Europe is one of the most popular areas to travel, especially when you’re young. It’s countries are rich with beauty, both natural and manmade. Moreover, the continent is rich in history and home to some of the finest food in the world. Sounds like paradise, doesn’t it? Well, what if we told you there was a simple way to travel across Europe, taking in sights and sounds along the way? With Eurostar Trains, your journey abroad couldn’t be easier.
What is Eurostar?
Eurostar is an international train service, designed to facilitate travel between European tourist hubs. Its parent company, Eurostar International Ltd., was founded in 1990. That said, the idea of a cross-channel railway—the method by which Eurostar trains get around—was in the works for years prior.
Nowadays, Eurostar is a joint operation with the National Company of French Railways and the National Railway Company of Belgium. Moreover, they work closely with Getlink – the Paris-based company responsible for overseeing the Channel Tunnel. Since many of their trains pass through said tunnel, which permits undersea passage from England to Europe’s mainland, the partnership is only natural.
The Benefits of Eurostar Trains
Travelling with Eurostar has plenty of pros. For one, transportation takes no time at all. A trip from London to Paris takes just over two hours; if you’re willing to wait a half-hour more, you’ll step off at the gates of Disneyland Paris instead.
What’s more, Eurostar is committed to minimizing their impact on the planet. Their trains are electric, producing upwards of 93% less emissions than equivalent flights. Furthermore, they reduced paper ticketing by 50% in 2019. To top things off, boarding is simple, and accommodations are top notch. Once you’ve loaded your luggage, you’re free to sink into a spacious seat and take in the scenery flying past your window.
Travel Classes
Eurostar has three classes to choose from. A Standard ticket permits two pieces of carry-on luggage and one handheld. Food and beverages are available for purchase at the on-board Café Métropole. Standard Premier is much the same, but boasts comfier seats, as well as the delivery of a light meal and drinks.
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Both Standard and Standard Premier allow for ticket exchanges up to seven days before departure, provided you’re willing to pay the difference in fare. Meanwhile, Business Premier, as the name suggests, is tailor made for business trips. This class permits a third piece of luggage, offers hot meals and champagne, and provides access to exclusive lounges at each destination. On top of that, Business Premier tickets can be freely cancelled or exchanged up to sixty days after their assigned departure date.
All the Destinations
Eurostar services four primary areas: France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Catching a train will take you from one city centre to another, whether that’s London to Amsterdam or Paris to Brussels. You can even hit all four in one go for a truly unforgettable trip.
To boot, trains take breaks at various cities; you can stop in for a meal in Lyon, or take in the scenery at Ghent. If all that has you suffering from choice shock, don’t worry; Eurostar’s website is happy to help inspire your vacation, highlighting holiday spots ideal for skiing, sightseeing, or satisfying your palate. Once you’ve decided on an activity, or settled on a form of enticement, it’s simply a matter of heading where it can be enjoyed to the fullest.
