Green Vacation Travel
By Train

When traveling by train, there are many things to consider and ways to reduce the environmental impact. Having a better understanding of the impact is vital to making an intelligent decision for your green vacation travel.

1) How is your train powered? Historically trains have gone through three phases in terms of locomotion. First were the steam engine trains. These were powered by coal or other means. Though this has generally ended, there are still a few operating across the country. These are inefficient and burn coal, a carbon based fuel that is famous for its noxious output. Most of the steam engines operating currently are relegated to historic tourism, where people experience the ways of the past. While these are nice, they are not very green. Second came the diesel generation. These were more efficient and cleaner burning than steam locomotives, but still burn a lot of fuel. Taken altogether, espeically for cargo delivery, a very efficient means of transport. Lastly are the electric trains. These are still coming online and are very popular in Japan and parts of Europe. Using various forms of electric powered locomotion, the trains travel efficiently and without damaging exhaust. Additionally, some of these trains include maglev technology, reducing friction and allowing hovering vehicles to be transported with relatively small amounts of energy at very high speeds (like the bullet train). You should consider, however, how this energy is produced.

2) What is the environmental impact of the right-of-way? Some trains travel through areas of wilderness and damage the surroundings as they go. This means that you should take that extra step to determine if this would be the case.

3) How will you get to and from the rail line? While the method of mass transit is very effective, if you have to waste a lot of energy getting to and from the stations, it might not be as efficient as you think. Consider modes of transportation to and from the station when making your calculations.

4) How many stops does the train make? An incredible amount of energy is used to bring a train up to speed and to stop it. An express train tends to make less stops and be MUCH more efficient as long as your destination is on the express schedule. Not to mention you get there quicker as well.

5) Is the rail-line community friendly? Some trains cut directly through towns and cause traffic snarls. Likewise, some have stops in the middle of a town and block roads for minutes at a time. While you may be saving fuel, there may be a huge cost to the communities you are traveling through that eat away at the benefit of the mass transit. Asking questions of the rail lines may help them make more green choices in placement of stations.

The rail is a great way to enjoy the beauty that America has to enjoy in an efficient manner. Especially out West where so many of natures bounties are spread out so far and wide. Amtrak features trains going to a wide variety of our national parks including Denali, Glacier National Park, the Grand Canyon, the Grand Tetons, Mt. Rainier, Yellowstone, Yosemite and many, many more.

Please see their websites for Amtrak or Via Rail (Canada).

Feel free to browse this website to find additional information about your green vacation travel choices. Not only ways of reducing the impact of your trip, but also alternatives for the purpose. From Ecotravel to Volunteer Vacations, there are choices that you can make that can expose you to a new world or even benefit the environment.