Vacations
Train Travel - Vacation Without High Gas Prices
If filling up your gas tank one more time will drive you insane ? take heart. With summer upon us, gas prices are hurting everyone, yet that does not mean you have to forgo your vacation this year. As gas prices climb, vacationers are finding new and relaxing ways to get around the country, such as the train!
Rail passenger service across the United States is an efficient and stress free way to travel. No worrying about the dreaded road construction barrels, missed highway exits, or overheated radiators. Simply hop aboard a passenger train and relax. Sounds easy, doesn?t it? In fact, it?s easier than you think.
There are three types of passenger rail travel in the United States. The first and primary mode of train travel is via Amtrak. Amtrak tickets can be booked either through their 1-800-USA-RAIL phone center or online at www.Amtrak.com. From short hops to long distance hauls, from New York to Los Angeles, passenger train travel is an efficient means of traveling from one city to another, often passing through areas untouched by road travelers. Amtrak operates a nationwide rail network, serving more than 500 destinations in 46 states on 21,000 miles of routes. Serving more than 25.4 million train passengers a year, Amtrak offers the most options for individual travelers and families alike.
The second mode of train travel in the United States is via tourist railroads. Tourist railroads are privately owned rail companies that provide daily services to day trippers. These railroads often lease track from freight railroad companies to run excursions and daily trips. One of the most famous tourist railroads is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad located in Durango, Colorado. Having been in continuous operation for 125 years, the Durango & Silverton carries passengers behind vintage steam locomotives and rolling stock original to the line. The Silverton excursion is their classic roundtrip run from Durango to Silverton along the scenic and remote Animas River, which is only Accessible by the train and by air. Packages including hotel stays are also available at an additional cost. Other large tourist railroads include the Strasburg Rail Road in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania ? home of the Pennsylvania Dutch - and the Napa Valley Wine Train in Napa, California.
The last mode of passenger train travel in the United States is luxury private trains. Formerly known as the American Orient Express, GrandLuxe Rail Journeys is the largest of these private train companies and embodies elegance at its best. Offering a fleet of restored rail cars from the 1940?s and 1950?s and attended by formally attired staff, GrandLuxe trains include sixteen American Orient Express vintage carriages, assembled from museums and private collections throughout America. No more than 100 passengers are aboard at any given time, ensuring personalized service. GrandLuxe offers 7 to 9 night itineraries through the Western United States, National Parks, Mexico, and Canada. In addition to the breathtaking views on these journeys, dining and sleeping arrangements are first class and offer the top notch service of a by-gone era.
As with any passenger rail service, the enjoyment comes not just with the destination but also the journey along the way. Passengers have the opportunity to stand up, move about the cars, and get to know other people from around the country. Passengers will children will find riding the train to be easier and more relaxing as children can also move around the cars and use the bathroom when the need arises. In addition, seats on passenger trains are often roomier than airline seats.
So what are you waiting for? Book your trip today and rediscover what a relaxing vacation can be like.
Brenda Frezell is a freelance writer and avid train traveller. You can find more information on passenger train travel in the United States at http://www.railtripper.com |
Brenda Frezell
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