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	<title>Train Routes &#187; Travel Tips</title>
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		<title>Thinking of Visiting Limerick? Getting There Made Easy</title>
		<link>http://train-routes.com/thinking-of-visiting-limerick-getting-there-made-easy</link>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 03 Jan 2010 23:59:36 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category><![CDATA[Hotels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[limerick]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[limerick city]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Getting there- the best routes to Limerick 
Limericks central location in the Midwest of Ireland makes it is easily accessible from all corners of the country.  In addition to its superb location, Limerick is well connected by public transport links.  Driving is also a convenient means of travel as the city lies along the path [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Getting there- the best routes to Limerick </p>
<p>Limericks central location in the Midwest of Ireland makes it is easily accessible from all corners of the country.  In addition to its superb location, Limerick is well connected by public transport links.  Driving is also a convenient means of travel as the city lies along the path of many major Irish motorways.  In addition to this, Shannon International Airport is just a mere thirty minutes west of the city so you are spoilt for choice when it comes to convenient ways in which to reach Limerick! </p>
<p>By car </p>
<p>Limerick is situated at the crossroads of several of Ireland’s main motorways, so driving can be a practical mode of transport.  By taking the N7 from Dublin, this straightforward route will have you in the city in less than 3 hours. The N20 motorway connects Cork to the city in about an hour and a half, and when coming from Galway, take the N6 motorway to the N66 and then the smaller N19, which will take you straight into Limerick. </p>
<p>By rail </p>
<p>Irish Rail operate a high-speed commuter rail line from Dublin with seventeen trains running daily from Heuston Station.  Other towns can also be accessed from these hubs, including Rosslare Europort via Waterford, Cork and Tralee. </p>
<p>All trains arrive at Limerick’s Colbert Station, which is centrally located and is a 5 minute walk from the City Centre and also serves as the city’s main bus terminal.  Thomond Park and the Gaelic grounds are 20-25 minutes away. Bus Éireann provide a shuttle service from the City Centre to Thomond Park for all major fixtures. </p>
<p>For more information on train schedules and fares, contact Colbert Station (tel: +353 61 315555). </p>
<p>By bus </p>
<p>Bus Eireann provides bus services between Limerick and the other cities in Ireland. There are regular connections with Dublin (1 hour, 15 minutes), Tralee (2 hours), Cork (1 hour, 50 minutes) and most of the other main towns in the region. Bus Eireann also operates the bus service between Shannon Airport and the city centre. </p>
<p>All buses arrive at Limerick’s central bus terminal, Colbert Station, which is also the city’s train terminal. From Colbert Station, it is a five minute walk to the city centre. There are tourist information and currency exchange kiosks at the Bus Eireann information desk. For more information about bus schedules and fares, contact Bus Eireann (tel: +353 61 313333).  </p>
<p>By air </p>
<p>Access to Limerick by air is handled by Shannon Airport, the regional air hub.  Shannon International Airport is the gateway to the West of Ireland servicing many destinations throughout Europe and the US.  This modern and efficient airport has a single terminal, which handles all of its domestic and international flights.  Air travel from the UK is mainly handled by Aer Lingus and Ryanair which operate frequent flights from all the main cities. From the United States, Delta, Continental, US Airways and Aer Lingus operate regularly scheduled flights, while flights from Canada are looked after by Air Transat to Toronto. </p>
<p>The airport’s terminal has all the usual facilities which travellers might need. ATMs, four currency exchange offices and a branch of the Bank of Ireland can be found in the main terminal area as well as restaurants, a news-stand, gift shop and duty-free shopping. An airport information desk, open daily from 06:00 to midnight, is located in the Arrivals Hall to assist with any questions you might have (tel: +353 61 712000). </p>
<p>Shannon International Airport transportation </p>
<p>Shannon Airport Authority operates all car parks at Shannon Airport, offering both short term (less than 24 hours) and up to 5 long term car parks within the airport with over 5,000 spaces available in total.  All car parks are regularly patrolled by airport police.  There are separate Coach Parking facilities for the set-down of departing passengers and the pick-up of arriving passengers. </p>
