In Europe, taking a train is a popular way to get from one destination to another. In the U.S., it’s slowly increasing in popularity. There are quite a few reasons why you should travel by train instead of plane the next time you travel.
Saving Money
If you are going short distances, traveling by train instead of plane can save you money. These savings can range from just a few dollars to a couple of hundred. You usually can find quite a few discounts for everything from students, to AAA members to seniors. Train fares also don’t tend to fluctuate much so there’s no need to buy that ticket tomorrow and worrying that you should have waited a week to see if the price goes down.
Less Hassle
Most trains trips don’t require reservations. If you are looking to travel last minute, then you probably can just show up at the train station and purchase your ticket right before you trip. You also don’t have to deal with arriving at the airport hours early and waiting in long security lines. There aren’t many rules about what you can take on the train either. You can also take more luggage with you than on a plane without having to pay hefty baggage fees. For some trains, like Amtrak, you can bring personal items along with 200 pounds of luggage without having to pay a checked bag fee. If you are looking for a no hassle way to travel, then this is the way to go.
Changing Scenery
Sure looking out of the window during takeoff and landing is cool on a plane, but when you are actually in the air, what is there to look at? On a train there’s always different scenery to view from your window. Bored with what you are seeing? Just wait a few minutes as it’s bound to change. Train windows also tend to be bigger than plane windows so you can definitely get a better view!
A Better Experience
There’s just something about staying overnight on a train and being served dinner by a wait staff in uniform. Unlike on an airplane, you can actually get a full meal instead of peanuts and a soda. Trains also tend to be more comfortable with plenty of legroom and the ability to move around when you want.
If you’ve never traveled by train before I encourage you to give it a try this summer. You might be pleasantly surprised by the overall experience and find that you actually prefer it as a mode for traveling.
