More and more people turn back the hands of time and take to Amtrak as the new reliable mode of travel for their vacations. After 09/11, airport security became increasingly challenging to get through, especially if you were in a hurry. As a result, most airports have long lines and delays around major holidays due to an increase in security; for many, this becomes a reason to look for another way to holiday.
Traveling with children for vacations is often stressful, especially if you’re traveling with them as single parents or guardians. Keeping them entertained is always a challenge, particularly when they are stuck in a car for hours on end. This is usually a two-person job so one parent can drive, and one can play games or offer snacks, keeping everyone happy and keeping the peace.
Airplanes are typically very cramped, and most times, people don’t have the best luck traveling with children; some even roaming the isles or even crying during the flight due to the air pressure. The quick change in cabin pressure puts extra pressure on their ears which becomes extremely painful. Being stuck on a runway for hours will undoubtedly make children uncomfortable, and these delays often happen around the holidays. If you’ve ever tried to change a diaper in those small airplane bathrooms, you’ll know that it isn’t a simple feat to accomplish
Traveling with Amtrak is highly family-oriented, so this might be the simplest mode of transportation for your family holiday travel. The cars are roomy, and you can get up and walk around freely at any time without issue. With all the windows and the ever-changing scenery, keeping your family entertained is much easier than driving or flying. Every Amtrack has a food or diner car that offers a selection of food depending on your route. This makes meal planning much easier, but you are more than welcome to bring your meals and snacks if you wish.
Now, if your train excursion will take you across the state or the country, Amtrak offers sleeping cars of varied sizes that can accommodate a single traveler up to an entire family. This is an excellent way for your kids to have the space they need to relax, read, or even have a quiet nap. Depending on the route, most family sleeping cars offer enough room for two adults and two children comfortably.
You will find excellent holiday travel deals by contacting your Vacation Ownership Advisor, who can make recommendations on routes and even reserve a sleeper for you or your entire family. Depending on the time of year, it is possible to get extra benefits, such as coupons for free meals or discounted travel; ask your Vacation Ownership Advisor as they will know the latest deals available.
Make sure you make your reservations for Amtrak early, in any case. The tickets often sell out quickly for holiday travel, and most trains have a limited number of sleeping cars. You don’t want to be stuck without one or have to accept one that’s too small for your family because you waited too long to make your reservation. A quick call to your Vacation Ownership Advisor will alleviate these challenges and give you peace of mind, knowing your trip has been planned by a professional.
Traveling by train has a bonus; you can leave your car in secure parking free of charge, as long as you are traveling with Amtrak. Every major airport charges you by the day while you are on your holiday, which makes leaving your vehicle behind an added expense that can quickly add up. Yes, there is the option that you can have your family or friends drop you off and pick you up at the station if you have that available. Or you can choose alternate modes of transportation, like a rental car, taxi, Uber, or Lyft, all these options still cheaper than most long-term airport parking.
Check out the available destinations that Amtrak travels to by going online to the Amtrak website, or even more accessible. Call your Vacation Ownership Advisor today and let them help you decide what train excursion is best for you and your family. With today’s ever-changing travel landscape, you can always count on Vacation Ownership Advisor to get you where you want to go, when you want to go, and how you want to go.
Vacation Ownership Advisor Team
