8.5 Hour Train Rides with the TravelRest

Traveling by train has both positives and negatives. Some of the best things about traveling by train is that its pretty hassle free, convenient because train stations exist everywhere in Europe, and you get to see a lot of beautiful scenery on the way.

If you have a train pass like I do in Europe, then you probably want to get the most out of it that you can. Train passes aren't cheap, but they are definitely worth your money if you make trains your main form of transportation. That stated, you may opt for a pretty long train ride somewhere over a plane flight in some cases. In one particular case on my way to Croatia I chose to take the 8 and a half hour train  ride from Munich to Zagreb. It was the longest train ride I had encountered since I began my trip, and didn't know whether the train cars would be old or new. Well, the the train was pretty old, the seats were rather rigid, and the seats were also too short in height to be comfortable. 

Yet another moment when the TravelRest saved the day! I set the pillow up so it was partially attached to the headrest, and the bottom half would be used freestyle. I shift around in my sleep, so this method of using the TravelRest pillow is great because the pillow will automatically adjust with my varying positions. One exception is that it won't automatically shift to the other side of your head. We're still trying to figure out how that might be incorporated one day. 

If you haven't tried this using the TravelRest pillow like this, definitely give it a try and let us know what you think :) Or if you ever have feedback for us, we would love to hear from you so we can improve your experience with the TravelRest! Email us at info@travelrest.net

On another note, it might be beneficial to bring the TravelRest blanket with you on a European journey too. I've encountered hostels where providing your own blankets is expected. Almost all the trains I've ridden completely lack lumbar support, and the TravelRest blanket is a great way to support your back and keep from ending up in a slumping position. 

Sevilla and Ronda, The Gems of Spain

The entire Andalucia region of Spain beautiful. The picturesque white houses surrounded by reddish brown dusty mountains is a typical sight in these parts. Two of my favorite places were Sevilla and Ronda, and these cities also turned out to be my favorite in all of Spain. 

(Photo: Royal Alcazar Gardens)

Sevilla holds a lot of history for Spain. The Royal Alcazar is Sevilla's most popular sight, but don't let the idea of a crowd deter you. When I visited, there was barely anyone around. The Alcazar was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen in my life. The tiles, carvings, paintings, woodwork, and architecture of the palace was breathtaking. Every inch of the place had incredible detail and this made it impossible to really absorb the intricacies of the Alcazar. You could easily spend a whole day here. The gardens behind the palace are 4 times as vast, and each new section of the garden transports you to a different country through the style the garden was created. Endless fountains, a maze, benches, walking paths, different plant life, and even peacocks exist! I highly recommend the Royal Alcazar to anyone visiting Sevilla. 

(Photo: inside the Royal Alcazar)

Another must see is the Plaza de España. It's difficult to describe how huge and marvelous the Plaza is, so you'll have to see for yourself. You can take a small rowboat in the tiny canal in between the plaza and the huge half moon shaped building in the plaza, which is a nice way to enjoy the scenery. Otherwise, there are plenty of benches around to soak up the Plaza, but you should really get up close to appreciate the intricacies. Like the Alcazar, there was a lot of detail put into the Plaza de España. D

There's also a great park nearby!

(Photo: Plaza de España)

Ronda is a small town easily accessible by train from Sevilla. Despite its small size, there's plenty to see and do. The famous Puente Nuevo bridge is amazing, but the best views of it are a short walk down the hill. The signs for the viewpoint aren't that obvious so be sure to ask your hotel or hostel reception for a map. There are also ruins of some baths you can visit, hanging gardens, churches, a small museum on the history of Ronda, and the bullfighting museum. Ronda is actually the birthplace of modern day bullfighting so this is a must see! 

 (Photo: Puente Nuevo)

(Photo: moonrise over Ronda)

Make sure to have some tapas while you're visiting Spain. There's a great place called Dos De Mayo in Sevilla where the atmosphere is lively, and the tapas are delicious! It's quick, easy, and very cheap too! You have to go to the counter to order and pick up your food, then pay at the counter after too, so this isn't your typical sit down restaurant. I highly recommend this place!

The Markets, Architecture, and Life in Barcelona, Spain

In every city where I can find a market, I always make it part of my plans to stop and check out what types of goods are being sold. Some markets, like the one in Nice, have a variety of food, handcrafted goods, artwork, and flowers. Others are more specific to just food or just crafts. The Boqueria Market in Barcelona is a food market where the fruit is stacked high, juices are fresh, the fish looks freshly caught, and you'll see more dried pigs legs hanging than you can imagine. The smells and colors in the market are enough to thrill your senses! Make sure to try a 1 Euro freshly blended juice. They are delicious and perfect for a hot day! I especially liked the papaya coconut blend. The vendors making food there also offer some great traditional flavors and are worth trying for a small snack.