<p>Bus Eireann provide connections from Shannon International Airport to all major Irish cities. These airport buses depart frequently from outside the terminal, taking passengers to Colbert Station, Limerick in approximately 30 minutes. The Bus Eireann desk is located in the Arrivals Hall, and is open from 08:00 until 16:00 (tel: +353 61 313333). </p>
<p>There is no train service from Shannon Airport. If you rent a car, simply follow the N19 from the terminal to the N18 leading into Limerick, which is well-signed and easy to navigate.  </p>
<p>If planning a visit to Limerick then please check out the free destination guide at http://limerickhotels.jurysinns.com/destination_guide </p>
<p>Visit Jurys Inn Limerick with great offers on limerick hotels and a heap of free information on what to do. </p>
<p>  </p>
<p>  </p>
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		<title>What to Expect on an Escorted European Tour</title>
		<link>http://train-routes.com/what-to-expect-on-an-escorted-european-tour</link>
		<comments>http://train-routes.com/what-to-expect-on-an-escorted-european-tour#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 26 Dec 2009 23:57:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adventure Tours]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[You are in a comfortable, climate controlled coach bus meandering down the hills of Tuscany. Surrounded by vineyards and while comfortably in your seat, you bask in the calm atmosphere. A half an hour later you stop outside a small village marketplace. Your tour guide gives you some handy tips on where to go, you [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>You are in a comfortable, climate controlled coach bus meandering down the hills of Tuscany. Surrounded by vineyards and while comfortably in your seat, you bask in the calm atmosphere. A half an hour later you stop outside a small village marketplace. Your tour guide gives you some handy tips on where to go, you grab a snack, maybe some wine and take a little bit of the country’s glow in for yourself. Then it’s back to the comfortable coach bus, and on to another stop. </p>
<p>This pattern repeats itself for a few more stops, and next thing you know, you are in Rome. Your bus stops outside the Coliseum and your tour guide informs you that you will be seeing this one as a group. However, instead of just wandering around, and maybe getting a tour that runs periodically, your guide has set up a special tour just for your group. You spend the afternoon enjoying ancient buildings, and retiring back to the bus just before dusk. Then it is on to a stunning hotel with a room that you could never afford without the group rate that was arranged in advance, and perhaps a visit to a gourmet restaurant or whatever other eating establishment meets your approval. Imagine this stress free bliss for your entire vacation. Imagine having all of Europe just outside the door of your bus, and an experienced guide who knows all of the destinations just waiting to reveal the secrets of the cities you will visit. </p>
<p>On an escorted tour through Europe you can expect to see cities such as Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Paris, Marseille, Madrid, Rome and countless others. You may spend a day or two at each destination, and time will be given for you to enjoy the thrills as either a group or on your own. During that day you will have access to your tour guide. He or she will be able to tell you more than just the basics. It’s pretty well understood that if you are going to London, then you will want to see Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. But your guide can reveal for you all of the lesser known attractions that the city offers. The location truly does get unlocked by your travel operator, and you are given access to so many things that you otherwise would either not know about, or not be able to afford. </p>
<p>Speaking of that aspect, affordability is the best part about the escorted tour of Europe. Traveling in a group is one benefit that makes an escorted tour of Europe affordable. While in Europe, your tour will visit many different locations. Your operator is able to negotiate group rates for almost anyplace you may eat, sleep or visit. </p>
<p>Another feature to expect on a European tour is the number of transportation options. The ample supply of railroad tracks and water routes allows tour guides to be more creative in their methods of transportation. River cruises and train trips are common. Indeed, they can be some of the most popular escorted tours offered. Imagine floating through Europe’s major rivers, and in the process enjoying all of the cities that you pass by along the way. River cruises can truly be vacation bliss. When visiting Italy, your tour guide will provide you with a ride on a gondola. The gondola is an important aspect of Italian culture which was widely used in the 18th century. A gondola ride is very relaxing and allows you to experience the rivers of Venice, Italy. </p>
