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If travelling anywhere within Russia, use the train. The vast distances covered mean that all trains (apart from the local suburban ones) are sleeper trains. If you want privacy you can book a four or two berth cabin, but I recommend the third class (platzkartny) carriages – they are open with four berth alcoves, and are a great way to meet people. You could be sitting with all kinds of people, from babushkas taking their little grandkids on a trip, to young guys on their way to start their military service. Most train journeys are at least several hours long, so you will get to know your fellow passengers quite well, and it makes the journey much more interesting. Make sure you stock up on plenty of supplies for the journey, as much to share as for your own consumption, although there is often a restaurant car (quite good quality actually) and at most stops there are people selling all kinds of food and drink such as crisps, fruit, homemade meat cutlets, pierogi.
The Indian Railways online ticket system. Don't even think about queueing to buy a ticket, just go online and buy it there. It only has one major problem, you either need a local card or a AMEX... Otherwise it is a godsend, no endless Indian queues
The street of Victorian shops is fascinating; there are other historical mock-ups such as a First World War trench (no wellies required) and something for all ages... it's a family run business so the home-made scones ARE home-made.
Just the place for a rainy day.
Corner Fore St. (St Marychurch) & Hampton Ave, near Babbacombe Model Village, 01803 32610 www.bygones.co.uk
A good old fashioned seaside day out! Fish and chips and loads of fairground rides. Never mind your Costa del Sol!
The rides are all good fun, especially 'The Big One', and all cost around £1-2 each. Or you can get a £30 day pass.
The nearest train station is Blackpool North. You can get special promotions on buses and trams - www.nationalrail.co.uk/promotions/e05830eec35ce741007a2e79203d5296.html
There's even an airport: www.ukairportinformation.com/APT-16-Blackpool_Airport.htm
The first option would be air travel - there are several flights from Kansai Intl (KIX) to Sapporo (New Chitose - CTS). Flights depart at 16:45, 17:55, and 20:50. The price is 39,900 yen (US $335 at today's rate).
Another option is taking a ferry and train combination from Osaka to Hokkaido. Unfortunately, the ferry takes a lot of time - 19 hours one way, plus a couple of hours for the train. So flight seems to be the best option here.
More options and detailed flight schedule:
www.flightpedia.org/japan/flights-from-osaka-to-sapporo-osaka/
Down the south of Brussels about 20 miles away lays lovely town Waterloo, the famous battlefield, where Napoleon was finally defeated by Wellington.
Worthy to climb the Lion Hill or take the guided tour around the spot for five euros (especially the tour mirrors the battlefield spirit). Also maps are only 1.50 euros.
It is best to visit on a Sunday, as that's the day for the famous flea market in Waterloo (next to Careffour supermarket) with antiques and about 300 food stalls.
Waterloo is approachable by train (a return is only three euros on weekend) from central station, or by bus from Brussels.
The number 44 tram takes you on a very pleasant journey from Art Nouveau Montgomery, in the east of the city centre, to suburban Tervuren, with wonderful parks and cafes, and its famous, controversial African museum.
The tram trundles along avenues of Art Nouveau mansions and impressive embassies, past parks, boating lakes (and Brussels tram museum!), and even through a forest all on its own, on a dedicated track away from all other traces of civilisation!
Take the ICE high speed train with connections from the ferry terminal at Rotterdam, to central Germany.
What had previously been a stressful and lengthy journey on the autobahn for us (with small children), became an adventure!
We arrived at our destination mid afternoon smiling and relaxed. There is also a viewing area at the front of the train, and for techies a computer screen which gives information on train speeds etc en route.
We will definitely do this again, it was a highlight of the holiday!
If you're taking the TGV from Geneva in Switzerland make sure you have kept some euros as, amazingly, they don't take Swiss Francs.
When staying in Strasbourg over a weekend or public holiday, a great way to explore the region by train is by purchasing a "Pass Evasion" rover ticket at the railway station.
This allows unlimited travel throughout Alsace as well as Basle in Switzerland and parts of Lorraine.
It is available at the bargain price of 13.50 Euros per day and for parties of 2-5 travelling together it is exceptional value at 26.60 Euros for the whole group.
Don't take the taxi into town when you land in Amsterdam.
It's expensive (around £35-40) and unnecessary. the train will take you into the centre in 15-20 minutes for 3.60euros.
When travelling with small children you are entitled to a free porter service at both eurostar stations.
Just ask. This service normally costs £10. I didn't know until someone pointed it out to me as I had so much luggage I had to ask for help.
Don't rush off from the marvellous Gare Du Nord railway station - take half an hour or so to have a good look around this amazing terminus.
Over a hundred years old, the fantastic Gothic canopy is held up by huge cast iron pillars (made in Scotland actually, where the only foundry large enough to make them was located!).
The whole structure reminds one of a vast cathedral. Outside too is most impressive, with outstanding stone carvings and a most impressive facade.
Although constantly noisy and busy, the station is world class and should be savoured, not swallowed and forgotten! Enjoy.
The Brasserie du Gard Du Nord is the best place to prepare for a Sunday afternon journey back from Paris.
All the classics, fantastic surroundings, plate of oysters and a chilled bottle of something lets you drowse contentedly all the way back to Londres!
On your next metro journey take a detour to Line 14 for a space-age theme park ride.
The high-speed "Meteor" line is driverless so you can sit at the front and enjoy an exhilerating driver's eye view along the eerie twisting tunnels.
It is much faster and better than London's Docklands Light Railway. Get off at Bercy Station to admire the platform's lush underground jungle.
The Métro can be expensive. Tickets can be purchased individually for €1.30, but a carnet (book of 10) is only €10 - split one with your friends.
Use Paris as the start of your Europe-by-rail trip - it's the perfect two day stop off before catching the overnight train to Rome or Barcelona.
Get the old train, the Ferrocarril de Soller built in 1905, through the almond orchards on the outskirts of Palma under the mountains to the orange and lemon groves of Soller. Have great coffee and cake, or homemade ice cream and orange and lemon sorbet from the local orchards at Fet a Sóller.
If in Palma, it’s worth an hour travelling north by train to the old town of Soller, with its lively markets, square and port, which is just down the road by old San Francisco tram.
But it’s the journey itself makes this a trip worth taking. As the vintage 1912 brass and mahogany carriages journey through the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains, olive groves are plentiful as are valleys that drop away from beneath the train as it climbs the terrain. A series of 13 tunnels add a spooky air of excitement as the old wooden carriages rattle through.
Take the FEVE narrow gauge railway from Santander - mix with the locals, watch the stationmasters put on their red caps to check the trains in and out.
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