However, what is rail travel like today?  Many European travelers, or potential European excursionists, are keenly aware that a train ride vacation in Europe is quite different from any journey by train in the United States. Railroad infrastructure in Europe is extensive and of the highest caliber. In most countries, travelers can set their watches by train departures times. Rail cars are comfortable and clean and offer amenities galore, even luxury, if the price is right.  In addition, here, too, variety is the spice of life: Trains range from the high-speed TGV of France and the ICE of Germany, to the narrow-rail, regional railroads of Switzerland and Austria. Few places in Europe are not accessible by some type of rail. This is a fact that most Europeans use to their greatest advantage. By eliminating automobile travel whenever possible, even transporting their cars by rail to their business and vacation destinations, modern Europeans themselves have contributed substantially to pollution reduction and to the overall level of relaxation and joy of travel all over the continent.

If all of this is true, how does one get started?  Contemplating European train travel requires that potential travelers familiarize themselves with the tools that are available. Travel companies, magazines, guidebooks, and dedicated websites all orient the traveler to the opportunities available. By poring over the information provided, the travel buff can hone in on the amenities and opportunities that fit his, or her, needs:

• desired locations;
• preferred seasons of the year;
• price points; group, or individual;
• set or customized plans;
• transportation combinations with ship, plane, auto or bike.

The sky is the limit. Whether a novice traveler and architecture student is dreaming of a travel/study rail journey throughout the regions of Italy, or a more experienced, luxury-seeking tourist is fantasizing about the Orient-Express tours, there is something for everyone.

A word to the wise, however, if you are customizing your own journey and incorporating the use of Eurail, Bitrail, Eurostar, or InterRail passes, be sure to purchase such passes before you leave the United States. Only few passes are available once you have reached the continent. Additionally, you should check with the rail authorities of the countries on your list. Many companies have reduced-fare tickets for youth, senior citizens, disabled passengers, for groups, and for families with children. Though Eurail and other passes have definite advantages, their constraints may not suit your particular travel plans.

Whether you are looking forward to a classic rail journey to Inverness, or through Andalusia, with an escorted group on a budget, or on your own customized, luxury tour, be sure to familiarize yourself with railroad timetables from the various destinations. This preparation will save you time and headaches later.

Wishing you all Bon Voyage!  Gute Reise!

After that Persian visitor departed from New York City, he traveled up to Boston, and from there to New England and Canada. His route was almost the same as the route taken by the Good Morning in America crew back in 2008. In fact, this short visitor traveled even further than the members of that crew. Chicago was one stop on his train ride.

Vacation plans used to place people on a train. The long ago visitor mentioned in a 21st Century blog did not, however, arrive in the United States as someone on vacation. Neither did he come here in order to promote a book, although he did list his occupation as “author” on the manifest of the ship that brought him to America’s shores.

So why did that visitor endure the trials then associated with train travel? Did he hope to share with others a tale about using a sleeping compartment to on a train? No, in fact, this unusual man chose to sleep in his train seat. He never paid to use the train’s sleeping quarters. While traveling in that upright position, he completed a speaking tour of the continental United States.

Now it is interesting to note the absence from this speaking tour of a stop in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. That is where a number of Amish people live. Those peace loving people share many of the beliefs espoused by the turbaned man who used a train to travel across the United States.

Today in Lancaster, a number of tourists choose to expand the itinerary for their vacation. They find that the can not resist the appeal of the Lancaster countryside, and so they include some unexpected train travel in their vacation. They board the train that carries them through the Lancaster countryside. They marvel at the Amish carriages and at the Amish farmers, clad in a simple black outfit.

Has any Amish resident of Lancaster County ever taken a train travel vacation? Perhaps they have. In the movie Witness, an Amish mother and her son travel by train to Philadelphia. They were planning to visit with relatives. Unfortunately, they never managed to complete their anticipated vacation.