7 Reasons to Travel by Train for Your Next Vacation
Summertime is here which means it’s the time for people to start taking vacations and planning their fall trips. If you are looking for a different kind of travel excursion, then taking a train tour may be just the ticket. Here are 7 reasons to travel by train for your next adventure.
7 Reasons to Travel by Train
- Trains are rich in American history: Anyone who loves history will enjoy traveling by train for its old-fashioned feel. Trains have a large part in American history. In the U.S., train travel isn’t as prominent as it used to be, but its popularity is starting to pick back up again.
- You don’t have to drive and there’s no traffic: Traveling by car for long distances has the downside of traffic, and being stuck behind the wheel driving. When you take a train you have freedom to get up and walk around, which prevents you from getting restless.
- Saves you money: Train travel is significantly lower priced than airplane travel, most of the time. Depending on the price of gas, and factoring in wear and tear on your vehicle, traveling by train could save you money from your standard road-trip. Plus, it saves you time and as people say, time is money.
- Have all the amenities: Trains have many different options for your travel. You can sit in coach, reserve a sleeping room, and some even have options for family rooms. Most trains have a dining car with luxurious meals and snack cars for site seers.
- You see all the sights: Since you don’t have to worry about keeping your eyes on the road, you are freed up to take in all the scenery. Unlike planes that offer little in terms of actually being able to see the land, train travel takes you right through the beautiful countryside. Allowing you to take in the forests, mountains, prairies, and city views all on one cross country trip. With your hands free of driving, you can take photographs along your trip to document your travels.
- Easier to board and take more luggage: Trains stations are much easier to make your way through, unlike airports that have stringent security checkpoints and painstaking processes that are required of you. You don’t have to be at the train station hours ahead of time to be sure you have enough time to board. Although different train companies may have different rules, the majority allows you to take two carry-on luggage, plus personal items like a purse or stroller. In addition, they allow you to check-in up to four more pieces of luggage.
- Fewer hassles: Buying train tickets are easier because the price doesn’t change if you wait until the last minute to purchase. Plus, it is easier to cancel or change your travel day. Some trains even allow you to travel with your small pet. Just be sure to check with your train company’s policy on the subject.
Train travel is a great option for you to consider on your next vacation adventure. It is much less stressful than other forms of travel, and may just be the excursion you’ve been dreaming of.
Have you taken a long distance train ride? What are your reasons to travel by train?
I have never traveled by train, but doing so has long been on my bucket list. You see, I am addicted to old movies—you know, from the 30’s and 40’s. So many old films have a train scene, and I have just fallen in love with train travel as a result of watching them. (Of course, perhaps I am expecting to run into Cary Grant on my journey!!)
Anyhow, my problem is that I live in Boise, Idaho, and we don’t have an Amtrak station here. The nearest one is in SLC, which is 6 hours away. However, I do get free air travel on Alaska Airlines because my son works for them. I’ve considered flying from Boise to Seattle, then taking the train to Portland, and flying home from there.
Absolutely loved this post!
Blessings,
Patti @ Embracing Home
Vacation by train is on my bucket list. Where have you been? I have trouble finding train trips in my area.
🙂 gwingal
Great tips! I would love to take a train trip one day. Thanks for linking up with Merry Monday!