Traveling by train is a luxurious and enjoyable way to see the world. With the ability to sit back, de-stress and take in the scenery on your own time, passenger train vacations may be the answer for people looking to maximize their relaxation time.
The beauty of passenger rail vacations is that the travel destinations are virtually limitless. Do you want to walk the plain that is the heart of America? take a train Do you want to venture through the snowy mountains of Switzerland? There is no better way to see them than by train.
Amtrak may be America’s most popular and respected train service. They offer extensive vacation packages that are spread throughout the United States. Passenger rail vacations give you time to explore great American cities and do it all without the hustle and bustle of driving a car. Who wants to get stuck in traffic during the holidays? And it’s pretty hard to eat a hamburger while driving. On a passenger train, the ever-changing scenery passes you by as you chat, eat and rest.
On most long-distance routes, you’ll find places to sleep inside the passenger cars. Public and private baths are also available for your use. Everything from a “Roomette” that sleeps two adults, but without a toilet or shower, to the full-size “Bedroom Suite” that allows enough space for 4 adults and includes 2 in-room showers and 2 in-room baths. Sleeping cars have become as luxurious as hotel rooms with clean sheets every day, newspapers and complimentary bottled water.
Some passenger train vacations come complete with dining cars with sit-down restaurants. Onboard chefs prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner, all with the quality you’d expect on vacation.
Popular routes taken include:
– Adirondack: This train route covers the Northeast and both Montreal and New York City are served on this route.
– Waterfalls: enjoy the Northwest and see the beautiful cities of the Pacific, such as Vancouver, Portland and Seattle
– The city of New Orleans services the South and Midwest with stops in Chicago, New Orleans and Memphis.
– Heartland Flyer travels between Fort Worth, Texas and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, also known as “The Horse Show Capital of the World.”
Excellent Reasons to take a Passenger Train:
– Save money. With gas prices rising daily, train travel doesn’t cost as much money as plane tickets and car travel.
– Train fares remain relatively the same. When booking an airline flight, there is a lot of anxiety about when to buy the ticket, such as what day of the week, what time of day, how long to stay, whether or not to go on a Saturday night. Train tickets are practically the same at any time.
– You can carry more luggage. These days, airlines charge hefty fees for checked baggage. Taking the train allows you to check in at least one piece of luggage more than the airlines.
– Convenience. Usually, if you miss a train, another one will be leaving soon. Traveling by train is much less complicated than by plane, since there are no security checkpoints or liquid rationing on board, the experience is much less stressful.
– Charm. In today’s world, technology is making everything and everyone move faster. Trains may move quickly, but their charm will transport you back to a day when the world and its people moved in much less haste.