Good question! There are many tours available which say that the train included in their tours is the "Hogwarts Express" and may even state that theirs is the train which is used in the movies.

At this time, HP Fan Trips™ are the only tours which include the actual carriages used as the Hogwarts Express in the filming of the Harry Potter movies. At HP Fan Trips™ and Beyond Boundaries Travel, we are proud to be able to bring fans so much joy by riding on the actual, real life, authentic carriages used in the movies!

No. Other tour operators cannot offer this trip either with all the exclusives that HP Fan Trips™ puts into its programs and therefore neither can any individual.

You could not ride (or even visit) the train carriages used as the "Hogwarts Express" in the Harry Potter movies. These carriages are not used on a regular schedule and can only be viewed or enjoyed on a ride by private charter.

Likewise:

• You would not be able to enjoy Edinburgh Castle without the crowds and dance the night away in Crown Square on your own.
• You could not play Harry's favorite wizarding game at Alnwick Castle, the film location where students learned how to ride broomsticks.
• Pajama parties, Britain's best storytellers, VIPs from Harry Potter fan web sites, and many other elements are not offered by any other tour company.

Individuals would not have access to these activities and professionals if traveling on their own.

You would also be paying full retail rates at hotels and attractions. HP Fan Trips™ adds value to your vacation as a wholesaler by negotiating group rates for all of its programs, and therefore for all of its customers!

In addition to the exclusive activities and wholesale pricing, much of the fun for a fan on an HP Fan Trip™ is the opportunity to spend days in another country with a group of like-minded individuals. Where else can you wear a robe in public and have others doing the same? Adults and families alike enjoy the camaraderie of fellow travelers, often making lifelong friends. These are just some of the many opportunities made possible by traveling with a group and with HP Fan Trips™.

A message from an HP Fan Trips™ Guest
I was afraid about the organized tour aspect because I always travel by myself but this tour was a must because the group we were with was great, very relaxed. I love all the details, maps, letters, invitation provided ... Edith M, MA

Traveling to the UK has not been this exciting in years - nor has it been this costly. Due to the increasingly weak US dollar compared with the British Pound, prices have increased for 2008. HP Fan Trips™ has worked hard to ensure that your trip to the UK remains an excellent value despite this challenge. We are proud to be able to bring Harry Potter fans unparalleled experiences at affordable rates. We continually strive to maintain a high level of service, as well as exciting activities, private parties and a high quality of hotels at a competitive price. No where else can you find trips to Britain of such high quality at HP Fan Trips™ prices. Research indicates that tours by other companies with similar exclusive events and inclusions are priced 30-50% higher than HP Fan Trips™.

A message from an HP Fan Trips™ Guest
We actually did out the pricing: if you tried to do everything on your own there is no way we could have fit it all in or paid what we did. An excellent value and so much was included! Kristin K, Oakland CA

The "Apprentice" options are designed for families and may include both 3-star and/or 4-star hotels. Please read the itinerary descriptions for activities targeted to children. The "Sorcerer" options are designed for teens (we suggest 15 or older) and adults, and may include 3-star, 4-star and/or 5-star hotels. Options also differ in the destinations included in each package. Please read the itinerary descriptions to find the tour which best fits you.

It really depends on the ages of your children and whether or not they have traveled in a group environment before. If your children are under the age of 15 they will probably enjoy the "Apprentice" options more. If you have a child who is 13 and another who is 15 or older you may want to choose the faster paced tour, but it really depends on what you think your children will enjoy.

All of the major activities will take place in Scotland and are included with each itinerary. Scotland-only itineraries do not include the treasure hunt and other London-based activities but do include a ride on the steam train, Alnwick Castle, Edinburgh and the Wizarding Games. Also, you will see different movie locations depending upon the option you choose. Oxford/Scotland is a good option to choose if you have been to London before. If this is your first time to the UK, you might want to choose the London/Oxford/Scotland itinerary (for adults) or the London/Scotland itinerary (for families). You could also arrive before the HP Fan Trips™ programs begin and take more time to see the things visitors should see such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, theatres and other great places. You may alternatively choose to add days before/after the HP Fan Trips™ program to do these activities independently.

