“Rail” Love

One of my all-time favorite movies is “Before Sunrise”.  This movie, starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, is about two soulmates who meet and fall in love on a train, roam around Vienna talking about life and love in general, and end up promising to meet each other at the train station after six months.  The sequel, “Before Sunset” takes place in Paris, but also doesn’t end up with “happy ever after” either.  Both movies appeal to the hopeless romantic in me, and the film’s use of the romantic appeal of Vienna and Paris adds to the movie’s impact.  But I have to admit, I like the first one better, mostly because of the premise of two strangers meeting and falling in love on a train.  There’s something about traveling by train that appeals to the romantic in me. 

Maybe because, unlike planes, trains reflect a gentler, more laid-back era.  I’m not talking about commuter trains, although traveling in them is an adventure as well.  I’m referring to train travel that caters more to the adventurous tourist.  The trip takes longer, and you’ll have more opportunities to meet and mingle with your fellow passengers.  You also get to see more of the scenery, especially since the routes usually travel through the countryside.  Some train adventures even allows for stop-overs to famous tourist destinations.  And, unlike cruises, trains have a more intimate atmosphere, due to the smaller space and the fewer number of travelers.  Train travel nowadays is relatively safe and reliable.  It’s also more affordable than a plane ticket.  For the budget-conscious, traveling by overnight train is a great way to save on accommodations.  And you don’t have to worry about meals, either, most of these trains have fairly good dining accommodations.   

For those who want to travel through Europe, traveling by train is fast becoming an attractive alternative.  Rail passes can now be ordered online, and you can order a combination of passes according to your travel plans.  Next post, expect to hear more from me about rail travel.