If you’re a big fan of sleeper trains, or want to work on your carbon footprint and notch up fewer air miles, look sharp. A new sleeper train service network is launching across Europe from 2027, stretching from Stockholm to Rome, Barcelona to Budapest.

The new Nox sleeper trains are designed to be a serious alternative to flying. Priced competitively compared to short-haul flights, they’re on a mission to provide a comfortable and streamlined service without the cramped seats and extortionate airport wait times.

Plus of course there’s all the fun of travelling by sleeper train! It might not be as luxurious as the Orient Express but there is always something a bit glam about a sleeper.

So what about the trains themselves?

Every Nox cabin has a two-metre length bed. So tall folks, no more extra leg room charges. Seating space, luggage storage and a little extra room to stand up. Additionally, some cabins come with double beds and panoramic windows, perfect for watching the Alps roll by while you sip something cold and smugly ignore the chaos at whatever airport you just skipped. Just take a look at these examples… a far cry from an economy seat on an EasyJet excursion.

Double loft room

Double Vista room

Single loft room

And potentially good news for pet lovers. We asked them about the possibility of travelling with our furry friends. “As for dogs and pets, we’re working on a strategy so please stay tuned for more,” they told us. So fingers crossed that Fido or Mittens could possibly make that journey with you too. Generally, four-legged friends aren’t welcome in sleepers so this could be huge.

Where’s Nox going?

Frankly, it’s a long list. Founder Janek Smalla has outlined 35 European routes where you’ll be able to experience this new version of rail travel. With routes sprawling across more than 100 European cities. Whether you’re planning a wine-fuelled weekend in the South of France or a snowy escape to Stockholm, Nox could be your new favourite way to get around.

Full steam ahead

This isn’t just a throwback to Europe’s heyday. Nox wants to make train travel the first choice again: Comfortable, convenient and, thankfully, easy on your wallet. Under their extensive plan, Europe will wave goodbye to sardine-like train travel conditions and usher in a new world of comfort and affordability.

Provisional planned timetables and routes, plus more in-depth looks at rooms and prices can be found on the website, as well as access to the Nox ‘Early Bird Club’ for exclusive deals and early access.

This could certainly be a great alternative for those considering interrailing, but wanting a little more, shall we say… civility. To check out our recent article on interrailing in retirement click here.

www.noxmobility.com

Emma Cruickshank

Emma is a literature, TV, and film enthusiast. When she’s not writing, she can normally be found out in the Sussex countryside, walking her dog Herbie, or in a restaurant drinking an overpriced cocktail and dreaming up ideas for her next literary endeavour.

The post New network of sleeper trains launched across Europe appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Best for arts and crafts: Bath

Beautiful Bath is accessible by rail and road and at Christmas, the markets make the most of the city’s walkability. Bath Abbey lights up for the festive season and it’s a good excuse to tick the Roman baths off your bucket list at the same time. Rather than the stereotypical plastic Christmas tat, Bath’s markets attract lovers of handmade jewellery, high quality arts and crafts, independent retailers and good food.

Best for food and wine buffs: Colmar, France

It’s a bit of a mission to get to Colmar – a flight to Strasbourg and a 30-minute train ride is the easiest route – but you will be rewarded with a gorgeous Alsatian experience. Colmar is picture-postcard-pretty and the Christmas market is a wonderful opportunity to try local specialities. The Gourmet Market features nine chefs cooking up a storm with delicious local ingredients, whether you’re in the mood for a start, main course or dessert. Meanwhile, the Christmas cellar events offer wine tasting experiences that you’ll never get at Wetherspoon.

Best for avoiding crowds: Wroclaw, Poland

Wroclaw is an emerging Polish city break destination and it’s a lovely option if you’re not keen on braving Christmas crowds in Krakow or Warsaw. With the Christmas markets centred around the charmingly compact Market Square, as well as locations in Salt Square, Świdnicka Street and Oławska Street, it’s easy to navigate without getting overwhelmed. Get your bearings with a free walking tour in the morning. When you’ve had your fill of markets, there are plenty of reasonably priced bars and restaurants offering respite – or you can partake in the local hobby of gnome-spotting.

Best for a bit of everything: Frankfurt

Germany is a destination for Christmas market traditionalists. If you want a total sensory overload seasonal experience, Frankfurt is the place to go. Take a deep breath, brace yourself for stalls, fairground rides and Christmas trees as far as the eye can see. As well as the traditional trinkets, there is an artists’ market for unique gifts. If you can’t look at another Christmas decoration stall or imbibe another glass of mulled wine, Frankfurt puts on plenty of cultural activities to balance out the consumerism. Seek out ecumenical carol services, a sign language choir, the ringing of 50 bells across 10 churches and historic harbourside train rides.

