I have a new love affair: trains.
Prior to two days ago, I had only been on a long-distance train once, with scouts. I think I was 8 or 9 at the time. I don’t remember much about it. Which is to say, it didn’t make a big enough impression on me at the time.
However, I was trying to make plans to meet up with friends over the school break and see some family. Being a full-time student with no steady income, cost suddenly became a factor. Trains were cheapest mode of travel, and they were only slightly slower than driving myself. And with the benefit of not having to buy gas (expensive). Or road trip snacks (always dangerous).
I thought I’d give it a go.
Wow. Just. Wow.
There was no hassle, like security lines in airports. I got to bring two bags with no extra fees. I had plenty of leg room to stretch out and the seats recline way more than airplane seats. The Amtrak personnel that I interacted with were knowledgeable and courteous. Plus, one of my professors for next semester emailed us our reading list a week before my trip, so I got a head start on reading while on the train.
The best part was, I traveled almost 1,500 miles, round-trip, for the cost of $150.
My spouse and I are already talking about doing a cross-country train trip for our next vacation. Planning stops, along the way, of course. We both have a few states that we haven’t made it to yet, and a train ride is the perfect way to go visit them.
So, I’m hooked. Trains. My new obsession.
Go forth and write!
Prior to two days ago, I had only been on a long-distance train once, with scouts. I think I was 8 or 9 at the time. I don’t remember much about it. Which is to say, it didn’t make a big enough impression on me at the time.
However, I was trying to make plans to meet up with friends over the school break and see some family. Being a full-time student with no steady income, cost suddenly became a factor. Trains were cheapest mode of travel, and they were only slightly slower than driving myself. And with the benefit of not having to buy gas (expensive). Or road trip snacks (always dangerous).
I thought I’d give it a go.
Wow. Just. Wow.
There was no hassle, like security lines in airports. I got to bring two bags with no extra fees. I had plenty of leg room to stretch out and the seats recline way more than airplane seats. The Amtrak personnel that I interacted with were knowledgeable and courteous. Plus, one of my professors for next semester emailed us our reading list a week before my trip, so I got a head start on reading while on the train.
The best part was, I traveled almost 1,500 miles, round-trip, for the cost of $150.
My spouse and I are already talking about doing a cross-country train trip for our next vacation. Planning stops, along the way, of course. We both have a few states that we haven’t made it to yet, and a train ride is the perfect way to go visit them.
So, I’m hooked. Trains. My new obsession.
Go forth and write!