Whereas earlier Palace on Wheels journey during peak season started from $450, the weeklong itinerary on board this luxury train will now start from $520 per person on triple occupancy basis. Single occupancy per person on board the train will now come for $770 as opposed to earlier price of $670.

The tariff of Palace on Wheels is all inclusive of dining, sightseeing and transportation during 8 days itinerary. Destinations covered during 168 hours long journey aboard the train includes tours to Jaipur, Udaipur, Ranthambore, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bharatpur and Agra. For more information regarding schedule, tariff, facilities and booking of Palace on Wheels, you might like to visit the website of the Indian Luxury Trains (ILT). http://www.indianluxurytrains.com/journeys/palace-on-wheels.html

With plenty of the special return Standard class fares available for midweek travel, this is the perfect time for Eurostar customers to book a reviving day trip or a relaxing long weekend. Travellers can also treat themselves to a more luxurious journey for less as Eurostar is also offering special Standard Premier return fares for travel during the same period.

When passengers arrive in their chosen destination their Eurostar ticket gives them much more than travel alone, with a range of enticing ‘Eurostar Plus’ offers and discounts.

‘Eurostar Plus Culture’ offers travellers 2-for-1 entry into paying exhibitions at selected top museums and galleries in Paris, Brussels and Lille, simply by showing their Eurostar ticket. So, whether they’re visiting the Grand Palais, Galeries Nationales in Paris or the Musical Instrument Museum in Brussels, there’s plenty to keep them entertained over the coming months.

‘Eurostar Plus Gourmet’ offers also give passengers up to 50% discounts on meals at popular restaurants in Paris, Brussels and Lille, by booking their table via http://www.eurostarplus.co.uk/gourmet and presenting their Eurostar ticket at the restaurant on arrival.

Nick Mercer, Commercial Director for Eurostar said: “Many of our travellers like to travel midweek as our destinations and their tourist attractions tend to be less busy. These discounted fares give everyone the perfect excuse to treat themselves to a getaway for less. After all, with special fares to Paris, Brussels or Lille and exclusive offers for museums, restaurants and shopping when you’re there, this is an offer not to be missed.”

For more information about the new promotional fares, Eurostar Plus, or to book cheap Eurostar tickets or purchase Eurostar gift vouchers, customers can visit eurostar.com or call 08432 186 186.

As of today, train travellers can search for journeys across the country at maps.google.co.uk with more than 2,500 stations and 170,000 trips nationwide at their fingertips, in addition 8,000 bus stops and over 250 tube stations. The website also gives users full information on walking directions and some bus timetables for connections, as well as the opportunity to click through to leading online train ticketing website thetrainline.com, to search for and book cheap tickets for their journey.

So for anyone who has ever wondered how quickly they can get from a street in Reading to a hotel in Llandudno, or how many changes they’d have to make on the London to Edinburgh route, the website gives users full information. This includes walking directions and bus timetables for connections, as well as the opportunity to click through to leading online train ticketing website thetrainline.com, to search for and book cheap train tickets for their journey.

Searching for travel information across Greater London was already possible but now thanks to the new updates, internet and mobile users have access to timetables and train information for routes across the whole country.

The partnership expands Google’s popular mapping and directions tool and supports thetrainline.com’s goal of making rail journey planning easy and highlighting the convenience and cost benefits to people of travelling by train.

Richard Rowson, Product Development Director at thetrainline.com said: “We’re delighted to be providing train travel information through Google Maps for the first time. We want to make sure that consumers are always able to consider rail options when making a journey and this innovation will help train travellers nationwide to do that by planning their route more easily. This is a fantastic partnership and demonstrates what two market leading brands working together can achieve.”

Ed Parsons, Google UK’s geospatial technologist, said: “Google Maps seeks to provide a wide range of relevant local information, and public transport station and schedule information is definitely a part of that. It is great to be able to partner with companies like thetrainline.com and have their schedule information available in Google Maps for the whole of Britain. This means we can reach and help a larger number of people with useful national rail train information.”

Google Maps is available in over 50 languages, so with London set to be a very popular destination this coming summer, tourists will also be able to combine walking with transit directions on Google Maps for mobile to help find their way around the country.

Christopher Rodrigues, VisitBritain Chairman said: “We want to encourage visitors to explore the whole of Britain. With the Olympics less than 200 days away Google’s new initiative is exciting news. Millions of visitors plan their itinerary using Google maps and this additional information will act as a catalyst and inspire them to discover all that is wonderful about our great country.”

More about how it works

To access public transport information from a desktop, users should visit maps.google.co.uk, click “Get Directions”, and enter origin and destination locations. Then click the icon depicting a train to obtain public transport directions and easily viewable train routes on the map. Users can also tap into GPS on a mobile device and get directions from their current location to any given destination in Britain.

