Traveling by train is a great experience, but it can also be frustrating if you’re not prepared. If you love site seeing or traveling for business, taking the train can be a great way to get around. But you should keep a few things in mind when traveling by train. You don’t want to be one of those passengers who makes everyone else miserable.
VIA Rail is one of Canada’s most popular ways to travel by train. It covers all major cities and is a great way to see the sights. Therefore, if you’re planning on taking a trip on VIA Rail Canada, here are a few tips to make your experience more enjoyable.
Plan your trip in advance
This may seem obvious, but planning your trip in advance is important. You’ll want to know what cities you’ll be stopping in, what attractions you want to see, and how long you’ll be staying in each place. This will help you make the most of your time and avoid stressful situations. Also, you won’t have to worry about missing your train if you know exactly when it’s leaving.
Check the schedule
Be sure to check the schedule before you leave to know when your train is arriving and departing. This way, you can plan accordingly and make sure you’re at the station on time. It’s also a good idea to check for any delays or cancellations that may occur. The VIA Rail trips are always on time, but there’s always a chance that something could happen to delay the train.
Carry some food
Even if your VIA Rail packages include meals, it’s always a good idea to have snacks on hand. The food on the train can sometimes be delayed, or you may get hungry in between meal times. Bring along some easy-to-eat foods like granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, crackers, and cheese. This way, you’ll surely have something to eat no matter what.
Check baggage allowance
For your convenience, VIA Rail vacation services include thorough checking at all stations. The maximum dimensions for checked baggage are 62 inches (157 cm) when adding the length, width, and height together. The maximum weight is 50 lb (23 kg).
If your bag is larger or heavier than the allowed limits, you may be required to purchase an overweight/oversized baggage ticket. Fees for overweight/oversized baggage start at $30 CAD for travel within Canada.
In addition to your regular baggage allowance, you can bring two personal items on board with you, such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. These items must fit under your seat or in the overhead compartment.
Have cash or credit on board
You’ll need cash or a credit card on board to make any purchases, including meals and drinks. The only exception is if you’re traveling in Business class, where all meals and alcoholic beverages are included in your ticket price. Moreover, there might be times when the credit card machine is down, and cash is the only accepted form of payment.
Dress comfortably
One of the most important tips for VIA Rail tours travel is to dress comfortably. You’ll be sitting for long periods, so you want to ensure you’re wearing clothing that won’t irritate your skin or make you too hot or cold. Loose, breathable fabrics are ideal. You are there to enjoy, and with the constantly changing scenery, you want to make sure you’re comfortable while taking it all in!
Bring entertainment
Although watching the scenery go by can be enjoyable, you may want to bring some form of entertainment for those times when you need a break from looking out the window. Books, magazines, and music would be great choices to help make your trip more enjoyable.
Keep hand sanitizer
Your hands will come in contact with many surfaces on a train- door handles, armrests, the dining car table, etc. Hand sanitizer is a great way to keep your hands clean and prevent the spread of germs. You’ll be less likely to get sick during your trip.