Best for stylish Christmas fans: Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris

Trust Paris to put on a classy, cringe-free Christmas market. The chic Marché de Noël on the Boulevard Saint-Germain features tastefully decorated chalets, gourmet food aplenty and luxury gifts. There are no elves on shelves to be seen here. How gauche! Instead, you can treat yourself and your loved ones to elegant jewellery, leather goods, scented candles and subtle glass ornaments that may actually become genuine heirlooms one day.

Best for Instagrammable moments: Brussels and Vienna

Brussels and Vienna are two cities that seem to look even prettier when the snow falls. And even if climate change keeps the snow at bay this Christmas, these markets offer social media stars plenty of opportunities to show off their most fabulous winter wear against gorgeous backdrops. In Brussels, the sound and light show at the Grand-Place and the ferris wheel are great selfie spots in between checking out the 200-strong stalls. Meanwhile, in Vienna, have your phone at the ready for the entrance via a candle-festooned archway, before going snap-happy among the seriously photogenic buildings, such as Schönbrunn Palace and St Stephen’s Cathedral.

Best for a party vibe: Glasgow

Sure, Edinburgh draws the crowds because of the photogenic castle and the charms of Prince Street, but if you want some real Scottish Christmas spirit, you can’t go past a trip to Glasgow Winterfest. Centred on George Square and St Enoch Square, the focus is on fun. Thrillseekers can try plenty of ridiculous rides, including a helter skelter and an 80m drop tower. That’s probably best done before tucking into churros, crepes, Yorkshire puddings, pancakes, mac-n-cheese, waffles, Scottish pies, mulled wine, beer, wine and spirits…

Best for wholesome family fun: Copenhagen

Even the hardest of hearts can melt at the sight of a kid enjoying Christmas. If you’re looking for a family friendly market experience, it’s hard to go past Copenhagen. Tivoli Garden, believed to be the inspiration for Disneyland, is a perennial winner with children and every year, this historic theme park takes Christmas very seriously. As well as the rides, Tivoli features Santa shows, an elf train, an elf hunt and fairground games. Adults might be pleased to know there are rock concerts, jazz performances, new music shows and plenty of bars.

Best for history buffs: Strasbourg

Strasbourg’s Christmas markets date back to 1570, making it the oldest in France and one of the oldest in Europe. As a result, they’ve had a good four centuries to get it right. You can expect all the Christmas classics – spectacular lights, a sky-high Christmas tree, carol singers galore and a market infused with the scent of spices. With 300 stalls, there’s plenty for the seasonal shopaholics, along with quaint streets for winter wandering, lashings of warming mulled wine and bredele, which are delicious little butter biscuits that are a local Christmas tradition.

Best for festive winter sun: Malaga

If you want to escape the miserable British winter, but you don’t want to miss out on the yuletide fun, you can combine sunshine and Christmas markets in Malaga. With an average top temperature of 18°C, it’s not quite bikini weather, but you probably won’t need the big coat either. Christmas markets with palm trees give a summer holiday vibe, while the stunning lights, stylish stalls and plenty of delicious food and drink options mean you can be festive without freezing your baubles off.

Best for extreme Christmassing: Prague

Good King Wenceslas set things in motion for Prague as a Christmas destination back in the 10th century when he looked out on the feast of Stephen amid snow that was apparently deep and crisp and even. While he apparently gave out alms to the poor, rather than tucking into mulled wine and gingerbread, the ensuing Christmas carol does rather inspire one to jump on a cheap flight to the Czech Republic. Prague takes this tradition seriously with the main markets in Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square, along with five smaller markets all within walking distance of the city centre. Expect to sample plenty of hearty Czech food and beer.

Best for traditions: Stockholm

Christmas is not just about endless excuses to part with your money. In Stockholm, the Christmas market vibe is definitely more subdued than many other destinations, but it’s no less special. The markets themselves are cosy, rather than ostentatious, with a focus on local artisans. But Stockholm stands out for its cultural experience. A series of performances of A Christmas Carol has become an annual tradition and the Berwaldhallen Christmas Concerts uplift the spirits with music from the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra ranging from Bach to modern favourites.

Best for romance: Bruges

Bruges is good for a romantic getaway at any time of year, but if you want to feel like you’re on the set of a cheesy Christmas rom-com, it’s pretty unbeatable. Bruges’s annual Christmas programme is known as Winter Glow, which sounds like it might go pretty well with your own afterglow if you can drag yourselves out of your hotel room. Every year, two Christmas markets are set up in the compact city square. Retailers at the Simon Stevin Square market sell short chain and craft products, rather than hard-to-recycle rubbish. For smug shopping and smug selfies, Bruges is a great choice for cute couples.

