TopFlight-Travel.com
  • Home
  • Warm
  • Cold
  • Budget
  • Luxury
  • Unique
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Destination
  • Travel Ideas
No Result
View All Result
TopFlight-Travel.com
  • Home
  • Warm
  • Cold
  • Budget
  • Luxury
  • Unique
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Destination
  • Travel Ideas
No Result
View All Result
TopFlight-Travel.com
No Result
View All Result
Home Travel Ideas

Travelling By Train: Old-fashioned and Nostalgic

Ashleigh Graham by Ashleigh Graham
1
Travelling By Train

I love travelling, especially by train. My daily commute to work is via train. Still, I’d hardly consider that “travel” more like the regular bane of my existence.

When I was a girl I used to catch the train with my family from Adelaide to Melbourne. “The Overland”, it was called. We only travelled on it one-way for some reason. The journey was long, or it seemed to be for a nine-year-old anyway. Cramped coach seats covered in an itchy material accompanied by a gloriously pungent musty adore. The novelty of a rail journey was soon lost on my child-self, who, at this point, had been on a plane many times. The train felt boring and old-fashioned. It continued along for a time that seemed never-ending, each hour lasting longer than its predecessor. Getting off there was nothing particularly magical about the trip that compelled me to beg for a return to the medium.

RelatedPosts

Romantic Beach Getaways: The Most Romantic Destinations for Couples

Wilderness Survival: Learning Skills and Techniques for Emergencies While Backpacking

Birdwatching Safari: Spotting Rare and Exotic Birds in Africa’s National Parks

Plane vs Train

Nowadays, it goes almost without saying that my primary form of long-distance travel has been via air like most I’d imagine. Quick, direct and with minimal fuss. There’s nothing romantic about a plane journey in today’s world, though. The fast-paced lifestyles we live no longer make taking to the skies the rare opportunity it once was and is now as routine as a ride on a bus that just happens to have wings. Charmless.

This brings me to today. On a plane ironically flying from New York to Las Vegas wishing that I wasn’t. It’s not that the plane ride is unpleasant; sure, it’s been a little bumpy. It’s full of people who seem to think “carry-on” means you can bring a small closet; it was that compared to my travel a couple of weeks ago; it feels… soulless.

I caught a train…

train trip
Source: Canadianrockiestrains

Two weeks ago, I did something different, something I thought I’d never do again, and no doubt something you’ve figured out yourself by now, I caught a train. The Coast Starlight would be my vessel. From Los Angeles to Seattle, it spent most of its journey kissing the Pacific Ocean whilst also venturing inland to admire sights such as the peaks of the Cascade Range and the forests of Washington and Oregon state.

Visual furnishings aside, the view from my carriage window was far from the definitive reasonings behind the romanticism of the journey. In fact, even before the train began to move, I had already enjoyed one of the many advantages a train ride entailed. I got on. No queuing by row number to queue again, no endless looping through security points as a newly found piece of metal forces another go on the metal-detector-merry-go-round. The entire boarding process nothing more than a walk through a station, printed ticket in hand, and just stepping on. What a beautifully simple pleasure.

Once on board, it was not unlike being in a Wes Anderson film. My cabin was a small room designed to hold two people of a highly acquainted nature, you’d hope. However, decadence had allowed me the fortune of securing the room to myself and the peacefulness of solitude between announcements and meals. Two deep blue reclining seats facing one another a mere foot apart with a single overhead bunk the immediate eye-catching features of my new little world.

Sectioned off and left with the world rushing past in an almighty blur you were only reminded of your place with the announcement of meals to come followed by the gentle tap, tap, tap on your compartment door as bookings made for them.

While dining, though, the authentic charm of travel by rail had its candle relit for me. Dining was communal. Four to a table were required to be filled to service the full trainload making the journey. The idea didn’t thrill me at first, but it had won me over after the second meal. Each dining experience was a chance to engage with another set of the train’s characters.

