Travel by Train
Train travel was once considered an elite experience, surrounded in luxury, intrigue and romance. Today, few trains offer the types of comfort and first-class traveling as they did in the early 1900s. However, if your travel dates are flexible and you do not mind the close quarters, a train trip can still offer a unique opportunity to see new sites. Best of all, train tickets are likely to be less expensive than airplane and car rental fees. Even if you are only traveling a short distance, say city-to-city, you may be recognize strong cost savings and a little adventure in purchasing the ticket.
Popular Train Routes
Most train travel in the United States is carried out through Amtrak. The Amtrak routes spread wide across the US, and tickets are typically easy to purchase on the company website. Specials, such as trains during off-hours or off-seasons, are almost always available. Amtrak spans the entire East Coast, from Washington D.C. to Orlando, Florida. Once unique feature is the opportunity to bring your car with you on the train. You can ride on the train’s passenger car while you car rides on a carrier. On the west coast, you can travel from San Diego all the way up to Seattle on the train. You can opt to pass through popular spots such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. The countryside along the California coast floats in and out of view during the scenic trip. Other popular trips include:
- Southwest Chief – This is a trip through the areas of New Mexico and Arizona. Stop at a few destinations along the way for dune buggie rides, mountain hikes and nights spent beneath the stars.
- Crescent – This train runs from New York to New Orleans every single day. Make sure you have enough time to spend a few days in New Orleans once you reach the destination. You may opt for a one-way plane ticket home. Popular times to travel are before Mardi Gras and the Sugar Bowl. Go during an off-time for cheaper rates.
- Silver Line – This line runs from New York to Miami. The trip can take several days, so again be sure to give yourself plenty of time.
- Ethan Allen Express – This trip is not named for the furniture store but for Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain boys. It runs from New York to Vermont over the hills and brooks. Many visitors take this train to see the leaves changing colors. Even in the winter, the landscapes can be breathtaking, and the trips can be cheaper.
Train Travel Tips
Be prepared for a lack of privacy. If you’re the type of person who requires hours in the bathroom preparing for a dinner, this may not be for you. Pack light, and be ready to keep it low key. If you want to be comfortable, dress comfortable. Be sure to buy travel insurance in case of cancellations or missed connections. Though increment weather is not as large a factor in train travel as in air travel, delays still do occur. Your train trip can recapture the adventure of the turn of the century if you have the right attitude and come prepared.
Tags: ethan allen express, southwest chief, train routes, train ticket
