I love trains. I always have. My first train ride was when I was 8 years old. My uncle was a train conductor and invited me to ride on the train with him for a short run for a day. It solidified my love for riding the train. I have been from Charleston, SC to Reno, NV and back on two occasions. Just this past Christmas, I took the train from Charleston, SC to Austin, TX.
If you want an adventure, rather than just a method of getting somewhere quickly, take the train. Here are a few things you should know.
Taking the train is going to take longer than flying.The train makes many stops along the way causing the train to slow down in approaching the stops.This allows you the opportunity to take pictures of many different things.The sunsets and sunrises from a train window can be amazing.
You meet some of the most interesting people and have time to have conversations. There is an observation car or sightseeing car that is complete with swivel seats and windows from floor across the roof. People often visit these cars and begin to have conversations with others. The dining car experience is unique.People are seated four to a table, so you never know with whom might be eating your meal.On my last trip, I had dinner with a married couple, both attorneys from Washington, DC and a gentleman recently retired from the GOP National Party. We had a very interesting ninety-minute conversation. The next morning, I spent two hours talking with a psychiatrist from Chicago. No, she didn’t think I needed psychiatric help.
The major train stations across the country are amazing.I had layovers in Chicago’s Union Station. Guests are awed as they enter this 20,000 foot classic Beaux Arts style room which boasts 18 soaring Corinthian columns, terra cotta walls, a pink Tennessee marble floor and is crowned with a spectacular five-story, barrel-vaulted, atrium ceiling. There are three stories that include restaurants, food courts, shopping, and specialty stores.If you have time, you can walk outside into the heart of downtown Chicago. Penn Station and Grand Central in New York are amazing, as well. Another beautiful station is Union Station in Washington, DC. One challenge with the train is that there are often long layovers in these major cities, but as you can see, you can enjoy the time.
While the seats are comfortable and roomy with small footrests and folding trays, if you are on a long trip, a sleeper car is your best option. They are small “rooms” that offer two seats facing each other, as well as electric outlets and a small closet area. The best part is that when you purchase a sleeping car, you get to use the private lounges at the train stations. The lounges offer free beverages, snacks, private restrooms, comfortable seating, a place to store your belongings, televisions, free wifi and private restrooms. You also get a personal attendant (a porter) who carries your luggage, makes your dinner reservations (included with your ticket) onboard before the general riders, and makes your beds up when you are ready for sleep. The sound of trains running over the tracks is one of the most soothing sounds there I know.
The scenery riding on the train is amazing.Some trains offer the “Trails and Rails” program in conjunction with the National Park Service. This provides information from the Park Service about locations and sights you will see along the way. Announcements are made on the train when you are approaching something special.For example, announcements are made in the Dallas, Tx area when you pass through downtown and see the spot where John F. Kennedy was shot and the Grassy Knoll area.
Many will argue that flying gets you to your destination in quickly. While this is typically true, I hear friends complain about delays and being stuck in airports quite often.On a plane, you have to sit in one spot, and if you are stuck sitting next to someone annoying, you can’t get up and walk around or go to another area for snacks or sightseeing as you can on a train.I won’t even go into the time and regulations security requires an air flight.
I encourage you to look into train travel next time you plan a vacation.Amtrak often offers specials allowing you to leave the train and stay over in different locations along your route.One more thing to consider is that trains are eco-friendly. Trains use less energy and create fewer pollutants that car or air travel. They also use environmentally friendly products on board.
As you can see, I love the train.I haven’t traveled by plane in over twenty years.I take the train for any trips that take more than a day’s travel.I am already planning my next adventure. This Christmas, I might just take the Polar Express.
