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BANG FOR THE BITE
If 10,000 Biters travel from London to Paris by train instead of plane, we'll avert the CO2 caused by 122 flight attendants in a year.
COCKTAIL FACT
In 2005, some train nerds in Germany built a model train almost 362 ft long.
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home › tip library › Taking the Train
When you travel, is relaxation the last thing on your mind?
The Bite
Join the club. Try taking the train - it may be slower than flying, but you can't beat it for low-stress travel. Plus, there's just one train of thought when it comes to hitting the eco-friendly (rail)road: Trains pollute less.The Benefits
- Relaxomotion. On trains, the scenery, separate dining car, and legroom make for a way more comfortable ride.
- Less stress on Ma Nature. Per trip, flying produces 19 times more greenhouse gas emissions than going by rail.
- Steering clear of TSA. If you're traveling under 200 mi, trains are usually faster, since with tight airport security, you have to get to the airport earlier.
Personally Speaking
Last year, Jenifer took a 12-hour train ride from Budapest through the Carpathian mountains to Transylvania. Boxed in on all sides by the cargo of Gypsy bandits, she could do nothing but stare out a small patch of window the entire time. Thankfully, every other rail ride she's taken has been relatively uneventful.Wanna Try?
- Amtrak - you can't take it to Honolulu, but Amtrak hits most of the major cities in the continental United States.
Dec 14,2007
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Coaster, California
I'm not terribly train-proficient. In fact, unless I'm traveling in a foreign country or running around a specific corridor on the East Coast, I have to admit to having a truly inadequate approach to train travel.
Never was this more apparent than when I learned about the California Coaster. For those who don't know, the California Coaster is a train that runs between San Diego and Oceanside, CA. Back in my mid-20s, I lived in LA for a couple of years and used to drive down to San Diego quite often to visit my family. During that drive, I often saw quaint, cute little signs for "Coaster." For whatever reason, I never really paid attention to where I saw the signs, I just remember noticing them and thinking: "Huh. Weird name for a town."
It took many years, and many, many trips before it occurred to me that the "town" of Coaster , CA, seemed to span many, many miles between OC and SD. Thus, one day, I arrived in San Diego and asked my sister-in-law what the deal with Coaster was and why there were so many exits to get to it.
Needless to say, Krista laughed at me.
Next time I need to get up the coast from SD? I'm heading to Coaster, CA.
-Heather...off to revel in the fact that I am not traveling during the holidays for the first time in 17 years...
Never was this more apparent than when I learned about the California Coaster. For those who don't know, the California Coaster is a train that runs between San Diego and Oceanside, CA. Back in my mid-20s, I lived in LA for a couple of years and used to drive down to San Diego quite often to visit my family. During that drive, I often saw quaint, cute little signs for "Coaster." For whatever reason, I never really paid attention to where I saw the signs, I just remember noticing them and thinking: "Huh. Weird name for a town."
It took many years, and many, many trips before it occurred to me that the "town" of Coaster , CA, seemed to span many, many miles between OC and SD. Thus, one day, I arrived in San Diego and asked my sister-in-law what the deal with Coaster was and why there were so many exits to get to it.
Needless to say, Krista laughed at me.
Next time I need to get up the coast from SD? I'm heading to Coaster, CA.
-Heather...off to revel in the fact that I am not traveling during the holidays for the first time in 17 years...
Biter Comments...
I love train traveling! It's expensive when compared to a plane, however. Add a cabin for a week long trip and wow! Consider it an experience to be enjoyed. The cabin, the dining car, lounge, the countryside views, city views. It's similar to how riding your bike makes you feel more connected to the world than driving. They do need to bring the price down though to encourage more people to consider this wonderful option.
Sadly - for the Pacific Northwest train travel could likely be more stressful than airline travel. Some folks do try Amtrak only to find they have to "de-train" & board a bus in order to get to Portland or Seattle & other parts north.
Also, although I've taken the train to Reno from Oakland/Emeryville and back (and it's a beautiful trip for sightseeing, too) on the departing trip we had to wait several hours for them to "re-align" the tracks so it would be safe for the train to travel. At least we didn't have to wait "on the train" while that happened (like being "on the tarmack") -
It's too bad the train routes on the west Coast aren't more plentiful and that passengers got a little more respect(than freight) which can leave passengers waiting and wondering for hours and hours.
-Elise
I must agree with Elise... maybe it's changed since I moved away from CA but I used to take the coaster quite often (I lived in LA, my BF in SD, no car, student... so train it was). I have had a lot of negative experiences with Amtrak... getting shunted and waiting for hours...
on the bright side: I now live in the EU (first Germany, now France) and we use the train for short and long trips. If you book in advance, a sleeper on a night train is the same price as flying, except that you rock up at the station 10 minutes before your train arrives (no 2+ hour wait, no removing shoes), get on board, unpack a picnic dinner complete with wine, and then fall asleep and wake up the next morning where you want to be. Much happier experience! May the States one day wake up and smell the coffee....
As Elise said, in the EU, well the countries in the west of the EU like France, train traveling is VERY WELL organized and relaxing enough. I should know: I am was born in France and I use the train there each time I go there. Driving is cool because you can go and do what you want but, in France, the train is as cheap and far less stressful to use. Hopefully, in the USA they shall do trains again and I think they will: gas is expensive, you rely too much of some unstable countries for it and it is less polluting to travel by train. So, if you cleverly mix cars and trains you win.
In Europe, sure - I am all over traveling by train. I love it!
In the States, however? It's the most inefficient experience. I'd rather drive (and that's saying something). Hell, I'm willing to consider taking the bus before I take a train again. It's sad, because based on my experiences in Italy, trains were fantastic, and who wouldn't want to travel more ecofriendly?
*sigh*
fre ftwrf
In Europe its convenient to travel by train,especially if you are traveling with children.its really relaxing and cool.in Norway,to have a better view of the country and the scenic beauty you must take a train ride.
If I have to choose between taking the train and driving I will always take the train. Europe has excellent rail system and people are actually using it. It is cheap, fast and comfortable.
PHOTO ALBUMS
Posted by: Sarah B, Out for Social Justice to Marry Eco-Livin | December 14, 2007 at 08:19 AM