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Train Vacations
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Standing there on the platform waving goodbye to my Grandmother, I vowed to take a train trip myself someday. Believe me, train vacations are a lot more luxurious and comfortable today.
Now there are two types of train travel we're discussing: 1) You are going on vacation with a certain destination in mind and you don't want to drive your car or fly; or 2) traveling on the train IS your vacation.
Let's address the first scenario: The train is your mode of transportation to a destination of your choice. Why would you take a train? It's certainly slower than flying, BUT it's also cheap and FUN! Just think, no traffic to contend with. Extreme weather conditions? You don't care. You don't have to bother with unfolding and refolding maps. You just relax and let someone else do the driving.
We have all taken driving vacations, missing landmarks as the driver, suffering until the next pit stop as a passenger, squashed in the back seat. True, you won't have a car to travel about when you reach your destination. But if you add up the gas money, and the wear and tear on the car, the cost of the train plus a car rental might be cheaper. So check out Amtrak and compare the costs.
Now let's talk about an actual vacation on the train. What are the benefits? Well, there's the beautiful scenery you would otherwise not see as the train goes places where no car can travel. Then there's the fun part about meeting people of all ages from various places.
Have you ever slept on the train? The steady hum and sway of the train will rock you into peaceful sleep. And there are a variety of sleeping accommodations, depending on the route you choose.
Food. We all need food about three times a day. There's fine dining or plenty of snack foods available. Just imagine yourself relaxing and watching the sun go by while someone else does the cooking and cleaning. You sleep when you want, read a book, enjoy conversations with others, and you are well fed.Short on money? You can travel coach, which means that if you travel overnight, you must sleep in a sitting position (like on airplanes). You can also bring your own snacks.
In the U.S. and Canada, there are many rail vacations available. In Europe, travel by train is something everyone does and there are more options available. Some are just to get from point A to point B and some are vacations on the train.
Train travel is a great way to enjoy getting to your destination relaxed, or take a relaxing vacation on the train.
