Many people fail to take advantage of trains in their travel plans, particularly Americans not accustomed to using them for distance travel. However, they offer many advantages apart from being an economical way to travel. Furthermore, rail passes in places to include Europe and Japan can save people a bundle, and riding on a train often makes the act of traveling as enjoyable as the destination.
Trains, long a source of fascination to people, are loved by kids: both big and small. Unlike other forms of transportation that cram people into spaces from which they can barely move, those on trains have more space and can get up and move at will. Delays, be they from weather or traffic on other forms of transportation, are less likely on trains. In addition, perched on seats and next to windows, those riding on trains have the best overall view of the world they are traveling through. Travelers can also have the convenience of being able to walk onto the train just before departure and potentially arrive very close to their destination.
Generally a very economical way to travel, trains are friendly on the finances. They are also a more environmentally friendly form of transportation since they are energy efficient. Finally, the offer more chances to meet and talk to others who are taking journeys.
A great deal with Eurail
Europe has extensive rail networks, and Eurail train passes allow for unlimited travel in much of the continent. The types of passes include:
- Global Pass: All 22 countries
- Select Pass: 3, 4 or 5 countries
- Regional Pass: 2 countries
- One Country Pass: One country
A neat feature is the Select Pass system that allows unlimited travel in selected 24 hour periods. For example, a pass purchased for six days within two months will allow for the user to select the days in which they will use the pass during those two months. The travel days can be non-consecutive. In addition, travelers can start out and finish in the countries of their choice.
Eurail passes can be purchased online and delivered around the world. They also offer other benefits to include discounted tickets at ferry crossings, Wi-Fi in some locations and audio guides.
Japan Rail Pass
In a country that is known as being expensive (although this is not always the case), the Japan Rail Pass offers a great deal. These passes allow for unlimited travel on Japan Railways (JR) trains and busses for 7, 14 and 21-day periods.
JR is Japans large rail network connects virtually every major part of the country. It is a very efficient network, and its clean, fast trains almost always operate on time. Those who purchase Japan Rail Passes can also use Japans high-speed (Shinkansen) trains.
Passes can be purchased for ordinary cars or for the green (first class) cars, for those who would like added riding comfort. This passes are only for tourists visiting Japan, and exchange orders for them must be purchased outside the country. Those who want to begin using the pass after they arrive in Japan must take the exchange order and their passport to the appropriate office to receive their pass. More information can be found at http://www.japanrailpass.net/.
Considering that a 7-day pass costs nearly the same as a single roundtrip ticket between Tokyo and Osaka, a Japan Rail Pass offers great value and a way to travel across the length of Japan at low cost.
India
Although its network is not nearly as modern, efficient and orderly as Japan’s, India does have one of the largest networks in the world, and an Indrail pass will allow for unlimited travel on the network for a specific period of time.
Conditions on the trains can range from the very Spartan to cars that are virtual hotel rooms on wheels. Although trains are often delayed and slow, traveling on them can be an adventure of its own. Take along books and other ways to pass the time. Indians take full advantage of time spent on trains to socialize, so expect to encounter a lot of talkative people.
The Trans Siberian
This is certainly one of those trips taken as much for the ride itself as for the destination. The Trans-Siberian railroad is actually a network of railroads connecting Moscow with the Russian Far East and has a Pacific terminus at Vladivostok. However, there is also the Trans-Mongolian that goes from Moscow to Beijing via Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and the Trans-Manchurian that goes through Manchuria to Beijing.
These adventurous trips will take over a week. However, the trip can certainly be memorable and be connected with rail trips to Europe and China for those who want more.
Traveling does not have to be about always catching flights, renting cars and trying to figure out routes. Train travel can be much more relaxing, offer new experiences and save money all at the same time.
