Train

When you travel make sure you take a travel-size bottle of Febreeze or similar product in your handbag. The person who sat in the seat of the plane, bus, or train before you may not have had time to shower before sitting down for a long flight. Avoid spending your trip smelling the previous passenger’s body odor by spraying your seat with Febreeze.

When traveling internationally on a budget, consider taking flights rather than trains to your destinations. While trains are perhaps the more traditional mode of transportation for backpackers, many airlines offer discount flights that are much cheaper than train tickets. This way, you can travel to more places without adding to your budget.

If your travel plans include photo opportunities through train, plane, cruise ship or hotel windows, pack a handful of moistened, single-packaged glass cleaning wipes in your camera bag. Don’t miss out on some great photos or come home with a memory card full of blurry prints because of smudged, fingerprinted or dirty windows.

If you are not traveling overseas, do not disregard the option of traveling by bus or train. Bus and train tickets are usually cheaper than flight tickets and can often provide excellent accommodations. If you are not traveling too far, they can also be a faster means of transportation because you do not have to deal with airport hassles such as security, and frequent flight delays.

Travel can be a fun-filled activity, but always remember to learn at least a few words of the native language. ‘Please’ and ‘thank you’ are a must, but phrases such as ‘I’m lost’ and ‘Where is the train station?’ will prove invaluable in the event you actually need them. It’s much easier than trying to act out complicated activities!

Europe is not the only place to travel by hopping a train. Think of traveling the U.S. or Canada by train or bus as an option, as well. In the United States, trains shuttle north and south of the Eastern Seaboard daily and can be a very convenient and quick way to travel.

When traveling to a foreign country, try using public transportation. Many countries have exceptional railway and subway systems, better than anything in the U.S.A. Public transportation is usually inexpensive and you will never have to worry about getting lost on a lonely road. Just be cautious of pick pockets when you board the bus or train.

As this article points out, there really are things that can make traveling fun and easy for you. If you keep the ideas that were explained in this article in mind and put them to use, you will be able to travel with ease. So do not fear the next trip and instead look forward to it.

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Tell your friends and family where you’re going. While kidnapping Americans seems like an idea out of a movie plot, it may also be possible that you run into accidents or medical situations that require you stay in a country longer than expected. Rather than have your family fret about your well-being and possible death, tell them where you are and keep in contact while traveling.

Europe is not the only place to travel by hopping a train. Think of traveling the U.S. or Canada by train or bus as an option, as well. In the United States, trains shuttle north and south of the Eastern Seaboard daily and can be a very convenient and quick way to travel.

It is always best to only drink bottled water when traveling, especially if you are going to a foreign country. You never know what is really in the water if you are drinking it from a tap. Your body may not be used to drinking water that is not purified, and you could find yourself feeling very sick because of it.

It is important that you always try to plan your trips as far ahead of time as possible. Booking between January and March for summer travel is ideal. By locking in your flight dates and tours or activities in advance, you help ensure that you will get the lowest price possible.

When you are making use of a rental car for your trip, when you first arrive at the check in point to pick up your car, do a full inspection so that you can make note of any damages that may be present so that when you return the car you will not be billed for them when they were not caused by your use of the vehicle.

Always pack comfortable shoes for any type of journey, and swap them out for more stylish ones only when necessary. Travel will almost always involve more walking than usual, from airports to train stations to long city blocks without your own automobile. Nothing will ruin a nice outing more than having miserable feet, so put comfort first, and save the fancy footware for shorter evening activities.

When traveling abroad, it is always a good idea to check in with the U.S. Embassy in the country you are visiting. Staff at the embassy in most countries will be available to you in case of emergency or if your family needs to reach you for urgent situations. Keep both local and toll-free numbers for the U.S. Embassy with you at all times.

If you are traveling alone, make it a point to travel light. Pack one duffel bag or backpack that you can carry yourself filled with only necessities. Don’t bring expensive jewelry or electronics that might tempt thieves. When you purchase souvenirs or local clothing, ship your treasures home to be waiting for you when you arrive.