<p>All in all there is one thing you can expect to see of more than anything else on an escorted tour of Europe. That sight is the continent itself. You will not spend your days wasting away over maps. You won’t be constantly staring at the road in front as you try and navigate through areas that you don’t know. Instead, you will be free to experience Europe to its fullest under the watch and care of an experienced, well informed guide. On an escorted tour of Europe you will actually get to relax and enjoy your destinations. That, in and of itself, makes the prospect of an escorted European tour an attractive one. </p>
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		<title>Riding the Rails: Complete Sightseeing Vacations by Private Railcar</title>
		<link>http://train-routes.com/riding-the-rails-complete-sightseeing-vacations-by-private-railcar</link>
		<comments>http://train-routes.com/riding-the-rails-complete-sightseeing-vacations-by-private-railcar#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 01:10:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[At one time, traveling by railroad was the best way for a first-class experience. Today, fewer people ride the rails, as it is often easier and more luxurious to fly. Did you know, though, that you can still find complete sightseeing vacation packages that have you travel via private railcar? These experiences can be quiet [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>At one time, traveling by railroad was the best way for a first-class experience. Today, fewer people ride the rails, as it is often easier and more luxurious to fly. Did you know, though, that you can still find complete sightseeing vacation packages that have you travel via private railcar? These experiences can be quiet rewarding, allowing you to actually see the countryside and interesting tourist destinations without having to drive yourself. If you are interested in a private railcar journey, check out the following options for a unique travel experience: </p>
<p>The Orient Express </p>
<p>Contrary to its name, the famous Orient Express was actually a trans-Europe journey to the gateway of Asia: Istanbul, Turkey. You may be familiar with the romanticized tale of this famous journey from novels and movies such as Bram Stoker’s Dracula or Agatha Christie’s 1934 Murder on the Orient Express. Travellers could start in London, cross the English Channel and board the train in Paris, travelling through Munich, Vienna, and Budapest, Hungary. From Budapest they could choose the route from Belgrade (Serbia) to Athens, or alternately, through Bucarest, Romania, to Constantinople – what is now Istanbul, Turkey. From Turkey or Greece, world leisure travelers could opt to continue their journey by boat or other trains to destinations in the Middle East, India and beyond. </p>
<p>Today you can relive a taste of the past through at least one company that operates service along some of the same rail lines in restored vintage rail carriages. The Venice-Simplon Orient Express offers regular trips from London to Venice and less frequent trips between Venice and Istanbul. The same travel company also offers similarly-themed rail vacations in Malaysia/Thailand and across Australia. </p>
<p>The Trans-Siberian Railway </p>
<p>Another Europe to Asia rail journey is the Trans-Siberian Railway. This is the longest continuous rail line in the world, running over six thousand miles. You can start your seven-day journey in Moscow and see the countryside and a number of Russian and Asian cities on your way to Vladivostok, or you can opt for a much longer trip, with stops in locations like Irkutsk and Lake Baikal. Most people tend to think of a vacation as a trip to somewhere warm and sunny, but this railcar journey takes you into a beautiful winter paradise instead. </p>
<p>The Blue Train, Africa </p>
<p>Luxurious fine dining and unique African scenery come together on The Blue Train. Running through South Africa, this train is all about five-star luxury. The private cars are perfect for guests who like the finer things in life, and the dinner service, complete with fine local wines, is second to none. You can, of course, expect to pay more for a journey on The Blue Train, but overall, the experience is well worth the money. </p>
<p>Canada and the Canadian Rockies </p>
<p>VIA Rail of Canada likes to boast of “The Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World,” and they might be right. If you choose the full cross-continent journey across the world’s second largest country, you will experience a wide range of terrains from forests and farmland, rolling prairies and lake sides, to the majestic Canadian Rockies. On some trips you sleep on the train, while others you ride the train by day and stop for land tours and then stay overnight in a luxury hotel. The full-blown Coast to Coast vacation is 16 nights and 17 days – but well worth it if you have the time. Canada offers a rich variety of natural wonders and hospitality as well. </p>
<p>South America and the Andes </p>