This market offered a better variety of food than all the others I've seen, and if you stay long enough you'll get to see some locals quickly go through and pick items out for a meal. It's interesting to see what Spaniards choose to combine for food, as it is very different from a typical American diet. La Boqueria Market is located on la Rambla street, which is a street famous for shopping and food. La Rambla is also known for its live human statues who are on the end of the street side closer to the pier. The statues are great for taking photos with so drop 'em a coin and join the fun.

After you've satisfied your stomach, take a tour through a section of the city. Barcelona can't be seen in a single day so make sure to allow enough time to explore the city. I definitely suggest checking out some of the houses Gaudi designed like casa Batlló, as well as his park called Parque Guell where you'll see the famous ceramic tile lizard and Gaudi's residence. This park also offers a spectacular view of Barcelona! Admission to the park is free and buses run regularly. 

The Sagrada Familia is also a must see in Barcelona, but getting in is a hassle so make sure to arrive very early if you want a tour. The famed church is frequently undergoing maintenance, as it was when I saw it, so the outside of the church may not have the appearance you expect. However, the Sagrada Familia is still architecturally amazing, enormous, and shows beautiful detail everywhere. Go see it! 

A stop in Barcelona wouldn't be complete without a giant Seafood Paella, sangria, and a night out. My recommendation is Port Olímpic. In that port there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, but I especially liked La Fonda. It was perhaps the largest meal I've had on my entire trip for a reasonable price. If you go with another person, share their 15 Euro paella set menu. You get about 7 or 8 large appetizers, plus paella, plus a drink of choice, plus desert of choice, plus coffee. When I went, the waiter offered complimentary lemon liqueur with cakes as well. You won't be able to eat it all, but it was sure a delicious and cost effective way to try a variety of Spanish food. After your meal, there are plenty of clubs and bars at Port Olímpic to dance the night away! 

French Riviera in Summertime

The French Riviera is a must see if you are touring around France. It has something to offer everyone, but is the most beautiful during the summer when the beaches are lined with picturesque blue and yellow umbrellas. A few of the most accessible and best towns to visit are Cannes, Nice, and Monaco. I visited all three but enjoyed Nice the most, so let me offer you my thoughts on Nice.

By far the largest tourist destination of the three cities I listed, Nice can often be portrayed as too commercial or overly crowded. In some areas, you may find that true. But Nice has authentic charm and can offer solitary relaxation if you know where to go. The old town of Nice will have you oohing and awing around every corner as you weave through narrow cobblestone streets lined with cafes, boutiques, and specialty shops. Much of the old town finds its charm in the mix of French and Italian history that you can find out more about if you take a guided tour. A tour is definitely recommended for Nice because the major sights don't have any plaque descriptions of their historical significance. Walking in the old town you may pass by a gelato stand called Fenocchio, which offers 100+ flavors and its definitely worth trying some of their unique ones like avocado or lavender. If you go during the height of summer then you'll see that a gelato break is a great way to cool off a bit.

A must see in Nice is the flower and fruit market in the old town that happens 6 days a week, and the other day is a flea market. Make sure to check out the lavender and soaps at the market. The region is known for lavender and you'll see it everywhere. Buy some fruit, bread, vegetables or whatever you'd like and then take a walk to the end of the old town where you'll find stone steps leading to the top of a hill. This spot is a great place for a picnic! It has the best panoramic views of Nice and has a beautiful waterfall just below the top. It's a great spot to take some photos!

If you're looking for a place to relax, then head past the hill beyond the old town to a smaller sandy beach in VilleFranche Sur Mer. You'll notice that the beaches in Nice are pebbles, and that's not always the most comfortable. Not to mention, few people venture toward this other beach. The best way is to get there is by taking the bus, which has a stop right behind the hill for the picnic and view of Nice. You can also arrive by train, and I believe it's only one stop away. Local tip: take an umbrella and beach mat, and your TravelRest Pillow! The TravelRest came in handy in the French Riviera because sandy or pebbly, the beaches were still uncomfortable. The TravelRest pillow gave a little bit of extra comfort to laying on such a stiff surface. 

