Half the fun is getting there!

Pop quiz: Think about the last time you rode on a plane. Could you describe your last aero-plane adventure as romantic, adventurous, scenic, and environmentally-friendly?

Yeah, we already know the answer to that. Rising fuels costs, long airport security lines and stricter baggage handling rules have succeeded in sucking out more of the glamour of traveling. The only way to recapture some of that traveling thrill and turn your trip in to a journey is by doing it old school. Take a train!

Now, we know that your adventures abroad might start with a plane journey. Living in North America, there is no real way to avoid that, unless you are exploring the USA, Canada or Mexico this summer. But, if you’re thinking about trekking across foreign continents across the "pond" that is the Atlantic Ocean, you're going to be able to do the journey by rail, for the same price or even cheaper than you would by taking a couple of budget airplane rides. Plastic airplane seats anyone?

There are some serious advantages when it comes to taking a train. First, you have the chance to see things that you just can’t see up in the air. Just imagine the thought of speeding through the Tuscany area of Italy, seeing the beautiful villas and amazing vineyards at ground level. Now add to that the opportunity to chat with locals and learn about the country first-hand. Rail is the number one mode of transportation for Europeans, so you’re bound to meet some interesting people on your way to and from. Your journey will take you through small villages, so you’ll be able to get a real idea of how people live country-to-country.

You can travel guilt-free along with your new friends because it’s incredibly environmentally friendly to ride the train. Electric trains that are powered by nuclear energy are almost free of carbon emissions. Older trains that aren’t electric contribute at least 20% less carbon emissions than airplanes. Larger train operators invest in “carbon credit” programs to offset the extra 80%, making it a carbon-free experience in theory. Also, you CAN get cheap plane tickets to fly from, say London to Dublin. But, experts conclude that shorter flights produce more carbon per mile than long-haul flights consisting of 1,000 miles or more. So if you have to choice to take a train or a plane from somewhere like London to Paris, the obvious “green” choice is the train.

If you haven’t quite bought in to the green movement yet, that’s cool. There are tons of other reasons to ride the train that have nothing to do with the environment. One of the big differences between air travel and riding the rail is the sharp contrast in the level of comfort available. Train journeys are far more comfortable. You can get up and walk around, or take a nap without the roaring noise of jet engines humming in your head. Generally, you’ll have more leg room than you would on an airplane and the enormous luggage allowance means that you aren’t worried about how many books or magazines you can fit in the seat in front of you. On longer train journeys, you’ll have the opportunity to book a couchette, which is basically a room with a couple of bunk beds in it, so when you get to your final destination, you’ll be recharged and raring to go, as opposed to slightly haggard and desperate for a shower.

If you’ve ever gone through the trauma of missing a flight, you’ll know that the next advantage is a real winner. If you miss your train time, it’s not a problem. Just hop on the next one, hassle free. Usually, you need to be at your platform at least 15 minutes before your train is due to depart, as opposed to the 3-hour rule on international flights. When you’re riding the rail, if you’re stopping in another city along the way, you can hop off and explore, consequence free. The flexibility offered on rail passes gives you the chance to stay places for as long or as little as you want. Also, unused rail passes are usually refundable less 15%, so if plans change, you might get some of yours back.

Finally, the best thing about rail passes is that there is one that will fit your needs. There are several options, and all it takes is one call to one of our travel experts to help you pick the right one. Alternatively, if you already have the d’s on what you need, you can book your pass online here at STATravel.com. Take it from us, once you get a taste of what it’s like to ride the rail, you’ll never go back, after all, half the fun is in getting there (especially when you can travel from as low as $16/day).