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Playlist: Europe by Rail

Compiled By: Let's Travel! Radio

Europe by Rail Credit: Let's Travel! Radio
Image by: Let's Travel! Radio 
Europe by Rail

The traditional way to see Europe this summer is by high-speed rail or in a restored motor coach. This week's guests will tell you how to get there fast, at the most economical fare or in the classic mode if you have the time and can afford luxury class. We have Owen Hardy, president of the Society of International Railway Travelers; Alistair Ballantine, vice-president of Orient-Express; Fraser Tisdale, corporate sales director for Eurostar in New York; and Jean Heger, vice president of business development for Rail Europe.

The Society of International Railway Travelers

From Let's Travel! Radio | 13:26

Join us this week as we travel Europe by rail with special guest Owen Hardy, president of the Society of International Railway Travelers.

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The Society of International Railway Travelers is the organization for travelers interested in quality, worldwide rail travel. Now in its 26th year, it is owned and operated by Eleanor and Owen Hardy. The society offers rail trips to fit every budget and interest: from those seeking luxury in Africa, Asia, or on the Orient Express; to rail fans tracking down steam engines from China to Chile; to those who simply enjoy first-class rail trips on Amtrak or in Canada. The society started in 1983 with the publication of its award-winning magazine The International Railway Traveler. Ten years later, it began offering journeys to its members. Now, it is both a publishing company and a full-service travel agency and tour operator offering journeys in just about every corner of the world. More than sixty rail journeys are posted on its website, including luxury, first-class, and steam offerings. The IRT holds certification with IATAN, ASTA and is a member of ASTA's elite TOPS organization.

Orient-Express Travel

From Let's Travel! Radio | 10:57

We continue this week's travel across Europe by rail with special guest Alistair Ballantine, vice president of Orient-Express.

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Alistair Ballantine was born and brought up in England with a twin brother and younger sister. He studied French Language and Civilisation at the University of the Sorbonne in Paris and did a Master's Degree at Cambridge University in England. His career includes three years as the chairman of The World Expeditionary Association in London and then twenty-five years with Abercrombie and Kent. He is currently vice president of Orient-Express and director of sales and marketing for Orient-Express in the Americas. His career and love of travel has taken him to 150 countries worldwide, to all seven continents, including the Antarctic at least twice. His interests include travel and photography, fly-fishing, golf, skiing, as well as food and wine. He is passionate about travel as a means of bringing people together and improving understanding of the cultural and geopolitical issues around the globe today.

Eurostar and Rail Europe

From Let's Travel! Radio | 11:38

We conclude this week's show of Europe by rail with Fraser Tisdale, corporate sales director for Eurostar in New York; and Jean Heger, vice president of business development for Rail Europe.

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Fraser Tisdale is corporate sales director for Eurostar in New York.

Jean Heger is the vice president of business development at Rail Europe. She joined Rail Europe in 1984 and has worked across a range of positions including inside sales, regional sales, and more recently as vice president of sales and product, managing both the nation sales team and the product development team. In her new role, Jean will continue to oversee the company's relationships with rail suppliers while also developing new business and partnership opportunities beyond Rail Europe's current product portfolio. Serving North American travelers for over 75 years, Rail Europe has provided sophisticated travelers access to the most romantic and truly European method of travel, and has emerged as an essential part of the vacation planning process. With a vast rail network throughout Europe - representing more than 35 railroad operators throughout the continent - Rail Europe has been a dominating presence in European rail travel since 1932.