Trains The Ultimate Travel Hack! Discover Why it’s the Best Mode of Transportation in Just 3 Simple Reasons.

Having traversed over 100 hours aboard a train, I can confidently attest to its unrivaled status as the supreme mode of transportation. Allow me to present three compelling reasons why this glorious locomotive stands head and shoulders above its rivals.

The Unbeatable Charm of Train Travel

The author in front of a blue train with a red stripe, sitting with her knees up in a train bed with blue cushions behind her and a window on the left. Photo: Joey Hadden/Insider

All aboard the train! Choo-choo! 🚂 Let me tell you why train travel is the absolute best way to get from point A to point B. After a staggering 117 hours spent riding the rails, I am convinced that I have found the holy grail of transportation. Trains reign supreme, leaving flights and cars trailing in their tracks. And no, I’m not just blowing steam.

Let’s start with sustainability because, let’s face it, saving the planet is, like, totally “in” right now. Trains are the eco-warrior’s choice, my friends. They’re one of the most sustainable ways to traverse the globe. I mean, even the sustainability experts agree, so it must be true! According to Amtrak, taking a train instead of a flight reduces your carbon emissions by a whopping 73%. And over in Europe, Eurail has reported that traveling by train is between 66% and 75% less carbon-intensive than driving or flying. I don’t know about you, but those numbers make me want to jump on the train bandwagon ASAP.

But wait, there’s even more! Trains are like the punctuality superheroes of the transportation world. Sure, they’re not perfect, but compared to the countless delayed flights I’ve endured, train delays are a mere blip on the radar. Most of my train rides have been right on schedule, and even when there is a delay, it rarely exceeds two hours. Can’t say the same for those delayed flights that have almost made me miss important family events (thanks for nothing, airplane!). The anxiety of wondering whether I’ll arrive on time every time I fly is enough to give anyone a serious case of nerves. But with trains, I can sit back, relax, and actually have faith in my arrival time. Take that, flight delays!

Now, let’s talk about comfort. Oh, sweet comfort! Train seats are like luxurious thrones compared to those tiny airplane or car seats. They’re bigger and cushier, offering ample room to stretch out. And here’s a little insider tip: upgrading to first or business class on a train won’t break the bank like it does on planes. So you can pamper yourself with large, plush seats without emptying your wallet. And when it comes to overnight trips, say goodbye to cramped car seats or economy-class nightmares. A cozy bunk on a sleeper train is like a fluffy cloud of dreams, allowing you to catch some quality Z’s while traveling. Good luck finding that level of comfort on a red-eye flight, my friends.

But it’s not just about convenience and sustainability. Train travel has a charm all its own. Picture this: you’re gazing out the window as the world outside whizzes by, landscapes changing in the blink of an eye. It’s like being in your very own nature documentary. And being confined to a train for extended periods of time? Well, it forces you to just sit back, relax, and do absolutely nothing. In our busy, go-go-go lives, that forced relaxation is oddly refreshing.

So there you have it, folks. Trains are the magical unicorns of transportation. They’re sustainable, reliable, and oh-so-comfortable. Plus, they offer a front-row seat to Mother Nature’s ever-changing masterpiece. So if you’re looking for a journey with a touch of whimsy and a whole lot of charm, hop aboard the train and let the adventure begin! 🚆