Rail travel in America has a long and storied history. The first commercial railroads were built in the 1820s, and railway construction boomed in the decades that followed. Ridership fell steadily in the last half of the 20th century, but in the 2014 fiscal year, a record 30.9 million people booked rides on Amtrak. While rail travel sometimes seems like a charming relic of a bygone era, in many ways riding a train is more attractive than ever. Train travel is as much about enjoying your journey as it is about arriving at a destination. Here are a few reasons you may want to consider hopping a train for your next vacation.
Scenic Views
Trains pass through some of the most scenic areas of the country. Take a trip through the West’s great national parks or ride the rails during the Northeast’s peak season for fall foliage. You’ll enjoy views available only when you travel by rail, and free from the responsibility of driving, your only job is to relax and take in the scenery.
Comfort and Luxury
Train travel is comfortable and even luxurious. Airplane seating is notoriously cramped, but on a train you can stretch out and enjoy the miles. Read, play games, make new friends or simply enjoy the ride without the worry of tucking in your elbows and drawing in your legs. On a train, you’ll have opportunities to enjoy the culinary pleasures offered in full-service dining cars rather than picking at warmed-over food on a plastic tray.
More Baggage
Airlines are becoming increasingly strict about baggage. You’ll often pay a fee for checked luggage and sometimes even for carry-on bags. Trains services have generous baggage policies. For no additional charge, you can have two checked and two carry-on bags of 50 pounds apiece.
Fewer Security Hassles
Arrive for your train 30 minutes ahead of departure and walk to your platform. You won’t wait to be checked by security, walk around in just your socks or be restricted to carrying tiny bottles of toiletries.
Incredible Locations
From our Mississippi Rail and Sail package to our Best of the West tour of national parks, you’ll be bowled over by the history and splendor that awaits you. If you enjoy a slow pace of travel, a multi-day train trip is one of the best ways to see the country. USA River Cruises offers a wide variety of rail packages, both those that bring you to your cruise port of call, where you can step onto one of our fabulous small ships for the next leg of your journey, and others that rely completely on our country’s exceptional rail system to deliver you to your dream locations, making memories along the way.
Interested in rail travel? Call our friendly, experienced agents today! We’re excited to help you book your first – or next – great rail adventure!
