Millions of us every day get on and off trains to get to work, to go shopping, to go on holiday or to visit friends or relatives. While most of us may think that all there is to rail travel is to buy your ticket, get on at one end and get off at the other, it is time to think again. Escorted holidays in England making use of our trains are very much on the up, and there are some great tours to choose from.

An escorted train tour of Northumberland and Yorkshire is a real eye opener for those who think there is little to see or do in these great Northern counties. The wild beauty of the country coupled with the history of the area can be appreciated fully on one of these tours. Taking in the likes of York, Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne, a train tour shows the traveller the best that this area has offer.

Norfolk is long associated with boating holidays on the Norfolk Broads, but an escorted train tour lets you see what else is on offer here. The tour that takes in the waterways, Norwich and the Royal country retreat of Sandringham shows of picturesque Norfolk at its best. A trip on a vintage steam train is all part of the tour, as is a trip through verdant countryside on the Poppy Line.

Head further south, and you can take a train tour around Devon and Cornwall that takes in the Eden Project, one of the top tourist destinations in the UK. You really can discover the best of the South West as you wind your way through these counties on a steam train. Visit Torquay and the other resorts that make up the English Riviera before heading as far south as you can go to the fabled Lands End.

 

Ahh, Boston that most collegiate and transient of American cities. If you’re headed to The Hub for a short stay for a summer program, job or other temporary living arrangement then you’ll certainly need to find some adequate shelter. What are your options?

Craigslist is King

You’ll already be shelling out dough for your rent every month, so why pay for the search when you can check out your options for free? You’ll find the Craigslist Boston site ever forthcoming. Because there are so many students flitting in and out of the city (especially in summer and fall), you won’t be searching for very long. In fact, you could even book a few viewings in one day to maximize the possibility that you’ll find the perfect Boston sublet. Go one step further and fill out a personable, friendly wanted ad of your own so conscientious subletees can contact you.

Get in Gear Before the High Season

With so many students in Boston, it’s not hard to predict when the city will experience ebbs and flows. If you’re in town for a fellowship, summer school program or other obligation then plan ahead. If you’re searching for a sublet in the summer, then luck is on your side: many students leave the area for home during this time. However, the opposite is true when the fall semester begins and students pour back into the city.

Make Use of “Allston Christmas”

Here’s an awesome insider tip from a former local: have a moving truck handy on September 1st. This is when most Boston college students in the Allston neighborhood dump their unwanted furniture and other used goods on curbs and sidewalks. If you’re smart you’ll be on hand to score some gently used freebies!

‘Geekdom’, for want of a better way of describing it is spreading fast. These people who have made the cultural endeavour to go that extra mile and embrace technology and gadgetry beyond the realms of ordinary curiosity and their lives literally revolve around it. Despite their reputation for never leaving their gadget littered rooms, even geeks go on holiday, and the geek hotels are enjoying a booming business.

Now to be officially classed in the upper echelons of hotel geekdom, hotels need to go a lot further than having an iPad in every room and keyless entry, they need to encompass everything that a geek would need or desire, so they feel like they are in a home from home.

It should come as no real surprise that one of the top geek hotels in the world in is Las Vegas. The City Center takes in three separate hotels, the Aria, the Vdara and the Mandarin Orient. Sin city was introduced to a whole technological era when they opened in 2009. Control4 is used throughout all three, so absolutely everything is operated by remote control; including the TV, music, temperature, curtains etc.

The Hulu Hotel in Sacramento has a Mac mini in every guest room, described as a one stop media portal; you can engage in social networking, stream music and movies, order room service and even check out through these devices. The appropriately named Avatar hotel in Silicon Valley is a utopia for geeks, as they are constantly upgrading their equipment to keep their finger on the pulse, and the geeks coming through the doors.

It will come as no great surprise to many that the most popular combined river cruises of the Netherlands and Belgium take place during the spring. This is because both these countries are a veritable kaleidoscope of colours with un-countable thousands of flowers being in bloom. Taking a relaxing cruise along the Dutch and Belgian rivers really is the best way to see this spectacular vista at its very best.

The river cruises through the Netherlands take you through Amsterdam, tulip fields, windmills and pretty villages. In Belgium, you will you will visit medieval towns bursting with character, enjoy some great beer and experience the cosmopolitan elegance of Brussels.

