If the trip involves visiting friends or family, then your train route should probably be the most direct route available.

Look for the most direct route to a destination to reduce or avoid the necessity of changing trains. This will reduce stress of the trip and the chances of missing a connecting train as a result of delays. It also reduces the risk of losing luggage.

If you haven't chosen a final destination for the vacation, do some research and look into scenic train routes that will add picturesque views to the trip. For example, taking the train from Edmonton to Vancouver through the Mountains can be a thrilling adventure for kids as they watch the mountains pass by, go through tunnels and over train tressels.

Children under two years and not occupying a seat are usually free on most trains - check with the rail company - when riding in parent's lap. If booking a seat, consider taking a car seat for children under two years of age.

Most rail companies offer reduced rates for children under 12 years of age and if purchasing a seat for children under two.

Check with the rail company for packages that may include accommodations, rental cars and discounts.

If the trip is longer than six hours, consider travelling at night and booking a sleeper car - most children really enjoy sleeping in the bunks. It is more expensive to book sleepers, but it is worth it for a long trip.

Take a trial run - look for a local heritage or site-seeing short duration train trip (one that is about an hour in length) to take the kids for a ride on. This gives you a chance to familiarize all of you with a train, and perhaps go over some guidelines for safety and behaviour on the train prior to the actual trip.

Reserve a window seat. Ask if the seats allow seats facing each other if travelling as a family of four (2 adults/ 2 Children). This way each child has a window seat.

Inquire if a dining car is available and if you can reserve a seating time - take an early seating if possible.

Some trains offer special domed cars or cafe cars that may have lounges offering a chance for families to walk through the train for a change of pace.

Book seats at either end of the car - especially if travelling with toddlers - this allows for walks to one end and back again. It may be a bit louder at the ends, but this may work to your advantage to muffle any noise children may be making.

Ask ahead of time for priority boarding.

PACKING TIPS

Packing for a rail trip is similar to travel by air - you may have a little more room if booking a sleeper car but most luggage should be stored in baggage. See Air Travel Tips for additional tips along with these additional suggestions for packing on a train ride:

Limit each member to one carry-on piece - while the size restrictions are not as limiting as airlines, especially when travelling in a sleeper.

Bring along some snacks, toys and activities to keep children occupied. Some rail lines now have activity cars that may offer board games, scheduled activities and even video games and movies.

Bring comfortable shoes and a change of clothing for each member of the family.

Carry all medication on board.

Pack a toothbrush for each member in carryon luggage.

Delays can occur so be prepared, especially if meeting a connecting flight, bus or train at your destination.

Bring all baby-care items if you are travelling with an infant, including food.

Bring headphones for a tape player.

ON THE TRIP

When your family is ready and set to go on a trip, take advantage of these tips to help make your adventure an enjoyable and safe trip for all:

Arrive at least an hour before your train's scheduled departure to check your luggage and give your family time to find the departure gate and familiarize yourself with the train station. Take the time to find out where you will also depart the train and pick up luggage on your return trip.

If you have arranged to pre-board, or even if you haven't, ask the Ticket handler if you can pre-board with children.

Review Safety Concerns with children before boarding and after you have boarded.

Supervise young children when using the restroom - see Safety tips for Using Public Washrooms

Settle into your seats as soon as possible to allow other passengers to settle in.

Remind children to respect other passengers and Service Attendants at all times.

Locate the washroom facilities.

Introduce yourself to the Service Attendant and inquire where any special cars that you can visit may be and particulars of any meal service.

Try to respect other passengers that may be napping or sleeping on the train - especially during the late evening and early morning hours.

Feel free to tip Service Attendants.

Take advantage of train stops that allow passengers to disembark for some fresh air and to stretch your legs - but make sure you reboard the train on time.

Avoid high sugar and caffeine snacks and drinks for children.

Ask the Service Attendant if any activity books or toys are available for children.

SAFETY TIPS

Safety tips to keep in mind for children and adults riding the rails:

Keep well back on train platforms and keep children close - especially toddlers.

When embarking, disembarking and walking beside the train keep hands and feet away from underneath the train.

Never let children near the train wheels. The Train can move at any time.