If you have connecting flights during the travel portion of your adventure, be sure to check in with your attendants when you land at your first destination. They will be able to direct you to where your next flight is going to be leaving out of, where the restrooms are located, and if there are any places you might be interested in picking up some food at. This way, you will save time and be more aware of your surroundings.

When traveling to a foreign country, try using public transportation. Many countries have exceptional railway and subway systems, better than anything in the U.S.A. Public transportation is usually inexpensive and you will never have to worry about getting lost on a lonely road. Just be cautious of pick pockets when you board the bus or train.

As stated in the beginning of this article, sometimes you need a change in scenery from the same old predictable yearly vacation. Taking your travels to a haunted destination can be a unique and memorable experience. Apply this advice from this article, and you will be on your way to having a blast on your next haunted holiday.

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Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) introducing a new electronic ticket payment system. SEPTA serving Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties in the United States.

It’s new electronic fare-payment system is one of the biggest change for local rail passengers for last 30 years.

Passengers will be able to pay their subway, trolley, bus and train trips using credit cards, debit cards SEPTA smart cards or even smartphones. This system will be implemented over three years and till then passengers can also use the old methods of payment.

Big changes in bus and subway riders behavior will not, except for old subway turnstiles will be removed. Rail passengers will be forced to alter their travel experience and no one knows is it will be better.

In New system passengers will need to “tag in” or “tag out” with CC or smart card for their fares to be deducted. Currently they only have to keep a ticket or pass and present it to the controller if there is one in train. The new system may delay the flow of passengers.

Still not clear how many will pay for the transition to electronic systems. Problems may arise with guests and occasional passengers.

Many problems still have to be solved but SEPTA officials are optimistic and after after that SEPTA will be the first large rail agency in the USA to switch to an open electronic fare-payment system.

John McGee, chief officer of new payment technologies for SEPTA, said, “Our hope is to minimize the change for our riders.”
McGee said the ability to use an existing credit card should make travel easier for riders, especially occasional and new riders. And pass holders, who account for 63 percent of rail passengers, can load monthly or weekly payments onto a credit card and “never buy a weekly or monthly pass again,” he said.

“People don’t like change,” said Dan Fleishman, a senior consultant at TranSystems Corp., a transportation planning firm that is consulting for SEPTA. “The ridership experience will change a little, but it will just take a little getting used to. . . . It’s not going to drive anybody from the system.”

So let’s see when and how new electronic fare payment system will be implemented and whether both sides will satisfied.

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From the beginning, train ticket prices was planned to rise by 16% but after commuter complaints fares was reduced to 12 percent fare rise.

If ticket prices continue to grow, it can make people sit back on his personal car and it is not an economically friendly Decision.

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Passenger services include intercity, cross- Canada and remote region services. One of them is very popular Toronto-Vancouver  train which VIA Rail Schedule is set up three times per week.

Canadian Government invested about $ 1 billion in VIA Rail Canada for passenger rail modernization and expansion to reduce delays and increase capacity to offer more frequent passenger service.

Renewed sleeping cars bring VIA at the forefront of travel and tourism experiences in Canada while the rebuilt F40 locomotives will further reduce VIA’s greenhouse gas emissions adding to the overall environmental benefits of rail  travel. VIA’s fleet is equipped with all the amenities and technology that you have come to expect from modern travel. WI FI internet access is available almost on all routes and 100% coverage expected December 2011.

VIA Rail Schedule and tickets are available on online booking sites or in Kiosks.

Kiosks are available in Aldershot, Fallowfield, London, Ottawa, Windsor, Brantford, Guelph, Montréal, Québec, Cobourg, Kitchener, Oakville, Sainte-Foy, Dorval, Kingston, Oshawa    and Toronto.

