Train Times

Taking the train is one of the best ways to get to your destination on time, and without all the stress of flying or driving. It’s a case of sitting back, relaxing and watching the world flash past the window in total comfort. And if you book online, you can book train tickets for less.

Some of the most common rail enquiries are ‘where can I find cheap train tickets?’, ‘are train times available online?’ and ‘how can I get an upgrade?’. They are all good questions, and ones that are actually pretty easy to answer, especially if you know where to look.

First and foremost, we will refer you to the absolute best travel companies online, so you’ll be able to find a great deal without much hard work. You can find cheap train tickets on websites like Expedia, but there are other great websites out there that are available via a Google search.

Train times are absolutely available online, and you should check them regularly if you’re planning to take a trip. There’s nothing worse than turning up to the station and finding out your train is delayed or cancelled, so make sure you keep up to date. With live arrival and departure information on official rail network websites, you’ll know exactly what’s going on.

Upgrades are widely available, but as you’d imagine they go pretty quickly. The best advice is to book early and online as comparison websites give you the option of upgrading to First Class with the click of a button. Of course you’ll save some money on the price of the ticket, but if you don’t get in there first you could be disappointed. While taking the train is a great experience anyway, there’s something even better about a complimentary meal or drink in luxurious top of the line carriages!

The bottom line is that taking the train is a great way to travel and is quicker, easier and less stressful than most other means. With rail networks across the UK and all over the World, you can get pretty much anywhere.

Health and Safety abroad

Health

If you need a doctor, look up ‘Physicians and Surgeons’ or ‘Clinics’ in the Yellow Pages. You will have to pay, in advance, a consultation fee of between $50 to $100, but this is still cheaper than going into hospital. Remember to keep all receipts for insurance purposes so that you may reclaim your expenses.

For Emergency Services, the telephone number is 911. You will receive immediate treatment if you need it, but you will be expected to settle any fees later.

US laws are tighter on medicines than in the UK. For example, many basic painkillers that are freely available in the UK can only be acquired with a doctor’s prescription. If in doubt, ask for advice from the pharmacy department in any drugstore.

European travellers do not need any inoculations before travelling to the US, but make sure you are up to date on routine immunizations, including tetanus -diptheria, measles, chicken-pox and influenza.

health-safety

There are some other dangers to be aware of:

Heat/Sunstroke – Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm and drink plenty of water. If you suffer from any of the symptoms – nausea, headache or light-headedness – then move into the shade, or better still, get to an area with air conditioning to cool down.

Jet- Lag– This occurs when a long flight crosses more than one time zone. The main symptoms are fatigue and loss of appetite. Once you reach your destination, adjust your habits immediately to the local time. Do some light exercise and try not to nap.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – This has been linked to long haul flights. Sitting still for a long period of time reduces circulation in the legs, which can in turn lead to blood clots. Symptoms usually include pain, swelling and warmth. DVT is quite rare, and you can reduce the risk even further by walking up and down the aisle and flexing the leg and arm muscles. Those at higher risk include diabetics, pregnant women and overweight passengers.

If you are worried about your health, speak to your GP. For more advice, visit  https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-health.

SAFETY

Crime

Despite America’s high crime statistics, visitors should not be overly worried. Tourist hotspots are usually busy, well-lit and with a high police presence. Continue reading  

Boston

Historic sights are the major draw in Boston, and The Freedom Trail is a great way to explore the main highlights. The 2.5 mile trail links 16 places with a red line on the sidewalk. Get the most out of the route by joining a free, ranger-led tour.

A good place to start is Boston Common, a 50-acre oasis of lush flowers and cool lagoons in the centre of the city. It contains a memorial for Robert Gould Shaw, who led the first African-American regiment in the Civil War.

North of the common is Beacon Hill, a historic district that includes Old State House, which was the revolutionary government’s headquarters and is now a museum. It is also the spot where the declaration of Independence was first read in 1776.

Boston Children’s Museum provides a vivid interpretation of the city’s history. Visitors can explore bygone years by dressing up in clothes, and learn about the history of Native Americans in a full-size wigwam. The museum also features a Japanese house imported all the way from Kyoto, Boston’s sister city.

If you have time, visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, an ornate Venetian-style mansion filled with priceless art and furniture. Adults only, admission $15.

