Traveling by Train

Travel by train has so many benefits. First of all, train travel is an excellent option for those who either can not, or do not want to fly. Although the train takes longer than air travel, the tracks usually weave through scenic places that vehicles cannot go. Secondly, once the train is moving, passengers are free to stretch out, move about the train or even move through the train cars, which is fun for kids. Finally, on longer trips, or cross-country trips, somewhere between the first and last car is a viewing car with glass ceilings and walls.

One of the most rewarding memories of train travel is the variety of people that one meets while on board. If you smoke, you may go to the smoking car and play cards with total strangers, or you may simply strike up conversation with the people seated across the row. Dining on the train is a very special event and should not be missed if you can swing it. Although a bit expensive, (lunch is generally cheaper), dinner is elegant and the food of excellent quality and is cooked to order right on the train. Tables are set to serve four, so if there are only two in your group; you will be seated across from a couple you don’t know, which is fun and interesting.

If you’re not the gregarious (group oriented) type, you can rent a private sleeping car. These are small, but efficient and comfortable. The price usually includes three meals a day which is nice, but it can become rather costly. For example, a round-trip flight from Boston to Orlando may cost 200.00, while a coach seat on a train trip costs about 300.00 plus the cost of food, which you can bring on board.

Sleeper cars are available and are offered at various (expensive) price ranges depending upon what is available and what comfort level you desire. Some sleeper cabins come with two bunk-style beds and a window in the compartment, while the “turbo” room sleeps four, has an in-compartment sink, toilet and shower as well as an easy chair or two if there’s room. No matter the room that you choose, each guest receives first class service which includes a large private window, the daily newspaper, bottled water, fresh towels, housekeeping, and more. But, if it’s a bargain you’re looking for, this first-class, scenic mode of travel may not be your best choice.

Amtrak always offers companion deals and children under 15 traveling with an adult travel free, so it’s a good way for families who are on a tight budget to travel. However, calculating the cost of food on a three day train trip for a family of four may quickly add up to the cost of a plane ticket. The best way to travel on a budget by train is to buy the tickets 21 days in advance and bring your own food. Certain preparations can make your trip worth the while and fun, too.

FOOD AND DRINK: The first day of bringing food is a big pain because you have so much of it for a long trip; but, if you’re looking to save money, it’s worth the inconvenience. Bring durable foods that travel well.
� Apples, oranges, peanuts, granola bars, beef jerky, hard candies, Pringles (in the container)
âÂ?¢ Amtrak permits coolers so for the first day’s trip you could pack sandwiches, softer fruits, yogurt or pudding cups and sodas, but caring for the cooler for the whole trip is something you’ll have to take in to consideration. The cooler can be used to store the rest of the foods and double as a table as well.
� Snack-size, individually wrapped servings minimize trash and are most convenient.
âÂ?¢ If nothing else – bring water! It’s amazing how much better the body feels after a long trip when properly hydrated.

FUN: It’s not only the kids who need to have fun on a long train trip. Bring:
� Playing cards
âÂ?¢ Small board games (like cribbage, Rubic’s Cube, magnetic checkers)
� Puzzle books
� Game boys. (Please keep the volume down!)
âÂ?¢ Of course you can bring that novel you’ve been meaning to read, or your favorite magazine and then swap it with another guest. But chances are you’ll be having so much fun, that you won’t have time to read!

SLEEPING: While the rock of the train is comforting, sleeping in an upright position is not. However, hundreds of people do it every day on the train; consider these tips for your comfort.
âÂ?¢ An inflatable pillow is the perfect accessory. Get as many as you need; remember, you’ll have to support your lower back as well.
� Use an old, thin blanket and put it on the floor. When the youngest child is asleep, you can rest him or her there at the foot of the seat. Children are resilient and will sleep comfortably wherever they are place. The adult can lie on the seat.
� The seats are usually in pairs and an adult fits well enough across two of them. If you travel at a slow time of the year, there may be enough vacant seats for everyone to sleep comfortably.

HYGIENE: This is a stretch for most women.
� There are no showers on the train; this is something to keep in mind when determining the length of your trip.
� There are bathrooms and though not roomy, they do have hot water.
� Bring a small container of hand sanitizer for daily use.
� Jeans or sweatpants (with pockets) will get you through the first day and a half.
� Bring a second change of clothes for the last leg of the trip.
� Undergarments are small enough to bring abundance, and changing often can make the trip more enjoyable.

All in all, the train is fun! If it’s terrific scenery, a fair price and family time together that appeals to you, then the train should be one of your first choices. Amtrak offers values from economy to first class to please every kind of traveler. Train travel is a nice option to the same ol’ vacation in the regular way. Create a memory for your children, or relive a memory of your own from days gone by. The good old fashioned train engineer still hollers, “All aboard!” and wears the traditional blue garb and starched hat to complete the ambiance. Do something different this year: travel by rail.