Santa and trains in N.H., Norway’s western fjords, and travel insurance made simple

If you prefer to visit after the holidays, the Cog Railway continues throughout the winter with trains making the journey up the rugged terrain to the newly redesigned and expanded Waumbek Station. Located in an alpine meadow below tree line, passengers leave the train for about 25 minutes to enjoy panoramic vistas from the southern Presidential Range to the Canadian border, complimentary hot refreshments, warming huts, and a blazing fire pit. Discounted winter rail tickets are available for Bretton Woods Vacation guests. Lodging ranges from $275 to $1,200 per night, depending on the property. 603-389-2121, www.brettonwoodsvacations.com/packages

THERE:

EXPLORE NORWAY’S WESTERN WONDERS

Plan ahead for a new nine-day curated adventure to Norway’s western fjords, an area of unspoiled scenery and centuries-old coastal culture in charming towns including Bergen, Ålesund, Øye, Loen, and Kalvåg. Offered by Gondwana Ecotours, a company specializing in small-group, guided tours to bucket-list destinations, this itinerary leads travelers from dramatic mountain passes and glaciers to fjords flanked by towering peaks and cascading waterfalls. Highlights include a rigid inflatable boat ride to view 7,000-year-old rock art at a remote archeological site; kayaking in a peaceful fjord; walks traversing ancient footpaths; a guided tour of the historic wooden warehouses at UNESCO-listed Bergen Wharf; a sky lift from valley floor to stunning mountaintop views, and more.

Includes eight nights at historic city and boutique hotels; all meals except one lunch; local Norwegian guide and Gondwana trip leader; transfers to and from the airport; all tours and activities; and private transport with professional drivers and ferry boat captains. There are several departures in July and August, with a max group size of 18. Prices start at $8,495 per person double. 877-587-8479, www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/small-group-guided-tours-norway

EVERYWHERE:

WEBSITE SIMPLIFIES TRAVEL INSURANCE CHOICES

To buy or not buy, that is the question. A travel insurance policy that protects you from unexpected circumstances makes sense, but figuring out which is the best plan for your particular trip can be confusing. When considering the often-complicated options when purchasing travel insurance, it’s helpful to have all the facts and available plans in one place. The website TravelInsurance.com aims to do just that, promoting itself as a one-stop shop for travel insurance, and an easy way to compare and buy trip insurance coverage online, from looking for trip cancellation coverage to reimburse the costs of hotels, flights, and other pre-paid and nonrefundable expenses, to finding medical expense coverage to protect you from the costs of overseas treatment and hospitalization. Simply enter your trip details into the quote form, including your destination, departure, and arrival dates, and number of travelers in your party. A series of policies at a variety of price points will pop up, allowing you to choose among many protections, and to narrow your search to items most important to you, such as car rental collision coverage or an emergency medical evacuation. The site also offers travel tips to consider when journeying to specific destinations, and helpful articles with travel news updates. 877-906-3950, www.travelinsurance.com

NECEE REGIS

Necee Regis can be reached at [email protected].