<p>PeruRail is one of the highest railroad lines in the entire world, and these routes take travelers to a variety of destinations, including Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, and the historic city of Cuzco. The spectacular views from your railcar alone are worth the trip, and if you love culture, this is a great way to explore the ancient world of the Incas. </p>
<p>Almost all countries in the world, including India, Canada, Spain, Mexico, and, of course, the United States, offer railway tours. While some, like the Tran-Siberian and others listed above, can take up your entire one to two week vacation, others are great for simple day trips, or even just afternoon trips. For example, the scenic Stroudsburg Railroad on the east coast of the United States takes you into Pennsylvania farm country over just a short afternoon ride. Opportunities like this are available around the world. So, even if you do not want to spend your entire time on a train, you can add a railcar journey as part of your vacation. </p>
<p>When booking a trip by rail, keep in mind that not all trains offer private options. If you plan to make this the bulk of your journey, make sure that the railcar you are booking will allow for you to have a bit of privacy with your travel companions. Some trains only offer traditional seating, which can be uncomfortable and cramped on longer trips. Also, make sure you check on the accommodations for sleeping and eating. Although many lines offer eating and sleeping facilities, for some, this is about function not comfort. If you want a luxury vacation, make sure you do your research and choose a true five-star option. </p>
<p>The world is changing. With our fast-paced daily lives, most people are looking for the quickest way to get from point A to point B. Sometimes, though, the actual travel is the best part of the vacation. Do not overlook rail travel when planning your next vacation. If you are not sure which rail journey is right for you, work with a travel agent. Although we typically think of a travel agent as someone who plans cruises and resort vacations, they can also help you book a private railcar journey. These train trips can help you make memories that last a lifetime. </p>
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		<title>The Most Exciting European Adventure Tours</title>
		<link>http://train-routes.com/the-most-exciting-european-adventure-tours</link>
		<comments>http://train-routes.com/the-most-exciting-european-adventure-tours#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 05 Dec 2009 13:35:17 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Adventure tours offer a level of excitement and exploration quite different from an ordinary vacation. This type of vacation typically involves a well planned out tour of not just one city or vacation destination, but several. Also, an adventure tour highlights cultural and historical sites and can involve at least some level of physical exertion; [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Adventure tours offer a level of excitement and exploration quite different from an ordinary vacation. This type of vacation typically involves a well planned out tour of not just one city or vacation destination, but several. Also, an adventure tour highlights cultural and historical sites and can involve at least some level of physical exertion; everything from coping with off road exploration to rafting and climbing. There are few continents on Earth which are more fascinating and diverse than Europe. For this reason, among others, there are few locations which are better to experience an adventure tour on than in Europe. Considering the amount of history which took place between European nations, there is much to be discovered. Also, the fact that Europe is comprised of incredible landscapes which are as distinct as the peoples who occupy them, a European adventure tour is truly an unforgettable experience. </p>
<p>An adventure tour on the European continent allows you to walk the very lands where so many of the adventures in ancient stories took place. If you are looking for an experience that will provide you with fond memories for years to come, you might want to consider some of the following tour destinations. </p>
<p>Scotland </p>
<p>Many people have a love affair with Scottish culture and history, so Scotland can be a wonderful destination for an adventure tour. When touring Scotland you can walk the highlands and the lowlands like the Scots of old, either camping in the wild or staying at a different Scottish inn each night. For those wishing to get in touch with Scottish culture, a Scottish adventure tour can be a dream come true. </p>
<p>France </p>
<p>If you don&#8217;t want to visit Scotland, France might be a better option. You might consider hiking the Haute Route, a mountaineering route that was designed to link Chamonix and Zermatt (which are two of the most well-known and beloved mountaineering areas in all of Europe.) You might also wish to go canoeing on the rivers of southwestern France, moving along rivers bathed in history as you can see castles and other historical sites from your seat in the canoe. There are tours that will take you through the Christmas markets of France, as well as the breathtaking cities of Paris, Lyon and Nice. </p>
