Travel doesn’t always go as planned, does it? Sometimes, the best memories come from the chaos—the moments where plans crumble, and you have no choice but to trust, adapt, and rely on the kindness of strangers. That’s exactly what happened to us a few years ago on Boxing Day, when we found ourselves stranded in Cambridge, trying to make our way to London to catch a train to Brussels. Here’s what you need to know when traveling from Cambridge to London on Boxing Day.

The day started with an unexpected twist. We arrived at the Cambridge train station only to find the doors locked. No signs, no announcements—just silence. Our pre-booked round-trip tickets were suddenly worthless. There we stood: Raun, myself, and two other travelers—a military officer and a gentleman—all staring at each other in disbelief.

As we scrambled to figure out our next steps, the clock ticked away. The thought of missing our train in London weighed heavily on us. Friends in Cambridge suggested we try the bus, but even they weren’t sure if buses were running that day.

We were on the verge of panic when, out of nowhere, a Cambridge student approached us. Calm and collected, he stepped in amid our rising chaos. He listened to our predicament and, without hesitation, called a friend who owned a taxi. The friend agreed to drive us to London, but only if the student came along for the ride. The student nodded without missing a beat but needed a moment to let his family know what was happening.

This is where faith kicked in. With no other options and time slipping away, we took a leap—my husband, though skeptical, reluctantly agreed as did the two other passengers. As the car cruised through the dark roads of the English countryside, the soldier reassured my husband with quiet confidence: We’re heading in the right direction.

When the bright lights of London finally appeared, we felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude—not just for arriving but for the kindness of strangers who made it possible. We paid the driver £250 for his troubles, even though his fee was only £125. He protested, but we insisted. It wasn’t just for the ride; it was a thank-you for rescuing our journey.

But the day’s twists weren’t over yet. Raun, the soldier, and I still had to clear customs and board our train to Brussels. With just ten minutes to spare and a customs line that seemed endless, panic set in again. That’s when the soldier stepped up, quietly saying, “Follow me.” Without question, we did. Somehow, he managed to convince the customs officer to wave us through, and we ran to our train just in time.

Looking back, that Boxing Day journey wasn’t just about getting from Cambridge to London. It was about humanity—about the strangers who showed up when we needed them most, and about the faith it takes to trust in the goodness of others.

Travel isn’t just about the destinations we check off a list. It’s about the connections we make, the stories we gather, and the reminders that even in chaos, there’s kindness. And let’s be honest—those are the moments we remember the most.

1. Plan Ahead:
   • Always double-check holiday transport schedules. Train stations often close or reduce services on Boxing Day.
   • Look up alternatives like buses or ride-share options in advance.
2. Use Technology:
   • Apps like Citymapper and Rome2Rio can be lifesavers for finding real-time travel alternatives.
   • Keep transportation-specific apps like National Rail handy for updates.
3. Understand Refunds:
   • If your tickets become invalid due to closures, contact the rail company immediately for a refund or alternative options.
4. Stay Flexible:
   • Have a backup plan for accommodation if you get stuck.
   • Know that holiday travel can be unpredictable, so leave room for adjustments.
5. Research Local Traditions:
   • Boxing Day isn’t just a shopping holiday—it can mean major service interruptions, depending on the country.
6. Know Your Rights:

If delays or cancellations occur, check your eligibility for compensation under UK or EU travel regulations.