Keep in mind that at kiosks no accessible:
•    New reservations
•    Rail passes (VIA 6 pak, BizPak, Canrailpass, Corridorpass)
•    U.S. destinations
•    Child travelling alone and other special requests
•    VIA Préférence reward trips
•    Any promotional documents
•    Any discount entitlement other than corporate rates
•    Trip modifications
•    Exchanges
•    Refunds.

VIA Rail Schedule is easy to find. All You need to do is enter your desired date, departure station, and destination point in VIA’s online booking engine below to get a list of all available trains and times. You even do not need to make a purchase.

For non Canadian or USA visitors better way for tickets is contact overseas sales agents or as above with online booking engine.

Just one example how wonderful is travel by train!
The Canadian – Toronto-Jasper-Vancouver

The Canadian travels between Toronto and Vancouver, crossing the picturesque lake lands of northern Ontario, the western plains and the splendid Rockies, finishing its journey on the Pacific coast. Other stops include Sudbury Junction, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Jasper and Kamloops. The complete journey takes three days: leaving Toronto on Tuesday morning, you arrive in Winnipeg on Wednesday afternoon, Jasper on Thursday afternoon and Vancouver on Friday morning.

Two classes and one package are available:
• Comfort class (Economy), with its roomy seats, is synonymous with comfort and enjoyment.
• Silver & Blue class, which offers you luxury service whose reputation has spread across international borders. You’ll enjoy sleeping car accommodation, access to the Park car, first-class meals (included in the price of your ticket) and many other privileges.
• Treat yourself to a dream trip with Romance by Rail: a private suite, flowers, top-quality sparkling wine, chocolate… plus all the other privileges of Silver & Blue class.


Enjoy travel by TRAIN!  VIA Rail Canada is smart choice.

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Lost luggage. Airport delays. Cramped quarters. Is this any way to start a vacation?

Today, weary travelers are realizing that getting there is as important as being there. And, according to a recent Forbes magazine cover story, a growing number of them are choosing to travel by train, trading tiny airplane windows in favor of spacious seating areas with scenic views.

One company that is seeing a growth in the trend of luxury rail tours is Rocky Mountaineer Vacations. Specializing in vacation packages throughout Canada, the company also operates the award-winning Rocky Mountaineer train that travels between the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, British Columbia, and the Canadian Rockies.

In fact, the Rocky Mountaineer recently received a prestigious World Travel Award as “World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train.”

Last year, the company hosted a record number of guests on the train: 86,000, up 12 percent over the previous year.

To meet the growing demand, the Vancouver-based organization introduced two new train routes in May 2006: the Whistler Mountaineer and the Rocky Mountaineer Fraser Discovery Route.

The Whistler Mountaineer trip follows the famous Sea to Sky corridor as the train travels 73 miles from North Vancouver to Whistler, British Columbia. On-board attendants add colorful commentary about the region.

Passengers in the Glacier Dome, single-level glass dome coaches, have a front-row seat to an endless array of spectacular views, while those aboard “Coast Classic,” a traditional 1950s remodeled rail coach environment, enjoy large picture windows and extended leg room.

Vacationers with more time can experience the Fraser Discovery Route, which travels over 600 miles from Whistler to Jasper, Alberta, in the Canadian Rockies. As the train weaves through towering canyons and lush ranchlands, stories told of Canada’s “Old West” – complete with its own Gold Rush -add to the excitement of the journey.

Guests seated in the GoldLeaf service enjoy comfort and personal service in the two-story glass dome coaches featuring panoramic views on the upper level and an elegant dining room on the main level, where a la carte meals are served. RedLeaf service provides spacious reclining seats, large picture windows and at-your-seat meal service.

Whether vacationers seek comfort, style or just a new way to travel, Rocky Mountaineer Vacations offers more than 70 vacation packages and four scenic train routes to choose from.

Go online, open your favorite web browser and check for train tickets prices which you can afford.

Related articles

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Amtrak has scenic sections, and there are also numerous dinner trains operating around the United States now. However, the most are the classics. Below are a few to whet your appetite.

