Traveling by Train -- a Different Way to Go

Train travel is on the rise and there are many reasons why.  Sarah Schlicter in her article "Top Ten Reasons to Travel by Train" lists practicalities like cost and eco-friendliness as well as emotional considerations like charm and scenery to feast the eyes on.  Although air travel is usually a time-saver, traveling by train can be more relaxing, a great way to socialize or even a chance to spend quality time with the family.

It's also a great alternative to driving.  Avoid long, tiring hours on the highway (Are we there yet?), negotiating bad weather and drive-thru fast food on the run.  In some instances taking the train can also be cheaper, as revealed in "10 Amtrak Train Trips Cheaper than Driving" on Frommer's website.

But I think the best reason to travel by train is the romance and sheer scenic possibilities.  What better way to travel comfortably and see the country.  Or if you can't, or don't want to, spend hours on a train, how about a short excursion on a historical steam train or narrow gauge track?

National Geographic Traveler's article "Top 10 North American Train Trips" rates trips in the Eastern and Western U.S. and Canada and Mexico ranging from 3 1/2 hours to 51 hours.  One favorite jaunt is in Colorado on the Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.  I've done this one with my family and even my 3-year-old granddaughter had a blast.  You get the romance of traveling in a restored 1920's steam locomotive and fantastic mountain scenery all in one 3 1/2 hour trip.  Another short trip on the list is the Anchorage to Seward, Alaska Coastal Classic, 4 1/2 hours one way.  Besides gorgeous vistas of glaciers, you're likely to see wildlife like Beluga whales, bald eagles and moose.

If you want to make a whole vacation out of the trip, think about booking a spot on the California Zephyr traveling between Emeryville, California and Chicago, considered to be one of the greatest rail trips ever.  In 51 hours, you'll travel through the farmlands of Iowa and Nebraska, the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and the Sierra Nevadas of Nevada and Utah for an unparalleled array of scenery.  Or take the Rocky Mountaineer through the pristine wilderness of the Candian Rockies between Vancouver and Calgary, travel time: 2 days.

Check out these books and DVDs for more information:

Next month: Great train trips in Europe