Travel Inspiration Blog

From Madrid to the Mediterranean: See more of Spain with iryo

Madrid is an easy city to stay in. There's always one more museum, one more plate of tapas, and one more lively evening that somehow starts at 9pm. But it is also a very good place to leave.

• Posted by Purva Jogi

Switzerland's quiet season, and the extra (free!) days that come with it

From 16 to 30 September, you can book a Swiss Travel Pass Continuous with free days added: pay for four days and travel for five, or pay for eight and travel for ten. Here is what to do with them.

• Posted by Purva Jogi

Eurostar, international TGV INOUI, and Lyria autumn sale: book by 14 September for major savings!

Autumn is a great time to see Europe by train. The journey becomes part of the trip: the line along the Mediterranean, the vineyards above Lake Geneva, and the changing landscapes between cities. With views from your seat and city-centre arrivals, there is plenty to enjoy before you even reach your destination.

• Posted by Purva Jogi

Six regions beyond Paris by train, and why 2026 is the year to see them

In 2026 the United States turns 250, and France has been in the story from the start. Bartholdi, who made the Statue of Liberty, grew up in Colmar. Rochambeau, who commanded the French troops at Yorktown, was born in Vendôme. Both are a direct train from Paris, and so are four more regions worth the detour. Here is where to go and how long it takes.

• Posted by Purva Jogi

A scenic rail journey through Baden-Württemberg: discover southwest Germany

In the southwest of Germany, Baden-Württemberg quietly packs a lot into one region. Historic cities, vineyard-covered hills, forest trails and spa towns all sit within a few comfortable train rides of each other.

• Posted by Helen Schenck

No car needed: Immerse yourself in Europe’s protected landscapes by rail

From national parks to protected alpine valleys, some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes begin right at the train platform.

• Posted by Helen Schenck

Winter rail journeys from Italy to Switzerland that stick the landing

Winter travel across the Alps can be simple. From Milan to Switzerland, trains provide a calm, reliable way to reach alpine towns and winter bases.

• Posted by Helen Schenck

Love optional: five Valentine’s train escapes that skip the clichés

Valentine’s Day travel does not have to look one way. Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or as a couple, trains make it easy to plan a getaway that feels personal, flexible and entirely your own.

• Posted by Helen Schenck

Europe awaits: cross-border train fares from just €39

Looking for inspiration for your next European adventure? For one week only, you can score special cross-border fares starting at just €39 one-way.

• Posted by Helen Schenck

Where to feel like a local in France (even without speaking perfect French)

Let’s be honest. For many travellers, “living like a local” in France sounds like something reserved for fluent speakers, wine and cheese connoisseurs, or people with family there. But you don’t need any of that.

• Posted by Helen Schenck

Soak up the "Original Hot Spots" of Europe by rail

For thousands of years, people across Europe have been drawn to thermal and mineral springs — the healing waters at the heart of the continent's spa towns.

• Posted by Helen Schenck

6 underrated places to visit in Switzerland by train

Time is at the heart of Swiss culture. But so is enjoying its natural beauty and therein lies the problem. So much beauty, not enough time.

• Posted by Helen Schenck

The best places to slow down in France without going off-grid

There’s the France everyone knows. Paris. Lyon. The big names. And then there’s the France that takes its time. The one you only notice when you’re not in a rush. That’s the one this list is about.

• Posted by Helen Schenck

Ride into Swiss Bliss with these easy day trips from Zürich

You’ve eaten all the chocolate you can face until Christmas, pushed your Niederdorf knees to the limit and crammed in as much of the Kunsthaus as possible. So where to next?

• Posted by Helen Schenck

How to earn with the Rail Europe affiliate program

Love European train travel? Join Rail Europe’s Affiliate Program and start earning by inspiring others to book their rail journeys. Easy setup, trusted brand, and great commissions, it’s time to unlock your earning journey.

• Posted by Abdoul Aziz NDIAYE

Italy in 2025: What to see, where to go and the high-speed train that gets you there!

Italy is always a good idea, but in 2025, with once-in-a-century festivals and promising travel trends, it’s more tempting than ever!

• Posted by Helen Schenck

Düsseldorf connections: the best day trips by train

One base, countless day trips. Explore more of Germany from charming Düsseldorf.

• Posted by Helen Schenck

Now on sale: book your train travel in France through the end of 2025

If you're dreaming of a summer escape, an autumn break or a festive December getaway in France, now’s the time to book.

• Posted by Helen Schenck

The best trains from Paris for exploring France and the rest of Europe

So, you’ve done Paris and you need a little bit more European excitement, a more sedate city perhaps, one that has mountains not just museums, or vineyards and valleys rather than Versailles.

• Posted by Helen Schenck

Travel to London, Paris, Brussels, Cologne and more from 25€!

Need a sign to start planning your next getaway? Here’s one: Eurostar tickets are on sale from just 25€.

• Posted by Helen Schenck