Travelling by Train

Sadly, I have not traveled much. But I do enjoy travelling when I can and my favorite way to travel? You guessed it…by train. In fact, I am on one right now, as I write this. And as this post is being put online.

I like the train more than planes and cars and boats for various reasons but it really comes down to the train being a good experience and a relaxing process. But I’ll break it down.

Firstly, cars. Sure they make it easier in and sometime cheaper in that there is no reliance on a company. You want to go somewhere…just jump in the car and go. Well that’s all fine and dandy, unless you are me…I don’t drive. I don’t even have a license yet. And why? Cars make me anxious.

Every time I am a passenger in a car, I have trouble letting someone else control it. And when I drive…well, I become a jittery mess. I think it comes down to being uncomfortable with the control of such a complex (but compact) vehicle.

Second, planes. I like planes. The view, the weightless feeling at take-off, the bumps from the turbulence and landing. I enjoy these things. Plus, for long distance trips, this is often the only option! Now, unlike cars, planes are flown by highly trained operators which makes me less wary of the control aspect of things, but there are two negatives: cost and security.

Cost is self-explanatory. In times I have travelled, travel by air has always been the most expensive option. And security. I am glad that security is there, don’t get me wrong, I like to feel safe I appreciate knowing these safeguards are there. BUT, it can take HOURS to get through security, and since you don’t know how long it will take, you are forced to go super early to the airport.

Third, boats…well…frankly this has rarely been an option for me. I would like to take a trip by boat sometime. Unfortunately, most of the trips I want to take would take months and months of time spent on a boat. I cannot take that kind of time off right now. School, work, family, it just will not happen! So someday I hope to learn the pros and cons of boats but for now, I default to the train.

The train. So many memories and positive experiences. Let me first compare the train to the other modes of transport mentioned above, then I will share some snippets of my train travels.

The train is in the middle range of prices. Trains are operated by highly trained staff and have plenty of onboard staff. The train movements are generally relaxing though there is always the odd rough patch. The train can work for both long and short distances and has everything you need onboard. Security is less so than planes but is sufficient enough that I feel safe without sacrificing outrageous amounts of time. And finally, the trains in Ontario and fairly conveniently located in major corridors which makes travelling to cities and towns quite easy. While you may not be taken directly to a specific town, most are close enough to a train station to make it worth it.

Memories from the train

– Rain running down the windows, made more beautiful because you know you don’t have to drive on a slick road

– Once when I was younger I started to write a book based on interviews and discussions I had with strangers on the train. Many of them had such good lessons. I never actually saw the book through but the experiences people shared with me were inspiring to a young me.

– A train was delayed once by several hours, in the train station I played peek-a-boo with a little child who clearly wanted out of there. I got a thank you from the mother who was tired after the long wait.

No matter how you get to your destination I hope you all enjoy your travels! Let me know which methods is your favorite in the comments below!