Week 12 of the Indie Travel Challenge 2012: Train Travel
What is it about train travel that captivates the imagination of travelers in every corner of the world? What about it makes the word “romantic” so apt? Do you have a rail experience that perfectly captures why we love trains so much? Or are you one of the people who actually avoids trains whenever possible?
So I’m going to answer those questions for the Indie Travel Challenge . Why? B/c I’ve taken my fair share of LONG train rides. Arad – Bacau 17 hours and Arad – Bucharest anywhere from 10 h to 14 h…lovely, eh? And I didn’t even leave the country 
Honestly, I do enjoy train rides and definitely prefer them to bus rides. Trains offer more “freedom”. I can walk to the toilet, for example (and not wait hours until the driver decides to make a stop). I can walk and stretch and not feel cramped all the time. I can even go to the restaurant car and get a proper meal or a coffee.
And most often I also take train rides for the sites I see along the way. The part from Targu Mures to Bacau is absolutely stunning and so is the ride through Prahova Valley (on the way to Bucharest).
I have traveled by train to Budapest, too. It’s fast and elegant. Plus you get to meet quite interesting persons in the train. We usually exchange emails and often end up emailing back and forth.
Within Romania, I certainly prefer train rides, regardless of the length of the trip. Although I get cranky after 10 hours. Who wouldn’t?!
Within Europe, I am partial to low-cost carriers but for short routes (i.e. Arad – Budapest, Arad – Vienna) I prefer the train, as well.
As for flying, as long as I arrive at the airport 1 1/2 h to 2 h before the flight I am not THAT stressed. I expect to encounter weird questions at security and I also know that finding the terminal and/or gate is usually a big adventure. So, I go prepared.
Honestly, in many cases buying a train ticket in Romania is just as challenging. Firstly, forget abt buying it online. And if you need an international train you’ll have to get the reserved seat, too. In the summer, that means you should do it several days (at least) before departure.
Tags: Europe, General, Travel