Customers will be given the best route by rail and full details including departure and arrival times, journey duration and which train company is operating the service. These details are also displayed on the map above the departure location, where the user can click through to thetrainline.com homepage to search for and book cheap tickets for their journey.

Launched on January 26, 1982, Palace on Wheels was an initiative to showcase the royal heritage of India to tourists from overseas; it was the first luxury train to be introduced in India.

A brainchild of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC), this Indian luxury train begun its journey as a joint venture between the RTDC and the Indian Railways. The 168 hours journey all-inclusive journey costing US $ 3150 per person starts and concludes in New Delhi.

The week long itinerary of Palace on Wheels includes tours to Jaipur, Ranthambore, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra. All meals are complimentary and cost includes off train excursions, guides, and complimentary welcome kit which include a royal Rajasthani turban.

Palace on Wheels was originally composed of the refurbished personal carriages of erstwhile maharajas of India and ran on narrow gauge. The train travelled across destinations in Rajasthan offering guests a mesmerizing glimpse of the Rajput warrior history, desert castles and vibrant culture.

The success story of Palace on Wheels, its craze amongst overseas tourists and connoisseurs of luxury traveling and the huge demand for this kind of elegant train traveling led to introduction of similar luxury trains in India over the years. For more information on Palace on Wheels and other Indian luxury trains, feel free to visit the website http://www.thepalacesonwheels.com/

Company Information: Indian Luxury Trains (http://www.indianluxurytrains.com/) is India’s first and only luxury train travel portal. A trusted facilitator for luxury train travel and add on tours for exclusive Indian holidays based in New Delhi, ILT offer bookings for Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Palace on Wheels, the Golden Chariot, Deccan Odyssey, the Indian Maharaja, Maharaja’s Express along with news, reviews, brochure and newsletters.

Back on Track claim that the rail industry, which has long been held back by legacy IT systems, should consider adopting next generation IT solutions, similar to those used by airlines, to raise productivity, cut costs, and improve the customer experience. The concept of an outsourced community platform, a shared system used by rival rail companies to manage customer processing, means rail companies would benefit from the latest technology whilst remaining free to innovate and differentiate. This approach would see the rail experience transformed, allowing for personalized journeys, the selling of ancillary services and multiple options for ticketing.

According to the report, adopting the community platform across the rail industry would allow rail both to compete and cooperate more fully with airlines, making a single ticket for a multi modal journey a reality for the first time. In addition, the sharing of IT systems would mean that rail companies could rely on a business community with similar interests to support commercial developments such as alliance and network collaboration.

The report’s author, James Woudhuysen said, “The entire rail sector has an interest in IT systems that are collectively developed and collectively applied. Coherent, accurate and single-source data, speedily acquired and transmitted, intelligibly displayed, will make a big difference to every passenger. This approach is proven to support companies take advantage of next generation IT without having to pour millions of euros into the development of new proprietary systems.”

The report pays particular attention to how outsourcing IT systems to a community platform will free rail companies to focus on improving the customer experience both onboard and in the station and to fully take advantage of the significant growth opportunities for international rail.

Thomas Drexler, Director of Amadeus Rail commented, “When it comes to major developments in passenger transport, the next decade looks set to be the decade of rail. However, from our discussions with rail companies, one area threatening to hold back progress is technology. Drawing on the insights and expertise of Professor James Woudhuysen, we hope that this paper will promote new thinking and stimulates discussion about how best to capitalize on the abundant opportunities present in the rail sector over the next few years.”

Written by: Kanchana Ganglani

“This service will provide immediate relief to road weary travelers between two of the state’s most congested regions” said Governor McDonnell. “This service is long overdue and I congratulate our partners and commend their cooperation in moving up the scheduled start date.”

The Commonwealth’s Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), CSX, Norfolk Southern and the City of Norfolk have been working speedily to make the necessary upgrades for the service. The round-trip train will bring intercity passenger rail service to Norfolk for the first time since 1977, and will link Norfolk with a single-seat ride to Richmond, Washington, D.C. and cities as far north as Boston.

The updated timeline comes from today’s Commonwealth Transportation Board meeting where they passed a resolution outlining the new goals and start date.

“There is high demand for passenger rail service in Virginia as demonstrated by considerable ridership growth throughout the Commonwealth,” said Amtrak Vice President of Government Affairs and Corporate Communications Joe McHugh. “We have a strong partnership with the Commonwealth and look forward to operating this expanded service to Norfolk in 2012, providing passengers the option of convenient one-seat service to Washington and Northeast Corridor destinations.”

