Marina Schumacher
My expertise
I'm based in
Reading
Your journey starts here...
Hello and welcome - I'm Marina, your Reading-based Travel Counsellor with a penchant for all things rail travel.
Legend has it, I decided to become a travel agent at the grand old age of four. My first client? My one-year-old sister, whom I promptly tried to sell a holiday to. I'm not sure what the conversion rate was, but at least I had my target audience sorted early!
A few decades later, travel has taken me from my native Switzerland to life in Canada and New Zealand, and solo adventures across South and North America and parts of Asia. Having worked for both a Scandinavia and later on Switzerland specialist tour operator, I now combine my industry knowledge and first-hand experience to help others discover the world.
One of my particular passions is rail travel. There's something special about watching the landscape change outside your window, arriving in the heart of a city and finding that the journey itself becomes a highlight. From various Swiss highlights like the Bernina and Glacier Express to the Inca Rail towards Machu Picchu, New Zealand's TranzAlpine and Bullet Trains in Japan, I've experienced some memorable routes myself.
But I know planning a train-based family holiday can feel daunting. Which route makes sense? How much time should you allow between connections? What if a train is delayed, and how do you keep the children entertained? You don't need all the answers before you start. I'll help turn the complicated bits into a practical adventure your whole family can enjoy.
Why plan your next holiday with me?
> First-hand knowledge: I've travelled extensively across Europe, the Americas and parts of Asia, with in-depth experience of Canada and New Zealand. I combine this with industry knowledge and trusted travel partners to find the right trip for you.
>Your holiday, your way: I listen, ask questions and tailor my recommendations to your wishes, travel companions and budget. Unless you specifically want a ready-made package, I'll tailor-make your holiday around what we've discussed.
> The details are my department: From train connections to accommodation, transfers and excursions, I'll bring the pieces together. Need family rooms or somewhere close to the station? Just say the word.
> Someone in your corner: I'm here before you travel, while you're away and if plans change unexpectedly. And afterwards, I'd love to hear how it went!
> Travel with thought: I enjoy finding alternatives to the obvious destinations and helping you explore more thoughtfully, whether by train or ferry, supporting local businesses or choosing wildlife experiences that put animal welfare first.
A little about me:
I studied Travel and Tourism Management in Switzerland before heading off on a ten-month solo backpacking adventure across the Americas. Since then, I've worked and lived in 6 countries and travelled to many more. Nowadays, I'm based in Reading with my Kiwi husband and our son, my favourite Trainscapades partner (curious? Check out my Instagram!). When I'm not planning holidays, you'll often find me reading Nordic noir in a local coffee shop or dreaming up our next family adventure. I'm a firm believer that books are an excellent source of destination inspiration.
I also believe the best holidays aren't necessarily the most expensive or elaborate ones; they're the ones that bring you closer together, introduce you to something new and leave you with stories you'll tell for years.
So, where would you like to go? Even if you've only got a vague idea, let's start there and work out the rest together.
Oh, and one last thing… a fun fact!
During my ten months backpacking across South and North America back in 2006, I travelled mostly overland, the most memorable journey being a whopping 52-hour bus ride from Salta in Argentina to Lima in Peru! Travel like the locals - though these days, I might consider suggesting a stop or two along the way!
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Flight‑Free Christmas Markets: 5 Magical Winter Escapes You Can Reach by Rail & Ferry
If you are dreaming of fairy lights, a mug full of steaming gløgg in your hands and the sweet smell of cinnamon buns and pepperkaker (ginger biscuits) drifting out of cosy cafés, but don't like flying or simply dreading the queues and often lengthy transfer to and from the airport, there's another way: In this blog I am sharing five hand‑picked Christmas markets across Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Fin
09 Oct 2026 7 min read
Escape the Heat: Family-Friendly Cooler Summer Destinations in Europe
Rethinking the classic Mediterranean summer? As temperatures rise across southern Europe, many UK families are discovering cooler, greener alternatives closer to home. From Denmark’s sandy beaches to Swiss alpine lakes and Estonia’s fairy-tale towns, these family-friendly destinations offer adventure, comfort and a more relaxed way to travel.