<p>Italy and the Netherlands </p>
<p>If canoeing and hiking is not exactly what you&#8217;re looking for, consider taking a bike tour of Italy or the Netherlands. Both of these countries have centuries of history and culture for you to take in while enjoying the freedom of biking under your own power. Adventure tours are designed to take you through beautiful and culturally-important regions of the country, and are generally arranged so that you will have luxurious lodging each night to help you relax from the rigors of riding all day. Bike tours allow you to cover more ground each day than hiking tours do, so you will generally get to see more of the country as you continue your tour. </p>
<p>England and Ireland </p>
<p>If you are planning on visiting England, you might consider taking one of the hiking tours along Hadrian&#8217;s Wall. This wall stretches across the Pennines and is considered one of the feats of Roman engineering. By taking a tour along the wall you will be able to marvel at the length of it as you consider that it was built by hand… all while enjoying the beauty of the hillsides of northern England. Similar tours can also be taken in Ireland, where you can see the old rock walls that in many places are still maintained by the descendants of those who built them. </p>
<p>Greece </p>
<p>Should you want an adventure tour that doesn&#8217;t involve quite as much hiking, head to Greece or other locations in the Mediterranean where cruises are offered to let you experience the historic coastlines that helped to shape so much of Europe&#8217;s civilization. Unlike cruise lines which have you cruising on massive luxury ships, many of the Greek and Mediterranean cruises use smaller ships built in a more classic style so that you will know the feel of those ancient ships while learning about the culture that surrounded them. Adventure tours taken in this area can include visits some of the most beautiful islands and ancient locations in the world, such as Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Rhodes, Heraklion and Santorini. </p>
<p>European Adventure Tours by Train </p>
<p>Other popular European tour options involve tours by train. Most of Europe is connected by a railway system, and with a EuroPass you can take a train easily from one country to the next so as to enjoy the cultural and historical significance of each. You can visit the vineyards of France, the castles of Germany, and the markets of Italy with nothing but a train ride in between. Tours which are centered around train transport generally include your EuroPass in the price of the tour package. </p>
<p>Regardless of the type of adventure tour that you want to take, make sure that you spend a little time exploring the offerings of different tour coordinators so that you can find exactly the tour package that&#8217;s right for you. In addition to getting ideas for additional things that you would like to do while in Europe, you may be able to save money on the adventure tour that you take as well. </p>
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		<title>Rail Europe for the Student Traveler</title>
		<link>http://train-routes.com/rail-europe-for-the-student-traveler</link>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:04:19 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[It has been a time-honored tradition for the North American university grad to leave his sheltered nest and seek the unknown in a distant land.
Unfortunately, tradition also lends way to cliché.
The early twenties, book smart grad are filled with an ambition to add some life experience to his new set of professional letters. He sits [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It has been a time-honored tradition for the North American university grad to leave his sheltered nest and seek the unknown in a distant land.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, tradition also lends way to cliché.</p>
<p>The early twenties, book smart grad are filled with an ambition to add some life experience to his new set of professional letters. He sits in a dockside café eating hometown food with French provincial names as he writes into a leather-bound booklet some deep insights that he assumes are original. He dreams of having a torrid love affair with some local peasant girl but settles instead for swapping email addresses with some Canadians doing the exact same thing. As entertaining as this prospect seems, it was not my wish. I wanted to carve out my own adventure, and in Europe there is no better way than by train.</p>
