If you are heading out to enjoy a vacation on the rails, there area few things you should know, says Shivani Vora in The New York Times.
The first thing is that you've made a great decision.
"Traveling by train is a fabulous way to see any country unfold, and you can truly relax onboard because you're not worrying about driving, directions or traffic," Eleanor Flagler Hardy, the president of the Society of International Railway Travelers, tells The New York Times.
Another important thing about train travel is choosing the right train.
"There's a train journey for just about every type of traveler," notes Vora, pointing out that there are options for families, adventurers those who are looking to relax and enjoy the scenery.
"For example, VIA Rail Canada and Rocky Mountaineer, both Canadian companies, offer the option of two- to three-day trips that are suited for families with younger children," says Vora.
Rail travel doesn't have to break the bank, either - but it can.
"Train vacations can accommodate both luxury and cost-conscious travelers. Pricey train trips with high-quality service, multicourse meals paired with premium wines and deluxe accommodations include the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which goes through various destinations in Europe, the Belmond Royal Scotsman, through Scotland, England and Wales, and the Eastern & Oriental Express, which includes a Bangkok-to-Singapore itinerary," Vora notes.
One of the things that all train journeys have in common is that packing light will always be a big benefit to travelers.
"Minimizing your luggage is essential on a rail vacation," Hardy tells The New York Times, "because most trains have limited storage space."
Also, unless you're on a luxury journey, you're responsible for managing your own bags, and the fewer you have, the easier they are to handle," she added.
For more tips on traveling by rail, continue reading here.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore