10 perks of traveling by Amtrak
H/T @sqadir
Your post about traveling by bus was pretty spot on. Great list. It inspired me to write this one.
I love long distance train travel. My definition does not necessarily include overnight travel but often does. Anything longer than the typical commuter train ride counts.
1. Less crowding, lines etc.
Unless you are at a major hub such as Grand Central Terminal.
2. Your vacation, trip, etc. starts sooner.
My frame of mind is that as soon as I'm in my seat and the train pulls out of the station, my trip has begun. Too many people view air travel as the necessary evil to get to where the vacation really begins.
3. Looking out the window is more interesting.
4. On board food service
Whether it is box meals, a concession car, or a full meal in the dining car, long distance train travel will often include some form of food service in the cost of the ticket. And if it doesn't it is available for purchase, or you can bring your own.
5. Speaking of the dining car,
Even if I am traveling in Coach and have to pay extra, I will often choose to eat in the dining car. When you travel as a single or a couple, many trains will seat you with someone else at mealtime. While some find this uncomfortable, I think it is often a great way to meet fellow travelers.
6. The pace of train travel encourages passenger interaction.
Between the observation car, dining car, stretching your legs, etc., you will often run into your fellow travelers multiple times over the course of the journey. This is definitely a different vibe than travel by air or bus.
7. You can have a private cabin to yourself if you prefer.
Some long-distance air routes can now offer a very rough approximation, but you can board a long-distance train, enter your private cabin, and not emerge until you reach your destination. Even if it is days later.
8. Intermediate stops.
Long distance trains are periodically required to lay over at intermediate destinations for short period of times. Maybe up to an hour, usually less. This allows you to step off in some random place and get a snapshot idea of the area. You likely won't want to leave the station, or even the platform if it is a large station. But it is often enough to at least give you some idea.
9. Where is the station, again?
Most train stations are in or near the center of town. Hotels, restaurants, sightseeing, is often steps from the platform. Airports are by necessity often built on the outskirts of town or between two or three urban centers. This usually requires another lengthy commute from airport to downtown.
10. Romantic thoughts of yesteryear.
There was a time when air travel was romantic and exotic. Bus travel never was and likely never will be. But riding the iron horse across this vast land seems to still stir up the past romance of travel. At least for me.
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