Close by in the Quincy Market district, is a plethora of shops, eateries and even a comedy nightclub. Just around the corner is Haymarket, a traditional market where half the fun is listening to sea-dogs sell their wares.

If you are a sports fanatic, then Boston is definitely the place to be. Known as the best sporting city in North America, a favourite pastime for locals and visitors is watching the Boston Red Sox baseball team at Fenway Park.

This city isn’t just about the past, with a vibrant arts and entertainment scene. From exploring the botanical gardens to supping a pint in the ‘Cheers’ bar, Boston has something to offer everyone.

GETTING AROUND:

Logan Airport is located 3 miles from downtown Boston and accessible by public transport and taxi.

A free shuttle bus marked “MASSPORT” stops at each airline terminal, the Airport “T” station, and the water shuttle dock, from which you can get downtown.

The “T” rapid transit system covers the whole of Boston and surrounding area, fares are $1.25.

EVENTS:

Patriots Day – April. Commemorates the start of the American Revolution with a re-enactment of Paul Revere’s ride to Lexington in 1775.

Boston Pops on the Esplanade – July. Free outdoor concert on the banks of the Charles River celebrating Independence Day.

First Night – Dec. The largest New Year’s Eve celebration in America. live music, dance and mime performances, parades and a fireworks display. Admission is $20.

ACCOMODATION:

Peak times are May to Sept. Always pre-book a room, and give as much notice as possible.

 

Los Angeles

LA is one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world, with a world-class entertainment scene and cutting-edge architecture.

An essential part of the LA experience is Hollywood. At Gruman’s Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard find the hand and foot prints of your favourite star. Meander along the Walk of Fame and browse among the 2000 pink stars that decorate the sidewalk for miles.

For die-hard celebrity-spotters, a tour of Beverley Hills will visit the homes of the rich and famous and show how the other half really live. If that’s not enough, just around the corner is Rodeo Drive.

Los Angeles

If you actually want to go shopping, head to Santa Monica, which has a more relaxed atmosphere, some great shops and beautiful wide beaches. Neighbouring Venice Beach has a more funky feel to it, with trendy cafes and an abundance of street entertainers and buskers.

El Pueblo is a 44-acre state historic park containing many of the states earliest buildings. Nearby is Union Station, a classic Spanish style railroad station, which was one of the last of its kind to be built in the US.

A wonderful respite from the craziness of LA is Griffith Park. Five times bigger than Central Park, it encompasses a zoo, open-air theatre, two museums, playgrounds, tennis courts, golf courses, bridal paths and the famous Hollywood Sign.

Abbeville – Lousiana

Abbeville Louisiana is located about 150 miles to the west of New Orleans. It is the parish seat of the Vermilion Parish, and had a population of just under 11,900 at the time of the 2000 census. Abbeville lies right in the heart of “Cajun Country, and many of the restaurants in the area will reflect this ethnic taste in the food that they serve. You will also find visual influence of the culture in this area.

Abbeville has an area of about 5.7 miles, according to the Census Bureau of the United States. Of this land, only about 1 square kilometer is made up of water. It is also the southern-most terminus of the U.S. Highway 167. The eastern part of the city is home to the Abbeville Municipal Airport, and the very popular Vermilion river runs right through the down-town sector of the community. The river also has canals that split off, going different ways through the city. As of the year 2000, there were about 4,500 households in Abbeville Louisiana, which were home to about 3,014 families. The population density of Abbeville Louisiana is just over 2,100 people per square mile.

Abbeville Louisiana

The city is home to people of diverse backgrounds. According to the census, over 40% of the citizens in the city were married couples living together, with most of them having kids under the age of 18. 14% of the population is made up of individuals over the age of 65 living alone. This shows that the community is made up of a broad range of ages.

The main trade in Abbeville is in agriculture. Rice and seafood are traded out of Abbeville Louisiana, and are notably sized businesses along with the natural gas and oil fields out in the Gulf of Mexico. A lot of the residents from Abbeville Louisiana work in these oil fields.

If you are planning on staying in Abbeville Louisiana, you will find several hotel options with comfortable accommodations that can fit your budget while still allowing you to feel right at home. And since fine Cajun dining is right down the road, you will not have to worry about going hungry in this community!