Author by : Brenda Frezell

Tis the season to travel, and travel we will. As Americans, we take our vacations seriously, whether it is only as short as a long weekend or as long as all summer. Either way, traveling to your vacation destination this year is going to cost you more – if you plan to drive. Instead of paying mightily at the pumps, why not try train travel. From short hops to long hauls, look at rail travel as a big part of the trip - not just a means to get there.

Amtrak, the nation’s largest passenger rail service, serves more than 500 destinations in 46 states on 21,000 miles of routes. Tickets can be booked either through their 1-800-USA-RAIL phone center or online at www.Amtrak.com. Discounts make the trip affordable and are offered for a variety of passengers including but not limited to seniors, students, families, military personnel, and disabled passengers. Amtrak also offers frequent rail sales which allow you to enjoy cost savings.

Train travel allows you to see some spectacular scenery, often going to places where cars and buses cannot go. How else can you see our country end-to-end, with someone else driving? Where else can you have the great experience of riding the train to see the greenery of the Midwest, the Great Plains, the New Mexico desert and the Rocky Mountains without ever touching the steering wheel once? While the journey may be faster by airplane cross-country, you cannot see wild deer, beaver, or turkeys from 20,000 feet.

Rain travel in the United States is not for the timid at heart. It is for adventurers with a love of life! It is for people who like socializing with other people and watching the beautiful scenery go by. It is important to go with a good attitude. Occasional delays can be expected while riding the train, as Amtrak often rides along tracks leased from freight companies. Similar to airplanes being delayed at an airport, Amtrak trains can be delayed and being a good sport is important. Don’t forget to pack some reading material and a handful of patience.

One of the benefits of when Amtrak is delayed is that you can get up and move about the train instead of remaining belted into your seat. Rail travel is for people who enjoy the rhythm of the rail, the scenery, the camaraderie of others who like the same. Another benefit is that in the Amtrak dining car, you will be seated with other passengers. What a wonderful opportunity to meet others from all walks of life. Remember, rail travel is what you make of it, so go out there and experience it.

[tags]travel,trains,train,train travel,train trips,train vacations,us trains,usa trains,amtrak[/tags]

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