Ride the Rails with AndyB

There is in my opinion no one who knows the in and outs and complexities, and opportunities, of the European Railways fares and ticketing systems as The Man in Seat61. AndyB and Mark Smith, The Man in Seat61, chat about why the fares are so complicated in Europe - a child fare, for example, is set a different age between companies and in fact the Germans let under 15's travel free of charge if accompanied by an adult. Different railway ticketing systems don't talk to each other and also the varied booking windows that different countries operate to are explained. In part 2 some of the creative ways of bringing the cost of European rail travel in price are revealed. This episode is sponsored by Tailor Made Rail who offer a range of holidays using their expert knowledge of fares: https://www.tailormaderail.com/ So join AndyB and Mark Smith and “come along for the ride!”

The expanding network of High Speed rail lines in Europe is bringing The Continent closer together and increasing the use of railways with shorter journey times. AndyB and Mark Smith, The Man in Seat61, have between them travelled on all of the High Speed lines in Europe and experienced the services of all the High Speed operators. In Italy both Italo, a private operator, and TrenItalia offer High Speed services and the introduction of competition has reduced prices, increases the number of trains and ensured that quality is a focus for both operators. In Spain the extensive network of routes has seen the air market reduce as the fast links capture market share. AndyB and Mark chat through their experiences of High Speed travel, what is available across Europe and what the future may bring. This episode is sponsored by Tailor Made Rail who offer a range of holidays featuring High Speed train travel: https://www.tailormaderail.com/ So join AndyB and Mark Smith and “come along for the ride!”

Between AndyB and Mark Smith, The Man in Seat61, most of the the world's luxury trains have been sampled. We discuss our experiences onboard, where the trains visit and why these special trains are the way to travel! From Rovos Rail, which AndyB considers to be the best in the world, African adventures to the Tren Crucero exploring Ecuador to the iconic Venice Simplon Orient Express we cover them all. Indians network of luxury trains give a great introductions to the railways and life in India. Australia's Ghan and Indian Pacific trains are now considered luxury cruise trains with their upmarket cabins. This episode is sponsored by Tailor Made Rail who offer a range of holidays featuring luxury trains:https://www.tailormaderail.com/inspiration/luxury-train-holidays/ So join AndyB and Mark Smith and "come along for the ride!"

Dreaming around Europe by train is a great way to describe the subject of this episode of the Podcast which is all things sleeper trains! AndyB and Mark Smith, the Man in Seat61, chat about sleeper trains - what they are, and may not be all they seem, the benefits of travelling by night, the different types of accommodation onboard and some examples of fares. We chat about the renaissance of night trains across Europe and the investments being made in new trains and routes. We give some personal tips as to how best to enjoy the sleeper experience. For example book a compartment in the middle of the carriage for a quieter ride. This is episode is sponsored by TailorMadeRail.com who offer a range of rail holidays across Europe. They offer a number of trips featuring the sleeper trains we have discussed. Join Andy and Mark and "Come along for the Ride!"

Travelling around Europe by train is a delightful experience allowing you to experience Europe at ground level. One very important component of any enjoyable trip is where you rest your weary head!  AndyB and Mark Smith, the Man in Seat61, chat about some of their favourite hotels and make recommendations for stays across Europe. From the Pera Palace in Istanbul and Mark's memorable stay there to the Carlo IV in Prague where AndyB was put out by Mark being given "Guest of the Day" status....... the shared love of the Schweizerhof Hotel In Zurich will surely have you investigating when you can stay!!  This is episode is sponsored by TailorMadeRail.com who offer a range of rail holidays across Europe. They offer a number of trip featuring the hotels we have discussed. Join Andy and Mark and "Come along for the Ride!"

Europe is blessed with a diverse and extensive network of railways that pass through some amazing scenery. Sit back relax and enjoy the ride..... AndyB and Mark Smith, the Man in Seat61, Switzerland, and the Bernina Express in particular, is discussed together with some of the underrated, or rather unknown, countries for their scenic rail rides such as Slovakia. This is episode is sponsored by TailorMadeRail.com who offer a range of rail holidays across Europe. They offer a number of trip featuring the  Bernina Express. Join Andy and Mark and "Come along for the Ride!"

Using an Interrail or Eurail is the perfect way to explore Europe by train. From passes that cover single countries to the Global Pass giving travel in 33 countries. AndyB and Mark Smith, the Man in Seat61, chat about the various passes that are available, the value that they offer, any supplements that are needed and if they are the better buy than using individual tickets. This episode is sponsored by TailorMadeRail.com 

Rail Rovers are the perfect way to explore the UK by train - unlimited travel nationwide or in specific areas. From the All Line Rail Rover to the Northern Rail Explorer 55 and all passes in-between AndyB and Mark Smith chat about the advantages of a rail pass, what to see, where to go and the costs and ways of bringing the price down. Join us and "come along for the ride!"

AndyB and Mark Smith, The Man in Seat 61.com have visited or stayed in many of Britain's finest railway hotels. From the 2 grand old ladies of Edinburgh at either end of Princess St, The Balmoral and The Caledonian, to the iconic Renaissance St Pancras we chat about these great hotels. So "come along for the ride" and learn where to rest your travel weary head.....

The UK has some great value rail fares to explore the country but you need to be in the know to find them! Mark Smith - the Man in Seat61 www.seat61.com used to work for the Department of Transport setting fares policy so is perfectly placed to offer some insights into this complex area. We chat about what rail fares are offered and when you should look to book fares together with ways of bringing the fare down by "splitting the ticket"..... There are a number of railcards that give access to discounted fares which in some instances are worth buying even for a one off trip. Finally we start to chat about rail rovers that give unlimited travel in set period of times. Starting with the InterRail and Eurail which non UK residents can travel around the UK and move on to the All Line Rover and mention other options..... we ran out time to cover the full range of rovers and have agreed to do another episode on the subject as they do offer great value! www.andybtravels.com