Since Seniors and Boomers may find they have more time than money, travel by rail fits the budget while allowing them a special chance to enjoy the scenery. From the Rocky Mountain National Forest trip to the Narrow Gauge railroad in Colorado, short trips or longer trips can give seniors a ride to remember.
Advantages of Train Travel for Seniors and Boomers
Some of the things seniors like about train travel include:
- The senior discounts, of course. Savings can be from 10 to 15%.
- Being up high, allowing for better views, even bird nests, easily visible since trains don't go by that often, thus eagles and other birds often build nests near tracks. People who enjoy wildlife especially enjoy this chance to see nature up close and personal. The plastic domed top helps with visibility of a very wide panorama of sky, clouds, trees, etc.
- Fine dining off of real tables with linen tablecloth sitting four to a table to allow getting acquainted with others and enjoying the company of a variety of fellow travelers.
- No frisking or other indignities experienced nowadays with air travel.
- Train staff treats passengers royally.
- Riders are offered a pillow and/or blanket if desired.
- Freedom to move around while traveling which allows more comfort.
- Baggage usually ends up at the right destination, at no extra charge, whereas with air travel people often ship their baggage to avoid these challenges.
- Seniors simply have more time and can spare the time for a more relaxed mode of travel.
The train manager keeps the passengers entertained, coming on the speaker at times to tell of interesting not-to-be-missed scenery, puzzles, or even to talk of a 1942 penny. All this can be enjoyed while taking a grandchild on a special trip!
Examples of Rail Travel Options for Older Adults
- East-West: Sunset Limited to Jacksonville, Florida, then south to Miami allows for three hours of travel in orange groves. Also goes from Florida to California and points in between.
- North-South: Coastal Starlight from Seattle to San Diego even makes it to Vancouver, British Columbia.
- North-South: Heartland Flyer covers Oklahoma and Texas travel.
Travel by train provides seniors an opportunity to travel cross-country and actually see the changing scenery. Some folks even use a map to plot out where they are at a particular time. This procedure allows folks to travel to the destination while keeping track of where they've been at the same time.
Slower Pace of Traveling by Train Attracts Seniors
- No noise as it involves an almost imperceptible soft sound while moving.
- Gentle rocking motion is as pleasant as a mother's arms.
- Passengers can pass the time as desired by visiting, or sleeping in reclining seats with a foot rest.
- No concerns about blood clots as in air travel since moving around is part of the process.
- Seniors or boomers who travel with a companion may choose to play cards or other board games, catch up on their visiting, meet in the dining room, etc.
- A chance to catch up on reading, looking up at times to enjoy the scenery.
- Resting up is an option for someone who is not very physically active.
This may be the time to take that trip that's been on the wish list for someday. Retirement is a great time for pleasant living and a railway journey is one way to make that happen. There are many ways for seniors and boomers to enjoy train travel on a budget. Older adults not only find many advantages in traveling by rail, but also enjoy special options including discounts and a wide variety of travel choices. Check out the local train station and pick up the schedules. Maybe it will be the perfect fit for the next out-of-town trip.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
