Amsterdam, October 2024 – Say goodbye to cramped airplane seats and endless airport lines. Europe’s best cities are just a train ride away, and now, with Traingift, they’re just a gift card away too.

Experiencegift, the company behind the world’s leading travel gifting brands Flightgift, Hotelgift, and Activitygift, is excited to announce the launch of its newest innovation: Traingift. Founded by entrepreneurs Loes Daniels and Jorik Schröder, Experiencegift launches the first gift card for train journeys across Europe.

“As a frequent traveler myself, I understand the growing appeal of train travel over flying or driving. It’s convenient, flexible, eco-friendly, and you can admire the scenery while staying connected to work or family,” said Loes Daniels, co-founder of Experiencegift. “With Traingift, we’re responding to this rising trend and offering the world a way to gift memorable train journeys. I’ve personally enjoyed the ease of traveling by train between cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and London, and I believe our customers will appreciate this experience as well.”

Traingift provides access to Europe’s largest rail networks, covering over 25,000 destinations in 33+ countries, from high-speed Eurostar trains to scenic Eurail and Interrail passes. Traingift recipients can redeem their cards for one-way trips or unlimited travel passes, opening the door to cities like Paris, Munich, Milan, and more. By partnering with leading rail networks such as Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia, and Eurostar, Traingift ensures a wide range of options, whether for business travelers, vacationers, or eco-conscious explorers.

Available in multiple languages and 15 currencies, Traingift is designed to be as flexible as possible, appealing to customers worldwide. Gift cards are available as a premium physical gift voucher, featuring a custom image and text printed in high-quality photo resolution. Alternatively, for a quicker option, the gift can be sent digitally as a PDF or eGift, perfect for last-minute gifting.

“We believe in experiences over things. That’s why we created Traingift, to make gifting train travel as exciting and accessible as possible,” added Loes. “Train travel is sustainable, scenic, and stress-free, and we’re excited to offer this new gift card for people to experience Europe.”

Jorik believes this new gift card perfectly fits the current shift towards more sustainable, experience-focused travel options. “More people are opting for train travel because it’s greener, and it’s more convenient than flying. I have friends who’ve even given up flying entirely in favor of train travel. With Traingift, we’re offering the ultimate gift for the conscious traveler—something that allows people to create unforgettable experiences while reducing their carbon footprint.”

Loes and Jorik’s entrepreneurial journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Starting with just two people, they have grown Experiencegift to a team of 70 colleagues and offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, and Athens. “Building a company from the ground up is no small feat,” shared Jorik. “We faced numerous hurdles along the way, including the unprecedented challenges to the travel industry posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, we remained committed to innovation and adaptability. During this time, we managed to improve our operations and grow our gift card brands to the successful company we are today.”

The launch of Traingift is a major step forward for Experiencegift, whose other brands have seen rapid global growth. The company is now active in over 50 countries and has earned a reputation for being innovative, with a strong focus on providing a wide range of redemption options and a personalized gift experience.

Traingift is now available for purchase at www.traingift.com.

About Experiencegift

Founded by Loes Daniels and Jorik Schröder, Experiencegift is a global leader in experience gift cards. With brands like Hotelgift, Flightgift, Activitygift, and now Traingift, they empower people to gift meaningful experiences across the world. The company operates in more than 50 countries and has earned multiple awards, including the top prize in the Deloitte Fast 50 and a nomination for EY Entrepreneur of the Year.

In addition to growing Experiencegift, Loes Daniels is passionate about empowering other women to think big and be ambitious. She founded BusinessWomen to inspire and support women in pursuing their professional dreams.

I DITCHED London to move to Norwich years ago – and can see why the region was named one of the must see destinations.

East Anglia has been voted one of Lonely Planet’s top 2025 destinations.

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I’m hoping this official stamp of approval will prompt more of my city
slicker pals to (finally!) make the journey up the M11 to see me and experience the magic of Norfolk.