Best on a budget: Deptford Market Yard, London

If you prefer a more down-to-earth Christmas market – or the European flights and hotels are beyond your budget or your carbon footprint conscience – hotfoot it down to East London’s Deptford Market Yard. You’ll have to be quick as the markets only run from 1-2 December, but it’s a great example of a sustainable, community-based Christmas event. Along with Deptford’s regular market traders getting into festive spirit, Santa’s grotto and the arts and crafts activities are free and there will be plenty of music, carolling and street food stalls. It’s a London Christmas outing that won’t leave you out of pocket.

Read more – How to deal with Christmas

Georgia Lewis

In a career that has spanned Australia, the Middle East and the UK, Georgia has written about all sorts of things, including sex, cars, food, oil and gas, insurance, fashion, travel, workplace safety, health, religious affairs, glass and glazing… When she’s not writing words for fun and profit, she can usually be found with a glass of something French and red in her hand.

The post The ultimate Christmas market guide appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Stephen ‘Paynie’ Payne talks about how he threw caution to the wind – quite literally – by impulse-buying a boat, setting sail on a European adventure, and completely changing his life in the process. Proving you’re never too old to learn new things. Either that, or hurrah for a brilliant midlife adventure/crisis!

[All images provided by Stephen Payne]

Stephen Payne

To be honest, I’m not doing well with this whole ‘silver’ thing. Not long ago, I got an email inviting me to join the AARP. For those who don’t know, that’s the American Association of Retired Persons – worst of all, I’m not even American.

And the other day, a damn teenager offered me their seat on a bus. This does not make me happy. In my mind, I’m still 38. But if I write this, I guess there’s no going back and I’ll be officially old. Excuse me while I shake my stick in the air.

My impulse purchase

In January 2020, I was relatively unhappy with UK politics. I’m not one to sit on my laurels and fret, so I bought a boat. Before I took this action, my knowledge of boating could be written on a relatively small postcard, but on 7 January 2020, I made a silly offer on a boat and, lo and behold, it was accepted.

Before I took this action, my knowledge of boating could be written on a relatively small postcard

By “boat”, I don’t mean a real boat. I mean a boat with motors. No stick. No rag. But you can’t really sail on the River Thames anyway, so it fitted my needs well. Then it occurred to me that I needed to take the boat somewhere that wasn’t England. France was only 21 miles away.

Bray Marina, UK

So, I started the process of gaining the documentation and knowledge required to exit the UK, cross the channel, and traverse France all the way to the Mediterranean. You need appropriate insurance, an International Certificate of Competence, which is attained by passing the CEVNI test (that stands for Code Europeen des Voies de Navigation Interieure, in case you’re interested). And a resounding belief that anything is possible. Simples.

So… I’m doing the impossible…

At 2:30pm on Saturday 26 June, I exited Ramsgate Marina for the last time. My adventure had officially commenced. Four hours later, I was in France. I paused in the lovely town of Calais for a few days to get my bearings, before setting off south towards Paris. On the boat.

Crossing to Calais

Crossing to Calais

My adventure was paused slightly in the city of St Omer because a large lock gate was being replaced, so I took the opportunity to get to know France better. I bought a bicycle and explored the local hood. A major problem with France is that the bread and baguettes are so delicious that it’s tempting to just eat them instead of actual meals. But I have almost infinite willpower and ate some other foodstuffs as well.

While I was there, I shot a music video for one of my neighbours. And that ended up paying for my entire stay and a full tank of diesel.

St Omer

On Thursday 19 August 2021, I arrived in Paris. My intention was to spend one week there, but it was so nice, I stayed for six weeks. My home base was the Paris Arsenal Marina, just south of the Bastille. It costs about €45 a night, but considering my location, that seemed relatively inexpensive. While I was there, I shot a music video for one of my neighbours. And that ended up paying for my entire stay and a full tank of diesel.

Before embarking on this adventure, I tuned up my filmmaking skills and created a YouTube channel. I did this because I like making little films. And I like to encourage people to do stuff out of their comfort zone. No one ever died thinking they should have been less adventurous. Well, maybe a couple of people, but they’re probably not with us anymore, and at least they died happy(ish).

Just north of Paris

The high point of Paris was a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I’ve been to Paris many times before, but never made it up there. It’s mind-blowingly beautiful.

You’ve probably heard that the French are not as friendly as they could be. Let me dispel that myth right away. The French people were amazingly friendly and helpful. I never came across one bad attitude the whole time I was there. However, the thing about journeys is you have to keep moving. By the end of September, it was time to leave my new favourite city and continue the voyage south.

