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One of my daughter’s favorite travel memories is the time she visited Washington D.C. My parents, baby sister and daughter took the train from New Orleans to D.C. THe backdrop was simply magnificent but like many methods of transportation, it was not without a few hiccups.
Americans continue to travel, but with the economy continuing to be sluggish and uncertain, more and more citizens are looking at cheaper and more efficient travel options. Railroad travel seems to be growing in popularity. If you’re wondering what’s new, check out a few of these tidbits.
Railroad Travel is Growing in Favor Over Air Travel
More and more Americans are turning to the railways to get them from point A to point B over air travel. Several factors play into that turn of loyalty. In short, more people are skipping the airways in favor of the railways in order to get them where they need to go — whether their need for travel is work-related or for personal pleasure.
In a recent poll of global travelers, a large percentage of respondents said that they would like to see options for railroad travel listed on travel sites in addition to air travel options. This means that more people are considering the railroad as a viable consideration when they are making travel plans.
Americans Prefer Less Hassle for Their Travels
What are the reasons that consumers are hitting the rails more and more and the air terminals less and less? Some of the reasons cited in the poll were:
Time — Travelers are growing weary of the extreme time investment that goes along with air travel. The biggest issues with that time investment was the length of time it took to check in, get through security, and board flights. Many consumers would accept longer travel times if they were coupled with shorter times spent in pre-boarding requirements. Long lines at airports and baggage fees were noted as frustrations along with airport security for those who were polled.
Cost — Fees for checking baggage at airports was a noted issue with poll respondents. Extra fees and hidden costs was also mentioned as one reason why some travelers prefer railways over airways.
Overall Comfort — What does railroad travel offer that airway travel cannot? It seems as though more and more travelers are finding that riding the rails is much more comfortable than flying the friendly skies. How is it more comfortable? A large percentage of people who responded to the travel poll noted that the overall hassle of air travel versus the ease of rail travel helped them make a choice about their preference.
Interestingly enough, some poll respondents said that they longed to have friends and family have the option of greeting them as they disembark from their chosen mode of travel or seeing them off as they leave. With this in mind, many preferred railroad travel over air travel.
Travelers who are want more options than air travel seem to be choosing the railroad as a viable option for their short trips. This is definitely an industry to watch as interest seems to keep surging and growing.
Have you traveled by train? Would you consider train travel for an upcoming family vacation?
I would definitely travel by train it’s more personal all sitting together usually with a table in between the four of us, ideal for playing games, chatting as well as looking at the beautiful scenery. Love it.
Yes I did take a short trip by train from near NYC to Albany a couple of years back. It took longer then if I drove but I actually got to see the scenery along the way! I have never liked being on a plane and only if it was a dire emergency would I get on one again!
I have not traveled by train but I would love to! I think it would be a lot of fun and seeing the scenery would be great!
Leaving in England, one of the best way to travel is by rail. Traveling as a group is much fun as there are so many things you can do. Now sitting for more than 2 hours I find it boring. LOL! Thanks for sharing.
Ella
I have never traveled by train but would love to. I want to take the Amtrak across the country and enjoy the view.
I have to admit that I have never been on a train before in my life. I have always wanted to go on a train ride just to say I did it. This is great information and thanks for sharing.