trousers Tube Ride in London will take place on Sunday 9th January. This event will also take place in other cities around the world on the same day. Full details can be found on http://improveverywh...ere.com/.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION:

1) Willing to take trousers off on the Tube
2) Able to keep a straight face about it

**THIS IS A PARTICIPATORY EVENT. DO NOT SHOW UP UNLESS YOU PLAN TO TAKE YOUR TROUSERS OFF.**

DETAILS

When: Sunday 9th January at 3:00 PM, Sharp! (Over by around 5:30)
Where: Trafalgar Square (In front of the two fountains, to the left of Nelson's Column)
Bring: A backpack (make sure you have room to store your trousers) and your Oyster card/Travelcard. Make sure that it's topped up beforehand!
Wear: Normal winter clothes (hat, gloves, etc)

Everyone should meet at Trafalgar Square at 3 PM. Please be on time. Feel free to be early.

PLAN
At 3PM, participants will be organised into groups, and assigned two stations, one for the first half of the ride, and the other for the second. Depending on how many people there are, there should be enough to form 7 groups.

Once everyone is divided up, we will then head to Charing Cross station, Do not talk to others once you enter the station. Nobody knows each other.
We will enter the Northbound Bakerloo Line platform (heading towards Harrow & Wealdstone, Queens Park, etc) and stand where the first carriage is.

Once everyone is on the platform, you will get the first train to arrive to your first assigned stop, and wait for the next train. Do not remove your trousers yet.

When the next train arrives at your assigned stop, get on at the first carriage (the same carriage you were on before), remove your trousers, and put them into your backpack. If you’d like to use a briefcase, purse, grocery bag, or whatever instead of a backpack that’s fine too. If anyone asks you why you’ve removed your trousers, tell them that they were “getting uncomfortable” (or something along those lines).

If questioned, you do not know any of the other trouserless riders. Tell folks that you “forgot to wear trousers” and yes, you are “a little cold.” Insist that it is a coincidence that others also forgot their trousers. Be nice and friendly and normal.

For the remainder of the journey, sit in the car as you normally would. Read a magazine or whatever you would normally do.

At Paddington, we will get off the train, put our trousers back on, and go out of the nearest exit - this is merely a formality for those of us who have Oyster cards and will be charged for an incomplete journey otherwise.

Once outside, we will gather outside Platform 5 at the mainline station for 5 minutes to make sure we're all still there, etc., and then we will go back down to the Southbound Bakerloo Line platform (heading towards Elephant & Castle) and wait at the first carriage as before.

You will then take the first train to your next assigned stop, get out, wait for the next train, and repeat the trouserless ride process all the way back into Charing Cross.

Afterwards (once we've put our trousers back on), we'll head to All Bar One in nearby Leicester Square for drinks.

THE ROUTE
Charing Cross
Piccadilly Circus
Oxford Circus
Regent's Park
Baker Street
Marylebone
Edgware Road
Paddington
-
Paddington
Edgware Road
Marylebone
Baker Street
Regent's Park
Oxford Circus
Piccadilly Circus
Charing Cross

You can wear fun underwear if you like, but nothing that screams out, “I wore this because I’m doing a silly stunt.” Wear two pairs of underwear if it makes you feel more comfortable. Don’t wear a thong or anything else that might offend people. Our aim is to make people laugh, not piss them off.

Please leave your cameras at home and resist the temptation to snap photos with your iPhone, etc. while the event is happening. Take as many as you like before and after the event, but during the ride we really want people to enjoy the experience of participating rather than documenting. It detracts from the mission if everyone is taking photos of each other rather than keeping a straight face.

This is always a blast, and we look forward to seeing you there. You may bring along friends if you like, but make sure they get a chance to read all of these instructions.

See you on the 9th!

FAQs AND COMMENTS:
"So I can wear a skirt instead? or “Hey, no problem, I was gonna wear a dress anyways!”
You’re very clever, but you’re missing the point. Articles of clothing like skirts, shorts, kilts, and dresses don’t count, because people are encouraged to revel in the absence of trousers, and not replace trousers with other clothing. The point is to relax and enjoy the humor inherent in people not wearing trousers. A good rule of thumb is to pretend like you were going to wear trousers, and then just fail to put them on."

Won't you be cold? It'll be freezing outside!
The trouserless part of the event is all underground. The only chance you'll have to be cold is when we meet up at Trafalgar Square at the beginning, and when we walk to the pub at the end.
Oh, and the forecast for Sunday is "mainly dry with some sunshine." http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/2574?area=Trafalgar+Square

I'm not going to be in London when this happens!
It might be in the city you're in on the day. See http://improveverywhere.com/2011/01/01/global-no-pants-subway-ride-2011/ for more info.

I'm a professional blogger/journalist/photographer/video person and I'd really like to take pictures/video/interviews from the event.
If we haven't contacted you already, contact any one of the organisers listed on this page.

You're mad. Totally mad.
Meh, what's crazy to you is normal to others.

Ugh, I'm avoiding the Tube today because of this.
Fine, that's your decision. To get away from us "freaks," all you have to do is plan your route away from Charing Cross to Paddington on the Bakerloo Line at 3PM. :)

Why are you doing this? You could be solving world hunger/saving damsels in distress/promoting world peace with your time.
Whilst I (Rammi) can't speak for anyone else, I can say that it's a fun experience, and everyone needs to lighten up once in a while.

Train Holidays Set to Rise

The year 2011 will see more travelers opting for "selective austerity" in their holidays, it has been predicted.

Travellers will watch the pennies not only in the run-up to trips but also while away.
"The pressure on travelers' finances has not disappeared and 2011 will mark the age of 'selective austerity', t

"Travellers will do whatever it takes to save pennies on the mundane stuff - packed lunches, cutting out the daily latte, rethinking their journey to work, switching to a different energy provider."

TrainTickets is  forecasting a rise in holidays by train, with the number of travellers inquiring about rail journeys rising 20 per cent year on year.

Such trips are popular with what the company calls the "journey junky" who is addicted to slower travel and savours the journey as part of the overall holiday experience.