December trains

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December trains

by deana24 @ 2008-10-31 – 09:39:29

I don't know if it's because I'm booking ahead or what but I'd urge anyone travelling by train for Christmas to book soon.

I can't believe how cheap some of the journeys are.

My trip back from Maastricht in December, when I get back from Eurostar I need a train from Euston to Manchester. I spotted a £8 option! I've treated myself to first class and that's only £32!

My Christmas eve train journey back home is a similar bargain and so is coming back - thank goodness some things aren't costing the earth just now.
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15 Comments to December trains

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- kendersrule ^Pro
- 2008-10-31 @ 10:00:16
just what happens in first class on trains? do you get a waiter?
I would have thought that the ratio of twats on phones would be a lot higher in first...
- - deana24
  - 2008-10-31 @ 10:09:28
  Depends on the train company and time of day.
  
  You can get proper breakfast if it's early.
  
  Or later can be snacks - maybe baked potato or sarnies and drinks, maybe beers. Waiter service. Sometimes they give you vouchers and you have to get it yourself from the buffet car.
  
  But also the toilets are cleaner, there are no screaming children, it's air conditioned, the seats are nicer. Yes, people use mobiles but I haven't found anyone that annoying. The background noise from cheap mp3 headphones is noticably missing.
  
  Well worth £22 to me after I've spend half a day travelling from Holland.
  - - kendersrule ^Pro
    - 2008-10-31 @ 10:14:12
    Sounds like heaven (or a quiet car thing), but you //use// toilets on trains?! The new ones that have a habit of opeing as you are just reaching for the toilet paper?! Gosh! I've only ever had to use them once, and I basically took 30 seconds just in case!
    - - deana24
      - 2008-10-31 @ 10:16:57
      i hate them but sometimes, when you've had that third free beer, needs must!
      - kendersrule ^Pro
        
        2008-10-31 @ 10:22:03
        
        Hang on drinks n food in 1st are FREE?!
        
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        deana24
        
        2008-10-31 @ 10:29:06
        
        Tee hee! They don't always serve beers, but all refreshments you are served/given vouchers for in first class are free, yes. Long enough journey and it more than pays for itself.
        
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        kendersrule ^Pro
        
        2008-10-31 @ 10:32:39
        
        Bloody hell! Considering the price of train quisine for non-1st class travel it's worth upgrading! Deffo! You don't have to queue at a Pret thing for your breakfast (and risk missing the train) just hop onto 1st!
        The next time I'm on a train for 6 hours I'm so going to book **well** in advance and go 1st!
        
        ..there isn't a dress code is there?
        
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        deana24
        
        2008-10-31 @ 10:35:03
        
        Just a relaxed smile!
        
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        kendersrule ^Pro
        
        2008-10-31 @ 10:37:54
        
        hmm, dunno about relaxed, long journeys are usually to or from a holiday destination/airport, to am slightly tense about not missing flights or connecting trains... But I'm sure lack of babies, load earphones will calm me right down (as long as my earphones aren't to loud... I have inner ear ones so noise is reduced hugely..)
        
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- kevinwilson ^Pro
- 2008-10-31 @ 11:31:59
good post, deana - i'd noticed the same thing, as long as you book far enough ahead.
i quite like trains that have the quiet carriages, too.
the last time i used it, was blissful!
- - deana24
  - 2008-10-31 @ 11:34:33
  I've tried them before but people still seem to use their mobiles. Although I read somewhere the other day that they're going to coat the windows of the quiet carriages with something that blocks mobile signals.
  
  Now if only they could gag the crying children.
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- MissyMouse
- 2008-10-31 @ 14:29:13
Oddly enough my neighbours went yesterday "oop narf" and took advantage of a special offer....1st class too! They were going from St Pancras so I told them about the champagne bar. They left early to take advantage of having a glass and a wander round the lovely new station.

When we go on Eurostar we try to get an offer that is 1st class travel. As you say, it's a small amount to pay for the extra luxury. The meals on the train are wonderful, free magazines, drinks...bigger seats! What more could you ask for!
- - deana24
  - 2008-11-02 @ 09:43:50
  Champagne bar? Where's that?!
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- EllieGant
- 2008-11-02 @ 13:07:35
Yes, I couldn't believe how cheap some of the tickets were when I last booked a train to London. But pity the commuters who subsidise the off-peakers.
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- isadora101
- 2008-11-06 @ 22:44:51
The champagne bar is St pancras station.
http://www.stpancras.com/drink/champagne-bar/

I've never been but they say it is quite nice
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15 Comments to December trains

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