<p>The European rail system has been for years second-to-none for accessibility, comfort, and, with Rail Europe, affordability. There are a variety of Rail Europe passes for different prices that can get you anywhere you wish in little time and from city center to city center. North Americans must purchase the Rail Europe tickets before departing Europe (you can&#8217;t get them in Europe) and well in advance of their trip, and in certain countries the passes are valid on ferries and riverboats. The passes are easy to use and, if taken advantage of fully, are cheaper than most other forms of transportation. Best of all is that trains can get you to remote areas that you would otherwise miss. For the budget-minded the night excursions or hotel trains save you hotel rooms so that you awake the next day in a new country!</p>
<p>Copenhagen —</p>
<p>I landed in Copenhagen and got immediately roped into the standard tourist sites — Tivoli Gardens, the Royal Palace, etc.</p>
<p>I saw an incredible exhibit of Danish design at the National Art (Kunst) Gallery, and I took a bike ride through an area called Christiania, an area started by a group of Danes in the 1960s looking for free love, free drugs, and free rent, and it hasn’t changed much since. I was here when I was thirteen years old, staying with a cousin. Since, the government has made an attempt to clean up Christiania by taking out most of the drugs but the general atmosphere remains. Old military buildings painted in bright colors are home to all sorts of the local free thinkers from vagrants to artists to very accomplished architects. The tour ended at the National Library, also called the “Diamond” because of its seemingly transparently beautiful aesthetics. It is a remarkable example of the old world class of a European city (half of the building is the original building of the National Library) and the clean lines and simple concepts of modern Danish design that act to seemingly tell a story with nothing but light.</p>
<p>Munich —</p>
<p>As wonderful of a city as Copenhagen is, the tourist route begins to lose its luster and the rails are calling me East. I&#8217;ve been to Germany before so I wasn’t interested in staying for too long, but the food and beer would be a shame to miss — yet another perk of train travel. Local trains can always be caught if you simply feel like ending up in a small town outside Munich, ordering a heaping lunch and a few giant steins of local brew and making your way out the same day. Needless to say, between Frankfurt and the Hungarian border I was full, comfortably brewed-up, and happy as the beautiful sites of central Europe flew by.</p>
<p>As can be expected, this type of life can take its toll on a person’s ability to remain conscious. By chance, when my body and mind were screaming for sleep, I happened upon a rather quiet train car. In fact, at one point a person was asked to keep the noise down behind me. I thought there was going to be some sort of movie starting that necessitated such silent attention until I realized that some of the train cars are specifically designated for the lazy kind of traveler that I felt like being. They are quiet cars and I will snore my praises of them for years to come.</p>
<p>Budapest —</p>
<p>A city full of history, incredible architecture, and beautiful women. As you walk around the city you get a definite stench of the former socialist society coupled with an obvious existence of capitalist growth. The city sits on the banks of the Danube. The Pest side is where you would find a much more built-up city center with malls and shopping areas, not to mention the late night venues. You can imagine my desire to visit the other side of the river.</p>
<p>The other side of the river is the Buda part of the city (are you picking up on the basis of the name yet?). A little quieter and lush, Buda contains some beautiful homes and sites. The Gelhert Hill, marked by a statue that can be reached by hiking paths, offers an incredible view of the city. I was lucky enough to meet a lovely local named Janka and I was invited to a dinner party. Hungarians are often seen as slightly less personable than some western European counterparts. This can be chalked up to a very dry sense of humor. I can attest, however, that this is not the case at all. After a great, home-cooked meal and a few cocktails in a quaint apartment in the hills filled with great people, including Zigga (who I knew for a few days and offered me a lift to the train station), and of course the beautiful Janka; I would say that kindness and generosity are staples in the social diet of Hungarians. They also have an uncanny ability to have a good time </p>
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		<title>Visiting Europe? Keep These 6 Tips in Mind!</title>
		<link>http://train-routes.com/visiting-europe-keep-these-6-tips-in-mind</link>
		<comments>http://train-routes.com/visiting-europe-keep-these-6-tips-in-mind#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:04:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travelling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Visiting Europe]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Travelling to Europe can be a wonderful and life-changing experience, but many people don&#8217;t enjoy it the way they could and should because of the little annoyances that pop up during the trip.