The Norfolk train marks the third service expansion launched under the Amtrak Virginia partnership, which has introduced service to Richmond and Lynchburg since October 2009. Virginia is the 15th state to partner with Amtrak for intercity passenger rail service, and the successful launch of these new services is made possible through the partnership between DRPT, Amtrak and the host railroads along the routes. Amtrak Virginia routes had sizable gains in fiscal year 2011 over fiscal year 2010 with increases of 28.5 percent on the Washington-Lynchburg route and 19.1 percent on the Washington-Newport News route.

“This service is a win-win for Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia. The economies of these two regions are intertwined and getting this service operating will strengthen them both,” said Thelma Drake, Director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

Originally named The Intercolonial Express, the train began as exactly that – a fast and comfortable way to travel between the Victorian and South Australian colonies. The Intercolonial Express reduced travel time from a week via ship to a mere 18 hours by rail.

The establishment of a direct rail link required collaboration between the colonies but was known as the ‘Adelaide Express’ or the ‘Melbourne Express’ depending which side of the border was home. Guests underwent baggage checks, filled out customs declarations and paid duty on interstate goods at tightly controlled border crossings.

The train was renamed The Overland in 1936 after the famous ‘Overlanders’ who travelled between Adelaide and Melbourne by horseback droving cattle.

Today, The Overland provides an economical, comfortable and convenient way to travel between Adelaide and Melbourne with three services running in each direction, each week. It also provides a vital transport link for regional communities.

Formerly a night time journey, The Overland now travels during daylight hours allowing passengers to enjoy a diverse range of landscapes; from rugged mallee scrubland to fields of golden crops, over vast open plains and through gently rolling hills.

“In 2007 The Overland underwent a $4 million upgrade which saw the introduction of new reclining seats with plenty of leg room and a stylish café carriage,” said Interim Chief Executive of Great Southern Rail, Russell Westmoreland.

“The Overland is the most comfortable way to travel between Adelaide and Melbourne. Guests can socialize in the onboard café or sit back and watch the scenery unfold from their roomy reclining seat.”

“With a baggage allowance of 40kg* and access right into Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station it is a relaxing, hassle-free journey,” said Russell.

There are two levels of service aboard The Overland; Red Service and Red Premium Service.

To mark the 125th anniversary Great Southern Rail has introduced a special one-way fare of $125pp in Red Premium (usually $144) from 19 January – 19 February. Red Seats are $97 one-way or $54 when ReadyRail specials are available. Pensioner discounts also apply.

To book, contact your licensed travel agent, call 13 21 47 or visit www.readyrail.com.au

* Maximum bag weight 20kg. Maximum of two bags per person.

If reports at the ILTM Cannes are anything to go by coupled with the ‘Oscar’ of travel awards bestowed on India, then these are indeed exciting time for luxury travel segment in the ‘incredible’ country.

When it comes to demand generation in travel and tourism industry, China and India are leading the way with close to double digit growth in this industry. India’s tourism industry is experiencing a strong period of growth, driven by the burgeoning Indian middle class, growth in high spending foreign tourists, and coordinated government campaigns to promote ‘Incredible India.

Talking about the trends in travel and tourism industry in India, Mr. Rahul Sharma Managing Director, Indian Luxury Trains (ILT), was quite upbeat at the future prospects. According to him it is one of the most profitable industries in India credited with contributing a substantial amount of foreign exchange.

Luxury travel segment is one segment with huge potential. Although the boom in the luxury travel segment is not at the level it was a few years ago, the reports of its decline have been greatly exaggerated notwithstanding a complete Euro-zone meltdown and a looming global economic crisis.

According to a recent report by Felicity Long in Travel Weekly, the buzz at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) conference in Cannes, France, in early December was a clear indication that there is indeed a strong demand in this travel niche.

To stay on top of the trends suppliers need to look for the ways to package cultural interaction into the guest experience. Creating insider experiences that range from pre-packaged, off-the-beaten-track tours with local guides, to customized outings are the need of hour. Sensing this demand, luxury travel companies like Orient-Express have invested in restoring the world’s most famous train routes. And travelers are responding by packing these new trains.

Much of the new boom in luxury trains has come in Asia. When it comes to luxury rail tours, India leads the way with as many as 6 luxury trains offering unique cultural experiences across destinations in India. Indian Luxury Trains (ILT) is India’s first and only luxury train travel portal and we are looking at a great opportunity in this luxury travel niche in India” added Mr. Sharma “these are really exciting time for us here at the Indian Luxury Trains”.

Talking about luxury trains Mr. Sharma added that these rail tours in India are designed to create cultural interactions by bundling the ethos and tradition of bygone era into elegant and unique guest experiences which adds to the appeal of the overall experience of the journey”.