The reason I preferred Nice to Cannes and Monaco is because there is much more to see and do. Cannes is a beautiful day trip, with big label shopping stores and cafes and a nice sandy beach. If you love to shop, then Cannes is definitely your spot. The beach is taken up mostly by hotels and private beach clubs, so public areas are limited. Monaco is also a wonderful day trip, and the number of mega yachts and expensive cars are enough to keep anyone wide eyed. If that doesn't thrill you then, there's a fun garden in the outskirts of Monaco that has a huge array of cactus and other plants. Some small museums and art exhibits are scattered throughout too. But be prepared for a larger budget in Monaco, because nothing is reasonable there. 

Bath, England: Roman Baths and Fashion History

Bath, England has much more to offer than meets the eye. You could easily spend 4 days there and still not see everything. Two of my favorite places when I visited Bath were the Roman Baths and the Fashion Museum. These are popular tourist attractions for a good reason. If you ever visit Bath and decide you want to see both, then there are combined tickets for these two attractions that will save you a little bit of money.

The Roman Baths are absolutely spectacular. You could spend about half a day there and feel like you got the full experience. It would be easy to speed through it in about an hour an a half, but you can't learn anything in that time frame. The museum and exhibition has you literally walking on the old ruins and leads you through each room in succession, to provide an accurate experience of bathing during Roman times. There are free guided tours that are wonderful, as well, so be sure to catch one of those! If you can't make a guided tour then opt for an audio guide. It will really help you understand the history, the ruins recovery and discovery, and the impact on civilization around Bath. 

The Fashion Museum is also a spectacular display of clothing and trends through time, with both high fashion labels and clothing without a brand. It shows how fashion has developed and sometimes has special exhibitions. When I went, the Laura Ashley exhibit was showing. Keep in mind that this museum displays mostly women's fashions, with some men's pieces here and there. This would be a fun museum for anyone whose interested in fashion from now going back to the 16th century. 

There is also a free walking tour of the city that meets outside the Roman Baths, and you can find out more information about this tour at the tourist info center in the adjacent square to the Baths. This tour was informative and fun, and the tour guide offered stories about old residents of Bath that you won't forget. This is the best way to see all the main attractions, as it is actually FREE! No tips accepted :)

Staying in Bath:

Hostels are an easy way to travel, and if you choose to travel by hostels then I have a recommendation for Bath. Don't stay in St. Christopher's hostel. It was noisy, dirty, didn't have a kitchen. In fact, I figured out that they don't clean and change the sheets after each person, they turn them inside out. There aren't too many hostels in Bath, but I'd opt for a cheap hotel or bed and breakfast somewhere in the city. You're much more likely to have a clean bed and room, and better service than any hostel.

Transportation Choices and the TravelRest Pillow

Traveling around the United Kingdom, I took mostly trains and buses to get from place to place. Not only is it the cheapest way to travel, but traveling by train can be the fastest too. If you do decide to travel by train around the UK or Europe, then make sure you book tickets in advance. Like plane tickets, the train tickets get more expensive as you book them more last minute. Buses are definitely the cheapest form of transportation, but you lose a lot of time for exploring cities since bus trips almost always take longer. 

Traveling is also exhausting, and I'm beginning to notice that I fall asleep most frequently on trains and buses. That's when the TravelRest pillow comes in handy! 

On a particular bus trip, I was especially happy to have my TravelRest with me. The woman in front of me was trying to lay down across two very uncomfortable seats with her head jammed against the bus wall and legs hanging off the edge into the isle. I luckily had my TravelRest pillow with me and within the minute I had my pillow set up and was ready to take my nap. After getting off the bus, I overheard the woman in front of me telling her husband that her neck was hurting from the position she was in and that she didn't get a wink! That was one of those moments where I was very thankful for my TravelRest pillow. 

It's so hard to find comfort while traveling, but the TravelRest pillow is one of those things that allows me to feel rested even when I'm in the most uncomfortable places. 

Scotland: Edinburgh & the Fringe Festival

The beauty of Scotland stretches from the Highlands to the Lowlands and especially finds its place in Edinburgh. If you ever decide to make a trip to Edinburgh, then consider visiting the city during the annual Fringe Festival. The Fringe Festival in Edinburgh is one of the best in the world, and will keep you entertained all day and night for a whole month. With over 2,500 shows in under a month this year (2013), you'll definitely find something to keep you busy. There are an endless number of free shows (many comedy acts are free), and you can't go wrong with a few laughs and smiles! 

The Fringe is such a popular festival that the poplation of Edinburgh city more than doubles from all the people that show up for the month. So if you can't handle crowds, and aren't interested in the arts, then visiting Edinburgh during this time probably isn't for you. I personally had an incredible time at the Fringe and saw a couple comedy acts, a dance/ circus show, and plenty of fun street performances.