We have not listed the names of the hotels on each itinerary because that allows us to be flexible depending upon the number of people in each group. If each option does not fill to its maximum capacity then we will be able to shift groups into the appropriate hotels according to space held. (We will not shift groups into a lower quality hotel.) However, here are some examples of the hotels we have chosen in the past:

• 3 Star - Royal Oxford Hotel
• 4 Star – Oxford Hotel and Apex International Hotel
• 5 Star - Balmoral Hotel

For the most part you will travel between destinations via private motor coach. Each group will have their own coach. Some days can be long when traveling from one location to the next, but that is how we get you the most from your trip. We also give you some free afternoons to balance the longer days.

There is much Potter to see and do in the UK and we want you to get the most value for your money spent. Our pace is moderate and our goal is to try to visit as much as we can.

Due to unforeseen circumstances sometimes schedules need to be adjusted and changed. We do our best to let you know of these changes either prior to your trip or, for very last minute changes, through your guide. In the arena of group travel, especially during high season in the UK, sometimes things happen and we ask our guests to be flexible when the need arises.

While this adventure is not considered physically strenuous, most days will include two or more hours of walking. While in the Highlands of Scotland guests will take a hike to Steall Falls (seen in Goblet of Fire). Most people find this hike to be a moderate level but that depends on your physical health and preferences. There is an optional non-hiking activity available for those who do not wish to hike to the falls.

ARRIVAL: For all trips except Scotland Only, you will want to fly into Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW) airport in London. The trips that originate in Oxford will be met by a coach (there will be one coach at each airport) at 11:00 a.m. for transfer to Oxford. You should have your flight arrive no later than 9:30 a.m.

DEPARTURE: All guests will fly out of Edinburgh airport (EDI) at the conclusion of the tour on July 23 unless you choose to extend your trip in Edinburgh. A late morning flight is recommended. If your departure flight is in the afternoon, you will be responsible for getting to the airport on your own.

We are currently interviewing for a chaperone for each of our trips to accommodate those that are 15-17 years at the time of the trip. Our standards are high and you can be assured we are trying to the find the most qualified chaperones possible. If you are interested in having a chaperone for the trip, their will be an additional cost. Please contact our offices if you have further question or are interested in this program.

To avoid the single supplement you will just need to inform us of your roommate choice so that we can adjust your invoice accordingly. We can assist with this process if necessary.

We are glad that you can extend your stay abroad! We have included on some itineraries, a Heathrow Express or Gatwick Express ticket so that fans arriving early can utilize the included transportation. For all other itineraries, however, we will be unable to pick up people at multiple locations. Therefore, if you are going to be in London or Oxford prior to the start of the tour you are responsible for meeting the group at the first point on the finalized itinerary.

The tour is priced as a group package and therefore the price of the accommodations can not be taken out of the overall package price. So, if you choose to stay with a friend we unfortunately can not change the pricing.

No changes in prices can be made if you only attend part of the tour, so it really is not cost effective to miss any portion of the tour.

If we are made aware of your needs in advance, we will do everything possible to accommodate you. The Olton Hall is a vintage steam train, so it was not made with accessibility for wheelchairs. As long as you are able to be lifted up the stairs with or without your wheelchair then you will be able to enjoy the train event. The train staff is more than willing to help you enjoy the ride! There are also sections of the train that have had seats removed.

We will put together a package for each participant/family that will include all of the necessary travel documents (finalized itinerary with meeting point, trip roster, etc.) and mail it approximately 21-30 days prior to departure.

Yes! We are happy to take payments in another currency, particularly British Pounds and euros. Please contact us to discuss the price of your preferred package in your home currency.

Yes! Fans from every country are welcome. For those who live in the UK and are not flying in, we will set a meeting place (probably our hotel) for you to join the group. If you are flying in, then the trip documents will tell you how to meet your group.

Beyond Boundaries Travel has taken care of certain tips and gratuities for all included meals and activities such as tips for porters, housekeepers, coach drivers, local experts and dining room staff for included meals.

Gratuities for your guides are not included. If you feel that your guides have provided excellent service, we suggest the following discretionary gratuity: Per Guest/Per Guide/Per Day - $5-$8 USD. For example: For an eight day adventure, the guide gratuity per guest would be $40-$64 USD.

Typically, breakfast is served each morning in a buffet style and offers a variety of dishes. Dinners and lunches usually include a variety and always have a vegetarian option but please order in advance to ensure we have enough vegetarian meals for all guests. Some included meals may offer a limited choice menu. Given the nature of group travel, we regret that ala carte menu choices may not always be available. Children-friendly choices are available at all meals. Menu items are subject to change due to the availability and seasonality of foods. Beyond Boundaries Travel makes every attempt to accommodate dietary restrictions. Please be sure to note these restrictions on the reservation or by contacting the BBT office as soon as possible.

