Something to declare: cross-border trains; Ecuador; Poland's missing link
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Your support makes all the difference.Bargain of the week: cross-border trains
Bargain of the week: cross-border trains
Britain's greatest rail deal is back. While air links between England and Scotland are expanding (see above), there is still a more civilised way to travel: the Caledonian Sleeper linking London Euston train with Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William.
At last, First ScotRail's "Bargain Berths" have been revived. These cut-price tickets were incompatible with the nationwide computer booking system that was introduced at the start of the year. But the glitches are being ironed out, and you can once again book one-way trips for as little as £19. Visit www.bargainberths.com and see what is available; don't be put off by the note on the website that suggests you can book only until November 2004.
On popular trains this month, prices may be significantly higher, rising to £49, but this remains an excellent deal compared with normal one-way fares.
Warning of the week: Ecuador
Going to the Galapagos (above) in three weeks? You could face problems. Quito's airport, which lies well within the city, is normally very handy for travellers. But it is to close from 31 May to 6 June for "essential maintenance". Instead, passengers will arrive at and depart from a military airport 90 minutes' drive away. The specialist agency South American Experience warns: "Passengers should check with their travel agents and be prepared for delays in transfers. All flights to the Galapagos Islands will be affected, so clients will have to allow for additional time."
Destination of the week: Poland's missing link
The city of Poznan is to get its first flight connection with the UK - which will delight railway enthusiasts. The western Polish city is one end of Europe's only steam-hauled main-line service, to Wolsztyn. Flights from Luton begin on 18 September, on Wizz Air (00 48 22 351 9499, www.wizzair.com).
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