Train Travel Tips

Agatha Christie must have been quite a fan of traveling by train. She once said, "To travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and churches and rivers, in fact to see life."

Before I give you some important tips on have the best possible experience when traveling on a train, let me tell you some reasons why you should at least consider rail travel as a perfectly acceptable, exciting alternative to the usual automobile or plane.

1. Lots of time to get things done, like sleep, work, rest, and dream!
2. The windows are considerably larger than even the largest automobile, allowing you to see vast sections of the rolling countryside.
3. Train stations are located in very convenient places, including many city centers, instead of miles and miles away by highway.
4. Not usually affected by the weather.
5. Legroom! That alone is worth a lot!
6. No turbulence, so a much smoother ride than an airplane.
7. Connections are much simpler and faster because the lines are much shorter and the stations much smaller.
8. No traffic!

Now that you're convinced to travel by train, here are some great ideas to make your trip even more enjoyable.

1-When you are booking, look for discounts. Perhaps you can make a package deal of, say, one way by train , return trip by air. There are also lots of discounts available for children 15 and under, seniors over 62, military members, and so forth.

2-When you are on the train, you will have a lot of free time. Make sure to bring along something to read, some cards to play, a map to follow your progress if your trip is long distance, and even a pen with envelopes, paper, and stamp, to send a note home! Also, if you are taking a portable music device, be sure to bring your headphones.

3-Stay at hotels near the train station and travel the longest sections overnight to save extra money.

4-If you are traveling overnight in coach, which is just a seat and not your own room, bring your own blanket and pillow. Although the train company will have some, they do tend to go quickly.

5-Between the big East Coast cities, like Washington, New York, and Atlanta, opt for the club car or Metroliner service, especially if you are in that area during mealtime. It's much more private, with even more legroom, and the food is included in your fare.

6-If you are taking your laptop, take an extension cord. Also, since plugs and outlets aren't always the same form, take with you a 3 to 2 prong plug.

7-Ask for route guides, if you do not get one with your ticket. They have lots of information, and pieces of interest, including facts about specific parts of the route.

8-When you book, ask about special fares, such as weekend, extended-stay, tour fares, seasonal fares, and round-trip deals.

9-Overnight is much more enjoyable in first class sleeper rooms and roomettes. But, if you don't mind sitting all night instead of lying down, you will save a great deal of money in coach. Meals are included in first class, but not in coach.

10-Admit it if you are over 62. You do get discounted travel if indeed you are.

11-With specific travel plans, you can actually stop on each leg of your trip as many as 3 times per pass. Restrictions do apply.

12-The wines are notoriously good onboard most trains. However, the food sometimes leaves something to be desired. Each train and route have a wide range of quality and dining experiences. It's not always good, or easy, to have a relaxing drink before or after your meal in the dining car. Save that for the club car, or your own seat or room.

13-Bathrooms are always an experience on trains. In the larger bedrooms, there is a separate room for your bathroom. However, in just about all of the rooms, the toilets are usually underneath the bed, which will be folded down for you at night. There are some general bathrooms onboard, however, if you need to use those.

Now that you know what to expect onboard a wonderfully exciting train, let's get you booked on one today! Contact me at alangton@cox.net today and I will personally do what I can to ensure your train travel trip will thrill you almost as much as your vacation itself!