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Archive for the ‘Train Travel’ Category

Train Travel is Cheap and Convenient

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009

If you want to see the countryside and its many shades, traveling by train is one way to do it without having to worry about the cost of gas, reading a map, or taking alternative routes. When you board a train, you will be able to put your luggage away and relax in a cozy seat near the window. With snack cars, sleeping cars, and dining cars, traveling by train takes away the anxiety of travel and leaves you with some great vacation memories.

Train travel is a way to save money this summer, allowing you to take a family vacation. It can be considerably cheaper than air travel or traveling by car because the ticket price is not directly related to the price of fuel. Train travel is also much more convenient and hassle-free.

Discounts are available for many people that travel by train. All students, seniors and veterans receive a discount. AAA members receive 10% off. Children (ages 2-15) pay half price and one infant (0-2 years of age) per adult is free.

In addition to the many discounts offered, miles are earned each time you travel by train. These miles can be redeemed not only for free train travel, but also for free airfare. Amtrak, the major train company, also has a credit card that allows members to earn additional miles on all the purchases they make using that card.

Travel by train can be much more convenient than flying. Check-in is considerably faster at train stations than airports. There is no security to pass through. You just show that the name on your train ticket matches the name on your identification, if asked.

Train stations are conveniently located in the middle of the city, not on the edge like airports. This helps cut down on taxi fare to your desired destination.

When purchasing train fare, keep in mind that the price can vary between locations, so check the price from nearby cities to your destination. It may be cheaper to drive a little ways and catch a train from another city.

The price to travel by train also varies greatly by the accommodations chosen and services provided during train travel. It is harder to purchase regular coach seating in the summer, and around Thanksgiving and Christmas. These seats are usually booked well in advance. You can also choose from first-class seating, business-class seating and a variety of sleeping accommodations. Some of these rooms have showers and food provided. For other accommodations, food can be purchased on most trains.

Consider train travel this summer. Statistically it’s much safer than driving. It can be a relaxing and peaceful ride, accompanied by beautiful scenery. Also, the price can be much more affordable than air travel or car travel.

Helpful Tips For Train Travel

Monday, March 16th, 2009

If you want to see the countryside and its many shades, traveling by train is one way to do it without having to worry about the cost of gas, reading a map, or taking alternative routes. When you board a train, you will be able to put your luggage away and relax in a cozy seat near the window. With snack cars, sleeping cars, and dining cars, traveling by train takes away the anxiety of travel and leaves you with some great vacation memories.

Traveling by train is a really quite easy since not a lot of people do this. Making reservations will not be a problem. In spite of this, it is always best to make reservations a few days or a few weeks before your expected travel time.

If you can, bring your own snacks and beverages when you are traveling by train. Some trains offer refreshments, but they usually charge a much higher price than you would pay at a normal shop. Bringing refreshments yourself means you pay a better price and get something that you know you will enjoy.

Many people prefer to bring their own pillows and blankets if they are taking a long trip. Some trains provide blankets, etc, for free, but if you are concerned about cleanliness then bringing your own is wise. Just make sure you do not pack too much, as not all train stations have porters or carts available, so you may have to carry your luggage a long way.

It is also a good idea is to bring cash along for the train ride. There are no ATM machines on trains and it is doubtful if all trains can process credit cards. So cash is the best way to go when traveling by train. There are other good reasons for having cash on hand. One such reason is that you might need to tip porters when disembarking the train. Also, you may need to get a taxi to bring you to your final destination where you want to go. In these cases, a credit card or ATM card will be useless.

Try to exercise a little during the train ride. Some simple stretching can help you feel more comfortable and prevent stiffness during a long trip. It can also reduce 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.

If you think there is something wrong with your bunk, don’t be afraid to ask for help from the train staff. Rest assured that they are trained to deal with this kind of thing, and above all, it is always best to be safe. In addition, they can also offer help with other problems that may arise, such as medical emergencies and other unforeseen events.