Time to leave Paris…

I paused in Chartrettes in the Île-de-France region, waiting for my friend Beanie to join me, then we headed south again. You do not need two people on board to negotiate French waterways, but a second pair of hands is useful when transiting through locks. Useful, but not essential.

I became quite adept at manoeuvring through locks solo. I’d probably only negotiated four or five locks before I hit France. I scooted my way through 216 of them before I got to the Mediterranean.

Central France

Another pause was taken in Montargis in the Centre-Val de Loire Région because of bridge maintenance. We nabbed a great mooring spot in the middle of town. Someone from the VNF, France’s navigation authority, popped by to let me know I could stay as long as I needed and they would provide free power and water. To use French waterways, you need a vignette that costs €126 per month. Total bargain.

Montargis

Many people have asked me how much I spent on diesel and the answer is that I really don’t know. I never kept track of it because what would be the point? It’s not like I could do it cheaper, so I saved time by not bothering to work it out. If I had to guess, I probably used less than one litre per kilometre. If there was some distance between locks, I turned off one motor. It really didn’t need much throttle to stick to the four-knot speed limit.

Finally hitting the sea down South…

Other notable stops along the way were Briare, Nevers, Chalon-sur-Saone, Lyon and Viviers. France is a wonderful country and I highly recommend it, especially by boat. Don’t worry if, like me, your initial boating skills could be written on a postcard. It’s quite easy to rent a boat and spend a week on the water learning a new skill.

It took me a year to reach salty water again. It could’ve taken less time to reach the Mediterranean, but I didn’t buy a boat to get places fast. I might be a little old, but I’m not dead yet and have more skills to learn. Maybe I’ll try BASE jumping. Maybe not.

Despite my earlier remarks, I might not actually have unlimited willpower. It might be safer to stick to boating, filmmaking, and photography…

Photography: Paynie.net

Stephen Payne

Stephen J Payne was born in Torquay Devon, quite a long time ago. He got out of there fast and moved to London, becoming a photographer for the music papers and the London Evening Standard. Retaining his love of music, he directed many music videos and live concert films, eventually moving to Los Angeles in 1991. He returned to Blighty in 2018, and after drinking too much coffee, or cocktails, he bought a boat.

The post You’re never too old, and it’s never too late appeared first on Silver Magazine.

The weather is mild, school holidays are over, and the days are still long. A September city break is the perfect short trip to satisfy your travel cravings. These extraordinary European capitals are easy to get to, and full of rich culture to fill a weekend.

Read more: Four of the best destinations for your must-see list

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Just 250 miles from the UK coastline, Amsterdam is one of the most convenient options for a European city break. You can reach Amsterdam via cruises from Southampton and by ferry from the east coast, or flights run frequently from most UK airports.

With a reasonably small centre, Amsterdam is easily explored during a long weekend. Cycling is a popular mode of transport here, or you can sail your way around the city on the iconic canal network. There is a variety of museums and galleries to visit including Anne Frank’s house and the Van Gogh Museum, while just outside of the centre you will find idyllic windmill-dotted countryside. 

Paris, France

Also easily reached is Paris. Flights and ferries are again an option, or Londoners can take advantage of the Eurostar train from St. Pancras which reaches Paris in just 2.5 hours.

France’s capital is utterly magnificent, from the grandiose buildings that lines the wide boulevards, to the exquisite cuisine that is praised the world over. Climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower is a must for your itinerary, as is a trip to the Louvre and the city’s other world-class art galleries. Break up your sightseeing with strolls in the picturesque city parks, and a delicious cake at an authentic patisserie.

Budapest, Hungary

Slightly further afield but well-worth the flight is Budapest, capital of Hungary. This destination has risen in popularity in recent years and has benefitted greatly from the influx of tourists.

The city is divided down the middle by a broad river, with ‘Buda’ on one side and ‘Pest’ on the other. Elaborate bridges connect one to the other, and you can even stand between them by visiting the tranquil Margaret Island. Highlights of a city break in Budapest include the majestic architecture, notably the parliament building and St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the huge Szechenyi thermal baths.

Lisbon, Portugal

Seeking the catch the last of the summer sunshine? Get on a plane to Lisbon which enjoys temperatures up to the mid-twenties all the way into October. 

Portugal’s coastal capital is another destination that has seen a spike in visitors in recent years. Its sheer beauty attracts tourists of all ages, although older travellers may find the hilly terrain tiring. The riverside region of Belém is a favourite spot because of its laidback atmosphere and historic highlights such as the gothic Jerónimos Monastery. Make sure to stop off for a traditional Portuguese custard tart at the popular Pastéis de Belém.

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The post Four best European capitals for a September city break appeared first on Silver Magazine.