Tired of High Gas Prices And Delayed Flights? Take The Train
This vacation season is filled with news of gas and planes. The price of gas remains high, and pilot shortages and flight delays have been in the news a great…
LONDON – JULY 30: A Eurostar passenger sleeps after leaving Waterloo Station July 30, 2003 in London, England. Eurostar began passenger operations in November 1994 as a joint venture between the three countries in which it operates – England, France and Belgium. There are currently 27 of the 400-metre-long trains in service, each capable of carrying 766 passengers, which run between Waterloo station, through the Channel Tunnel, and on to the French and Belgian capitals. Passenger numbers have plunged recently amid competion from low-cost airlines and a global downturn in travel. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
This vacation season is filled with news of gas and planes. The price of gas remains high, and pilot shortages and flight delays have been in the news a great deal lately. So what is a person to do when they want to go on vacation?
One of my personal choices has been taking the train.
When you want to go somewhere for vacation, it pays to see if there are train stations near your destination so you can avoid costly planes, TSS checks, or the high cost of gas and tolls if you drive. Amtrak has a page on their site where you can plan your trip, showing stops throughout America, and I take one specific line to visit family down south. I have been happy that the fare has not increased since I began using the train, so it's immune to things like gas prices and pilot shortages.
Trains can take a little longer than a car trip because it stops often, so make sure you pack entertainment for your trip. I normally bring a good book, and log into the train's wifi for entertainment. A window seat lets you take in the scenery, and if you get hungry there's usually a food car on a longer trip. Double check to make sure when you arrive you have a lift to your final destination, and you are good to go. I make sue of the Amtrak app for points, discounts, and to keep my tickets for upcoming trips.
If you're looking to make the train ride itself your vacation, there are sites where you can plan tours by train, such as Smokey Mountain Rail Adventure. You can see American by rail, making stops to tour and experience the best of the United States!
So if you are looking for fun and adventure, remember that it can all be a rain ride away!