Here are a few tips to ensure you can make the most of your travel through Europe:
1. Instead of taking a taxi to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Travelling to Europe can be a wonderful and life-changing experience, but many people don&#8217;t enjoy it the way they could and should because of the little annoyances that pop up during the trip.</p>
<p>Here are a few tips to ensure you can make the most of your travel through Europe:</p>
<p>1. Instead of taking a taxi to your hotel it might be a lot better to share an airport shuttle with a few other travellers. Airport taxis are usually more expensive and some unscrupulous drivers will take side routes or even mess with the meter just to get more money out of your pocket.</p>
<p>With an airport shuttle you save money and you don&#8217;t have to worry about directions or finding the hotel; plus, you can get picked up again at the end of your stay and dropped off at the airport.</p>
<p>2. Take your time when travelling! Some people go on vacation doing a speed tour of every city and location they can think of, and this really is not the way to travel anywhere. Travelling this way will only exhaust you and you won&#8217;t get to enjoy each city the way you should.</p>
<p>Remember this: it&#8217;s good to plan ahead but don&#8217;t stick to it if you feel that you haven&#8217;t spent enough time somewhere. It&#8217;s better to go back another time and pick up where you left off than to go home tired and disappointed with the experience.</p>
<p>3. Are you sure you have enough time to visit all the places you want? Make sure that you reserve 2 or 3 days for each location and half a day or a full day for travelling from one place to another.</p>
<p>Given this reasoning for a 10 day trip you should plan to visit 3 or 4 places at the most, and a 15 day trip would be suitable for 6 destinations. </p>
<p>It is also helpful if you plan ahead for a route that will take you less time to travel from destination to destination &#8211; saving on travel time will give you more time to do other things.</p>
<p>4. Rent a car or go by train? Both options have pros and cons, so it&#8217;s worth thinking which is suitable for you.</p>
<p>Renting a car can give you freedom that a train can&#8217;t: for example in France there are a lot of vineyards that offer free wine tasting or dairy farms with free cheese tastings. Just pop out of the car and enjoy!</p>
<p>On the other hand, trains are best when you are short on time and money &#8211; unlike the United States, train fares are cheaper here and the distances are not that great. Also, if you stick to major cities you&#8217;ll most likely get there faster than in a car. If you plan on visiting smaller towns or even villages chances are that a train runs through there, so going by rail is always a good choice!</p>
<p>5. Gas Prices &#8211; if renting a car you should also be aware of the higher gas prices in Europe. While the average price per gallon in the United States is hovering around $2.50 in Europe you won&#8217;t find it cheaper than $4 per gallon, and that&#8217;s at best. Some European countries have it at around $7 per gallon.</p>
<p>That train ride sounds better and better, huh?</p>
<p>6. Bring batteries and power adapters &#8211; if you&#8217;re from Asia or the United States be sure to bring batteries and power adapters for every electronic device that you have with you. </p>
<p>Although you can find them in Europe too, they are cheaper in your country and you wouldn&#8217;t want your camcorder dying on you when you really need it!</p>
<p>Keep these tips in mind and your trip to Europe will be the best one in your life! </p>
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		<title>Simple Ideas for an Extraordinary Vacation</title>
		<link>http://train-routes.com/simple-ideas-for-an-extraordinary-vacation</link>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:26:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Budget Vacation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family Vacations]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[A vacation need not be the same every year. Here are some simple ideas for an extraordinary vacation.
1. Accommodation Fun
You need not always head for a hotel for your vacation. Stay overnight at the zoo with the zoo&#8217;s snooze program. Zoo Snooze Programs usually include an up-close animal encounter, craft activities, night tours and games. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A vacation need not be the same every year. Here are some simple ideas for an extraordinary vacation.</p>
<p>1. Accommodation Fun</p>
<p>You need not always head for a hotel for your vacation. Stay overnight at the zoo with the zoo&#8217;s snooze program. Zoo Snooze Programs usually include an up-close animal encounter, craft activities, night tours and games. Alternatively, join the aquarium&#8217;s overnight program ! It is a rare chance to explore the aquarium after hours, and you can get to participate in a variety of activities organised by the staff. With an expert guide, you may get to visit the aquarium&#8217;s behind-the-scenes areas and the food-preparation area to learn how the animals are cared for and fed. If you love animals, why not plan for a farmstay ? Have yourself engaged in interesting farm activities such as milking the cows, collecting eggs, feeding out the hay, riding on a tractor and watching sheep dogs at work. Your hosts may also bring you for a farm walk or organize some sidetrips, guided tours or fun activities for you such as scuba diving, trekking and forest walks. Don&#8217;t forget to bring a little gift to thank your hosts for their warm and kind hospitality.</p>
