What a Difference the Train Makes

Edited by Kendra Ericson, MPW

Most Californians are dependent upon their cars to get them from home to work, to the store, to their kids’ school, and a host of other errands that make up our daily lives, and often our vacations are no different. With at least one parent behind the wheel, it can be difficult to enjoy the scenery, time with our kids, and even the trip itself. As a result, many families are turning to train travel as a fun alternative to the traditional road trip.

“Are we there yet?”
These few but dreaded words seem like the natural companion to the road trip, but train rides often make for more engaging conversation. There’s community spirit on-board the train. It’s an environment that promotes conversation, observation, and fun. Families form closer bonds, and friends catch up on each other’s lives.

In addition, there’s also a sense of freedom on the train. Instead of being confined to your seat, you can stretch out and relax, take a nap, read a book, or just enjoy each other’s company.

“Who has the map?”
An added bonus to leaving the car keys at home is that you can sightsee from aboard without getting lost and with none of the hassles of driving or looking for places to park.

“Why did I wait until the last minute?”
Most of us are fairly skilled when it comes to traveling by car or by plane: we know how to prepare, how to book the tickets, and what to bring. Traveling by train isn’t all that different, but there are things you can do to make the trip as successful and budget-friendly as possible.

Most travelers know that when they are looking for plane tickets, they should check and re-check fares repeatedly, especially if they are buying online. Prices vary by the second. This isn’t the case with train tickets; rather, fares generally continue to rise as the travel date approaches. As a result, it’s best to book tickets as early as possible. Amtrak, for example, allows travelers to book up to eleven months in advance. In addition, sometimes the best fares can be found online instead of through other sources, so be sure to spend a few minutes online to ensure you’ve found the best deal.

As with plane tickets, however, you can acquire the best rates if you can be flexible with your travel dates, and some web sites even have an option that allows you to search with a range of dates. Be sure to look into special discounts for AAA members, children, students, and senior citizens. Some rail companies also offer weekly specials just like airlines, and those are worth perusing as well.

Once you have bought your ticket and printed out the timetables, make sure to check back before your trip begins. Double checking train arrival times is easy to do online and important in case any changes are made. This is also much easier than trying to read a complicated timetable at the station.

“When do we get to eat?”
When traveling by train, you have the option of utilizing the café car, which serves a variety of fresh sandwiches, snacks, and beverages. Or, if the kids have any dietary requirements or simply don’t want to eat train food, you can pack snacks or lunches and bring them aboard.

When you travel along the scenic Southern California coast with your family, it changes your whole perspective on getting away. It’s easy and fun for everyone. You can relax and enjoy your trip with the kids.

Only a Few Stops Away from Family Fun

When taking the train to San Diego, consider making some of these family-friendly stops:

Oceanside:
When you take the train to Oceanside, the station is the gateway to Legoland. It’s only 12 minutes away by cab to visit the theme park for a fun-filled day.

Old Town, San Diego:
Old Town is only a short walk from the station and is the birthplace of California; it is also home to over 150 restaurants, shops, galleries, and historic buildings.

Downtown, San Diego:
The Downtown San Diego Amtrak station is central to a variety of destinations. The U.S.S. Midway Carrier ship, now a museum, is three blocks away. Shopping and dining at the Gaslamp District is nearby, and Seaport village is half-mile from the station. Of course, San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld are always a pleasure to visit with the family. You can also board the trolley from the Downtown station and travel throughout San Diego or take it to Petco Park to attend a Padres baseball game.

Here are some useful websites to help you plan your trip and determine which stops would best fit your family’s interests:

www.amtrak.com
www.legoland.com
www.seaworld.com
www.sandiegozoo.org
www.parks.ca.gov
www.midway.org