Rail journeys on track for record bookings in 2009

Booking trends show that Brits are looking for alternatives to travelling by road and air. Instead of fuel charge concerns and the credit crunch, Brits are now rediscovering the romance, ease and environmental friendly nature of rail travel.

Travelsphere (travelsphere.co.uk), the UK’s leading escorted tour operator, has reported a marked increase in bookings for rail holidays in 2008. In light of this, Travelsphere predicts that 2009 will be the year of the rail holiday, heralding a new era in train travel.

Travelsphere offers a good mix of holiday ideas by train in Europe and worldwide. Booking trends show that European destinations are the most popular, with five out of the six best-selling rail holidays all taking place in Europe and involving no travel by air.

The most popular rail holiday in 2008 take holidaymakers to the popular resort of Lake Garda in Italy. Morrocco falls into second place, closely followed by the Belgium capital - Brussels, Paris, the Spanish region of Catalonia, Chamonix in France and finally Tuscany. The booking trends for 2009 are currently indicating that rail journeys further afield are proving the most popular, with three rail journeys in America and Canada featuring in the top six, and journeys in The Orient occupying second and sixth positions respectively.

Travelsphere's most popular rail journey in 2009, a Canadian Rockies adventure with Alaska cruise is out selling 2008's winner, 'Lake Garda by Train', by ten to one. There are indications that this is due to a resurgence of interest in rail holidays and customers that tried a shorter European break in 2008 now want to extend that experience with a longer trip in 2009. Holidaymakers may be including flights in their plans for 2009, however, they are not ignorant to the positive effects train travel has on the environment as opposed to travelling by air.

Travelsphere is confident that customers are rediscovering the romanticism and convenience of rail holidays. Travellers by train aren't confined to a small seat and get to experience ever changing vistas and landscapes from the tracks. Trains such as the Trans-Siberian Express and the Whistler Mountaineer are a 'destination' in themselves, adding a new dimension to the holiday experience.

Lake Garda by Train

Encounter the beauty of Lake Garda without stepping foot on a plane on this rail journey to Italy's largest lake. Departing from London St Pancras or Ebbsfleet on the Eurostar for Paris, you'll join the high-speed TGV service to Lausanne, Switzerland, for an overnight stay before continuing your journey the next day to Lake Garda. Enjoy a relaxing break in the charming lakeside town of Desenzano with included excursions to Venice, Verona and the Dolomites. The return journey travels by a different route, taking in the spectacular scenery of Lakes Como and Lugano in Switzerland and the spectacular St Gotthard Pass, before overnighting in Mulhouse, France and catching the Eurostar to Paris.

Travelsphere offer a nine-day rail holiday to Lake Garda from £994 per person. The price includes a return journey on the Eurostar from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Paris, TGV service to Switzerland, transfers, six accommodation on a half-board basis in Desenzano, several excursions and the services of a tour manager. Departures in September 2008 and April, May, June, August and September 2009.

Lake Annecy & Chamonix by Train

Travel to the French Alps to visit the clear blue waters of Lake Annecy, the rolling pastures of Chamonix and Europe's highest mountain, Mont Blanc. After arriving in Lille by Eurostar, the break continues by high-speed train to Lyon, then by local train via Aix-les-Bains to the cobbled streets and stone bridges of Annecy. Highlights include a memorable ride on the tramway to the awesome Mer de Glace Glacier and a boat trip across Lake Geneva to the Swiss city of Geneva.

Travelsphere offer a five-day rail break to Lake Annecy and Chamonix from £524 per person. The price includes a return journey on the Eurostar from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Lille, TGV high-speed service to Lyon, local train to Annecy, transfers, four nights’ accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in Annecy, excursions to Chamonix and Mont Blanc, plus the services of a tour manager. Departures in September 2008 and April, May and September 2009.

The Canadian Rail Adventure

Take two epic journeys by train, the first of which travels right across Canada from Toronto to Jasper on board 'The Canadian' and the second from Whistler to Vancouver on board the ‘Whistler Mountaineer’. Along the way, the tour takes in the scenic lakelands of northern Ontario, the vast Great Central Plains, the dramatic Canadian Rocky Mountains and Jasper National park. Further highlights include the world famous ski resort of Whistler, the Cheakamus Canyon and Shannon Falls, plus the impressive views of the Coast Mountains.

Travelsphere offer a 14-day tour through Canada from £1,724 per person. The price includes return flights from London Heathrow to Toronto returning from Vancouver, transfers, nine nights accommodation on a room only basis, three nights full-board on 'The Canadian' train, a journey on the 'Whistler Mountaineer' train with afternoon snack, tours of Toronto, Jasper and Vancouver, visit to Niagara Falls and the services of a tour manager. Departures in April, May, August and September 2009.

Thailand to Singapore by Train

Discover the magic of the 'Land of Smiles' on this leisurely train journey from the remote hill tribe villages of northern Thailand, travelling 1,600 miles to the modern metropolis of Singapore. En-route, the tour visits Bangkok, Penang and Kuala Lumpur. Highlights include a full day tour to the River Kwai, the journey across the awesome eight mile bridge to Penang Island and the shops, markets and bazaars of Singapore – and all with amazing duty free prices.

Travelsphere offer a 17-day rail holiday from Thailand to Singapore from £1904 per person. The price includes return flights from London Heathrow to Chiang Mai via Bangkok returning from Singapore, transfers, 11-nights accommodation on a half-board basis in Thailand and Malaysia, room-only accommodation in Singapore, overnight on the train from Bangkok to Butterworth, several excursions and the services of a tour manager. Departures in February, April, May and October 2009.

For further information and brochures, log on to Travelsphere.co.uk.