Whistle Stop

This past summer, I bought myself a 30-day Amtrak rail pass and rode trains all over the United States. While Amtrak usually takes longer than flying, no better option exists for travelers who really want to see everything our country has to offer. Actually, it's really for those who want to observe and experience the diversity of American life. They don't call it the Observation Car for nothing- riding an Amtrak train, one somehow feels like an active participant in the shifting, changing landscape, not merely a spectator. In addition, riding the rails provides its own incomparable travel experience in and of itself. Train travel has an undeniable romance about it, and the route names of today pay homage to train travel's golden era: California Zephyr, Empire Builder, Silver Meteor- just the names evoke a sense of adventure and sophistication.

Train travel in the U.S. has managed to avoid the difficulties and complications of air travel. Amtrak has no security line or extra fees, you can check four bags for free, and the food in the dining car is head and shoulders above most airlines. Besides, what could be more civilized than eating your meal over good conversation while the sun sets behind the mountains? In addition, passengers have a great deal more space and mobility than passengers on planes, and trains have no 'Fasten Seat Belt' sign. Even coach seats have 50 inches of legroom, not to mention the copious amounts of space in the Observation Car, Lounge Car, Dining Car, and each individual sleeping cabin. Travel by train is especially comfortable for families with young children; parents can keep children occupied by the outside scenery, the ability to explore the train, and the endless opportunity to play games in the Observation Car.

Many cities are serviced by the Amtrak system, and 237 national parks are accessible by train, bringing the exploration of our country firmly into the grasp of everyone. Travel with Amtrak has been referred to by Travel Weekly as a 'sleeping giant', and we can expect to see increases in service and speed in the years to come. Amtrak Vacations has more than doubled its scheduled departures for 2013 in light of a growing ridership (3.5% increase in the past year), and Amtrak submitted proposals for true high-speed rail in several corridors, including the popular Northeast corridor (75% of travelers take the train between New York and Washington).  Amtrak is truly poised to reemerge as a popular, comfortable, and stress-free travel option.