The Silverton-Durango Narrow Gage

I first caught this train far from any road. I was in the Weminuche Wilderness Area, next to a footbridge over the Animas river, where they stop if backpackers there flag them down. More recently, my wife and I took the train from Silverton to Durango. Wherever you catch this train, it will be an experience you won’t forget.

It is a classic steam locomotive that goes through Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, along the Animas river. At times you’ll look out the window, over the edge, to the water hundreds of feet below. In Silverton you can eat good food, buy souvenirs, and see an old-west mining town that hasn’t much with time.

La Nariz Del Diablo

Train rides on this line, which goes from Riobamba to Alausi, Ecuador, are scenic and adventurous. On our recent trip, my wife stayed inside, but I rode on the roof for the first half of the ride. Despite the occasional rain, there were twenty other travelers up there. I highly recommend you pay the dollar to rent a pillow to sit on. Your final destination is a valley with a view of a rock formation high above, called "La Nariz Del Diablo," or "The Devil’s Nose."

Be careful of tree branches if you’re on the roof, and be prepared for a five-hour ride. It starts in downtown Riobamba, in the highlands of the central Andes Mountains. You’ll travel through "cloud forests" and finally down to a much warmer climate. Interestingly, the train descends some streches of track caboose-first. There’s a lunch stop in one of the small mountain towns. When we took the train, it was limited to 40 passengers, and tickets sold out quickly.

Agawa Canyon Railroad

One of the more scenic train rides in the north, starts and ends in Sault Saint Marie, Ontario, Canada, just over the border from Sault Saint Marie, Michigan. It’s an all-day trip that goes through a rocky and heavily-wooded wilderness, along the Agawa River, to Agawa Canyon. At the canyon, you can have a picnic in a beautiful meadow, or just relax and enjoy the scenery, before reboarding for the return trip.

Autumn, when the maples have all changed color, is the most beautiful time to take the train. It’s also the most difficult time to get tickets, so plan far ahead. The route is also run as the scenic "Snow Train," in winter.

The Thunder Mountain Line

Thunder Mountain Line has scenic train rides that take several routes in Idaho, starting from Horseshoe Bend and Cascade. Depending on the route you choose, you’ll travel through dramatic narrow canyons, sagebrush-covered hills, mountain meadows, or pristine evergreen forests. The tracks follow the mountain trails settlers used a hundred years before. You may see deer, fox, elk, blue herons, osprey, and bald eagles. Rides vary from three to five hours, depending on the route.

Amtrak’s Scenic Train Rides

The California Zephyr, Amtrak’s train from Chicago to San Francisco, passes through the Rocky Mountains and the more beautiful (in my opinion) Sierra Nevadas. The Coast Starlight goes from Seattle to Los Angeles, with views of snow-covered mountains, thick forests, and long stretches of Pacific Ocean shoreline. Amtrak’s Auto Train is a unique scenic train ride that allows you to take your car with you from Lorton, Viginia, to Florida.

 by: Steve Gillman

About The Author

Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. To read their stories, tips and travel information, visit: http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com.

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Times are tough, and many of us do not have the money to splurge on an expensive vacation. However, there are still travel bargains to be had all over the country, if you take the time to research; including some lodging and transportation options that just might not have occurred to you. Also, a handful of popular places have managed to remain bargains despite a worsening economy.

Las Vegas has always been a relatively inexpensive vacation destination – the casinos assume you will spend all your money gambling and many things are subsidized. Even if you do not gamble, Las Vegas offers wonderful shopping, a variety of spectacular shows, and exciting nightlife. In recent years, it has become more of a family destination and it’s a great place to take the children. Even if you have been to the city many times before, there is always something new in Vegas.

Staying in one of the fancy Strip hotels can be expensive, although you should check around for special offers and deals. Las Vegas boasts several of the largest – and most expensive – hotels in the world; however you can pay between $40 to $60 for a perfectly adequate hotel room. Cheap all-you-can-eat buffets and coupon books are still available and it costs nothing to just wander around the fantastic hotels, many of which feature free shows or entrainment.