Offering one stop solution to luxury travelers, ILT is also looking forward to take luxury travel to the next level through their comprehensive offering. Mr. Sharma added that the recent revamp of the website of ILT (indianluxurytrains.com) to make available news section, reviews and brochures are an endeavor in making the offering even more comprehensive.

Besides, measures are also in place to up the tempo when it comes to proactive promotion of luxury trains in India in international markets through media promotion and travel markets. Recent presence of ILT at ILTM, Cannes and road show by tourism ministry in Dubai were a few such measures in that direction.

Company Information:

Indian Luxury Trains (ILT) is India’s first and only luxury train travel portal. A trusted facilitator for luxury train travel and add on tours for exclusive Indian holidays based in New Delhi, ILT offer bookings for Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Palace on Wheels, the Golden Chariot, Deccan Odyssey, the Indian Maharaja, Maharaja’s Express along with news, reviews, brochure and newsletters.

The ‘Your World on Track’ program for the first time includes the Slovakia Rail Pass, which enables Australians to explore one of Europe’s most picturesque destinations with the option of three, four, six or eight days’ travel within a one month period.

Slovakia is also this year included in the Eurail Global and Eurail Select passes, both of which are now available in Rail Plus’ exclusive ’60+ Saver’ pricing category – offering mature travellers discounts of up to 20 per cent on standard adult rates.

This year’s brochure includes an expanded range of city sightseeing tours and passes in Europe and North America, including the Historic Royal Palaces Pass, guided walking and cycling tours in London and Paris, and CityPass USA. From 31 March 2012 visitors to London can also take part in new behind-the-scenes walking tour ‘The making of Harry Potter’.

In Japan, Rail Plus has introduced its first ever fully-escorted, 14-day ‘Japan Rail Enthusiasts Tour’. Participants in the unique trip experience some of the world’s most memorable train, boat and tram journeys, while visiting a variety of iconici cultural attractions, such as the Ise Jingu shrine and the Kotoku-in Temple in Kamakura.

Other highlights of the 2012 ‘Your World on Track’ program include:

• Expanded Balkan Flexipass – with the addition of Bosnia Herzegovina this year the pass now gives travellers access to eight countries (Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey)

• Revamped European services – one of the most popular European journeys for Australian travellers, the overnight train between Paris and Milan/Venice recently received a major upgrade with the launch of Thello, a new-look service that will expand to Florence/Rome in June 2012

• More maps – new maps now cover the London Underground, Paris Metro, Britrail and Japan, while the popular Eurail map is now more conveniently located in the middle of the brochure

• Exciting Rocky Mountaineer and Alaska Cruises – this year’s brochure includes a range of packages, with itineraries of between 12 and 15 days, and a choice of pre/post-cruise options

• Classic journeys – the legendary Vodkatrain is included for the first time, offering independent travellers aged between 18-35 the chance to travel through Russia, Mongolia, China, Kazakstan and Uzbekistan

• Great value Eurostar Rail & Stay packages – accommodation packages allow guests to combine one-way/return Eurostar journeys with a selection of Citadines properties in Paris and London

• Additional options in Australia – The Sunlander, Tilt Train and Spirit of the Outback have all been added for the first time in 2012.

The new ‘Your World on Track’ brochure is now available through TIFs to travel agents across Australia in January 2012.

For further information – and to view an online version of the program, along with up-to-date price inserts – please visit www.railplus.com.au.

This moving five-star hotel on wheels has hosted countless presidents, celebrities, and royalty and is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience for even the most discerning travelers.

Guests can take advantage of 50 percent off the second person rate in a double suite for travel through March 31, 2012. If travel plans call for a timeframe later in the year, guests can opt for 2 free hotel nights to use both pre- and post-Blue Train journey. The hotel choices include the stylish boutique 131 Herbert Baker in Pretoria, the classic Sheraton Pretoria, and the stunning Westin Cape Town. Blue Train journeys are 27 hours in length, offering one night of blissful luxury as guests traverse the landscape, indulging in private butler service, gourmet cuisine, and award-winning wines and spirits, which are all included in the rate.

This is the first significant promotional offer the Blue Train has launched in recent years, making it easier than ever for travelers to make their luxury rail travel dreams come true. For more information, please contact the North American Sales Office at info@trumarketing.com on how to reserve this offer, as well as assistance with South Africa packages including hotel, air, and enriching tours.

The Blue Train has an aura of mystique about it, and its very name has become synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and personal service. The routes of the Blue Train, both scheduled and chartered, take guests through some of the most breathtaking countryside to be found anywhere in the world. The finest bed linen, marble tiles, and gold fittings in the bathrooms and sheer opulence all ensure that guests will never forget the time they spend on the Blue Train.