Train Travel Tips For Families

[Andy L. Goff]

There are many benefits to train travel for families, including cheaper fares and room for the kids. However, it is important to remember to leave enough time for connecting trains. Often, these connections are far too close for comfort. Also, keep in mind that the train journey can be long - five hours on a train can feel like an eternity!

To make train travel easier for you and your family, make sure you make bookings in advance. By doing so, you will have more flexibility in case something goes wrong, such as a delay. It's also helpful to book seats that are close to the luggage area and have a table in the middle, so you can all sit together. Also, make sure you buy your baby their own seat and pack toys to occupy your kids.

You should also bring food for your children. Most trains, including Amtrak, have a kid's menu. However, if your child has trouble eating in a restaurant environment, pack snacks for him or her to munch on. Another great train travel tip for families is to have a cooler with drinks and snacks.

Make sure to pack extra clothes for children. Children need to dress appropriately for a variety of weather conditions, and it is not uncommon for the temperature to drop. Children should be dressed in layers, and pack a thin long sleeve shirt and a sweater. They can also wear headphones to keep them entertained throughout the journey.

Trains are a great way to bring your family to new places. Amtrak trains have friendly staff members who engage children on board. The trains are often equipped with a coloring book and other activities to keep children entertained. They also offer paper locomotives and conductor hats for kids to color.

Another benefit to train travel for families is the fact that it is more comfortable. Trains generally have fewer people, so there is more space for adults and toddlers to stretch out. In addition, trains are often less crowded than flights, which makes them a more affordable option for families. However, you should do your homework before booking a ticket to make sure that the journey is not too expensive. By comparing prices, journey time, and train car class, you can make an informed decision that will suit your family's needs.

Another advantage of train travel is that it does not require hours of preparation. While it doesn't require extensive planning, it is still worth allowing enough time to pick up tickets and go to the bathroom. You can also ask the conductor for assistance if you're unsure of where to sit.

Many long-distance trains offer formal programming. For example, Amtrak has partnered with the National Park Service, which means that there are real-life park rangers available on board to give informative talks about the park's surroundings and history. Likewise, on the Coast Starlight train, there is a private movie room and a cabinet filled with traditional board games. In addition to the onboard entertainment, children can also enjoy a book or two while traveling by train.