An Orlando vacation is still one of the best bargains around. Of course, there is Disney World, but the Orlando area boasts around 100 other attractions and theme parks, as well as excellent shopping, nightlife and outdoor activities. There are well over 100,000 hotel rooms to suit all tastes and budgets – consider a package that includes admission to Disney; or stay in neighboring Kissimmee, where 1000 hotel rooms are a little bit cheaper; or even further afield.

Second only to Disney World in terms of visitors is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The emphasis is also on family fun and activities here and this area offers plenty of reasonably priced hotels, outlet shopping and live shows. The area is a golfer’s paradise, with an estimated 120 golf courses scattered up and down the 60 mile stretch of coast. Food and drink are considered to be inexpensive in Myrtle Beach; and like Las Vegas, it’s easy to find various coupons and discounts for hotels, attractions and shopping. Branson, MO and Gatlinburg, TN are two other resort areas where bargains can generally be found.

Phoenix is considered a value for money destination. The city has become a resort capital of the United States; however accommodation in general is not too expensive, and the city boasts some of the best shopping anywhere, almost perfect weather year round, an estimated 100 golf courses and is within easy reach of spectacular desert scenery. A driving trip from Las Vegas to Phoenix allows you to see much of the dramatic scenery and historic sights of the Southwest.

Regardless of where you visit, there are further steps you can take to save money on accommodation. Home exchange vacations have become more popular than ever; there is usually a charge to register or join, but no charge to swap your home with somebody else for a week, live like a local and really get to experience another place. You may not have considered hostelling, but it’s not just for students and backpackers. Staying at a hostel offers a great way to see the country and to meet up with likeminded travelers. Camping does not have to be too primitive; consider renting a cabin for your next trip, which can cost as little as $50 a night.

Air travel to your destination does not have to be expensive either. Check your local airport to see if any so-called discount carriers offer service; the two major options are Southwest and JetBlue. Shop around for lower airfare and consider flying at specific times of day to get a lower fare, as well as flying from a different airport. Flying from Chicago Midway can often be cheaper than the busier O’Hare, for example. Check out airline packages, which include airfare, hotel and perhaps a rental car and are generally a lot cheaper than buying the components separately.

These days, it just doesn’t occur to most people to travel by train, but train travel can be cheaper than flying or driving, especially for a relatively short distance. Check with Amtrak for special offers or passes which allow unlimited travel within a geographical region. And long distance bus travel, for many years considered the domain of the less fortunate, is now attracting passengers from all walks of life, lured by low fares, better service and a network of almost 4,000 destinations.

Travel can be expensive and stressful. Take time to check out some options and you may just save some money on your next vacation.

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Ways to Get Cheap Train Tickets

Schedule your travel during the off season. Summer is the peak time, so tickets will cost more and be harder to get. You should instead travel sometime around autumn/fall. If you plan your spring break early, you can be assured of getting low cost tickets, especially on the Net.

Not only will you get cheaper tickets, but you will also get good deals on food and lodging. The other plus of course, is you can visit those tourist spots without too many tourists.

Visit Online Train Websites

These are good places to look for cheap train tickets and special deals. Make sure you compare the offers from various companies; they are always trying to outdo one another, so you have plenty of choices.

Some train companies also offer tickets at half price if you are bringing kids. Some even waive the fee if the child is two years old and below.

Visit Travel Agent Websites

These sites also offer discounts and specials. What these sites share in common is that the deals encompass several aspects of the trip. It is not just the tickets, but also the lodging.

Purchase train tickets as early as possible. Most train companies release the tickets 12 weeks prior to the scheduled travel date. The earlier you purchase the tickets, the cheaper they will be.

Other Ways to Get Cheap Train Fares

Go to passenger train websites and examine their fare finder capabilities. Using this tool will give you the flexibility to locate the most affordable tickets around.

