When traveling, it’s great to be “chauffeured” by a professional driver.
On a train, there’s a real opportunity for everyone in the group to really relax and sit back while enjoying watching the countryside passing by and having the chance to think about and discuss things that you’ve already seen as well as treats yet to come.
One of the many advantages of rail travel is that major stations are located in the central business districts, rather that on the fringes of the urban area as is often the case with airports.
As a result, some rail services can actually work out to be faster than air travel.
One recent report cited a trip under the English Channel.
“In just under two hours on Eurostar we reached Old Blighty from Brussels” …..”I was already sipping a cup of Earl Grey in my hotel room in London in the time it would have taken me to check in for my flight and clear security and customs at a busy airport”.
Many travelers don’t think about train travel when they’re planning their vacation. However, there are very many advantages to this form of travel:
- point-to-point travel planning – direct from the center of one city to the center of the next – with no shuttles, taxis or rental cars
- the chance to enjoy the scenery during the trip itself – get a much better sense of the way of life as you move through the countryside
- do what you prefer during the trip – reading, listening to music, chatting or simply taking a snooze
- be an eco-warrior – lower your carbon footprint whilst on the move
- comfort levels – greater in a train than an aircraft, especially for those of us that can’t afford to fly first-class
- fewer security and safety issues – rail offers greater flexibility about what you can carry onboard
- the choice of high-speed or slow-travel transport options – get there quick or take your time
- a wide variety of ticketing options – to enable “on-the-fly” changes to schedules if required
Europe, the United States and Canada have extensive rail networks, although these are not yet so well developed in many parts of Asia.
Travel by rail in Europe is also a great way to get off the beaten track, since Europe’s extensive rail network reaches into almost every corner of every country, often into places that aren’t even accessible by road.
To find out more about rail travel please visit other relevant posts.