With or without the Fringe Festival, Edinburgh still holds its own as an incredible city to visit. One of the top attractions is Edinburgh Castle, where you can take a tour of the old castle and see the recovered Honors of Scotland (the stone, the crown, the sceptor, and the sword). I toured the castle with an audio guide, which helped explain the history of the castle, each room you enter, and the architecture and decorations within and outside the Castle. I highly recommend the audio guide to make the most of your visit. Also stop to listen to any demonstrations being given; I learned some cool facts by stopping to listen. One fact I learned is that the term best man came from more barbaric times of marriage, when your best man was actually your best fighting man. Instead of just choosing a good friend to support your marriage, you chose a strong fighter to defend you in the case that an armed man tried to stop your marriage. 

Another great attraction in Edinburgh is Holyrood Palace and the Queens Gallery. If you are planning on visiting Buckingham Palace and don't want to spend extra money on something similar then just visit the Queens Gallery. This last time I went, the Gallery was showing the original drawings from Leonardo DaVinci's Mechanics of Man. The exhibit was mind-blowing and really taught me a lot about the body and about DaVinci's impact on the scientific world (versus his well known impact on the arts). The admission to the Queen's Gallery is very reasonable (around 6 pounds).

Lastly, try out a Rabbie's tour of the Highlands for a day. For around an average of 40-50 pounds each, you can have a tour guide show you around the highlands with a small group of about 15 people. The Highlands is a very large area and these tours are a great way to get introduced to a place you'll likely want to return to. The Highlands is full of amazing hiking and walking if you have an interest in outdoor activities. 

Whatever you decide to see or do in Scotland, the country is truly one of the most beautiful places I've seen. And if you're interested in the arts and free comedy shows, then you won't regret visiting Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival!

Ireland: Dublin's Pubs and People

TravelRest is always trying to make our pillow better, so you can have the most rested, and best possible experience traveling. The first stop TravelRest made on our journey through Europe was Ireland, and guess what was #1 on our packing list? The TravelRest pillow, of course!

The TravelRest pillow isn't exactly the most fashionable accessory out there, but it's sure worth those precious moments of shut eye. If you're a female traveling through Europe on a budget, then packing for your trip may prove to be a difficult task. I used this website to help guide me: http://herpackinglist.com/2011/12/ultimate-female-travel-packing-lists/

Maybe these packing lists will help you out a little too, but don't forget to add the TravelRest pillow to your personal list!

A little tip on getting to Europe: Ireland is a great place to start. Not only is Ireland a country where English is used widely, but it's also one of the least expensive countries to fly to from the US. Aer Lingus is known as one of those airlines with cheap tickets, so check them out. 

Dublin is a city with a dark history, pretty drab architecture, but the pubs and people are spectacular. Every street you turn down has at least one pub if not multiple, and the drink of choice is usually Guinness - what's sometimes referred to as the tall blond in a black dress. If you find yourself in Ireland, you must order a pint of Guinness. Unlike many dark beers, Guinness has a smooth, creamy taste (some liken it to chocolate milk). If you visit the Guinness Storehouse Museum/Factory then you'll learn that it takes exactly 119.5 seconds to pour a perfect pint of the beer. You'll even have a chance to pour a perfect pint yourself and gain expert certification ;) I did!

If you're a solo traveller like I am, then don't be intimidated by going out to any of these pubs. One of Irelands best qualities is the people. Everyone is so friendly and helpful! I got lost in Dublin more than a few times and someone was always kind enough to stop and help me on my way. You can strike up a conversation with almost anyone. Meeting other travelers is great, but try talking to a local, they'll give you an extremely warm welcome and introduction to the country they love calling home. 

Lastly, look up some free walking tours of Dublin. Dublin is easy to travel through by foot and a tour guide can help explain some important historical information about the city and country. 

(If you come to this spot, ask someone about the significance of Lady Justice's facing)

Make sure to learn some gaelic words while you're there too! Sláinte! (pronounced Slahn-cha; means cheers)

The TravelRest is Traveling!

Here at TravelRest we are always trying to make our products better so you can get the maximum amount of enjoyment from your travels. What better way to do that than to do some traveling ourselves! So we've brought the TravelRest pillow to Europe to test its limits, find new ways to use it, and share some insight with you along the way.

Keep checking in regularly to find new blog posts about how the TravelRest pillow is making its way across Europe. We'll also share some useful information on places to see, things to do, best bars, eateries, hostels and hotels, stories, PLENTY OF TIPS and more! 

Tip #1: Make sure you've got your TravelRest Pillow!! It'll be handy in more way than you can imagine.