Traveling by train is frequently a forgotten form of transportation being overlooked for travel by cars and planes instead.
However, traveling by train offers many benefits and is a great way to get around the country. Amtrak has train routes throughout the United States so travel to just about anywhere in the country is possible by train.
One of the great benefits of traveling by train is having the opportunity to enjoy the scenery. Traveling by car also allows you to enjoy the view but the driver should be paying more attention to the road than the beautiful trees and wildlife. The train gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy the trip. During the fall foliage season or on routes that pass through mountains or near large bodies of water the views are especially impressive.
With airline tickets and gas prices fluctuating so much and being so high, traveling by train can be very economical. Train fares also tend to stay the same no matter what day or time of year you travel. Some price increases can be seen during peak times and holidays but for the most part train fares are consistent. Some discounts are given for large groups traveling together and other discounts and sales are sometimes available for seniors, students, children and AAA card holders. Search the internet for train travel deals.
Traveling by train allows you to enjoy the trip, you can play a game, read a book, visit with your travel companions, enjoy the view or take a nap. No more worry about where to stop for gas or where to stop for a bathroom break while driving and no worry about all the security lines and amount of liquids that you are, or are not, allowed to have at an airport.
The comfort of a train trip is another benefit. Most trains are equipped with dining cars as well as a snack bar or trolley. The seats of a train recline and the leg room can seem significantly larger than on a plane. You typically won’t run into problems or delays due to the weather. Trains have three-prong jacks so you have access to a power supply should you need it for your laptop or music source.
If you are traveling as a family you will have the additional benefit of seeing your children light up when they realize that they will get to ride a train!
Search here to find schedules and train fares for the station nearest you.
