Figuring Out The Romance Of Train Travel

I just got off the train and I want to jump on another.

I’m in Vancouver, Canada and it’s been one of my goals to take the train across this country. I won’t be heading that direction today, just back home across the border tonight, but as I stared out the window (yes, ‘wistfully’, I was totally staring wistfully out the window) on my way here from Everett, Washington (motto: We have more aircraft carriers than Seattle!) I was struck by the fact that often train travel is romanticized. For right or wrong.

The click-clack of the track. The warmth inside while rain or snow flies outside. Backyards and hidden bays you never see from the road or only glimpse from 35,000’.

It feels different. It IS different.

I’ve ridden the train around the USA a number of times. Once for my wedding back in Pennsylvania. Once to visit my brother on the East Coast. Down to the Grand Canyon. Up to Canada. It always seems like a preferred way to travel (if time and location allow). But why? Is it just those things I listed above? That it’s different?

I posed this question on ye olde social sites and gleamed some gems of insight from the wise answers. These answers attempt to put into words what I’m feeling and I’d like to share them with you:

Gabriel Fitzpatrick  –  Because most of us have never been on one and those who have often like to pretend there’s something special about them so that they seem special by extension.

G Dan Mitchell  –  I’ve been on a few – starting when I was very young and continuing much later – and there is something special about them. There is a feeling that you are in a sort of mobile community on a train. You can get up and walk around. You actually see the terrain that you travel through – warts and all. And you have a connection to a mode of travel that has been around during three centuries.

Gary Crabbe  –  Because it was the first form of modern land transportation that wasn’t pulled by horses. Therefore, it was the first form of ‘exotic’ transportation; boats had been around for ever by comparison.

Shannon Lane  –  Train travel makes you take a slower pace. In the US you get to see the back yards of America, giving you a glimpse of a simpler way of life. You don’t have the stress of the TSA or frustrated flyers. That’s romantic to me 🙂

Robin Locker Lacey  –  I think it’s a combination of slower travel and seeing lovely landscapes pass by. My first family trip to Disney in Florida was done on a train from NY. 23 hours on Amtrak and my fondest memory was being so impressed by the waiters who served us coffee, OJ and French Toast (that was delicious) magically balanced their trays and never spilled a drop! Ah, the good ole’ days 🙂

Mary-Alice Pomputius  –  Perhaps because you NOTICE that you’re traveling (plane travel is, for me, pretty much like walking into a closet and then walking out again in four hours), and you’re being driven, not driving yourself, so you can pay real attention to what you’re seeing. Also, I’m a total sucker for tiny houses, like sailboats and minivans and sleeper compartments.

My friend Mike stated – Because it was the first mode of transportation that allowed the masses to travel relatively inexpensively and conveniently. (and received 3 Likes on Facebook)

Jeff was a voice against trains with – I used to romanticize train trips, but then I spent 30+ hours going from Chicago to the Grand Canyon in a coach seat…

Pam Mandel pointed out – Because it beats flying for space and comfort.

Tom posted a link to Young Frankenstein (complete with Spanish subtitles)-

I believe for me, train travel will always have a romantic feel. In the USA at least (I have yet to speed along at 200MPH, which might have a different feel). And for all the reasons listed above.

I can’t wait to get on the train for my ride home.