Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Being a frequent flyer comes hand-in-hand with the expat life. I can remember when flying felt exciting and was an annual luxury, if you were lucky - usually, with a two-week beach holiday filled with sunshine at the other end.
Not anymore, now flying has lost its pizazz and as I collect another stamp in my passport, I’m fretting about running out of pages before my passport expires.
This year for many reasons I’ve needed to fly more than I ever have and, quite frankly, it’s exhausting.
Busy airports, flight delays, missed connections, queues for everything and let’s not forget about the frustrating jet-lag. That’s why this summer after our flights home, we are clipping our wings and travelling by train.
Instantly, we are impressed as we settle down in to our table seats and quickly make ourselves comfortable - books, playing cards and enough snacks to feed the entire carriage!
With pretty good coffee, fresh sandwiches and even a chilled bottle on offer, what else does one need?
The teenagers are delighted with the free Wi-Fi and phone charger units which spells a peaceful journey ahead.
But the real joy of travelling by train is taking in the beautiful scenery up and down the breadth of the UK, stopping at places we have only previously seen on a map.
Having a guided tour on route to our destination as each station is announced must be the best geography lesson my kids could have.
Seven hours later and with a spring in our step, we disembark at our destination feeling happy and relaxed, already looking forward to our return rail journey.
Choo …Choo …
