Considering Train Travel?

Have you been considering taking the train for your next trip? You may be surprised to find out that trains are a wonderful mode of transportation. In addition to getting to your destination in a hassle free manner, you also get to enjoy beautiful scenery. If you long to see more of the country and do so in comfortable style, then train travel is absolutely for you. For long distance trips some train even have bunk beds for comfort and convenience.

One of the drawbacks of travel is the crowds. Crowded terminals, crowded roads, crowded planes; it seems you can never travel without having a crowd travel with you (or against you). For reason I can’t explain, not a lot of people travel by train in the United States. Having lived in Europe for a number of years, I became quite used to traveling on rails. I enjoyed being able to walk around and meet others, but I was always able to find places to be alone if I felt the need for solitude. Although it shouldn’t be a problem, it is always best to make reservations a few days or a few weeks before your expected travel time.

While a dinner car is normally attached to the train, you should consider brining your own snacks and beverages.  Some trains offer refreshments, but unless you want to pay through the nose for a can of coke for $2.50, or pay $3.00 for a small bag of chips, pack a lunch, pack your favorite snacks and drinks, and save yourself an unnecessary expense. It will also make your train travel that much enjoyable since you are eating the type of food you enjoy.

Another thing to consider before your trip is to bring your own pillow and blanket. Many trains offer pillows and blankets for free, however if you are concerned about cleanliness it may be a good idea to bring your own. Traveling light is important as not all train stations have porters available to help you with your luggage and you may have to carry it yourself for some time. The less you have to carry, the better.

Carrying a little cash on the train is probably a good idea. ATM machines are not on trains and some trains will but most don’t process credit cards. Cash is still king on trains. Also a little cash is will help when it’s time to tip porters or if you need to get a taxi at your final destination.

As mentioned in a previous paragraph, you have the ability to get up and walk around. Don’t hesitate to stretch your legs and bend your back a little.  By getting up and walking or stretching, this will help you relax and help you feel more comfortable and prevent stiffness during a long trip.  Individuals, who travel on a regular basis in airplanes, often run the risk of deep vein thrombosis, a serious condition which causes blood clots to form in your arteries in your legs, and is believed to be aggravated by sitting for extended periods.

Now after traveling for several hours, you decide it’s time to catch some zzzz, but you find a problem with your bunk.  Not to worry.  Just ask for help from the train staff. Rest assured they are trained to deal with and ensure you are comfortable and safe.  In addition, the train porters can also provide you with assistance with other problems that may arise, such as medical emergencies and other unforeseen events. Hopefully, you have found the suggestions and tips in this article will help you have a pleasant train journey and a memorable holiday.