Think about your next domestic destination. Mine was Philadelphia this trip.
If by air, you get yourself to the airport. You subject yourself to TSA and [possibly] bag fees. You wait at the gate. If weather doesn't delay your flight, you leave on time and you make any necessary connections. You arrive at your destination, well, the airport … outside the city. Now you have to get to your destination. Do the time and dollar arithmetic and don’t forget meals.
If by train, sure, it takes longer. But no TSA screening and no bag fees. On this trip, my “ride” drops me at the 30th Street Station, *not* the airport. I’m nearly at my hotel already! Clean, well rested and well fed. (And for “365,” I’ve made photographs on the train, at the stations and I’ve seen the engine change in D.C.!)
The economist in me, who has traveled in Europe (England and on the continent), has a hard time believing that domestic air travel is going to be as commonplace for my children (and their children) as it has been for me. So consider giving yourself and your children an adventure: consider taking the train!
But I digress. This image was taken at ClubAcela at the 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, because Clare & I were sleeper car passengers, i.e., “first class.” This is where I “waited at the gate” for my train to board. Second floor of the station. On the National Register of Historic Places. A grand building, opened in 1933. I wish the design of the railing posts were discernible: it’s the “PRR” logo of the Pennsylvania Railroad.
See the USA, but don’t drive your Chevrolet — ride the train! It’s a civilized and relaxing way to travel!
Retired economics professor (“dismal scientist”). Married 40+ years to the love of my life; we have two grown daughters, both married, two granddaughters and a...
It sounds to be a much better choice than flying right now however, I heard that fares have gone up. Even so, I think it would still be a better choice, and more relaxing.
@michelleyoung It was a delightful place to wait to board. I do have to confess, however, that the flowers aren't real. The water in the vase? Acrylic! I was disappointed, but they still make for a good shot!
@tori3012@angievega Thank you, Victoria & Angie! It *was* lovely & inviting! And quiet! If you want the busy scene, you can always go downstairs to the main waiting area, but it was nice to just look out on the busy scene at the end of our trip!
@digitalrn Maybe not so much to LA (clear across the continent), but the more difficult it becomes to find direct or non-stop airline flights the more attractive the train is going to look. As for fares on *any* mode of transportation, fuel is fuel and it's based on petroleum, so as oil prices go, so will transportation costs (for shipping as well as passenger travel)…
![ER selfie [Travel day]](https://media.365project.org/1/9429058_cfhjkrwx05_sq.jpg "ER selfie [Travel day]")