By expanding the date range for your trip, you lessen travel expenses. This happens because you can select from a wider range of days. Again, do not travel during the peak season as the costs will be high.

Research is the Key

Special deals and offers come in the form of promotional codes, special discounts and more. To make research easier, enter your travel destination and the date. The search engine will return numerous hits. Now you can compare the offers from the various companies.

Other Tips and Hints

Stick with one train service; this will entitle you to ticket discounts and other special deals. Most train companies have a points system of some sort; every time you travel, you rack up points. When you reach a certain number, you become eligible for discounts or freebies.

The rewards can range from gift certificates, items and more. Also check if the company offers discounts for senior citizens, students and war veterans. They usually do, although the rates may differ.

Finding cheap train tickets is actually easier than you may have thought. You just need to do some research on the Web, and you are bound to find a deal that will save you quite a bit of cash.

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Amtrak provides a number of discount fare programs to entice prospective passengers and their families on their trains. Each of the seven deals listed below are subject to the following rules:

1. They must be purchased at least three days in advance

2. Discounted fares cannot be combined on one ticket

3. These fares are not valid for weekday Acela Express travel

4. They are not valid on some Amtrak Thruway bus services

5. Passengers traveling in Business class, First class or sleeping accommodation are not eligible for these discounts.

One: Up to two children under the age of 16 are eligible to receive a 50% discount on the lowest available adult rail fare on most Amtrak trains with each fare-paying adult. Also, one infant under the age of two may ride free with each adult ticket purchased. Infants are not entitled to a seat. Only children traveling with an adult are entitled to a children’s discount.

Two: Travelers over the age of 61 are eligible to receive a 15% discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains. On cross-border services operated jointly by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada, a 10% Senior discount is applicable to travelers over the age of 59. You cannot use the senior discount on the Auto Train.

Three: Active-duty US military personnel, their spouses and their dependents are eligible to receive a 10% discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains. This discount is also valid on the Auto Train. You must present a valid active-duty United States Armed Forces identification card to receive the discount.   The military discount is valid only on the American portion of services operated jointly between Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada.

Four: The  (NARP) is the largest national membership advocacy organization for train and rail transit passengers.  NARP members are eligible to receive a 10% discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains. You must present your NARP membership ID card when you pick up your ticket, and you must carry your card with you on-board the train. The NARP discount is valid only on the American portion of services operated jointly between Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada.

Five: The Veterans AdvantageTM is a discount card program for veterans. Veterans holding a valid Veterans Advantage Members Card are eligible to receive a 15% discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains. You must enroll with Veterans Advantage and receive a 10-digit travel discount code that can be used immediately to book your Amtrak travel. The Veterans Advantage is valid only on the American portion of services operated jointly between Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada.

Six: The Student Advantage Card is the nation’s largest student discount program. Students are eligible to receive a 15% discount on the best available adult rail fare on most Amtrak trains all year long. You must present both a valid Student Advantage Card and a valid photo ID at time of ticket purchase and on-board trains to receive the discount. Each of these items must be valid for the current school term. For Auto Train service, Student Advantage cardholders receive a 15% discount off adult rail fare but no discount on their vehicles. The Student Advantage Card is valid only on the American portion of services operated jointly between Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada. The Student Advantage discount is not valid for any Rail Passes or Multi-Ride tickets.

Seven: More than 5 million students around the world will purchase an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) this year. To qualify for your ISIC, you must be age 12 or older and currently enrolled as a degree seeking student at an accredited institution. Students holding a valid ISIC are eligible to receive a 15% discount on the best available adult rail fare on most Amtrak trains all year long. You must present both a valid ISIC and a valid photo ID at time of ticket purchase and on-board trains to receive the discount. Each of these items must be valid for the current school term. For Auto Train service, ISIC cardholders receive a 15% discount off adult rail fare but no discount on their vehicles. The ISIC is valid only on the American portion of services operated jointly between Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada. The ISIC discount is not valid for any Rail Passes or Multi-Ride tickets.

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