About Train Vacations

With the cost of airfare increasing, trains are becoming a more economical travel option, especially if you are going a short distance. Amtrak reports that its bookings have increased more than 10 percent since the fall of 2007. Round-trip train rides can be considerably easier on the budget than round-trip flights, and the greater the distance you travel, the better the deals become.

History

As horse-drawn transportation began to lose its charm, but before the advent of the automobile and air travel, trains became the accepted mode of travel for many. Unfortunately, in its earliest days, train travel was uncomfortable, tiresome and dirty, with wooden benches serving as seats, and coal-burning steam engines releasing smoke and cinders into the air. Most of the earlier passenger trains were overcrowded and cold in the wintertime. However, train travel began to improve in the mid to late 1800s. Passenger cars were separated from the locomotive by the mail and baggage cars. Later, overnight trains added sleeping cars, and dining cars were implemented on long-distance trips. Finally, parlor and observation cars were located at the rear of the train, away from the smoke of the locomotive. Today, travelers and vacationers ride the rails in comfort and luxury.

Benefits

According to reports issued by the U.S. Travel Data Center, there are definite advantages to traveling by train, rather than by plane or car. A primary benefit welcomed by drivers is the ability to avoid road construction along the travel route. Unlike airfare, train fares tend to remain stable throughout the year. There may be increases at peak times over the holidays, and discounts are sometimes available; however, in most cases, train fares on a given route usually remain the same no matter what day of the week you travel. In addition, whereas major airlines are now charging domestic travelers to check just one or two bags of luggage, Amtrak allows passengers to bring as many as three pieces of luggage on board at no charge.

Features

Traveling by train can be a vacation and adventure in itself. Travelers are often more comfortable riding on a train than being seated on a crowded plane. In addition to having more leg room, a traveler can also move around on a train at will. Along with the trip being more relaxing, most passenger trains offer a dining or restaurant car where travelers can get meals during their journey. Depending on the destination, travelers have an opportunity to sight-see along the route. With the view from the window always changing, a train vacation can be anything but boring. Whereas airports are often located miles out of town, train stations are typically situated in the downtown area of the cities they serve, making it easy and convenient to get to a hotel and other tourist attractions. And because trains use fuel more efficiently than motor vehicles or airplanes, they are less subject to the effects of increases in fuel prices, allowing for more reliable train fares over time.

Misconceptions

Contrary to popular opinion, traveling by train does not necessarily take longer than flying. As train security is not as tight, there are fewer delays; you can arrive at the train station just 30 minutes before departure, as opposed to enduring a 2-hour check-in time at the airport, and you don't have to wait at baggage carousels. All of this makes for a less stressful vacation trip.

Expert Insight

Travel agents and vacation planners offer several tips to keep train travel safe. Remain in the train-station waiting room until it is almost time to board your train. Do not stand on the platform alone, especially at night. Keep your luggage with you in the station. If you walk away, even for a few moments, you may return to find your belongings gone. You don't want your vacation to be spoiled by having to report stolen luggage. Keep any important papers, cash or other valuables on your person. Once you are on board, make sure you know where your purse or wallet is at all times. When you get off the train, be sure to take everything with you. Don't allow children to wander the train without you; that includes accompanying them to the restroom or dining car.

Warning

Like any other means of transportation, train travel has its disadvantages. Trips can be long, especially if you run into delays; however, high-speed rail services are succeeding at achieving fewer delays. If you aren't taking a long train trip as part of a vacation, ask the travel agent beforehand if the train will be slowing down in certain scenic areas. Smoking is prohibited on many trains, including in the restrooms. Smoking has also been banned in most train stations. Pets are not allowed on Amtrak trains. Except for hearing and guide dogs, pets usually may not be taken on a train, even if they are in a carrier. In some U.S. states, pets are allowed on light-rail public transportation if they are restrained in a closed pet carrier that is small enough to fit in your lap .

Potential

Because high-speed trains can travel in nearly any weather conditions, train travel is frequently more reliable than either car or air travel. Tying in to existing local and commuter transit systems to expand rail service is estimated to cost less than expanding freeways and airports to meet future travel demands. Train travel also uses less energy, thereby reducing oil consumption. More than anything else, high-speed train travel can significantly reduce CO2 emissions in the air, making the potential environmental and economic benefits definite advantages of train travel.

Resources

• Amtrak