There are also stops along the way to see some of the greatest works of art by the great Dutch and Flemish painters such as Rembrandt and Van Gogh. There is lush countryside to look out over as you relax on your river cruise, and one of the best stop offs in the Netherlands is Zaanse Schans, which although quite touristy, has amazing windmills, and the stunning Keukenhof had more than 7m tulips in bloom in the Spring.

It is also fascinating to discover exactly how Dutch cheeses and Delft pottery is created, as well as the delicious Belgian chocolates that are lovingly created by hand in Bruges. This town is effectively one enormous open air museum, buzzing with life and vitality and a great place to go for a short break if you can manage it.

Other places of interest that you will probably take in on your combined river cruise to the Netherlands and Belgium, depending on your itinerary, include Edam, Hoorn, Gouda, The Hague, Bruges, Brussels and Antwerp. Whichever of these you do, or do not, visit you can guarantee that you will have a great time on your river cruise, and see some amazing sights to boot.

Nestling in the Rhine Valley between Austria and Switzerland is the tiny independent principality of Liechtenstein. Consisting of only 160sq km and with a population of just 34,000, it is by far the smallest German speaking country in the world. Long ignored by UK visitors due to the difficulties in travelling there, the arrival of budget airlines to Zurich airport and then a direct train journey have made Liechtenstein much more accessible.

Due to its location it is obviously a great place for a ski break, and there are a few resorts, namely Malbun, which has slopes to suit all levels of experience as well as a school for snowboarding. Winter sports aren’t the only activities available in Liechtenstein however, and the cycle routes along the banks of the Rhine are a great way to explore the countryside and the mountains are extremely popular with hikers.

Whilst its size restricts the amount of attractions to be found here, the quaint charm and unspoilt beauty of Liechtenstein is something that can be enjoyed in very few of the bigger countries. Vaduz is the tiny village that has the lofty title of Capital of Liechtenstein, and whilst there are only two main streets, it is the most poplar destination for tourists and is home to the three most important museums in the country.

Triesenberg to the north is a minute region that actually sits on a terrace which overlooks both Vaduz and the Rhine Valley. It is home to a unique church with an onion shaped dome and also the Heimatsmuseum. This is a museum dedicated to the Walser people who travelled across the Swiss border in the 13^th century on a pilgrimage and whose unique dialect you can still hear spoken there today.

If you’re itching for a little German history and culture, then why not take a short weekend trip to that most historically rich of German cities: Hamburg. Nestled in the North and the second-largest city in the country, the city is bursting with all the sites and sounds a curious tourist looking for a late room in Hamburg might be anxious for. If that  sparked your interest, keep reading for your own mini-guide to an action-packed weekend in Hamburg.

Maritime History

No visit to Hamburg would be complete without a stop by the Elbe River. An important symbol of the city’s maritime history and economic power,the waterfront offers glorious views over the city. In warmer weather, you can hit up the Elbe beach for a little sunbathing or for all you nature enthusiasts out there why not take in a little hiking or biking along the river? You’ll take in diverse scenery like marshland, ports and farmhouses A glance on the apartment website Wimdu will give you a good idea of the diverse range housing and accommodation available in Hamburg. And be sure to stop by the Fish Market for a little fresh lunchtime treat!

 Shopping

If you’re anxious to whip out your credit card for some shopping, head on over to the Jungfernstieg for world-class consumption. Filled with global luxury brands like Louis Vutton, Gucci and other up-market options, stop in for a little break at the many cafes that line the square so you can replenish your energy reserves for even more shopping!

Nightlife

For a little weekend fun in Hamburg, one must hit the Reeperbahn for some nightlife action. Hamburg’s most popular street is filled with nightclubs, bars and also just happens to be the city’s red light district. Walk the bustling streets and stop in at a nightclub or two for a little dance. If you’re more interested in some nightlife sightseeing then just hop outside to see the ladies of the night plying their trade on nearly every corner and sidewalk!

If you’re preparing for some sun and fun in the land of fine wine and romance, then look no further. Keep reading for a few insider tips on the best beaches to score a beautiful tan and a bit of relaxation while vacationing in lovely France.

Best French Beach to Soak Up Some History

Aching for a little high culture with your day in the sun? Look no further than Normandy, here you’ll get a taste of both WW II D-Day history and some serious UV exposure. The Normady beaches include everything from La Madeline (west) all the way up to Ouistreham Beach in the east. Venture along the coastline so you can sample a bit of sun and history simultaneously.

