Road & Rail Wrap: Japan’s driving guide for tourists, RAW Travel’s litter-free initiative + MORE!

This week’s Road & Rail Wrap has been de-railed, meaning there’s next to no news about trains. We assume most of the conductors are fast asleep.

Japanese tourists get crash course in driving etiquette

The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) has launched a video guide to driving etiquette and rules in Japan for visitors from abroad.

The video focuses on three topics: left-hand driving, stop signs and stopping before railroad crossings. Check it out below:

RAW Travel pushes for litter-free hiking trails with new initiative

Aussie hiking specialist RAW Travel has launched an innovative ‘Clean Trail’ stewardship program, inviting travellers from all walks of life to keep hiking trails litter-free.

RAW Travel’ is kicking off the program with ‘5 for the Camino’, which encourages walkers to pick up five pieces of litter on the trail.

The company is also going further by building a network of Camino stewards who promote clean trail etiquette and advocate a ‘leave no trace’ policy on all trails, wherever they are.

Uber rolls out new safety feature

Ridesharing platform Uber has introduced a new feature for all riders and drivers in Australia and New Zealand that aims to improve user safety.

Uber will help detect if a trip has an unexpected long stop or if a possible crash has occurred and, if it notices anything out of the ordinary, will reach out via RideCheck to provide users with the tools they need to get help.

Eurostar’s latest deal lets Aussies see more of Europe for less

Eurostar is offering Australians visiting Europe a one-way fare from just €44 (approximately $71) in standard class or €99 (approximately $160) in Standard Premier between London and Paris, Brussels, Lille, and Calais.

Ordinarily, a one-way fare with Eurostar starts at €56 (approximately $91) in standard class, or €134 (approximately $217) in Standard Premier.

The deal is valid for bookings made by 10 March 2020 for travel between 2 March and 5 September 2020. Tickets must be purchased at least 14 days in advance of travel.

UTracks announces three new UK walks

Active Europe holiday specialist UTracks has introduced three new walks in the UK for 2020.

The Thames Path East commences from the rowing capital Henley-on-Thames to time-keeper Greenwich via notable places as Marlow, Eton, Windsor and London. The 130-kilometre, self-guided walk takes nine days with stops at Kew Gardens, Windsor Castle, Hampton Court, and the Tower of London. Priced from $1,790 per person (twin share), the tour launches on 28 March 2020.

The Cotswald Way trip will see guests walk from the elegant market town of Chipping Campden to the historic city of Bath through a patchwork of gentle rolling hills, dotted with picture-postcard villages and rustic old pubs. Priced from $1,960 per person (twin share), the tour launches on 16 March 2020.

UTracks’ Scotland Coast to Coast Walk and Barge tour is a seven-day guided itinerary filled with walking along canals and the many lochs, including Loch Ness. Guests will stroll through woodlands while enjoying expansive views of Scotland’s high country, including its highest peak, Ben Nevis. Priced from $2,350 per person (twin share), the tour launches on 4 April 2020.

TrekAmerica’s flash sale ends tomorrow!

North American small-group youth specialist brand TrekAmerica has announced a flash sale, offering up to 20 per cent off selected tours and dates across the US and Canada.

This sale is only valid for bookings made by 14 February (this Friday) for travel before 30 September 2020.

TrekAmerica’s Melbourne-based team can be contacted on 1300 157 153. Alternatively, visit the company’s website to check which trips are on sale.