10 Reasons Why I Prefer To Travel By Train

Traveling by train is an incredible method of transportation.  Sure, it may be a bit slower, but what is wrong with slowing down in life once in a while?  While not as dominant in the United States, this is a preferred method elsewhere.  If you are not a fan of airports and airplanes or the thought of a lengthy road trip makes you cringe, this may be the best option for you!  

My first train trip was to visit my grandparents in California. It took days to get there from the Union Station depot in Denver.  I remember being so tired of our coach seats that I crawled into the overhead luggage rack and slept there.  After that first experience, my time spent traveling by train has been limited to just a few short trips here and there.

Recently, we have started incorporating this method of transportation into our travels and, although it is not our primary way of travel, I feel it is my preferred method.

Considerations

Train travel is a bit slower, so not always the best choice if you’re in a hurry.  It is also important to note, again, that train travel isn’t as prevalent in the United States.  Routes aren’t always available where you’re going.  Now that you have worked these things out,  it’s time to focus on what is so great about train travel.

Types of Train Travel

There are a few different types of train travel which you can easily incorporation into your transportation methods.  When considering the possibilities, there are plenty of options to choose from.  You might be using a standard passenger train to get from one spot to another.  Or, if your destination is a bit longer, sleeper trains offer a unique experience.  Sometimes though, all you really need is a fun, scenic train ride.  These activities generally take visitors to certain spots before returning to the point of origin.

To represent the different types of travel mentioned above, here are a few varieties that we have experienced:

The White Pass and Yukon Route Train out of Skagway, Alaska.

The Caledonian Sleeper Train from London to Edinburg

Amtrak from Albany, New York to Niagara Falls, New York

Le Frecce high-speed train from Rome to Florence

The Death Railway in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Each of these offers a different experience and serves a different purpose.  But they have all been fun and resourceful ways to do a bit more branching out when traveling.  With plenty of examples of possible train travel experiences to consider, what’s more to love about train travel?  Trust us – there’s plenty!

10 Reasons Why I Prefer To Travel By Train!

1. Unlike airline travel, there is no need to arrive at the station 2-3 hours early. 30 minutes is really all you need.

2. There aren’t nearly as many pesky restrictions on luggage. You can actually pack what you need without having to pay a fortune to do so.  And luggage is easily accessible during your journey.

3. Boarding is a breeze and so is getting settled in your seat.

4. Speaking of seats, trains have bigger, comfier seats with more leg room. And it’s easier to get in and out of them as needed.

5. As passengers are free to get up and move around as needed, and there’s more space for walking. Not only does it make this a better option to stretch your legs, but you don’t have to worry about bumping into people as you make your way down the aisle. Passengers are not packed into trains like a bunch of sardines. This, plus all the items mentioned above help reduce the risk of things like blood clots and DVT.

6. The price of tickets, especially in the coach class, is very affordable.

7. The dining car gives you more options at better prices, plus you can sit at a real table to eat your meal.

8. Traveling by train allows you to see the countryside while alleviating the stress caused by driving.

9. This method of travel has a lower carbon footprint than flying or driving.

10. There is just something romantic about traveling by train.

After numerous train trips, we can easily recommend this method of travel when it is available.  Whether taking in the fall foliage throughout New England or adventuring through the heart of Europe, it is definitely the way to go. 

Being able to sit back and relax while someone else does the navigating and driving is a great change of pace.  Unlike flying, you have a close-up vantage point as you work your way through charming cities and expansive countryside.

Booking online also makes everything very easy and saves time at the station.  Train stations can be a bit overwhelming, especially for first time passengers in foreign countries.

Even for those travelers who would rather enjoy scenic trips, trains are a very enjoyable method to do this.  It is quite enjoyable to hop on board a train and relax.  Whatever your reason, trains are a great way to travel.  We prefer them and know you will to!

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