For many people, the upcoming holiday season will mark a return to travel. Some travelers will choose to fly, others will take a road trip. But there is a less thought of third option of traveling - and that is by train. Train travel offers several benefits that other modes of transportation do not that most people do not think of.
Train lines, like airlines, have implemented several new booking and safety procedures to help protect you and your loved ones when you travel.
Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider taking a train to your next destination. It is also a guide on what to expect if you do decide to travel by train.
1. You can lessen your impact on the environment.
According to the US EPA, aircrafts produce 12 percent of all domestic transportation greenhouse gas emissions. Trains, on the other hand, emit significantly less carbon dioxide compared to planes. In fact, if you take a train, you cut carbon dioxide by half compared to a plane ride covering the same distance.
2. Travel by train can save you time.
Not only are trains better for the environment, but sometimes taking a train is faster than flying. When you fly you must consider the wait time at the airport. First, you must get to the airport which is normally located outside the city. When you arrive at the airport, you must go to the check-in counter, and/or bag drop, you must go through security checkpoints, and then you must find your boarding gate. If you are traveling internationally, you must go through customs and sometimes you must change terminals. When you arrive at your destination, you must go through baggage claim.
On the other hand, many train stations arrive and depart in the center of the city. This means you can save even more time by avoiding traffic delays. You can also save money if you can eliminate the cost of additional ground transportation, because you will already be in the city.
3. Did you know that you can also book a train based on capacity?
If you are traveling during Covid-19, you may want to conduct extra safety-related research to make sure you are making the best decision. One thing you may want to consider are how many passengers are booked on your train. Fortunately, train lines have considered this, as well. Amtrak has limited the number of bookings on its trains and is making passenger volume available in real-time. This will let you know the percentage of seats that have already been booked on any given train.
Here are some of the other new safety protocols and procedures train travelers can expect:
• Passengers are required to wear masks or face coverings for the duration of their train journey, as well as in all train stations.
• Limited capacity to promote physical distancing.
• Social distancing guidelines and accompanying signage at stations, platforms, and on trains.
• Some trains offer private rooms for extra space and privacy.
• There is enhanced onboard air filtration systems and cleaning procedures.
• New boarding and disembarking procedures to encourage physical distancing upon entering and exiting the train.
4. You can work while on the train
Do you need to work during your trip? Many trains offer uninterrupted and free access to Wi-Fi during your trip. Also, even if you are sitting in economy, the seat pitch and leg room is ideal for setting up a temporary workstation. Plus, there are power outlets available if you neglected to charge your laptop beforehand.
5. Do you just want to relax and enjoy the scenery?
Trains do not offer the same entertainment as flights but traveling by train allows you to gain a different perspective on the states or countries you are traveling through. You will have the unique opportunity to take in the sights on your train journey.
For example, on the Amtrak Cascades route from Eugene, OR to Vancouver, BC, you can see views of Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker and pass through breathtaking rainforests and cloud forests. You can never experience that from a plane.
It’s Your Decision
Making the decision to travel during the holidays and especially during Covid-19 is stressful enough. Traveling by train or taking a train vacation is just other option you can consider getting to your destination.
As you consider returning to travel during the Covid-19, weigh all of your transportation options—you might find that traveling by train is the least stress-inducing and most socially-distant mode that works for you.
Would you like info on train travel? If so, contact Colesville Travel today at 301-989-1654 or email us at cindy@colesvilletravel.com
In the meantime, stay inspired
Cindy