Never cross the rails or play on the rails. Teach children never to play on rail lines at any time or go on rail bridges.

Never cross in front of a train.

Teach children not to play with any emergency braking systems.

Children should not play or touch any exterior doors or emergency windows.

Use caution when embarking and disembarking. Take advantage of the assistance offered by Service Attendants.

When travelling between cars, teach children not to put fingers anywhere other than the door handles and watch your step.

Young Children should not wander the trains at will. If children are going to be permitted to visit other areas of the train on their own (over 12 years of age only) set guidelines for where they may go.

Children should never go in the washroom or sleeper car with another passenger.

If children are in another car or area of the train, they should return immediately to their seats if the train stops at a station or at any time.

Use caution when walking or moving in the train as a sudden stop can occur at any moment. Sudden movements can also occur after the train has stopped.

If children are sleeping in upper bunks, look for a harness or rail that will reduce the risk of falling out during the night. Some trains have a harness system. If a harness system is used that has openings - tell children not to put their head in the openings.

All aboard!

For many people Florida is the new Spain and weekend trips to New York are scarcely unusual, but the USA has much more to offer than guaranteed sunshine and bargain shopping. Most people travel by car or plane but if you have a couple of weeks or more to travel you should certainly investigate America's trains - the last means of luxury transport available to everyone. Reduced rates are available for students and seniors (people over 62) and visitors from overseas benefit from a range of passes that must be among the world's great travel bargains.

Hotels on wheels

Amtrak's network takes in most states, giving a choice of 500 destinations and access to such essentials as the Rocky Mountains and Grand Canyon. The trains themselves are like mobile hotels, with gleaming twin-decked coaches, air-conditioning and uniformed attendants who make you feel you have stepped back in time into a 1930s Hollywood movie. The reclining seats are thick and soft, with comfortable leg-rests so you can snooze after a meal or sleep through the night (a good way to save on hotel bills).

There are also traditional sleeping cars with cozy bedrooms that range from single 'roomettes' to family size affairs for those traveling with children. Accommodation here includes breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining car, as well as complimentary tea or coffee and a newspaper delivered each morning. It's a wonderful feeling to be so pampered on your journey.

Time to unwind

The atmosphere on board most trains tends to be relaxed so it's a great way to "meet the natives" and make new friends. Americans like to talk and will sometimes tell you their life story in hair-raising detail. Train speeds are perfect for sightseeing, making this is an ideal way to explore the landscape. Between the many small towns and big cities you can come to understand America's sheer size and variety, getting a feel for what this land must have been like before the days of McDonalds and Coca Cola.

There's room to stretch out or walk around and instead of racing above the clouds you watch an entire continent unroll outside the wraparound windows. There are high-speed Acela trains in the Northeast (Boston-New York-Washington) and frequent services out of big cities such as Chicago and Los Angeles but some long-distance routes only have one train per day. It's a good idea to book your ticket well in advance during summer and at other holiday periods. There's a toll-free number to make reservations and you can collect your tickets at any station or have them sent to you by mail.

Things to take

Pack as lightly as possible, especially the bags you carry on board. You may find it useful to take a pair of binoculars, a good book, a deck of cards, maps (preferably showing rail lines), a light blanket, a pillow or large pillow case, earplugs or an eyeshade if you are a light sleeper, bathing and grooming items, a pocket torch, sunglasses, a cheap digital watch with an alarm, a small first-aid kit, bottled mineral or spring water (which will probably taste better than that provided at the drinking fountain), fresh fruit, nuts and other snacks. Wear comfortable clothes, especially shoes. There are no places on board to get cash, except by cashing a traveler's cheque, and so take enough money to last the journey.

Low prices

The National rail pass gives you freedom to roam Amtrak's entire network for around $285. Other passes give you 15 or 30 days in regions such as the East or the Far west from as little as $175. You could even travel free (see USA by Rail, below). You are allowed to stop off en route as often and for as long as you wish, so it's easy to work out an itinerary which lets you see more of this country in a short time than would be possible any other way. As the bell clangs and the conductor calls out 'All aboard!' you soon discover why the railroad experience becomes so delightfully addictive.