Rail Europe - The Only Way to Go

RAIL EUROPE – The only way to go

Growing up in Europe, we never flew if we could help it, we used Rail Europe. On time, dependable, great service, good food, and a well run company. We used them several times a year and it was a horrible journey by ferry – rough seas - from England to the continent. I didn’t like having to produce my passport at every border when the train stopped especially in the middle of the night, and today its bliss due to the European Union and it’s a must faster journey. Looking back, I don’t know how I managed to carry all my ski equipment and luggage from home to my ski destination a couple of times a year. When I got older, I had more sense. I rented the skis when I got there.

London and Paris are two of the most popular destinations as always. You can go from city center London to city center Paris in 2.10 minutes. You would still be in the security line at Heathrow Airport if you were going to fly. Eurostar is a dream train to travel on. Stay at the hotel at the St.Pancras station and they take your luggage to the train. They will be connecting London, Paris and Brussels in approximately 2 hours. Plan to introduce direct service from London to Amsterdam by the end of 2017 will be a fantastic addition.

In July the French National Railroads opened up new high speed lines connecting Paris to Bordeaux in just 2 hours with over 20 departures per day. Some of these trains continue on to other destinations. For example, connecting Paris to Toulouse or Biarritz in just over 4 hours. A second high speed line extends west connecting Paris to Brest in Britany in less than 3.5 hours.

In Switzerland, on December 16 the Gotthard Base Tunnel opened. At 57km long, it is the longest railroad tunnel in the world and reduced travel from northern Switzerland and cities like Zurich and Lucerne and Milan and northern Italy by 40 minutes. Future enhancements scheduled to be completed by 2020 will cut an additional 20 minutes from the length of the trip.

Spain, work continues on the Madrid to Malaga high speed rail line, part of a project which has the goal of connecting Madrid to all Spanish provincial capitals in 2 hours.

For over 25 years I have had the pleasure of working with Jim Prchlik, a delightful, knowledgeable, and hard working sales representative for Rail Europe. I saw him regularly at Travel Trade Shows all over the country, and I always made a point to go to his booth and give him a big hug. I was Program Chairman for the International Women in Travel organization for many years, and he was always willing to give a yearly presentation to my group. He must have trained thousands of travel agents over the years on how to sell Rail Europe to our clients.

I was sad to learn that he is retiring this month. I can remember when he was single, and on a board with me in the San Francisco area. I know his wife and two children will enjoy seeing more of him since he did a lot of travelling with his job. He will be missed by all that worked with him. The Travel Industry has lost a friend. God bless you Jim, thank you for sharing your knowledge with me, and my colleagues. Enjoy the new chapter in your life.

Take it from a train lover, do not fly in Europe if you can help it.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Ave

Menlo Park

650-961-2340 Direct

Maureen.Jones@Frosch.com

www.allhorizonstvl.com