I get it – prior to moving to Norwich accidentally during lockdown, I was never leaving London, having lived there with my husband and dogs for 15 years.

Despite being my husband’s hometown, we only ever visited fleetingly, making pretentious city folk jokes about coming to the end of the line and nothing working on Sundays.

But four years, 1500sqft, and one wild dog later and here I am, having moved to Norfolk and raving about how amazing it is.

Later today I’ll be headed to Fritton Lake for a sauna on the lake and a bracing wild swim before pitching up in front of one of the log fires for a couple of hours’ work.

Then after ditching my Dryrobe (an important part of Norfolk life – Dryrobes and dogs) I’ll head to Norwich to meet some friends, maybe taking in a HHIP class (the very new and trendy Hot High Intensity Pilates class with James Jackson at Yantra Studio that I don’t think even London has yet).

I’ll probably swing by the quirky Book Hive independent book store to find (another) title to add to my TBR pile, and definitely ending up for food at Yarm, a buzzing food hall featuring lots of humans and an exciting mix of food from around the world, including Thai, African, Mexican and Korean.

Because that’s the thing about Norfolk, once you know where to look, you can create your perfect blend of yin and yang, peace and pace, town and country, Dryrobes and dancing shoes.

Moving here during lockdown means that I’m still getting to grips with the best bits of the county, and I love seeking out the cool new stuff as well as the gems I missed on previous visits (Norfolk Uncovered is my go-to for ideas off the beaten track).

And here are some of my favourite spots to date (and being less than two hours from London on the train, there is no excuse….)

Where to eat and drink in Norfolk

• Local bakery Bread Source is a Norfolk institution, with THE BEST sourdough and locations throughout Norwich (the Cathedral Cafe location is really special)
• The Grosvenor Fish Bar is the city’s trendiest chippy (gluten-free available!)
• Eric’s Fish and Chips is a staple for glampers and beach-lovers in North Norfolk
• Head to Meadowsweet in Holt for a special occasion (advance booking 100% needed and you can book one of the bedrooms upstairs for a super special occasion)
• Take your mates and your pup to The Brisley Bell in Dereham for an all-day Sunday roast
• And The Cricketers on the Green in Aldborough is a critics fave for food and atmosphere, also dog-friendly and they host all kinds of fun events
• Back in the city you’re spoiled for choice for dinner; from the tasting menu at Benedicts (owner and TV chef Richard Bainbridge is a local foodie superstar), to handmade pasta at Benoli, an intimate tasting experience at The (teeny) Corkscrew, and cocktails and trendy turkish food at Haggle.
• Also in Norwich we love the cheese room at Jarrolds department store (because… a room full of cheese), brunch at Cafe 33 (two locations, no bookings but worth the queue) and The Ivy Brasserie for a glamorous lunch.
• Cake-lovers need to track down Matilda Rose Bakes (available at various establishments around Norfolk), and cruffins from the the microbakery at Hempnall are a total Saturday morning treat (the only day it’s open!)
• For fun vibes head to Yarm in the Royal Arcade for two-floors of street food, craft beers, self-service wine and the best in mixology or Junkyard Market for more street food and drink and live music events.
• And a Norwich night always seems to end with a nightcap at Gonzo’s Tea Room.

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Norfolk’s best nature and wellbeing activities

• In Norfolk you literally can’t get any further east, meaning we are the BEST place to see the sunrise in the country – the First Light Festival celebrates the summer solstice every year with a free festival on Lowestoft Beach
• Paddle board on the canals and broads (hire your board at The Red Lion in the city or The Rising Sun on the broads – the city waterways get busy but you can find peaceful spots further out)
• Take part in a powerful full moon sauna experience with the Sauna Box crew at Sea Palling beach
• Spend the day getting your om on at the Norwich Yoga Festival (August 2025) try yoga on the beach (May-Sept) with Norwich Yoga Central or steamy hot yoga classes in the city at the glossy new Yantra studio
• Take a well-being class at the serene The Space in Burston
• Spend the day hiking the pine forests and epic beach at Holkham
• Take a more sedate stroll through the East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden
• Check out the brilliant Feel Good Norfolk directory for full listings of Norfolk well-being bods you can visit during your stay