Two elderly ladies travelling on their way to catch a cruise to Alaska, one a now-retired child psychologist, the board chairmen for a foundation she’d started in her working years. Many years ago, the other her former assistant went on to become the CEO of one of America’s largest food manufacturers. An environmental engineer refused to travel by plane, not for fear of flying but instead in protest of the irresponsibly regulated carbon emissions flying produced. The irony then of eating my next meal with a man responsible for producing precision machined aircraft parts in Mexico whose only reason for using the train was to break the monotony of his weekly flight between factory and home. A doting father, his daughter following his footsteps into real estate yet forced to deal with the reality she’d spent the past ten years living with her mother across the other side of the country. And many more.

Those Stories on the Train…

train dining
Source: Alaskatrain

It could, at times, feel as though your own story was on repeat slightly, and you became very good at knowing which parts would be of most interest to newcomers. Next meal, new faces, re-introduce your life, repeat. But the repetition was very minimal, the conversation in each case very quickly forging its own path into different and exciting areas. These people very quickly became your travel companions. The train is turning into a small town of sorts, each carriage a different store with its workers and patrons. As the journey went on and you saw familiar faces making you smile as you returned their wave or tipped your head in acknowledgement of one another. New friends made if only for what would be the next day.

What was ultimately a minimal experience on a much grander vacation was one that clearly left an impression. Although, of course, my perspective very possibly warped because I was on holiday not concerned with the possibility of delay or the length of time to get to the final destination, then neither were any of my other companions.

Will I be taking another train journey?

Most definitely. Am I about to book the next five years of holidays on a train? Probably not. It was a great experience, perhaps partly because it was so unexpected to be so, and at just on two days, the novelty didn’t have time to wear off. I’m interested to see if the experience would be the same on a further extended trip or if perhaps the Lord of the Flies effect may come into play spending time in close quarters with such a myriad of personalities. An experiment and journey to look forward to.

Tags: traintravelling
ShareTweetPin1SendSend
Previous Post

12 Hacks for Air Travel To Save Time And Discomfort

Next Post

Trip to Bali on a Budget

Related Posts

Romantic Beach Getaways: Couple Walking On A White Sandbar (Source: Canva)

Romantic Beach Getaways: The Most Romantic Destinations for Couples

by Gemma Arnold

Escape with your loved one to the most romantic beach getaways around the world. Discover the best destinations for couples

Wilderness Survival: Hiker Couple Preparing Tea In Wilderness (Source: Canva)

Wilderness Survival: Learning Skills and Techniques for Emergencies While Backpacking

by Gemma Arnold

Learn essential wilderness survival skills for backpacking emergencies. Discover how to find food, water, and start a fire in this...

Birdwatching Safari: Active Senior Woman Using Binoculars (Source: Canva)

Birdwatching Safari: Spotting Rare and Exotic Birds in Africa’s National Parks

by Gemma Arnold

Discover unique bird species on a thrilling birdwatching safari through Africa's national parks. Spot rare and exotic birds in their...

Grand Canyon National Park national parks in the united states

Travel Guide for National Parks in the United States

by Gemma Marks

Discover the natural beauty of the United States by exploring its national parks. This travel guide highlights some of the...

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wellness Retreat in Australia: What to Know Before You Go

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wellness Retreat in Australia: What to Know Before You Go

by Gemma Marks

Looking for a wellness retreat in Australia? Look no further! This guide explores the top-rated wellness retreats nationwide, offering a...

woman surfing in one of the best beaches for water sports (Source: Canva)

The Best Beaches for Water Sports: Surfing, Snorkeling, and More

by Gemma Arnold

Get ready for an adventure-packed beach vacation! Discover the best beaches for water sports, from surfing to snorkeling.

Next Post
Woman with backpack exploring Bali, Indonesia.

Trip to Bali on a Budget

Rodina Mat in Kyiv

Why Kyiv, Ukraine Should Be Your Next Trip

best bungee jumping spots
Travel Ideas

10 Best Bungee Jumping Spots to Experience

by Gemma Marks

Looking for the best bungee jumping spots in the world? This comprehensive travel guide has got you covered! Explore the...

