Riding the Rails

Some kids are fabulous travelers no matter what the mode of transportation. Yet for my family, flying with our daughter is an experience not for the faint of heart! After our latest trip by plane, we arrived home exhausted, vowing never to fly again until we can afford first class.

I know we aren't alone in this predicament; for many families, the stress and unpredictability of air travel make it a non-option. Sound familiar? Consider train travel as a great alternative. If you can spend a bit of extra time en route, traveling by rail offers a rich opportunity for your family members to enjoy one another's company in a stress-free, roomy environment for a price that is usually equal to or lower than the cost of flying.

The coach sections of most trains offer comfortable seating plus the chance for restless riders to get up and move around. A child can sit on the floor or enjoy playing in the children's car with other kids. The entire family can eat together in the restaurant car while watching beautiful scenery pass by. There's also the option of reserving your own private compartment.

Although the American train system pales in comparison to Europe's extensive Eurail system, Amtrak offers a sizable network reaching more than 500 destinations, with access to the Grand Canyon, the Rocky Mountains, and both coasts.