Traveling with Kids Made Easier by Amtrak

Road trips. Airports. Weekend getaways. Airplanes. For many, these words are exciting; they make us think of travel and the prospect of adventure. For parents, these words can haunt them. Sure, every family wants to get away and have fun, but getting there can be exhausting. If you're tired of a confined car or waiting at an airport with energetic children, here are a few reasons why you should consider traveling by Amtrak to your next family vacation.

Bathrooms -  Does this scenario sound familiar: You're a few hours into the road trip and one child has to go to the bathroom. You pull over at a rest stop and are back on the road soon. Just a few minutes later, the next child has to go to the bathroom. That's another stop in your journey and precious travel minutes spent. On Amtrak, you and your kids don't have to worry about losing travel time because the restrooms are right in your train car. Plus, Amtrak's bathrooms are way more clean than those you'll find on the road!

Refreshments - Kids need snacks... often. If you travel with kids, you will definitely have to feed them snacks and meals, especially for long-distance trips. On Amtrak, you can visit the cafe car (available on journeys from NYC past Albany) whenever you or your kids have a craving. You're not losing out on travel time by walking to the cafe car, like you would when pulling over the car while driving. 

Wifi - You and your kids will love this one: the wifi on Amtrak trains is complimentary! Parents can get work done or download a book onto your eReader while your kids play on tablets or phones. Amtrak's Kids Depot has online games and activities that your little ones can play by themselves or with your help without wasting your wireless plan's data. 

Scenery - The scenery on most road trips is limited to the cars and trucks traveling in the opposite direction. On a plane, all you'll be able to see is the clouds. While on an Amtrak train in New York, you'll chug along the beautiful Hudson River or Lake Champlain. Your kids can search for barges on the river or gaze at the Adirondack Mountains. That scenery is definitely nicer than a highway view!

Traffic- Actually, what traffic? On Amtrak, you'll never have to deal with traffic and the headaches that come with it. All you'll be responsible for is enjoying yourself. You won't hear your kids asking, "Are we there yet?" because they'll be having too much fun! 

Discounts - Children under 2 years old ride for free. Kids ages 2-12 ride at a 50% discount when traveling with an adult over 18 years old. That's right- you get to sit back, relax and enjoy a traffic-less journey and your kids will ride 50% off. It could not get better. There are other discounts available, as well, including the $90 Round-Trip Adirondack deal. 

If the idea of traveling by car or plane with your children is exhausting, then you should consider taking the train to your next family vacation or getaway. Your kids will revel in the fun experience and you get to relax and enjoy your time, not at the wheel of a car. If you need another reason to choose train over plane or automobile, Amtrak offers a 15% discount for train travel within New York. Amtrak stops at tons of family-friendly destinations all over the state. For details about destinations and travel ideas, visit New York By Rail.