Typically water, tea and coffee are included with your meals that are included on the trip. Breakfast usually has a variety of juices as well. Milk and soda are not typically included. Alcoholic beverages are typically not included with your scheduled meals. However, you are free to purchase them at your own expense.

You can find all of the necessary information by going to the U.S. Department of State's web site at http://travel.state.gov/passport/. Please be sure to allow sufficient time to have your application processed if you are applying for a new passport or renewing an expired passport.

As an American citizen traveling to the UK, you need a valid passport (with 1-2 blank pages remaining), a round-trip ticket and spending money! A visa is not required. If you are a non-American citizen, you should visit the UK's visa web site at http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk to find out whether or not you need a visa or entry clearance.

Guests who are 17 years of age or younger may be required to show additional documents when traveling with a single parent or grandparent.

Absolutely. Every U.S. citizen (of any age) traveling outside of the United States needs a valid passport. Please ensure that you and everyone you are traveling with have a valid passport within a sufficient amount of time prior to departure.

Yes! We have wholesale contracts with most major airlines and can offer lower prices than what you may find through the internet booking sites such as Orbitz or Travelocity. Please be advised that in some cases the best rates are on these internet sites. We are happy to help you navigate the confusing options for air travel but may charge a small fee for this service.

If you book your air with Beyond Boundaries and something goes wrong (your bags "disapparate," for instance), we will be able to help you track it down. If you book your air through an outside source you are responsible for your own baggage, and we will not be able to assist you in any way involving your airline/carrier.

Please refer to each program itinerary for arrival time suggestions. If your flight arrives after the scheduled time, you will be responsible for getting yourself to the first location and meeting your group at the appropriate hotel. Everyone will be responsible for sending us their flight information 60 days prior to departure or we will not be able to guarantee courtesy transfers.

Yes! Beyond Boundaries Travel is a wholesaler of travel products in Britain in addition to our specialized themed trips. We can provide quotes for hotels and other travel products throughout the country. Please call Beyond Boundaries Travel at 1-800-487-1136 for more information.

There are some meals included as noted on each itinerary, so you will want to look those over and evaluate how much you will need for additional food/snacks. You will also want to think about how many souvenirs or other items you may want to purchase while on the trip. Evaluate your itinerary choice and think about things you may want to do in your free time (shopping, opera/theatre, museums not on the itinerary).

No. Great Britain is one of several members of the European Union that did not convert to euros. They still use Great Britain Pounds (GBP). You will only need euros if you choose to venture into other parts of Europe.

While traveling abroad it is best not to carry too much cash. You will want to have some money readily available upon arrival for snacks or other small things, so exchange a few dollars at the airport for British Pounds. During the trip you may want to purchase larger items with a credit card or travelers checks. Most major credit cards are accepted everywhere. If you do not frequently travel internationally, we highly recommended that you call your credit card provider and bank prior to departure and advise them that you will be in the UK. Some companies may automatically reject overseas charges if they do not fit what they have determined is your normal spending patterns.

July is the warmest month in Britain, when the highest temperature can reach around 32°C (90°F), so dress accordingly. Also, Britain does get quite a bit of rain throughout the year, so you'll want to bring some waterproof jackets/clothing. Scotland can be cool in the evenings, even in the summer, so plan on bringing a sweater or sweatshirt for these nights.

London's underground system (tube) is very "user-friendly" so there's no need to be nervous. It is not difficult to figure out where to go on their maps and everything is very clearly marked in each station and in each train. It does tend to get very crowded during peak times, so you may want to avoid using the tube at certain times of the day (typical rush hour times).

We recommend you contact your airline to the UK to find out their luggage weight restrictions for the most accurate information. Weight restrictions in the UK can be quite strict; Beyond Boundaries Travel recommends one (1) suitcase of no more than 44 pounds and one (1) carry-on bag. While we realize that this limit is low for overseas travelers, these restrictions are determined by the airlines and are common throughout Europe. If you choose to exceed that recommendation you are susceptible to fines incurred for overweight luggage as well as fines for exceeding the number of bags allowed. Beyond Boundaries Travel is not responsible for excess baggage fees.