Holiday Travel By Train

More and more people are turning to Amtrak as asleeping cars offer enough space for two adults and
reliable way to travel for the holidays. After thetwo children comfortably.
terrorist attacks of 09/11/01, airport security hasYou will find great holiday travel deals on Amtrak
become increasingly difficult to get through. As a resultwhen you reserve a sleep car as well. Many times
most airports have long lines and delays taking placeyou will get coupons for free meals offered in the
around the holidays because they don't want todining car. This is an expense you will have to cover
become lax even when it is busy.on your own otherwise so it helps offset the cost of
Traveling with children for the holidays can be stressful,the sleep car.
especially if you are traveling with them alone. KeepingMake sure you make reservations for Amtrak early
them entertained in a car for the trip is often a twothough. They tickets often sell out quickly for holiday
person job so one can drive and one can play gamestravel and they have a limited number of sleeping cars.
or offer snacks to keep everyone in the vehicle happyYou don't want to be stuck without one or have to
for the duration of the trip.accept one that is too small for comfort because you
Airplanes are very cramped and most people don't dowaited too long to make your reservation.
well with children roaming the isles or crying during theMost train stations are very well set up and you can
flight. For younger children, the amount of pressure thateven leave your car there when you board the
can build in their ears on an airplane is very painful.Amtrak for free. Most airports charge you by the day
Being stuck on a runway for hours will definitely maketo leave your vehicle behind and that is an expense
children uncomfortable and these delays often happenthat quickly adds up. You can either have your family
around the holidays. If you have ever tried to changeor friends pick you up at the train station for your
diapers in the small airplane bathrooms you will knowdestination or choose alternate modes of
that it isn't an easy feat to accomplish.transportation. There will likely be rental cars at the
Amtrak is very family oriented so this may be the bestterminal or you can take a taxi cab.
mode of transportation for your holiday travel. TheYou can go online to find out the various destinations
cars are roomy and you are able to get up and walkthat Amtrak travels to. If they don't go to your exact
around freely. There is plenty of scenery along thelocation but within 100 miles you may want to consider
railway routes too for you to enjoy.having someone pick you up there or to rent a car to
If you are be going on a long trip for the holidays,go the rest of the way. Amtrak is affordable and
Amtrak offers sleeping cars of various sizes. This is amuch more comfortable than taking an airplane or
great way for your children to have the room theytraveling all that way in a car.
need to take a nap and to play. Most of the family