the Adventure Lifestyle magazine

travel practical train Some things to know before the train pulls out of the station. SURVIVING IN COACH Traveling in coach-as opposed to a first-class sleeping compartment- is by far the cheapest way to go. If you go coach, you give up some of the comforts of private accommodations, like a lockable room, access to a shower and the option of a private bathroom. Seats in coach, however, are generally roomy-bigger than even first-class seats on airliners-but they don't recline all the way to horizontal, which can make it somewhat hard to sleep through the night. If you'd rather have the comforts of a sleeper, it will generally cost you a little more than double the price of two coach seats. TRAIN TRAVEL POST 9/11 In the aftermath of the attacks, there was public speculation that trains might also be used as tools of terrorism. Plus, train security can leave you feeling a little uneasy: that's because there isn't much, at least at first glance. Metal detectors, X-ray machines and shoe inspections? Forget about it. But trains are actually safer than you might think. In the U.S., all ticket purchases are now cross- referenced with an FBI database. Even if you're paying in cash at the station , you have to provide a photo 10, and the same is true when checking bags through to your destination. Amtrak also has its own police force (with some officers in plainclothes) that patrols stations and rides some trains. The agency also coordinates with local law enforcement all along its routes. After 9/11 , Amtrak began new security measures such as round-the-clock watches on important bridges and tunnels. Trains also have some inherent security advantages over planes and buses: Hijackers couldn't take a train anywhere they wanted, and there's no direct access to the engine cab from passenger areas. TIMELINESS Amtrak claims a nationwide on-time rate of around 75 percent. Most Amtrak trains run on tracks owned by private freight railroads, so passenger tra ins can get held up by freight delays. Making matters worse, it can be next to impossible to get a straight answer as to when you'll actually arrive, usually because no one really knows how long any given delay will last. Bring something to read, and a sense of humor. Better yet, talk. It's not unusual to end up hitting it off with a fellow passenger or two on the train and spend ing half the day just talking PACKING LIST • a blanket or something warm to wear for the night; Amtrak provides pillows, but in coach you'll need your own insulation • Handiwipes; coach passengers don't have access to showers, but on a long trip you might feel better after a basic wipe-down • a change of clothes • shoes that are easy to slip on and off, especially for 3 AM trips to the bathroom • earplugs, to protect you from the late-night logistics of other passengers getting on and off • an eye mask, or a low-slung hat, bandana or headband as a sleep aid • nonperishable snacks, especially for vegeta rians or others who might find on-board menus limited, expensive or unpalatable • toothbrush, Tylenol or other personal items-checked baggage isn't accessible during a trip FOOD Like most concession food, train· fare tends to cost more than it's worth in nutritional (or other) value, so you might want to bring your own snacks. Meals in the dining car can be expensive, though the food there can be quite good, thanks to the efforts of truly talented chefs. The bread pudding on Amtrak's City of New Orleans, for example, may be as good or better than any you'll f ind in the Big Easy itself. Vegetarian options are somewhat limited. Drinking water is available on board. GIZMOS If you're bringing any electronics with you to use during your trip, such as a laptop, charge your batteries beforehand or bring spares-you might not be able to recharge on board. If you need to keep in touch, bring a cell phone with a service plan that covers the areas you'll be traveling through, or at least the cities along the way. Some conductors swear by AT&T Wireless. SAVING MORE In addit ion to ra il passes for unlimited travel within a certain period of time, another way to economize on train travel in the U.S. is by joining the National Association of Rai lroad Passengers (900 2nd St. NE, Suite 308; Washington, DC 20002; 202-408-8362; www.narpra il.org). Members get a ten percent discount on standard Amtrak fa res. NARP annual fees range from $15 for students and those on a fixed income, to a $35 "family" membership that allows you to get a second membership card for anyone else in your household. Savings on one trip can more than pay for membership. NOT SATISFIED? Amtrak offers a simple service guarantee. If you're not happy with your trip (for instance if your train is significantly late), the railroad provides a credit equal to that portion of your journey that is good for a future trip. FOR MORE INFORMATION Amtrak, 800-USA-RAIL, Amtrak.com Eurail , Eurail.com. National Association of Railroad Passengers, 202-408- 8362, www.narprai l.org VIA Rai l Canada, 888-VIA-RAIL, www.viara il.ca II 41

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