Read more
Waffles - Food tour in Belgium

Food Tour in Belgium: Plan Your Gastric Itinerary

Perfect Vietnamese Destinations for Food Tour

10 Perfect Vietnamese Destinations for Food Tour

Island hopping in the Mediterranean

14 Things to Know When Island Hopping in the Mediterranean

7 Tips for Backpacking in a National Park

7 Tips for Backpacking in a National Park

10 Things To Do In Maui
Destination

Things To Do in Maui – Follow My Top 10 Suggestions

by Ashleigh Graham

I’ve read enough travel articles that provide evidence that people specifically love lists about travel. That sounds right up my...

Read more

An Overview Of The Best Places to Stay in Tokyo

9 Tips For Staying Healthy While Travelling

Hotels in Rotterdam: 8 Of My Favourites

Have A Look At This List Of 20 Free Things To Do In Madrid!

11 Sun-Drenched Winter Escapes

11 Sun-Drenched Winter Escapes
by Gemma Marks

If you are looking for winter escapes, these eleven destinations are my top-picks for you.

Read more

11 Best Top Places To Visit In The USA

Top Places To Visit In The USA Couple Tourist In Statue Of Liberty
by Gemma Arnold

Discover the top places to visit in the USA, from the historic landmarks of the Statue of Liberty and...

Read more

Top 10 Islands in Vietnam

Top 10 Islands in Vietnam
by Gemma Marks

If you are planning to go to Vietnam, this guide is helpful! You'll know which islands in Vietnam you...

Read more

Important Travel Tips in Thailand

Travel Tips in Thailand Ayutthaya Woman Tourist Reading The Map
by Gemma Arnold

Discover important travel tips in Thailand that will help you interact with locals and expand your business cycle.

Read more
Spending Seven Hours in Magnificent Tallinn

Spending Seven Hours in Magnificent Tallinn

by Ashleigh Graham

If you've ever wondered what you can see and do in a city in a mere seven hours, I have...

Top 8 Church Towers to Climb in Europe

My Top 8 Church Towers to Climb in Europe

by Ashleigh Graham

One of my favourite things to do when travelling anywhere is to find places with high vantage points that give...

Magnificent Beaches in Lefkada

10 Magnificent Beaches in Lefkada

by Ashleigh Graham

Cliffs and coves meet azure, pristine waters through which you can see all way to the bottom. Lefkada is undoubtedly...

Awesome Family Resorts in Minnesota

10 Awesome Family Resorts in Minnesota

by Ashleigh Graham

There are many resorts spread throughout Minnesota. The state, popularly known as "The Land of 10,000 lakes", is home to...

  • About
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact Us

Categories

  • Budget
  • Cold
  • Destination
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Luxury
  • Travel Ideas
  • Unique
  • Warm

Topics

Asia Australia bars Beach Brazil California Canada Caribbean Castle Central America China clubs cruise Denmark Europe Finland France fun Germany Greece hotels India Ireland Irish Island Italy Japan Kilmainham Mediterranean museums Ontario Scandinavia Slovenia snow South America Spain Sweden Thailand travelling Turkey UK US USA vacation WA

Recent News

Group of Friends Enjoying Europe's Music Festivals (Source: Canva)

A Guide to Europe’s Music Festivals: The Ultimate Cultural Immersion

Romantic Beach Getaways: Couple Walking On A White Sandbar (Source: Canva)

Romantic Beach Getaways: The Most Romantic Destinations for Couples

Best Historical and Architectural Sights in Asia - Great wall of China

Best Historical and Architectural Sights in Asia

Wilderness Survival: Hiker Couple Preparing Tea In Wilderness (Source: Canva)

Wilderness Survival: Learning Skills and Techniques for Emergencies While Backpacking

  • About
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact Us

© 2022 topflight-travel.com - Brought to you by The Dinner Media Group.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Warm
  • Cold
  • Budget
  • Luxury
  • Unique
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Destination
  • Travel Ideas

© 2022 topflight-travel.com - Brought to you by The Dinner Media Group.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In