The past few weeks I have thought a lot about planes, trains and automobiles. I have been working on our Class Act Edition, which features articles about first- and business-class updates on airlines, along with an article about alternative travel, which includes some great information about train travel. And a few of my friends have been researching the best way to come visit us in North Carolina from Pennsylvania. That discussion included looking into whether flying, driving or taking a train would be best.

Some friends researched flying here, but, unfortunately, there are no direct flights from their area of Pennsylvania to my area of North Carolina, so it would end up taking them longer to fly than drive, and they want to maximize their time. Then they looked into the train, but the nearest train station is two hours from them, and the schedule didn’t allow them the time here they wanted. So they ended up driving.

I have other friends who had a trip planned from North Carolina to Long Island, New York. They chose to take the train, convenient for them, since the train station was closer to their destination. It was also more cost-effective for a quick weekend trip than flying. They left at 2 a.m. and slept on the way, so they appreciated the amount of legroom they had, plus no annoying middle seat as each side of the aisle has two seats. It was also nice to have a food car to walk to, stretch their legs and get a snack. They said the train was delayed a bit, but at least they didn’t have to drive and sit in traffic.

I have taken the train a few times from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to New York City, and I always enjoyed it. I hate driving in big cities, so it takes that stress off me, and I like not having to find parking. It’s also nice to be able to work while you ride, or even just relax and read a good book or magazine. (Maybe even a great travel magazine I know of — wink, wink!)

Thun, Switzerland – Thunersee lake or lake Thun with beautiful peaceful scenery and light through train window
Photo 134351574 / Train © Nuvisage | Dreamstime.com

I think a great trip would be to fly first class to someplace beautiful, like Switzerland, rent a car — because I like to have freedom to go and explore as I wish — and then top it all off with a train ride to take in all the beautiful sites along the mountains.

Swiss Mountain Train Bernina Express at Lake of Poschiavo
ID 135411145 © Danciaba | Dreamstime.com

— Tracey Cullen, art director