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Where to shop in Norfolk

• Visit Upper St Giles Street for stylish pottering (delis, coffee, plants, interiors)
• The Lanes in Norwich is full of independent fashion and beauty boutiques
• Jarrolds is a sumptuous department store experience (with restaurants on each floor for pit stops)
• Aylsham auctions is the place for antique hunters (check the website for auction dates and find a friend with a van)
• And Looses Emporium on Magdalen Street features 60 homeware shops and stalls under one roof (check the FB page for the latest drops)
• Eat, shop AND chill at The Painted Barn in Barnham Broom; interiors inspo with a side of brunch and brilliant fitness classes

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Where to stay in Norfolk

• Fritton Lake (immerse yourself in nature in one of the woodland cabins on a beautiful lake…. with all the comforts of a members club within walking distance)
• Blackwood Norfolk (a chic woodland retreat in North Norfolk)
• Nor-Folk Stays (a stylish water cabin in the heart of the Broads National Park)
• The Gunton Arms (a gastropub + bedrooms in a jaw-dropping setting with the odd celeb spot)
• Get your glamping on in one of the safari lodges at Wild Luxury in North Norfolk

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A HOLIDAY to the Indonesian island of Bali is considered a trip of a lifetime.

Thanks to its tranquil waters and idyllic beaches, this Indonesian island is considered a dream vacation. Here is your complete guide on the best time to visit this captivating destination.

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Bali has long been the vacation of dreams, thanks to palm-fringed beaches, inviting ocean and stunning landscape.

Travellers go there to soak up the culture and immerse themselves in the laid back Indonesian way of life.

Known for it’s tranquil setting, Bali is a hotspot for holidaymakers from all over the world.

Whether globetrotters want to relax on an idyllic shore or head out for an adventure, Bali is the place to be.

Best time to visit Bali

If you are thinking of visiting Bali, the best time of year to go there is between the months of May and August.

This is because the weather is more settled and the heat is more bearable at this time of year.

Although August is the coolest month of the year, holiday-goers need not worry about missing out on sun.

Temperatures still can peak at a maximum of 29C and have an average low of 24C.

Dry season in Bali

Travellers wanting to hit the dry season on the famous Indonesian island will be happy to know that there are seven months of the year when there is no rain.

Sunbathers can expect clear skies and hot weather between April and October, with the average temperature being in the low 30s.

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However, this time of year tends to attract an influx of tourists.

It’s a great time for snorkelling and water sports, plus those wanting more adventure can take on one of the hiking trails.

Please note, it can be more expensive to book flights, accommodation and activities during these months.

Rainy season in Bali

The rainy season not only brings wet weather, but is also very hot and humid.

There are five months of the year when the island it hit by heavy rainfall and those are from November to April.

During this time, downpours tend to hit the island in the morning and afternoon.

There might be a few days when it rains non-stop, but this isn’t common.

Something to also be aware of are tropical cyclones during this time.

These are very heavy rain and strong winds that the island experiences.

These tropical cyclones tend to hit between January and mid-April.

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Cheapest time to visit Bali

If you’re thinking of doing Bali on a budget, the best time to go is to avoid peak season.

More expensive times to go there are June to August and late December to early January.

Holidaymakers are advised to travel during low season, for a more affordable vacation.

Visiting Bali in February, March, September, October, November and early December can save travellers a lot of money.

This is because the price of flights and accommodations during these months can be cheaper.

Bali weather by month

Here we look at the temperatures you can expect each month in Bali:

• January 29C – 23C
• February 30C – 22C
• March 30C – 23C
• April 32C – 22C
• May 33C – 23C
• June 31C – 22C
• July 31C – 22C
• August 31C – 22C
• September 31C – 22C
• October 31C – 23C
• November 31C – 23C
• December 30C – 23C

A TINY town in the north of Britain could soon become the ‘UK’s food capital’ – and you’ll want to visit during Christmas.

