The Amtrak Adventure
One of the emerging methods of travel in the United States in
recent years has been around for over a century - the railroad.
Amtrak, the leading railroad for personal travel, has made great
strides in providing fast and convenient travel for millions of
customers each year. With over thirty routes throughout the
Unites States and Canada, why not travel by train to your next
vacation destination. Traveling on an Amtrak train line can
provide you and your family with a ride to remember. The great
service and excellent accommodations provide a wonderful start
to your vacation.
The romance of railroading has directly influenced the history
of America since 1830 when the steam engine "Tom Thumb" pulled
the first passenger car 13 miles from Baltimore to Ellicott's
Mill, Maryland.
During your trip by train, you will likely find that traveling
by train is far easier than traveling by car or plane. Although
train rides may take longer than flying in an airplane, you also
get to take in sights along the way. For people who are afraid
of flying, trains provide the perfect option.
Amtrak trains also offers something airplanes do not - private
rooms for long trips. On most Amtrak trips that span through the
night, trains are used that feature private suites for those who
choose to purchase them. Inside you will find a bed and
accommodations that will remind you more of a hotel room than a
train. Suites can be purchased to sleep up to four adults, a
great convenience for those who find it hard to fall asleep
sitting up.
Given the fact that trains are much larger than airplanes, you
are typically allowed to bring more luggage with you on a train
than you are on an airplane. Amtrak's baggage guidelines allow
passengers to carry on two bags and check up to three pieces of
baggage. Most Amtrak lines will also allow you to bring bicycles
on board. As is standard with airplane travel, baggage exceeding
fifty pounds is not permitted onboard and all baggage must pass
through security checks before being placed on board the train.
There are also a number of prohibited items, including firearms,
explosives, weapons, flammable material, and corrosive
chemicals. Security at train stations is often just as tight as
it is at airports, so have no fears over your safety aboard the
train. Given that the train is limited to staying on its tracks,
there is little chance of high jacking. Like airplanes, Amtrak
trains offer both coach and business class seating. On some
Amtrak train lines, including Acela Express and Metroliner,
business class is the lowest option for seating. These lines
offer first class seating as well which is considered a step
above business class. If you are looking to save money, try not
to book your train tickets on these lines.
If you are traveling with young children a train may be the
perfect choice of travel. Although the trip will be longer than
flying on a plane, the train offers the child many more features
to keep them occupied. Many train lines travel through a number
of major cities en route to their destination. In doing this
passengers are given full views of surrounding areas and any
sights that may be in close distance to the train. This can be
exciting for young children to see. The train also offers a
dining car that passengers are able to walk to during its hours
of operation. Set up like a restaurant, the dining car offers
everything from meals to simple snacks like a bag of chips.
Taking a walk to the dining car for a snack can be the perfect
time filler for a young child.
If you travel on a train and decide that it is the best method
of travel for you, you have the option of enrolling in the
Amtrak Rewards program. Through the program frequent Amtrak
travelers are able to earn reward points for miles they travel
on Amtrak. Like frequent flier programs, the Amtrak Rewards
program rewards frequent passengers with points that can be
redeemed for tickets, gift certificates, merchandise, and, given
partnerships, even airline miles.
When planning your next trip why not try a ride on the train? It
can be a great experience and a fun trip for you and your
family. You will most likely find that a trip on Amtrak is well
worth your money.