Take a Train Vacation

By and large, European trains are frequent and on time. American trains are not nearly as frequent, and most people will tell you they are not nearly as punctual. The distances are greater in the U.S. than in Europe and the tracks are owned by the freight companies, which give priority to their own trains. On average, however, trains compare favorably with airlines. In 2009, planes were on time 79 percent of the time. Trains were slightly worse with a 71 percent average. On trips over 400 miles long, however, trains arrive on schedule only about half the time. Ninety-four percent of Amtrak’s trains are wheelchair accessible, but that is not the case in Europe. France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland, Denmark, The Netherlands and Sweden get good marks but Austria, the United Kingdom and Poland less so. The rest of Europe is an accessibility crapshoot. All Eurostar trains are wheelchair accessible, however, and offer reduced rates for a traveling companion. Eurostar serves Germany, France, England and Belgium.

A trip on the City of New Orleans from Chicago to New Orleans takes 19 hours. You can nap in the reclining seats or book a sleeper compartment that has a fold-down bed with two seats that fold together to form a second bed. The sleeper adds $185 to the standard fare of about $110, but the price includes regional cuisine in the two-story diner car. The 43-hour trip from Chicago to L.A. on the Southwest Chief costs about $145 when booked in advance, with an extra $300 or so for a sleeper and meals.

Sleepers cost extra if you’re traveling on a Eurail pass, too. If you’re willing to tough it out, the standard seats recline. Better yet, seating in many European trains is in compartments, and if the seat facing you is empty, you can slide it together with yours to form a bed.

Eurail and Amtrak both let you buy tickets online. Get them in advance. Most trains offer you a choice between first- and second-class travel. Second class is clean, comfortable and cheaper. Eurail passes for adults are all for first-class travel. Youth passes, for those 25 and younger, are for second-class travel. If you’re traveling with a group (including your kids) get a “Saver” pass, which provides first class-travel for everyone in the group. The price is the same, regardless of group size, up to a maximum of five people.

Whether traveling in the US or abroad, pack lightly. While many trains have baggage cars to stow large suitcases, once you check your bag, it’s inaccessible until you get off the train. If you need to take a lot of luggage, carry the essentials on board in a suitcase small and light enough to lift onto an overhead rack. The clothing you should pack depends on your needs. Students have been known to get through entire summers in Europe on two pair of blue jeans and a couple shirts. You may want to take a bit more. A change of clothes, clean underwear and socks, a jacket, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and hair care products are probably the minimum. Eurail provides a suggested packing list on their website.

There are no banks on trains, so carry what you need for the trip in small denomination travelers checks. Change is at a premium in many countries, and it can be hard to break a big bill or large denomination travelers check. Keep your money with you at all times, preferably in a money belt.

Unless you’ve booked a sleeper, pack a travel blanket and pillow for overnight trips. Snacks, bottled water and hand sanitizer are good ideas, too. And don't forget your camera.

Part of the joy is the experience. Part of it is the scenery. Part of it is meeting people. If you’re traveling somewhere you don’t speak the language, part of the fun is inventing a sign language to use with the locals.

It’s hard to imagine how you could tire of the Rockies, Southern France or Umbria, but most train companies suggest you pack something for when you get bored — playing cards, a book or a mini DVD player with headphones are good choices.