By: Angela Guezen

German rail travel is known for being among the best in Europe, thanks to a comprehensive network with modern amenities, and fast and frequent services. To take advantage of travel spanning across Germany’s 41,000 km of tracks, a German rail pass not only represents savings but also offers the flexibility to hop on and off trains at your leisure.

Rail Pass Discounts

When purchasing a German rail pass enjoy further savings with great discounts for children, youth and groups on select passes.

Children between the ages of 4 and 11 pay half the adult fare and children under 4 travel free. A Saver Pass for groups of 2 to 5 people gives an approximate 15% reduction per person on the normal Adult price. Youth Passes under 26 can travel in second class with an approximate 35% discount on the Adult first class fare.

 

Types of German Rail Passes

ACP Rail International offers a wide range of German rail passes.

 

The following are options for non-European residents:

German Rail Pass Eurail Global Pass: Train travel in 21 European countries Eurail Select Pass: Train travel in 3, 4 or 5 bordering countries in Europe Eurail Austria – Germany Pass Eurail Benelux – Germany Pass Eurail Czech Republic – Germany Pass Eurail Denmark – Germany Pass Eurail France – Germany Pass Eurail Germany – Poland Pass Eurail Germany – Switzerland Pass

 

And the following are options for European residents:

InterRail Germany Pass InterRail Global Pass: Train travel in 30 European countries

 

German Rail (Deutsche Bahn)

The German rail network is operated by Deutsche Bahn, reaching nearly every city in Germany by train. With a German rail pass, you are free to explore from the North and Baltic Sea shores down to the Black Forest and the Bavarian Alps. Sit back and enjoy the ride between these unforgettable cities: Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, Hamburg and many more!

With a central European location, it’s no surprise that Germany is also the hub for many international routes, with connections to Switzerland, the Netherlands, France, Denmark, Belgium and Austria aboard the famous InterCity Express (ICE) trains; ICE trains are known for reaching speeds up to 300km/h and setting new standards for high speed transport. Imagine it only takes 3 hours from Berlin to Frankfurt – a 545 km journey that takes over 5 hours by car!

German Trains

Depending on your itinerary, you will likely use a variety of trains, including long distance services, regional trains and InterCity (IC) and InterCity Express (ICE) trains. As regional trains connect smaller towns and accommodate local commuters, it’s suggested you avoid travelling during the early morning or late afternoon if possible. Please also note it’s generally advisable to make seat reservations, especially during holidays and peak periods.

Many companies offer German rail passes and the accompanying benefits. We recommend ACP Rail International due to their long standing rail experience, competitive prices and reliable customer support.

Angela Guezen is a travel professional who has explored the likes of Australia, Japan, and Europe. With a love for beautiful landscapes she has great appreciation for train travel and shares this passion with fellow travelers by writing for www.ACPRail.comand wwwBritRail.com.

Related posts:

1. Travel Europe, Travel Smart – With Rail Passes European travel can still be affordable, for budget travelers, independent...
2. Spa Holidays in Germany – Do as the Romans Did! With its long history of spas and health-giving hot springs,...
3. Travel Through Europe Using European Train Travel – Tips And Advice When planing to travel through Europe, don't leave the travel...

It’s only natural to be shocked by the latest findings of climate scientists at the Centre for Alternative Technology and elsewhere, as we gradually start to understand the impact that our privileged lifestyles have upon the planet and its people.

Disturbing predictions include doomsday situations such as rising sea levels, flooding, chaotic and destructive severe weather causing crop failures and the spread of water-borne diseases, and skin cancers from heightened UV exposure. Such nightmarish scenarios are all too likely to become reality, within our lifetimes, if our energy consumption and pollutant emissions are not seriously curbed.

The aviation industry is the fastest-growing source of climate-changing ‘greenhouse gases’, and Britain is responsible for more emissions from air travel per head than any other country. We love to travel, but with these facts in mind, it’s becoming difficult to imagine jetting off on a ‘well-earned’ foreign holiday without serious cause for concern. However, the growing industry of ethical and ecologically sustainable tourism offers diverse, exciting, adventurous holidays which can minimise impact or even benefit the environment rather than wasting resources and causing harm. Guided walking and cycling tours, for instance, are a great way to see stunning landscapes and learn more about wildlife and plants whilst contributing to the local economy in a responsible, non-exploitative industry.

Solar-powered, self-sufficient B&Bs are springing up in dreamy destinations like Portugal and Normandy. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, how about cross-country skiing in Norway, dog-sledding in Finland or sea kayaking and diving off Croatia? There are hundreds of inspiring destinations in Europe which can be easily reached by Eurostar and train or sea. A night in a cabin on a ferry crossing to Scandinavia, or on one of the luxurious ‘trainhotels’ which cover France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and beyond, can be an exciting, fun experience bringing back some of the traditional romance of travel. Longer-haul overland travel affords unique opportunities to see the world – if you’ve got a backpack and a tent, you’re free to stop off and linger anywhere you please along the way. And anywhere really could be anywhere: there’s even an ‘adventure travel company’ offering a 12-week overland voyage through 20 countries, from London to Sydney, Australia!

