Avanti Launches Educational Rail Campaign, New Rail Itineraries

Image: PHOTO: Train travel in Switzerland (photo courtesy Avanti Destinations)

by Janeen Christoff
Last updated: 2:02 PM ET, Wed January 2, 2019

Avanti Destinations is kicking off the new year with a new educational campaign on rail travel as well as 12 new itineraries.

Rail is still one of the most popular ways for independent travelers to get from one destination to another in Europe says Avanti travel experts and the FIT provider is aiming to make booking rail journeys easier for agents.

Despite the fact that air travel between major European metropolises remains extremely cost-effective, experiencing the continent by train continues to entice visitors and to help travel agents understand the allure as well as the advantages for FIT clients.

Avanti has introduced a joint informational campaign in partnership with Rail Europe, the Swiss Travel System, France's high-speed TGV, the high-speed Eurostar train (linking England with the continent), Thalys (linking Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam), Italy's Trenitalia, TGV Lyria service (linking France and Switzerland), the France-Spain High-Speed Train, and Germany's InterCityExpress (ICE).

"The Best Way To Explore Europe" is a new 51-page e-brochure that features 26 customizable multidestination Avanti itineraries linked by rail throughout Europe. The material includes explanations of the different types of rail passes and point-to-point tickets, provides information on the different classes of service, identifies the advantages of high-speed rail travel and more leisurely scenic trains that glide through mountains and gorges. It also includes the latest rail developments in each system and special services, such as wheelchair assistance and onboard amenities available on many trains.

"Rail is the 'secret sauce' that makes it easy to connect the dots of multiple destinations in Europe," said Avanti executive chairman, Paul Barry. "Rail is used in more than 80 percent of the customized FIT itineraries that Avanti crafts for travel agents' clients going to Europe. And it is ideal for custom group travel, whether the group is small or large."

There are also a lot of perks to traveling by train versus flying.

"There are so many advantages to traveling by Europe's trains: you travel city center to city center-not to some airport 30 minutes or more away from where you want to be. There is far more legroom for passengers and space for luggage and a very generous free baggage allowance," added Barry.

It's also more relaxing.

"You don't have to arrive an hour or more before you travel," he noted. "You can sit back-some trains have reclining seats-and watch beautiful scenery roll past you at eye level, enjoy free wi-fi, or stroll through wide aisles to check out the cafe/bar car for a quick bite or a drink. And you have the opportunity to meet local people around you-because they, too, travel by train. Rail travel simply makes for a more authentic European experience."

Right now, travel agents can earn a bonus commission of $50 for each booking of $1,500 or more made before February 28, 2019, for travel taking place by March 31, 2019. More information on rail-linked FIT itineraries in Europe or to book custom-crafted, multidestination FIT travel 365 days a year in Europe, Asia and Central and South America, log onto www.avantidestinations.com or call 800-422-5053 to speak with an expert travel specialist.

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