Make The Most Of Your Train Travel Experience

Although train travel is not the most popular method of getting around (air is faster, your car is more convenient, the bus is cheaper, etc.), it offers one of the most unique travel experiences you'll ever have.

In fact, if you've decided to take the train-whether you're planning on traversing across the U.S. or Canada from one end to the other, or whether you're traveling between countries in Europe-there are a number of things you can do to make the most of your train travel experience and really enjoy it.

First of all, plan to travel for quite a long time-for sure longer than if you would go the same distance by car. If you expect long hours ahead of time, you won't be quite as annoyed when it seems to be taking forever or the train schedule is delayed, which can happen.

Because of the long hours involved, pack along different activities you can do throughout the ride. Reading is the perfect activity for train rides, as trains are more conducive to reading than busses or even cars because of the smoothness and stability. Bring along several books, magazines, comics, or newspapers-whatever it is you like to read.

Crossword puzzles are also fun to do during train travel. Other writing activities, such as word searches, word jumbles, writing long overdue letters to friends and family, and journaling make great train travel activities.

Take your portable CD player with your favorite CDs or your iPod to listen to music while you're enjoying the ride. You can simultaneously relax and enjoy the scenery while listening to some tunes. Train rides are notorious for the scenery, so take some time to really soak in the sights.

If you're train traveling with children, the "Are we there yet?" question can seriously drive you insane, so it's essential to pack along plenty of activities for them to do along the way. Reading books, activity books, sticker books, coloring books and crayons, quiet toys, and video games make great kid companions for long train rides. Don't forget to pack plenty of kid-friendly snacks as well as pillows for naps.

Try interacting with your fellow train passengers in a friendly, respectful, and polite manner. You can roam around and meet other travelers. If you're traveling with your family and you find another family with young children, you may want to try to get the kids to play together so the adults can enjoy some conversation.

And don't forget to take advantage of the restaurant or café car, if there is one. Pack everyone up and head there at meal times and enjoy a leisurely meal, or at least a snack or beverage. This will certainly shave off some time during your train travel.