Now that we have survived the holidays, maybe it’s time for those of us in the top half of the country to warm up. Those of you that are already warm might just be itching to escape your daily routine for a little R & R. Many of us will head somewhere in the next few months, and how you get there seems to need more scrutinization than ever.
On Thursday, when I embark upon my journey to Florida, it will be in my trusty VW Beetle convertible named Woo, but on recent trips I have had many more choices and considerations than the “usual”; it’s not just about airplanes anymore.
Airfare costs are up over 59%, and if that isn’t annoying enough, try getting a pillow, blanket, food, (and by now maybe even toilet paper), without paying extra. Bags can cost up to $45 each to check, and if you want to read a paper, you have to wait for the person sitting next to you to fall asleep and steal theirs.
Airport security continues to annoy people. Personally, I actually travel for the pat downs. When you’re single and not dating, those pat downs can be the highlight of your week. However, most normal people might disagree.
The US Travel Association quotes a survey conducted by the Consensus Research Group that reports people said they would take 2 to 3 more trips a year involving flying if security wasn’t such a hassle. They claim that that would add $84.6 billion a year into the economy and support 888,000 additional jobs. We don’t buy those stats. Air travel is up 3% from last year and we think people fly when they need to and when they have the funds to bankroll the increased fares. For most people, not being blown up in mid air is worth a little inconvenience.
If trains have ever been a romantic fascination to you, and your trip is less than 400 miles, then according to Peter Greenberg, the CBS travel guru, maybe you should consider Amtrak. Slow and relaxed would be the needed mind set. China’s new “bullet” train AVERAGES 220 miles per hour, the fastest train in the U.S. averages 62 miles per hour. Direct routes have always been my “choo- choo” challenge; to go from Kansas City to Minneapolis I would need to go through Chicago. Train travel IS up 6% from 2009.
Whoever said, “take the bus and leave the driving to us”, probably never even imagined some of the options that bus companies are offering today. Buses rack up 750 million trips per year, for a total of almost 2 billion miles—wow! Options include everything from the down and dirty, stuff’um in concept from movie scenes of old, to Greyhound’s new luxury buses which sport internet access, power outlets, food service, wine and reclining seats.
Where ever your travels lead you, just keep in mind that the adventure may not be in your final destination, but may well be in your mode of transportation.
petergreenberg.com
Amtrak.com
greyhound.com
megabus.com
boltbus.com
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This is really really helpful – many thanks!!!
LOL to the pat downs…. I don’t mind them either
You’ve got me thinking about bus travel, I’m going to check on that as the wine part really appeals to me!
I second taking Amtrak. I have numerous times traveled to the west Coast and back from the midwest. Get a sleeper for any trip longer than one overnight. The personal service is WONDERFUL. Meals included in ticket price. MY only complaint was that the meals were way too large.