12 Jul 2026 7 min read
Responsible Travel Pledge
Inspired by the remarkable Palau Pledge (written for visitors by the children of Palau) and as part of my engagement to become a TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassador, I've created my own responsible travel pledge, which I hope all my clients will informally sign up to and embed within their trips. Recognising the impacts we can have on a destination (both good and bad), plays a crucial role in respo
05 Mar 2025 1 min read
10 Tips for a more Responsible Travel Experience
There are many ways to make your holidays a more meaningful experience. Check out a list of suggestions on how to go about this: + Research and Respect Local Cultures: Learn about the customs, traditions, and social norms of your destination. Show respect by dressing appropriately, learning basic phrases in the local language, and following local etiquette. + Think about when and where you trave
11 Jun 2024 2 min read
Why it's important for me to support animal welfare when I book holidays
Part of a holiday for many is to see animals in their natural habitat. In today’s day and age, when many wild animals are on the brink of extinction, it is very understandable that we want to get as close as possible to them, but that’s not usually in the animals’ best interest. Many tourism operators are still promoting unethical practices that involve captive animals: Elephant rides, tiger self
18 Nov 2023 5 min read
6 Fun Things to do with your Family between Christchurch and Queenstown
New Zealand's South Island is so much more than Christchurch and Queenstown, but especially if you're thinking of travelling between these two towns, this list of suggestions may come in handy. All places can be reached from Christchurch within a day's drive - even with stops along the way! 1. Jetboating and visiting the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools We did both in the pouring rain, as we figured
14 Jul 2023 6 min read
5 Fun Things to do with your Family in and around Christchurch
New Zealand is in general a great place to travel to and around with children. Our latest experience was very South Island oriented (much to our dismay as we had a weekend in Wellington booked, but Storm Gabrielle and the earthquake near Wellington and the resulting backlog of cancelled and barely running ferries and overbooked flights nixed that plan), which is why this list of excursion suggesti
13 Jul 2023 5 min read
Packing and Travel Tips for your first trip with your new baby or young child
No matter if you’re flying to the Algarve or road-tripping through Cornwall, how exciting is it to be off on your first trip with your new baby?! Yet with all this excitement, I’m sure there is also a bit of trepidation mixed in about what to pack, how much of everything, what to better leave behind… This is why I thought it would be helpful to provide you with a few tips and tricks of how to m
22 Jun 2023 5 min read
A rainy day or two in Vancouver - with a pre-schooler!
I fell in love with Vancouver nearly 20 years ago, when I first visited in early 2004. The snow-capped mountain views, the proximity to the sea and beaches, the sparkling city lights, the many lovely shops, cafes and galleries (well, I was 21, so let's be honest, souvenir shops, bars and clubs) and last but by no means least: I've met a friend I'm still in touch with and coincidentally, we both ha
01 Apr 2023 6 min read
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Why use a Travel Counsellor
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Tailor-made for you
Your holiday isn’t just a trip away. It’s a longed-for escape, time to reconnect with loved ones, or a dream adventure you never thought possible. That’s why I take the time to truly get to know you and understand your hopes and expectations, then use my experience, connections and passion for the destination to create a trip that makes those dreams a reality.
Personalised service. Always
When you plan a holiday with me, you’ll be given my personal mobile number from the very first call. I’ll listen to your thoughts and ideas like I would a friend and arrange accommodation, activities, and flights that are all personalised to you. And I’ll share my personal tips and recommendations, so you can experience the true beauty of each destination.
Stress-free travel, and more time for what matters most
I believe your time away should be stress-free, easy, and seamless from start to finish. So, I take care of all the details for you - from ATOL protection, insurance, and flexible payments to access to the myTC app, which keeps everything in one place.
Support when it matters most
If the unexpected happens, you can rest easy, knowing that I’ll handle any last-minute changes, flight cancellations, or disruptions before you even pick up the phone. So you always feel happy, carefree, and ready to make the most of every moment.
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