Best French Beach That Offers Something for Everyone

If you’ve got the competing interests of young children, teenagers and grandparents to appease then you should head on over to the Brittany coastline for a few French beach options that are sure to please the entire clan. Hit the Cote Sauvage for waves for the more adventurous among you or check out the Pink Granite coast for some absolutely gorgeous vistas.

Best French Beach to Catch a Glimpse of the Beautiful People

For all of those craving a bit a glamor, Biarritz is your French beach destination. This hotspot combines scenic forest with ample amounts of nightlife, so you can get your dose of lithe, tan, gorgeous folk casually sipping expensive martinis.

The rustic charm and natural beauty of the countryside has long made the Italian region of Tuscany a firm favourite with tourists from across the globe. Tuscany is located in central Italy and has a border on the Mediterranean Sea. Its principal city is Florence and whilst this attracts short break visitors in their thousands, it is the stunning natural landscape that appeals to most travellers, and that feeling of getting away from it all but with plenty still to do and see.

Hiring a car, walking or cycling are the three top ways to get the best out of your trip to Tuscany and discover for yourself the delights of this region so long synonymous with the production of fine Italian wines. Whilst the beauty of Tuscany is that you can just go with the flow and take each day as it comes, there are certain towns that are well worth fitting into your itinerary. Renting a villa in Tuscany is the best way to have to the freedom to explore the area and get as much out of your trip as you can.

Florence is not only the capital of Tuscany, but also one of the most vibrant and beautiful cities in the world. Long associated with the arts and home of the renaissance movement, there is much to see and do in Florence and after the art galleries and museums take the time out to enjoy a cappuccino overlooking the River Arno and soak up the atmosphere that is uniquely Florentine.

Siena is a designated world heritage site that is also the second city in Tuscany. This city is sophisticated, cultured and home to some the finest restaurants in the region. The stunning architecture mirrors its medieval history and it’s like taking a step back in time. The central piazza, il Campo, is famed around the world for the Palio horse race, and timing your trip to coincide with this spectacle will be an unforgettable experience. The Gothic architecture and elaborate exterior make the Siena Cathedral another must see.

The town of Lucca many not be as well known as the aforementioned cities, but those who have discovered this gem tend to return over and over again, especially once they have found their ideal Tuscany villa with a pool to come back to. The town is surrounded by walls that date from the renaissance period and still stand firm today, affording tourists who walk or cycle around the top and unprecedented view of the surrounding countryside. Lucca is also home to some of the top designer boutiques in the whole of Tuscany and is a veritable shopper’s paradise.

Barcelona is a popular tourist city that sits on the Mediterranean Spanish coastline that is home to the world famous FC Barcelona and also known for its very culture, heritage, art, and its many different attractions as well as its scenic location. Many people that live in Spain and other nearby parts of Europe regularly choose to spend a weekend break in the city due to the fact that it is considered to be either soothing and relaxing metropolitan area, or an active and lively city depending on what you are looking for in your trip.

The town offers plenty of fun options that range from sunning yourself on its warm and notably clean beaches or sightseeing around the many attractions of Barcelona. The Agbar Tower made of glass is one notable structure, as is the Autonomous University of Barcelona which is known for its architectural beauty.

Also worth a visit is The Seu, which is one of the most ancient cathedrals in the area and a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Once the sun goes down you can easily head into the heart of the town where you will find plenty of pubs, clubs, and discos to make the weekend complete.

Paris may be known as the city of lights and the city of luxury, but it is also a budding independent city with plenty of nightlife and shops that are helping to bring out the trendy and vibrant side of the underground part of the city. Due to the artistic side of the city and the many students that call Paris home, there is a strong focus on local labels and creativity which can be seen if you wonder off the tourist path and into the more residential areas of the city.

While you can get a great taste of the independent side of Paris by heading to some of its warehouse pubs and clubs, there are plenty of other ways to see the more independent side of Paris. For instance, instead of choosing to stay in a main hotel chain or luxury hotel you may want to check out the many B&Bs that are becoming popular among holiday planners as well as some of the top boutique hotels that make staying away from home more like staying at home with catered service. These accommodations provide a unique way to experience life in Paris as it truly is making the holiday much more enriching.