Set on the edge of the North York Moors, the small English town of Malton is famous for its annual food festival as well as monthly food market.

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For the last several years, local Tom Naylor-Leyland – who starred on Channel 5’s ‘Our Great Yorkshire Life’ – has been promoting Malton as the county’s food capital.

And another local has explained why she thinks the town is on the up.

Clara Challoner Walker, who has lived in Malton for the last nine years, owns natural beauty business Cosy Cottage.

Talking exclusively to the Sun Newspaper, she said: “Over the last five years, more creatives and artists have arrived in Malton.

“While the profile of the town hasn’t grown as quickly, there’s also a lag.

“You can only be famous because you’re doing really well, so you have to start doing the stuff really well first, and then the fame will follow.”

She added: “Malton has loads of independent shops, including gift and book shops.

“There’s a fantastic bookshop called Kemps as well as boutique clothing shops like Rusty Fox and Bias.

“Another favourite of mine is McMillans of Malton, which sells whisky and gin – the owner wears a kilt and there’s even a hidden speakeasy upstairs.”

And with its own Shambles shopping street, there are plenty of other independent shops to choose from including Environmental Art, Magpie Antiques and The Drunk Candle Company.

Visitors can become a creative for a couple of hours too, with artists and skilled craftspeople running workshop sessions.

The Cook’s Place runs cookery lessons like cake decorating, Cosy Cottage runs soap and candle-making workshops and there are even blacksmithing workshops.

Clara also revealed why Christmas is the best time to visit the town as well.

She added: “The blacksmithing workshops make brilliant Christmas gifts because they’re homemade, but people will also buy workshops as a Christmas present for the following year.”

What is it like to visit Malton?

THE SUN’s assistant travel editor Sophie Swietochowski visited Malton in 2022, here’s what she thought.

Malton’s monthly food market is reason enough to visit the Yorkshire foodie hub with stalls selling everything from monstrous brownies crammed with sweets and biscuits to artisan cheeses and fresh pork scratchings at £2 a bag.

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Swing by the Cocoa Drop stand for some miniature choccies stuffed with unusual fillings like goats cheese, lemon posset and Jack Daniels.
Head down early to avoid the queues of hungry locals, then you can tuck into your goodies while listening to the live band by the church.

If you’ve missed the market, there’s no need to stress as the pubs and restaurants here are some of the best in the country – many feature in the Michelin guide.

And there really is something for everyone. Vegan? The Purple Carrot is the spot for you, serving colourful cauliflower cakes, and loaded sandwiches. More of a carnivore? The Fox and Rabbit does a cracking Sunday roast with all the trimmings – but make sure you go hungry as the portions are huge.

Visitors who want to experience a taste of these sessions should head to Malton on November 23, when St Clement’s Festival takes place.

The festival, which is now in its second year, is described as a “celebration of Malton’s host of craftspeople” with activities and demonstrations taking place throughout the day.

Sculpture and art trails, light shows and musical performances, also take place throughout the day, while twinkling Christmas lights, trees and decorations adorn the town.

Other tourist attractions in the town include Malton Museum, Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Malton Castle Gardens.

There are also two galleries in Malton where visitors can purchase paintings and artwork.

And thanks to its food scene, there are plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat including the Purple Carrot, a vegetarian cafe which happens to be one of Clara’s favourites.

Other well-regarded restaurants include Florio’s Italian, Forty Six Malton, La Trattoria, Omni Bar & Yorkshire Grill and Tui‘s Thai Restaurant.

For overnight stays, there are a handful of hotels in Malton like The Talbot, The Old Lodge and the Mount Hotel.

Meanwhile, The Sun’s Katrina Turrill grew up in the prettiest town in Yorkshire – here’s what she thinks of it.

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