If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know how much I love trains. I am going to explain why I LOVE train travel and tell you about some American railroads!
BRIGHTLINE RAILROAD – Brightline is a high speed railroad located in Florida. This train is all about fast, baby! In fact, it is one of the very few high-speed trains in the US. It is not a luxury line with customers admiring the outside scenery. Although it has a number of business travelers, it is heavily used by tourists . It makes travel between Orlando and South Florida a breeze. Tourists looking for a way to easily move around the state love it.. Brightline has a heavy emphasis on kid-centered family travel. The interior of the train is comfortable and arranged to provide group seating, with plenty of room for strollers etc. They also have a play room specifically tailored for kids to enjoy and have fun. The train serves beverages and food complete with family friendly menus. Free wi fi and charging ports at each seat. Bring Fido as this is a pet friendly ride!
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER – I had long associated Rocky Mountaineer with Canada. That is where my husband and I took a tour. Now that it also has routes in the US we simply have to try it here as well! This train journey was a great introduction to the idea of journey as a destination. We had the Gold Leaf Service and the feeling was comfortable and warm. There was a top-notch dining room on board where we had breakfast and lunch. The food was delicious and there was certainly no need for dinner! Each night we stayed at fabulous hotels and the train picked us up in the morning. The Rocky Mountaineer is glass-domed and there are also outdoor viewing areas. Comfortable seats and hosts that were attentive without being over-bearing. The star of this show was the scenery, of course.
Since it is now in the American west I look forward to riding it again! It is not just a train ride but a total experience. You’ll love it!
ALASKA RAILROAD – I have mentioned this fantastic rail line before so I will keep my remarks here brief. Alaska is a huge state and not as easily traveled as most of the lower 49. This not-built-for -speed line will show you parts of Alaska that tourists often do not see. You’ll have a great time and will be rewarded by seeing parts of Alaska frequently left unseen such as the Spence Glacier cascading down the mountain!
A train is more than just a method of transportation-it is an integral part of the trip. As I mentioned above, the journey is the destination. You can relax, listen to music, feel the
train moving under your feet. Order a drink, talk to another traveler, daydream, or get mesmerized by the passing scenery. Do it once and you will want to do it again!
I had an early infatuation with trains. An electric train set still remains in our attic. My friend Neal, worked the rails, of course he loved all means
of transportation. You get of a different picture of the landscape, urban or rural by choo choo. There was a time, since past that I considered railroads as a future employment opportunity. Alas now I will settle for the occasional vacation. I hear that the best view of the Alps is via train.
Here’s hoping that I will have that opportunity. Thanks for the chance to daydream.