Traveling by train is an adventure and it is especially easy and cost effective in Europe, but don’t give up on rail travel in the U.S. There are lots of options for trains in North America as well.
Oh, the Scenery You’ll See
Part of the fun of rail travel is the scenery you’ll see along the way. Imagine traveling through Switzerland and viewing beautiful lakes, green meadows and the snow-topped Alps as you traverse the landscape. In Canada, you might be able to stop at Lake Banff or take a train to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Whatever the area, you’ll find the scenery outstanding.
It’s Cheaper than Flying
Especially in Europe, rail is the way to go. You don’t have to be there 2 hours early, 15 minutes will do. Many of the rail lines have senior fares in Europe and Canada…not so much in the U.S. Book early and you may save additional money. While you do pay less (sometimes much less) for the train, it does take longer to get to where you are going. Of course, if you figure in the 2 hours you need to be there ahead of your departure time, this does help with the time difference. The best part is that you are not crammed into skinny seats like you are on a plane. In fact, most trains are fairly roomy and many have charging ports for all your devices!
Be in the Middle of it All
Train stations are typically located right in the middle of the city. You don’t have spend a lot on transfers as you might on a plane. I remember getting off the train and walking to my hotel in Amsterdam. The station was right on a canal close to everything. You can even stop in smaller cities that are off the beaten track. In Europe, this is a bonus as you may discover a hidden gem, and try something you never thought you would have the opportunity to try.
Rail Options
Cruise Planners has several partners we use for rail travel. Rocky Mountaineer, RailBookers, Rail Europe, Vacations by Rail, and Amtrak are right at the top of the list.