For the serious ethical traveller, voluntary conservation projects in beautiful locations, such as Iceland’s National Parks, offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to enjoy and learn about these amazing landscapes while making a real, positive difference for their future.

Eco-tourism and responsible, sustainable living is not necessarily expensive, either; you may actually be pleasantly surprised by the low financial cost of living at a low environmental impact. Consider a cheap and cheerful InterRail pass for total freedom to travel by train, either within one country or the whole of Europe, when compared to the prices of destructive short-haul flights (not to mention getting to and from provincial airports). Still, like any holiday, getting everything booked at once may mean taking a painful bite out of your cashflow, in which case manageable loans could help to spread the cost of your unique adventures. Once you’ve started to explore, you might just find yourself hooked on the feel-good thrills of travelling off the beaten track.

Andrew Regan is an online, freelance author from Scotland. He is a keen rugby player and enjoys travelling.

No related posts.

By: Graeme Lanham

To discover the real essence of Australia, train travel is the way to go. There’s no more relaxing or scenic way to enjoy the trip between Adelaide and Melbourne, Australia’s southern capitals, than on “The Overland”.

This historic train pioneered inter-capital rail travel way back in 1887, its name inspired by the historic “Overlanders” who traveled the route on horseback. A century on and the newly refurbished “Overland” is about relaxation, serene comfort, enjoying superb meals and being pampered by courteous and attentive staff.

Throughout this daytime interstate journey you can soak up a diverse range of landscapes from rugged scrubland to fields of golden crops, over vast open plains and through gently rolling hills dotted with vineyards and wheat fields.

The early part of the journey from Adelaide involves a climb through the Adelaide Hills to Mount Lofty with stunning views of the city and St Vincent’s Gulf. The building of this section of the railway provided a major challenge for engineers in the 19th century.

The first major town along the way is Murray Bridge and this provides a great photo opportunity as the train crosses Australia’s largest river, the Murray. This major waterway stretches over 1250km from its source in the Australian Alps to the Southern Ocean, just south of Murray Bridge. It is a major tourist attraction, provides 70% of Adelaide’s water and is the economic lifeline for numerous orchards and vineyards along its banks.

At Bordertown, the train crosses into Victoria and journeys through scenic undulating hills supporting wheat and sheep farms. In the distance to the south you may notice the spectacular Grampian Mountains. No visit to Victoria would be complete without exploring this majestic landscape. The main town of Hall’s Gap can be used as a base for bushwalking or visiting a number of the breathtaking scenic lookouts. Further south is another “must see” for visitors to Victoria – the world famous Great Ocean Road.

The major city on the journey to Melbourne is Geelong, Victoria’s second biggest city. It is also a major tourism venue and a convenient base for travel on the Great Ocean Road or to the eastern side of Port Philip Bay.

Just over 10 hours after leaving Adelaide, The Overland glides smoothly into Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station. This terminus in Spencer St, is right in the heart of the city and the convenient late afternoon arrival gives you time to freshen up at your accommodation, ready to enjoy the vibrant night life and trendy restaurants in Australia’s second largest city.

The Overland is operated by Great Southern Rail and runs a daylight service between Adelaide and Melbourne in both directions three times a week. Guests have the choice of 2 levels of service; Red Service or Red Premium Service. Both provide a high standard of comfort, while Red Premium provides more services including quality meals delivered to your seat and more personal space. The licensed Caf’e Carriage provides the chance to meet your fellow travelers and socialize in a comfortable environment.

This train is an important link for travelers from Melbourne to join other major Australian train services In Adelaide. “The Ghan” provides a spectacular outback journey to Darwin, stopping at places of interest along the way including Alice Springs (the centre for visits to Ayers Rock or Uluru and King’s Canyon) and Katherine for visits to the scenic Katherine Gorge).

The other major train stopping at Adelaide is the world famous “Indian Pacific”. You have the choice of boarding the train for its 2 day journey west to Perth on the Indian Ocean or traveling to Sydney on the east coast.

Discover the magic of Australia in travel writer Graeme Lanham’s new book. It reveals secret travel hints, experiences and destinations.Visit: http://www.traveltipsaustralia.com
FREE newsletter and INSTANT download.

Visit http://www.yourlifefitness.com
2 special FREE bonuses for visiting the site.

http//www.yourlifefitness.com

Related posts:

1. Contemplating South America Overland Travel South America overland travel tours are by far one of...
2. Plan a Day Out at One of South East England's Theme Parks Southeast England features at least seven excellent theme parks perfect...
3. Why Consider a Study Abroad Program in Australia, New Zealand or the South Pacific? What Are the Benefits of Studying in Australia, New Zealand...