| Traveling by train is a different and unique way of | | | | people pay thousands of dollars a week for |
| seeing the countryside that almost seems a part | | | | vacation spots, but you've got a little piece of |
| of an era long past. Back in the early part of the | | | | sand to sleep on for free, and a train to jump on |
| century train travel was the most common way | | | | when you get ready. Try swimming in the ocean |
| of seeing the country, but in our era of cars and | | | | or windsurfing and be sure to wear your sun tan |
| airplanes not as many people ride the train as | | | | lotion. |
| once did. If you are one of the lucky ones that | | | | When done, hop the train again with your Eurorail |
| does ride the train, you'll appreciate the scenic | | | | pass and hit Amsterdam, the most famous city in |
| beauty of the nation. | | | | Holland. Eat some of the famous Dutch |
| Imagine chugging along at 60 miles per hour in a | | | | croquettes and French fries served with |
| comfortable coach car with padded seats, a cold | | | | mayonnaise, and take a walking tour of the city. |
| drink in your hand and a soft pillow below your | | | | You'll pass the famous Anne Frank house, and the |
| head. Imagine watching the cows in the fields as | | | | Heineken brewery. Take a tour of each while you |
| you pass by, and requesting another mint julep | | | | are there, and then try the famous museums, like |
| from the waiter as he comes on by. You will | | | | the Reiksmuseum, and the Vincent Van Gogh. |
| know that all the while, you'll travel in comfort until | | | | After a few days in Amsterdam, then hit the |
| the next stop, and then have plenty of time to | | | | train again and head to Germany, if possible down |
| visit. In the US Amtrak provides train service to | | | | to the southern part, in Bavaria. Visit beautiful |
| most major cities. Using Amtrak allows a | | | | Munich. See the Olympic Village and if you are |
| passenger to travel in comfort. In the US you can | | | | fortunate enough to have come at the right time |
| go from New York to California, from sea to | | | | of the year, visit a famous Bavarian beer fest. |
| shining sea, and all points in between, traveling in | | | | The most famous is Octoberfest, but there are |
| comfort. Adding cities and regions to your "been | | | | many small fests held at different times of the |
| there, done that" list, like Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, | | | | year. Try one and see why so many people |
| Nashville, St. Louis, Kansas City, Dallas, New | | | | enjoy Germany. Take the train south to |
| Orleans, Denver, Salt Lake City, Los Angels, | | | | Augsburg and visit a city named after the Roman |
| Sacramento, Seattle, and San Francisco. | | | | emperor Augustus, with narrow brick paved |
| When visiting European locations, the train system | | | | streets and friendly people. Go a little further |
| is even more extensive. A favorite vacation | | | | south to Garmish Partenkirchen and visit the ski |
| method in Europe is purchase of a Eurorail pass, | | | | slopes in the winter, or go backpacking and hiking |
| or Britrail if traveling in the UK. A Eurorail pass | | | | in the summer. Germany offers something for |
| gives you unlimited travel on trains throughout all | | | | everyone. |
| of Europe, and many college age kids fill up a | | | | Traveling by train offers a vacation experience, |
| backpack with a few clothes and canned goods, | | | | whether in America or Europe, that no other |
| buy a Eurorail pass and hit the track. Imagine | | | | method of transport can match. You have all the |
| taking a train trip to Paris, spending the day | | | | comfort of home in your train car, wonderful |
| visiting the Eiffel tower and other tourist | | | | meals served when you wish in the dining car, |
| attractions, and then when evening comes | | | | great friendly people to visit with, other cultures |
| jumping the train and sleeping, only to depart | | | | to get to know, and best of all, someone else |
| when you arrive at a destination. With luck and | | | | does the driving. Try train travel for the best |
| the right train, you will have arrived in the South | | | | vacation ever. |
| of France, perhaps Nice, or St. Tropez or San | | | | David is an experienced internet entreprenuer |
| Rafael. Jump off the train, carry your backpack | | | | with over 7 years of experience. He owns and |
| to the beach, claim a spot of sand and jump in | | | | operates the site Visit the site for more info and |
| the water of the Mediterranean Sea to cool off. | | | | specials on visiting Florida, plus other exciting |
| You are on the legendary French Riviera where | | | | places. |