When it comes time to travel, there are other methods of transportation besides driving and flying. You also have the option of taking a train, which is more cost effective and can actually be a comfortable way to travel.
Traveling by train allows you to see parts of the country that you have never seen before, and you can easily waste a great deal of time simply staring out the window.
If you are planning to travel by train but have never done so before, the following tips will help ensure that you have a safe and pleasant trip.
1. Wear something comfortable.
Train rides can take a significant amount of time, so it’s important that you wear something comfortable. Though you have the option to stand or walk around, you will spend most of your time sitting down, and the worst thing you can do is wear something that you’re not comfortable in, as it will make the experience awful.
Make sure that you are wearing loose fitting clothes and shoes that are easy to slip on and off, such as sandals. If you are going to be on the train for a long time, you may want to have an extra outfit on hand if you want to change.
2. Bring your own food.
Even though most traveling trains have a dining car for your convenience, the prices are extremely expensive. This is why it’s important to travel with your own food. Bring a small cooler with you and pack it full of water, sandwiches and other easy-to-eat foods and snacks. This way, when your family is hungry, you have plenty of free options with you.
3. Have entertainment on hand.
You will eventually get tired of looking out the window, so you will want to make sure that you have other forms of entertainment with you. Books and magazines as well as handheld games are a great way to stay entertained. You should also bring a laptop or mobile device to listen to music or watch videos—just make sure you have your headphones and your charger.
If you are in your own private car, you can also bring a deck of cards and play a game with your family to pass the time. As long as you keep yourself entertained, the train ride won’t seem as long.
4. Bring your own pillows and blankets.
If you are traveling far, it can take a few days to get to your destination, which means that you will need to sleep. Most trains will not provide you with pillows and blankets, so you will need to bring your own. Plus, having these items from home is much more comfortable, and it can help you get a good night’s rest.
5. Have cash.
Some trains don’t accept credit cards, and most of them do not have an ATM. If you want to purchase anything on the train, you will need to have cash. Make sure to have a decent amount of cash on you for your trip, but always make sure to keep it in a secure location.
When you travel by train, it’s important to try and enjoy your experience. You may never travel though these states again or see these sights, so make sure that you take them in whenever possible. And by using these tips, you’ll have a better traveling experience.
Caleb Grant is a travel agent. He loves traveling by train and giving advice about the best ways to travel around Bahama island hotels.