Looking for an alternative way to get around? Why not take a train. Train travel is safe, relaxing, convenient and inexpensive. Trains have been transporting passengers across countries and continents since the beginning days of steam travel in the early 1800’s. Today’s trains are modern, fast, comfortable and an environmentally friendly way to travel.
The benefits of train travel are many. You can reduce your carbon footprint while relaxing and enjoying the view. Train stations are usually located in the center of major cities so you get city center to city center transportation saving on the cost of taxis from the airport. The check-in lines are shorter and since you are responsible for your own luggage there is less chance of loosing it. These are just some of the benefits of traveling by train.
Train trips are about the journey. You can relax in the bar car or just enjoy the scenery as it goes by. The seats are more spacious than on an airplane and far more comfortable than a bus. By taking an overnight trip you can save money on a hotel room. Most train seats are comfortable enough to sleep in or you can book a sleeper and get a good night’s rest enroute to your next destination.
In smaller places, like Europe, train travel is the preferred way of getting around. The trains are efficient and numerous making short trips from city to city inexpensive. As the trains usually run several times a day you can pick and choose when you want to travel and are not restricted by airline schedules.
Euro rail passes have long been the favorite of backpackers and independent travelers. You can customize your travel itinerary and they are flexible as well.
There are usually two classes available on most trains, 1st class and 2nd class. First class seats are quieter and more adult oriented. They have fewer seats per car and there is more luggage space while 2nd class seats are less expensive there is not as much room. Sleepers also come in 1st and 2nd class varieties and sizes including singles, doubles, T2, T3, T4, and couchettes (koo-SHET) which sleep six and are usually only available in 2nd class. Sometimes the sleepers are gender specific but they can be mixed. If you are taking an overnight train it is probably a good idea to book a sleeper.
Rail travel is considered a cultural experience as you will mingle with other travelers both of foreign and local origin. You can move around the train, you are not restricted to your seat like on an airplane or bus. Most trains offer some sort of food and beverage service. They will have toilets but not shower or bath facilities.
Train travel in North America is usually over longer distances than in Europe. The Amtrak trains are high speed trains that travel in the US and parts of Canada. Seating classes are similar to airplane seating with coach, business and first class seats available on most trains. There are also sleepers and sleeping bedrooms for the longer journeys.
There are also longer more epic train journeys to be made such as taking the Trans Siberian Express or the Orient Express. Or you can take the Shongololo Adventure train and tour South Africa in style. Epic train travel is available in most countries that have trains.
So why not take your next trip on a train? They are a fast, efficient, comfortable, relaxing and an environmentally friendly way to travel. Whether it is a short trip from one city to the next or a longer overnight journey, they train is an affordable and enjoyable way to travel. And remember, train trips are all about the journey.