<p>2. Great Rail Journeys</p>
<p>There are many great rail journeys around the world. Sit back and relax. Enjoy the spectacular and breathtaking scenery which the trains will happily bringing you. Worth a trip is the Tranzalpine train in New Zealand which runs between Christchurch and Greymouth. The entire four and a half hour journey takes you through the wonderful fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River, passing through 16 tunnels, and 5 viaducts. Also, noteworthy is the Canadian, which crosses the scenic lakelands of northern Ontario, the western plains of the Prairies and the Canadian Rockies, and completing its journey on the Pacific coast of British Columbia. Switzerland is another playground of wonderful rail journeys. Its timely, clean and efficient transport infrastructure makes rail vacation a memorable experience. The Swiss Travel System includes rail, lake steamers and city transportation lines. Journey through the Alps, St. Moritz, Lugano, Zermatt and more with its user-friendly travel pass. Its famous rail journeys include the Chocolate train, the Glacier Express, the GoldenPass Line, the Bernina Express and the William Tell Express. </p>
<p>3. Scenic Adventures</p>
<p>Do you know that there are many scenic places which are part of the UNESCO sites ? Take time off to admire the beautiful creation of God, who is the maker of heaven and earth for your next vacation. Some of these sites include the Tasmanian Wilderness, the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island and the greater Blue Mountains in Australia; the Great Wall in China; the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Yosemite National Park and the Grand Canyon National Park in the United States. You will also love the unimpeded panoramic views at many mountains of Switzerland such as the Schilthorn/ Piz Gloria, Mount Pilatus, Mount Titlis, and Jungfraujoch &#8211; Top of Europe (the highest railway station in Europe) &#8211; definitely a UNESCO site ! Also, highly recommended are the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks in Canada with its Jasper highlands, Banff Sulphur Mountain, Mount Robson, Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefield, located on the boundary of Banff and Jasper National Parks. If you love trekking, the Tongariro Crossing is a spectacular one-day trek across New Zealand&#8217;s Tongariro National Park World Heritage Area, from Mangatepopo to Ketetahi. It is one of New Zealand&#8217;s best one-day treks. Not to forget are the many memorable treks at Mount Cook and Milford Sound.</p>
<p>4. Embracing history</p>
<p>Make an effort to visit some UNESCO sites for your next vacation. Europe has a wealth of UNESCO sites for you to explore. In Austria, you must visit the historic centre of the City of Salzburg and the City of Graz and the historic centre of Vienna. Head onto Czech Republic for her historic centre of Prague. Visit the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape and the gardens and castle at KromYíž. If you are in Hungary, stroll along the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue in Budapest. Not forgetting Poland, her Cracow&#8217;s historic centre, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Auschwitz Concentration Camp, and the historic centre of Warsaw are sites not to be missed. For a comprehensive list of the UNESCO sites, you can visit the UNESCO website for more details. </p>
<p>5. Learning Journeys</p>
<p>Vacations are great learning journeys. Take the opportunity to acquire new knowledge or learn a new skill during your next vacation. You can learn to dive with sharks at the aquariums in United States, learn how to snorkel or surf in Australia, learn about wildlife in New Zealand or find out more about cheese and jam making in Furano, Hokkaido. If you are not satisfied, go for the ginger factory and honey factory in Brisbane, Australia.</p>
<p>6. Enjoying Festivals </p>
<p>Every country has her own festival celebration. By being part of the celebration, it allows you to gain a better understanding of the diversities of cultures and their practices. Why not plan your vacation to coincide with some of the festivals of your desired destination ? Should you love arts festivals, New Zealand or Australia should be your destination.</p>
<p>7. Appreciating Nature </p>
<p>Even if you are not a flower lover, you will not be able to resist a landscape of flowers blooming in their smiles. The sakura blooming season usually falls between end of March till early April. You can see these lovely flowers in Korea and Japan. If you love sunflowers and lavenders, then you must visit Hokkaido between July and August. The flowers and hills in Furano and Biei will be greeting you. Japan and Korea are great destinations to view autumn&#8217;s foilage too. You can also treat yourself to a series of 12 magnificent gardens located from Windsor to Halifax when you travel by the Canadian Rail &#8211; VIA Rail Garden Route, where the amazing flower gardens of Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes will leave you with an everlasting impression. </p>
<p>The above are just some simple ideas for an extraordinary vacation. There are definitely more places for you to explore and discover a new adventure for yourself. Have a happy and blessed vacation. </p>
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